A Night Less Ordinary

So, it was with excitement and a little trepidation that Proteus Productions met on 4th November in the University Film Theatre for the second Proteus Productions of the term, and it promised to be an interesting night.

First up was Friday the 13th, written by our master of the mysterious, James Staynings and directed by the double act of delightful doom (isn't alliteration fun!), Hannah Drury and Calvin Ward. The plot was that a group of scouts were camping in the forest, telling ghost stories, when they suddenly realised that all but two of them and the scout leader had disappeared. Who could be responsible? Was it the alien that suddenly materialised in their midst. Well, actually, no. It turned out that the offender was none other than Michael Jackson, who is in fact an alien from another planet who feeds on children. Of course, it was all a light hearted jest, and a delightfully silly play. Mr Jackson's lawyers should remember that I have absolutely no money, and that it's just theatre, not real life.

Next up was A Tale of Two Englands written by Alexandra White and directed by Lucinda Ackers, both newcomers to the Proteus Productions fold, and heartily welcome for it. A Tale of Two Englands saw a top surgeon realise that his girlfriend was very self-obsessed, causing him to accidentally knock down a young, poor woman. In trying to treat her injury, he discover that she was his long lost sister. A demonstration of how sometimes one day is enough to change your life.

A little early, but the closest we could come without missing it entirely, Proteus Productions took on a sombre and respectful note (for once!) as the audience and performers observed two minutes' silence for Armistice Day, taking some time to remember all those who gave their lives in the First and Second World Wars and all armed conflicts across the globe.

To end the evening on a high note, we turned to the writing talents of Tarik Sharif, a first time writer with Proteus Productions but one who I think will establish himself as a writing legend before long. The play, called Murder by Midnight was ably directed by the perennial Ian Murphy (who even had a cameo role in the piece). The plot revolved around a hotel's private detective, and the murder of one of the hotel's guests. A dame in a bathrobe and the dick on a time limit all came together with some quick fire puns and innuendos to make the play a great success.

And that was that for another night in the Proteus Productions world. Until next time, theatre fans...

In fact, some say that the first Shindig took place in a stable over 2,000 years ago. In those days, of course, they used oil lamps for lighting effects and the bones of animal carcasses for sound effects and props.

Last night the savvy Sheila Dooley and Cathal O'Donovan used the very latest in theatrical production technology in the cosy Teachers' Club to do justice to the 10 (ish) Shindiggerrific Acts taking to the stage.

There was the smell of aniticipation in the air, some people thought it was mince pies, as each member took to the stage. Some members teamed up to write their own plays, starting weeks ago and ending with applause from the sweaty audience. Others choose the lonely monologue route, Shane Robinson moved the audience with his emotional tale of love titled 'Speechless', Chris O'Reagan gave a strong and convincing performance drawing from an excerpt from 'American Buffalo' while Tom Murphy caused the audience to wipe away tears of pride in his own play 'Mocking Birds'. There was a buffet of other 15 minute performances which were halariously performed and exectued with ease. 'A Matter of Husbands' by Ferenc Molnar (Translated by Benjamin Glazer) was directed and performed by Alan Rogers with the classy Paula Madden and wonderfully innocent Caoimhe Cooke reminding us all that we should remain suspicious of our men! The night was opened by a play written and directed by No Drama's number one fan and favourite Jenny Byrne aka Dave MacGowans mrs, which sent shivers down the spine, acted by Declan Ryan, Brian Quinn and the 'one line wonder' Grainne O'Sullivan. Grainne also appeared alongside Dearbhla Lawlor, Rachel Byrne and Ann Hogan in 'Revolting Women' written by the yummy Joe Kearney inspired by a photography of 1916 Rebellion widows. This was a strong piece, by strong women which reminded us of our own lack of political passion today. 'Out of the Frying Pan' written and performed by Alan Rogers and Ruairi de Burca with acting support from Damien Holmes was earily familiar to many in the audience by presenting hell as your typical office scene, with paper pushing and endless typing.... !

The Couple was written, directed and performed by our very own Brian Quinn along side Angela Carlin. The piece was enough to put you off dating for life was was performed over the entire Shindig in fives scenes. Equally funny was 'Murder by Midnight' by Jeff Goode, directed by the sweet Sadie Sugarman and performed by David Fleming, Alan Fitzgerald and Ruth Lohrke. A play of murder, intrigue, more murder and a lady in a towel, had the crowd in stitches. Along a more serious theme but contining with the theme of professional murder, Mr. Suit himself, Neil Curran and Mr. I'm-getting-married-in-February, Dave McGowan, gave two strong performances from an excerpt from 'Heat', directed by Shane Robinson.

Greeting you as Front of House with smiles wider than an Irish Budget Deficit was Patrick O'Callaghan and the backstage crew were Maria Dillon and Ellen Hallinan.

Thanks to all who helped and took part and it was brilliant to see so many people who had not been on stage with No Drama before put in so much work!

---SOURCE: posted Dec 20, 2010 on nodramatheatre.com website