EOIN Colfer is a children’s writer of fabulous success, a prolific contributor to their happiness. Wire his energy to that of Breda Cashe, hit theatre maker and expect the partnership to spark.
Limerick has hosted her productions of John Breen’s ‘Alone It Stands’, ‘I, Keano’, ‘Tuesdays with Morrie’, ‘The Dead’ and ‘Minding Frankie’. There’s a new iteration of an established show of his coming on Thursday November 1. ‘Holy Mary’ is penned by Eoin Colfer and brought to us by Breda Cashe Productions.
Comedy rules this mischievous tale of rival nine year-olds Mary and Majella in the challenged run up to their First Holy Communion. They have sparred since infancy and the hurts multiply for Mary after Mary’s Dad moves in with Majella’s Mum. Oh, crumbs.
Adult actors Mary Murray/ Mary and Jacinta Sheerin/ Majella play the busy cast of parents, teacher, a kind priest, “misguided father” and the two girls. Arts Page tracked Jacinta Sheerin at her base in Ennistymon for preview purpose. “‘Holy Mary’ is very funny. It is nostalgic, poignant, a beautiful show,” Sheerin says with enthusiasm.
A successful writer and producer herself, with writing partner Georgina McKevitt this dramatherapist is credited with the award winning plays ‘Waiting for IKEA’ and five years later, ‘I’m Not ADHD, I’m Bold’. Each production had mighty runs.
Laughs. “It is a great liberation to be acting in ‘Holy Mary’, with respect to being responsible for nothing other than acting. Oh, the relief!”
“I live in Ennistymon with my two little boys, a great place to bring them up. It’s so beautiful here. To play the part of Majella, I am tapping into their ways a lot, their voice, their little ways and energy. That’s how I do the characterisation.”
She credits Eoin Colfer with “having the child’s voice down to a tee”, there’s a pinpoint precision to his writing. Blackboards form the stage backdrop and music plays in the transition scenes as she, the taunter and haunter in smart clothes, and Mary Murray slip in and out of roles.
Jacinta Sheerin has another show of her own coming on, ‘Sweet About Me’ which will play in glór in March. It is her writing that emerged from the FUEL development course taken under Druid’s auspices in Galway, a shared incubation with a dozen writers of promise. She is most grateful for the chance.
For now, enjoy the storytelling and wit to holy Mary and Majella’s rocky road to the altar rails.
Booking on www.limetreetheatre.ie
