As students and teachers in Limavady High prepare for their new show the buzz around the school is probably not unlike the excitement around the town back in the days of the hiring fair; the “Gallop Fair”, as it was known locally, was a twice-yearly event which brought together farmers from the area, traders and shoppers, local young people who came to see and to be seen and, most significantly, fellows and girls from Donegal who were looking for work. Back in the twenties, such a day was the high-light of the social calendar.
David Dunlop’s play is set in this era, not in Limavady but in Strabane, right at the time when the border was being put in place between the Free State and the new Northern Ireland. The themes are historical but also timeless… division, loyalties, religious constraints, relationships and of-course the complications of young love.
Sally Rogers, played by Heather Scott, travels from Gweedore to the May Fair in Strabane and is given a farmhand job by Matthew Henderson, played by Ryan Crown. A relationship somewhat deeper than between master and servant develops but matters are complicated by those very constraints. Sally finds herself drawn to Matthew’s friend and neighbour across the new border; Joe Gallagher, played by Gareth Hynds, quickly becomes the third corner of this increasingly fraught love-triangle.
Director Janet Loughery is delighted with the enthusiasm of the cast. “We have some very talented drama and dance students, both from within the High School and from St Mary’s and Limavady Grammar; these are pupils who are studying Performing Arts with us. Having performers from across the Roe Valley Learning Partnership brings an added dimension to the whole process of production! But I have to say that the commitment of the kids has been excellent!”
The music is being co-directed by former pupil, Rory Clements, who comments, “There is some lovely music in the show, both original and traditional pieces, and we are fortunate to have a group of very capable singers this year…. particularly Alix Cooper, Charmaine Doran and Heather Scott, the three hired girls, who sing about their Donegal background with real feeling. The band is shaping up well too so I’m looking forward to seeing audience reaction to the show.”
The show is being staged in the school on 11th, 12th and 13th December at 7.30pm, with tickets being available in the school office. In addition, the show will be performed in An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny, at 8.00pm on Tuesday 16th December, tickets available from the Theatre (tel. 00353749120777 or online at www.angrianan.com)
