Some of the cast of the Nenagh Players production of Calendar Girls, which opens in Nenagh Arts Centre on Tuesday, November 12, with director Irene O’Meara.

Calendar Girls at Nenagh Arts Centre

Introducing the cast of Players’ five-night autumn production

The Nenagh Players will welcome some old friends and new faces when they stage this year’s autumn production of Calendar Girls in Nenagh Arts Centre, which starts its five-night run with an already sold-out gala performance in aid of North Tipperary Hospice Movement on Tuesday, November 12.

Calendar Girls by Tim Firth is based on the true story of 11 older women who posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the UK Leukaemia Research Trust. It tells the story of when Annie's husband John dies from leukaemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital's waiting room. While the calendar is a success, Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test under the strain of their newfound fame.

Among those making a welcome return to the stage is Jenny Bracken, who plays Chris, a woman who is at home in crowds, holding court and being the centre of attention. Jenny is delighted to be back treading the Nenagh Arts Centre boards after a bit of a break. She has been involved in a number of productions as an actor and director on the festival circuit.

Joining Jenny will be Niamh Hogan, who plays Annie, Chris's buddy. Niamh rejoined the Players this year after an eight-year hiatus! She was involved in many award-winning drama festival productions with Nenagh Players over the years. Niamh is very excited to join her friends - old and new - in Calendar Girls.

Another Players stalwart, Margaret Walshe, also returns after an eight-year break. Margaret plays Jessie, whose elixir of life is bravery. Margaret learned her stage craft with Everyman Theatre in Cork, working both on and off stage. A Players member since 1987, she is delighted to be back on stage for the first time in eight years and loves her character, Jessie.

Helen Kinsella, who has been with the Players since 2021, plays Celia, a woman with a rebellious streak. Helen has been a regular contributor to the Players dinner theatre, rehearsed readings and sketches. She has also performed in November productions over the last couple of years.

AMAZING STORY WITH POIGNANT MOMENTS

“Calendar Girls is such an amazing story with so many poignant moments as well as laughter. It’s a real pleasure to be involved,” she says.

Sharon Kelly plays naive Brenda Hulse, a visiting speaker to the Women's Institute, who is less than inspiring on the subject of broccoli! This is Sharon's third year with Nenagh Players, having joined them for Witness for the Prosecution in 2022. She is, however, no stranger to the stage having been part of Nenagh Choral Society. She is excited to be a part of this wonderful play.

Lisa McGeeney plays Ruth, whose journey travels from the false self-confidence of the emotionally abused to the genuine self-confidence of the woman happy in her own skin. Lisa is excited to return to the stage, as Ruth, after a gap of several years when she could be found engaged in other aspects of theatre production: costumes, props, set dressing, continuity, directing and front of house. This is Lisa's 20th year as a member of Nenagh Players.

Among the new faces this year is Kate Gleeson, who plays Cora, the joker in the pack but who never plays the fool. Kate has performed all across North America in regional and national touring companies. Kate would like to thank Irene for the opportunity to perform this role, and her husband, John, for encouraging and supporting her love of the theatre.

Also new to the Players is Anne Marie Byrne as Marie, whose entire existence is justified by the Women's Institute. Anne Marie has previously taken part in two productions with Borrisokane Drama Group.

Reanne O'Dwyer, playing Elaine, the patronising beautician, took part in productions with Young Nenagh Players and, after a long hiatus, made her senior Nenagh Players debut earlier this year during Culture Night and Heritage Week. She is excited to take part in her first full-length play with the group.

Also making her debut with the Players is Ann Reynolds, who plays Lady Cravenshire, who doesn't mean to be patronising, but the Women's Institute women seem too much like her estate workers.

FAMILIAR FACES

Another familiar face with Nenagh Players, Seamus McCarthy plays Rod, a man who can give back what he gets. John was his mate. Seamus has appeared in full-length productions, dinner theatre, one-acts, and made his debut as a director with last year's production of Boeing! Boeing! He has also appeared on stage with Nenagh Choral Society over the years.

Anthony White plays photographer Lawrence, who is shy but with enough wit to turn up at the Women's Institute in the first place. Anthony has been a member of Nenagh Players since 2019, and has been involved with many productions behind the scenes, though he is also no stranger to the stage. He is delighted to be returning to the stage for Calendar Girls.

Mikey Ryan plays John, Annie's husband, and who is neither a saint nor a hero. Mikey has worked with Nenagh Players since 2018, making his debut as Tadgh in The Field. He has been involved with Ballycommon and Puckaun Drama Group since 2017.

Noel Stanley plays Liam, a photographer with a sense of weariness about having to deal with the women. Noel, a long serving member of the Nenagh Players, has featured in many plays over the years, from Tom, Dick and Harry to The Field and The Beauty Queen of Leenane, to name a few. He has done all aspects of theatre from directing to stage management, lighting and performing.

Director Irene O'Meara has taken many roles with Nenagh Players, Aisteoirí an Aonaigh, Nenagh Choral Society and Dramsoc NUIG. As well as acting, she has directed many award-winning plays with the Players and served her time on lighting, sound, wardrobe and stage management. Nenagh Players are delighted to have Irene back once again as a director.

Calendar Girls by Tim Firth runs at Nenagh Arts Centre from Tuesday, November 12, to Saturday, November 16; curtain up at 8pm. Tickets, €20 / €18, including booking fee, can be had through nenagharts.com or phone 067-34400.