Two One Act Comedies: Hosted by the Boden Theatre Group

The talented cast and crew associated with the Boden Theatre Group are delighted to present two one-act comedies, ‘Keep Your Distance’ by Andy Bennison and ‘Give a Little Love’ by Alan Stockdill, to be performed in Balyboden St Enda’s GAA Club.

‘Keep Your Distance’, directed by John Jo O’Sullivan, focuses on Jean as she reopens her chip shop following the pandemic lockdown and wonders if her business can survive.

As Jean and her assistant, Elvis, await customers, they discuss isolation and relationships, all while maintaining a two-metre distance.

Meanwhile, ‘Give a Little Love’, directed by Declan O’Brien, tells the story of how when four old school friends meet up again after thirty years at a Bay City Rollers tribute concert, it soon becomes apparent that you can take a girl from her teens, but you can’t take the teenager from the girl.

Old tunes and old flames die hard and live again in this tale of memories and music.

Interspersed with the crackling, witty dialogue and some wry, poignant monologues is the sort of handbag dancing not seen since ‘Top Of The Pops’… and a lot of tartan.

Liz, a past TV weather girl, has lived an empty life of celebrity, while the frumpy stay-at-home Karen has found contentment.

Debbie, a rather scatty nurse, tells of a chance meeting at a work conference with her dream date, BCR’s drummer, Derek Longmuir, but after all the years that had passed, she found it more pleasant than pulsating.

However, the compelling and heartfelt account of Bev getting ‘that’ letter about her mammogram result will live long in the audience’s memory.

Laugh, cry, and shang-a-lang along with Liz, Karen, Debbie, and Bev, and get swept away by this entertaining, touching, and revealing drama.

Boden Theatre Group has been an established drama group for the past 20 years, and last autumn, they performed ‘All My Sons’ by Arthur Miller.

After the emotional weight of that production, secretary Ger states that the group was excited to produce a “comedy thing” for spring this year.

Processes involved in this production have included securing the hall and stage to rehearse and perform, as well as casting actors and organising rehearsals.

The group began casting actors in the second week of January, and since then, they have been rehearsing twice a week.

The group is aiming to perform a “full-length” play in autumn this year, ideally cast by early September and performed by November.

Ger states that the group itself is to thank for this production, pointing out that the members do the directing, casting, acting, stage management, costume design, set design, sound design, lighting, choreography, promotion, etc. amongst themselves, and it is very much a “team effort.”

The two one-act comedies will be performed in Ballyboden St Enda’s GAA Club from March 13– 15 at 8pm.

Tickets are €10, and if you want to book, text Ger at 086 8516387!