THERE will be no hurlers on the ditch in the northside’s regeneration area for tickets to a new play based on twin Irish themes, GAA and immigration.
Moyross National School will host a show by a professional theatre company on Wednesday January 27, Bondi Beach Boy Blue at 8pm.
OCI Productions is the company brought there by pioneering promoter Richard Ryan to Moyross. It’s his declared ambition to bring world class theatre to these parts of our city, making the works accessible and affordable. Southill Area Centre will platform the show two days later on Friday 29 in the early leg of a national tour to rural and urban venues around the country. Tickets will be just €5 each at the door to locals.
“Bondi Beach Boy Blue is by emerging Irish playwright, Benny McDonnell and directed by Donal Courtney,” Ryan tells Arts page. “Bondi is Declan’s story – a talented young hurler growing up in rural Kilkenny, poised to become another hurling great until his potential is cut short. Forced to forsake the game he loves, Declan bolts to Australia accompanied by his best friend Gary. He leaves his girlfriend Lisa and an indifferent relationship with his father behind, to embark on the life- altering trip ‘down under.’”
The play derives its tension from the set of problems he ran from in Ireland and those he encounters in Oz.
“It is the story of a small town hero being forced from his comfort zone and having to find a place on a larger stage”.
According to OCI Productions, Bondi Beach Boy Blue is praised heavily by Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody, GAA president Nicky Brennan and Eddie Keher, six times All Ireland Hurling Championship winner.
The cast is Paul Connaughton (The Lieutenant of Inishmore Town Hall Theatre, Galway; The Tudors), Chris Gallagher (Fair City, Bothar Na Saoirse/ Roads to Freedom), Martin Maguire (The Rivals The Abbey) and Anna Sheils-McNamee (The Government Inspector Bruiser Theatre Company).
County Limerick can see the show at Honey Fitz Theatre at Lough Gur on the in-between night of Thursday 28, 8pm but usual box office prices for this venue will apply.
At the 2008 premiere of Bondi Beach Boy Blue, (l-r) Jimmy Denihan, TD (5 times All-Ireland Senior Football Championship winner) and John OMahoney, TD (twice All-Ireland Senior Football Championship winning manager) with writer/ producer Benny McDonnell and cast.
