Zyber Theatre Returns With 25th Anniversary Production Of ‘Barndance’

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Cast members of ‘Barndance’ in rehearsals for the play which will be performed in Siamsa Tire from March 9-11. Seated from left; Mags Slattery, Raphael Crowley, Rhona Johnston and Siobhan Keane. At back; John Scroope, Chris Conlon, John Patton, George Lowe and Ken Quillinan. Photo by Dermot Crean

THEY’RE back!

After a break of two years, members of Tralee’s Zyber Theatre Group will once again take to the Siamsa Tíre stage next month for a number of performances of ‘Barndance’.

The last Zyber production was ‘The Field’ back in March 2020, just before the pandemic started, so cast members are eagerly looking forward to the run.

Rehearsals are in full swing for the production of founder member of Zyber, John Fraher’s acclaimed comedy which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.

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‘Barndance’ is a play close to John’s heart and it has been performed by many theatre groups in the Munster area.

“The Ardagh Drama Group did a production of it back in the mid-2000s on the drama festival circuit and got to the All-Ireland finals, eventually winning various categories,” said John.

“A lot of rural drama groups did it around Cork and Kerry and it was very popular. However, it has been a bit forgotten about but we decided to revive it for the 25th anniversary,” he said.

Playwright John Fraher (seated right) with original cast members of ‘Barndance’ Mags Slattery, John Scroope and Ken Quillinan who took part in the production 25 years ago and take part again this March. Photo by Dermot Crean

There’s also a link back to the inaugural production of 25 years ago, with the return of original cast members Mags Slattery, Ken Quillinan and John Scroope.

‘Barndance’ tells the story of Barney Kelly, a shy bachelor farmer, lives with his father and a maiden aunt. On the completion of a new barn, Barney is persuaded, unwillingly, to go into town that night to celebrate the occasion.

In the course of the day and night that follow, the back stories of the characters involved are revealed with both humour and pathos.

The play will be performed at Siamsa Tire nightly on Wednesday, March 9, Thursday, March 10 and Friday, March 11 at 8pm.

Tickets are €19, Retired/Unemployed/Students €17. To book tickets call 066-7123055 or go to the Siamsa website by clicking here to book online.

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