66th Frolics rehearsals in full flight

As opening night of the ever popular Frolics show approaches, there is an air of excitement during the busy rehearsals. Patrick Farrelly says that this is the 66th edition of the show, and with talented director Michael Callaghan at the helm, it promises to be “one of our better shows”.

Patrick’s in a good position to judge as he’s been involved with Frolics since 1989. Along with Joe Moynagh, Patrick’s a key member of the sketch writing team.
“I have been involved in the comedy production for the past 15 years and it is always rewarding to see the crowds flocking to the show and enjoying it. 
“We produce great comedy year after year and the crowds love it – the show features a great mix of music, dance and comedy,” Patrick enthuses. “While the show is staged here by amateurs, we are proud of the professionalism of the show.” 
Much of that gloss of professionalism is applied by the young people involved in every aspect of the production from backstage, to acting through to the orchestra: “they should be given great credit”, Patrick rightly says.
The youths were prominent as chorus were being run through their routines when the Celt attended last Sunday. Susie says they have been rehearsing two evenings per week and every Sunday. It’s all worth it at the end as she enthused that the “show is always a sell-out”
Fellow producer Joe Moynagh notes that the local youths also benefit greatly from being involved in the show. “Appearing on stage gives young people confidence,” he observes.
Joe’s another Frolics stalwart having been involved since 1966. That’s over half a century of penning gags for giggles. Asked how they constantly come up with great comedy, Joe explains: 
“If you look around you – there is a lot of comedy in our lives every day. It is a matter of tweaking it for the stage. 
“The show is well known for the comedy and we are very happy with it every year.”
Katie Curran is participating in her third show and is also the public relations officer, tasked with promoting the seven night show far and wide.
The Oldcastle woman with a rich Frolics heritage enjoys taking part in the show and views it as a “great way to support the community”. 
“My mother took part in the show over the years and I am carrying on the tradition which goes down through generations,” says Katie. “It is also a great hobby in the evenings.
“We have been practising since October and the focus on choreography commenced in December. We hope when all the strands of this variety show comes together, it will provide great entertainment for the audiences,” she says.
Katie Curran said that the affable Fr Kevin Donohoe is a great asset to the show and is a fine singer, adding most importantly, “He’s good craic as well”. 
The local priest has been in Ballyjamesduff for just 18 months and he is delighted to be part of the show.
“People have been coming from all over to see the shows over the years and the cast is drawn not only from the town but the wider surrounding areas of Virginia and Oldcastle. It is a great way to get to know people and be part of a vibrant community spirit.
“There is also the enjoyment of it and I am interested in music and dance – this is the place to be – I am also performing a solo part in the show,” says Fr Donohoe intriguingly. 
The show is on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, March 7-9, with a matinee show on Sunday, March 10. Frolics returns again on Thursday, March 14 and the curtain comes down on the final show on Friday night, March 15. 
Shows commence at 8.15pm each night.