Synopsis
By Martin McDonagh
Directed by Julian Toy-Cronin
Season: 28 April - 13 May 2017
Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland in 1934, this endearing, comic satire centres on Billy, the village cripple. When the Americans announce they are coming to the neighbouring island to make a film, many are excited to be part of it – but none more than young Billy, who develops a reckless scheme to escape his grim life.
Contains strong language.
Director
Julian has been involved with the Dolphin Theatre since 2006, when he appeared in Amy’s View, spending five minutes on the stage each night and having a jug of water tipped on his head.
He has taken on many large and small roles since, most recently appearing as Jeeves in the 2016 production, Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense. This is Julian’s first time directing a main bill production at the Dolphin, but he previously directed the 2011
winner of the Dolphin One Act Play Festival – the deeply unsettling Doll. Julian is a member of the 2017 committee.
Cast
as Kate Osbourne
Judy is revisiting this deeply black and quirky comedy, having performed the role of Kate at Howick Little Theatre in 2005. “What fun to rediscover the bizarre and dysfunctional inhabitants of Inishmaan with her ‘sister Eileen’ (Penel Keegan).” Judy was last seen on stage at Dolphin in 2013 as Chris in Calendar Girls.
as Eileen Osbourne
Having just directed Dolphin’s first production for 2017, it is a joy now to be on stage rather than in charge. And working with four enthusiastic and talented young people and four talented older ones is turning out to be great fun. Having played Eileen some years ago, it is proving most enjoyable to do so again with a diferent director (also young and talented!).
as Johnnypateenmike
This is my first time performing at Dolphin, although I was PA to Penel, who directed Spirit Level, and I’m very excited about and looking forward to the season. Second time on stage with Pen; last time that happened we got married. Now what? Please enjoy the show.
as Billy Claven
Harry was born and raised somewhere west of Auckland. He enjoys sitting, standing (though not for too long) and breathing. Despite his forgetfulness, hatred of the written word and all types of light- emitting objects, he loves to hit his cues, learn his lines and nd his light (Am I doing this right, Julian?). If he could be a sheep, he definitely wouldn’t be an Irish one (after researching this play).
as Bartley McCormick
This is Thomas’s first production at Dolphin since playing Gordie Summers in Closure in 2014. He is currently involved with the National Youth Theatre Company’s production of Oliver! playing at the Aotea Centre in June. Other Dolphin highlights include Childhood, On Golden Pond and The Darling Buds of May.
as Helen McCormick
Imogen is back for her second Dolphin Theatre show after performing in Crimes of the Heart last year. Having returned from a four-year stint in England, where she trained with Actors Class, London and at Central School of Speech and Drama, Imogen is now currently in her second year of Communications at AUT, hoping to major in Television Journalism, and is also training with Auckland Actors Lab.
as Babbybobby Bennett
This is Zane’s seventh show at the Dolphin, his most recent part being the lovable, hyperactive (and some would say portly) Francis Henshall in One Man, Two Guvnors, in 2016. He is excited to be back on stage, this time playing the slightly more complex character of Babbybobby Bennett, the local thug. Zane hopes you enjoy the show as much as he has enjoyed bringing this character to life.
as Dr McSharry
Rex began his acting career in 1984 with Northland’s Otamatea Repertory Theatre as the King of Siam in The King and I. Rex has played over 25 lead roles and directed the same number of musicals, dramas and comedies for colleges and local communities. His favourite role was King Arthur in Camelot.
as Mammy O'Dougal
June is playing Mammy, an old alcoholic – some typecasting there, she wonders? She says it is a wonderful part, but all the characters will keep the audience on their toes, laughing and crying at the same time. “It’s always a pleasure to be onstage at the Dolphin with the support of backstage crew and the expertise of the director.” June’s last appearance was playing four diferent characters in Oliver Twist in 2016.