The Matchmaker starring Jon Kenny and Mary McEvoy at The Source Arts Centre Thurles
A classic of Irish Theatre, this is an opportunity for all those who missed this show last time around to finally see it. It is also a chance for those who enjoyed it to relive the experience. It is based on the novella “Letters of a County Matchmaker” by John B.Keane, one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers.
This production stars television favourite Mary McEvoy well known for her roles as Biddie in the long running RTE series Glenroe. Irish Actor and comedian Jon Kenny joins Mary to complete the cast. Kenny is also best known outside Ireland for appearing in the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted. Together they play a myriad of characters in this hilarious and earthy dramatic comedy.
The play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn. Keane, an avid observer of people and the cultures that bind and create their view of the world uses “The Matchmaker” as an exploration of rural loneliness. Aware that generations of people became masters of their own destinies late in life, and only then began to look for companionship and love, once their duties as minder of aging parents were concluded or they had finally inherited, or were the left over brother or sister.
Using his inimitable way with words and his one sense of “devilment” and wit, Keane delves into the longings, hungers, fears and foibles of this collection of lonely county people and creates a marvellously colourful world, taking us back to a simpler time, when phones were few and far between and the only web was one left behind by spiders.
This is a must see production with two of Ireland’s finest actors on stage for one night only at your local arts centre.
The Matchmaker
Saturday 29 September, 8pm
The Source Arts Centre Thurles
Tickets €20/18 conc.
Box Office 0504 90204