The Honey Spike is packing them in

Endorsed by the sons of the late playwright, the Crokey Hill production of The Honey Spike is currently touring the region for a charitable cause, with performances in Town Hall Theatre, Cavan and St. Patrick's Hall, Shercock this Friday and Sunday respectively. The current production of what is considered Bryan McMahon's best play, The Honey Spike is playing to full houses, with audiences in Killyclogher, Corn Mill Theatre in Carrigallen and the Ramor Theatre in Virginia enthralled by the performances. "The performance in the Ramor Theatre was very special because of the attendance of the late Bryan McMahon's two sons, Bryan and Maurice. Both men addressed the cast and were glowing in the praise of the production," according to Fr. Patsy Young, set designer. "Bryan McMahon, who is chairman of the board of management at the Abbey Theatre, said their late father would have been proud of how his creation was staged on the night and would no doubt have shed a tear of joy," he added. The Honey Spike is a fictional tale of the adventures and epic journey of a Traveller family in their spring cart from the Giant's Causeway to the honey spike or hospital in south Kerry, via the Border, the shores of Lough Derg and Puck Fair. The heavily pregnant Brenda Claffey delivers her baby in Dunkerron for "it's a lucky spike - a honey spike". Painted by David Dunnigan of the Everyman Theatre fame, the set was designed by Fr. Young, who was the recipient of the Hall of Fame award from Leitrim County Council in May 2011 for his lifelong contribution to drama. The cast features Ailish Hanley, Liz O'Hanlon, Conor Sheridan, Hubert McMorrow, Eileen Ward, Eileen Slevin, Tom Hoey, Mark Molloy, Oisin McBreen, Daragh Smith, Tommie Molloy, Eddie Brady, James Creed, Darragh Smith, Alice Power, Antoinette Cahill, Gus Ward, Anthony O'Boyle, Paddy Farrelly, Aine Duffy, Patrick Rudden, John Sheehy. The Gypsy Chorus comprises Ann McKiernan, Marie Lynch, Rita Jordan, Celia Wickham, Ann Smith, Mary Farrell, Alice Power, Aine Duffy, Tracey Molloy, Sinead Hoey, Tommie Molloy, Gus Ward, Howard McCollum, Cyril O'Keeffe, Paddy Farrelly, James Creed, Patrick Rudden, Michael Mulvey and Tommy Young. Live music is courtesy of Jimmy and Eileen Tully, Peter Kelly, Patrick Rudden, Gareth Maguire and Orla Cahill. The production team consists of Anthony O'Boyle, John Sheehy, Hubert McMorrow, Eileen Slevin, James Creed and Fr. Patsy Young. On sound are Eamonn Daly, Matthew O'Boyle, Seamus Reynolds, and Daniel Mimna. Lighting is by Paddy Farrelly, Seamus Farrell and Patrick Rudden. Make-up is by Una Ward, costume, Helen Foy and Eileen Slevin, photography and video Pat Lee, set design and construction Eileen Slevin, Hubert McMorrow and Fr Patsy Young. Art work is by David Dummigan, Sarah Rothwell and Taliesyn Gallett, stage manager is John Sheehy, deputy stage manager Eileen Slevin, while the assistant stage managers are Hubert McMorrow and Gus Ward. Stage crew are Michael Mulvey and Terence McDermott. The gypsy flat cart is courtesy of Brian Wynne. At front of house is Ann Young. The Honey Spike is a Crokey Hill production in aid of Aware, which was formed in 1985 to provide emotional support and information to individuals who experience depression and their families. Theatre lovers have an opportunity to see the Honey Spike in the Cavan Town Hall Theatre this Friday, September 2, at 8.30pm and St Patrick's Hall, Shercock on Sunday, September 4, also at 8.30pm. Tickets at €15 and €12 will be available on the door each night.