St Brigid’s Drama Group are celebrating 75 years of delighting audiences in Drogheda, a remarkable achievement and a testament to the talent, dedication and enthusiasm of its members. The last fourteen years have been no exception and it is particularly encouraging to see new members take up the mantle in both acting and directorial roles ensuring the success of St Brigid’s will continue for the next 75 years and beyond.

What has contributed to the enduring success of St Brigid’s is the variety of productions directed to the highest of standards that would give many professional theatre companies a run for their money. Year on year, sell out shows and standing ovations are the bench mark to what makes St Brigid’s unique and sets them apart from many other amateur groups.

From classics such as Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ directed by Andrew Bacon, Philip Barry’s ‘The Philadelphia Story’ directed by Camilla Healy, the risqué ‘Dealer’s Choice’ by Patrick Marber directed by Niall O’Brien to the side splittingly hilarious ‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’  by Marc Canoletti directed by Michael Black and ‘All in Favour Said No’ by Bernard Farrell guarantees a diverse escapism for our loyal audiences.

How could we forget Brian Friel’s ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ directed by stalwart John Kelly in 2012. Looked upon by drama enthusiasts everywhere as the jewel in the crown of Irish theatre, this production certainly didn’t disappoint and came back by public demand in November of the same year. Fast forward to 2024 and Friel’s ‘Lovers’ under the expert direction of Eoin Murray enjoyed equal success and indeed was a fitting 75th anniversary production.

Not many amateur dramatic groups can boast to having their very own playwright but Ogie Harmon put paid to that. Having dipped his toes in the acting waters in 2013 and the years following, Ogie took Drogheda audiences by storm with ‘The Hag’ which centres around a couple’s hen and stag party taking place on the same weekend at different venues. Events overtake the plans and the separate parties are thrown together with hilarious consequences. ‘The Wedding’ which continues the story of the ill fated couple and their wedding guests written and directed with equal hilarity. Both sell out shows had audiences rolling in the aisles and safeguarding Ogie’s reputation as a unique and exceptional talent. Not even the pandemic could keep this man down, Ogie penned ‘John has created a B.L.O.G….. a boxset lockdown opinion group that debuted via zoom.

It was both an honour and a privilege to direct five productions for St Brigid’s. My directorial debut was ‘The Cripple of Inishmaan’ by Martin McDonagh followed by ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan by Oscar Wilde, ‘I’m not ADHD…..I’m BOLD’ by Georgina McKevitt, ‘Steel Magnolias’ by Robert Harling and ‘Sive’ by John B. Keane. I was blessed with magnificent actors and a backstage crew that would rival The Abbey.

Over the past 14 years the group has seen many diverse directors with many different visions and approaches, ‘For One Act Only’ (2017) is a beautiful example of that. However, one thing that has been constant: the love, care and attention of the members of this truly unique drama group in taking each play from page to stage. For that, we truly thank you!

Barbara Carr