Full houses and full hearts for Valley Drama Group

By Colette Lynch

For two unforgettable evenings on Friday and Saturday, the Valley Drama Group brought magic, laughter, and a touch of 1980s nostalgia to the local hall in Delvin, when they presented ‘What’s in the Air’.

A stuffed pheasant perched high above the stage sent a ripple of awe through the crowd and o both opening and closing nights, faces lit up with wonder, and hearts swelled with pride.

It would not be possible to name everyone who helped bring the production to life, but among them are director Mick Roban, creative designer Colette Lynch, and the PRO and musical directors Lorraine Ledwith and Carmel Moran, (secretary) worked for weeks beforehand with an army of volunteers gathering, building, creating, and sourcing the most peculiar 1980s treasures and songs to dress this production.

From a dusty wireless radio discovered in Mary Gaffney’s attic to the powder-blue and pink eyeshadow expertly applied in the green room, every detail was a tribute to the era, and to the community spirit that made it happen.

The set, created by Colette Lynch and built by Feilim and Mick, turned the hall into Dooley’s Bar, a cracked mirror hanging behind the bar reflecting both the present and the ghosts of the past – a metaphor for the secrets waiting to emerge during the night’s chaotic karaoke session.

What’s in the Air, written by Mick Roban and adapted for The Valley by Colette Lynch, tells the story of the villagers of Ballybegle gathering on a Saturday night. At the centre is Maggie Keogh (played brilliantly by Tessa Fleming), who believes she has her village figured out – until music, memories, and long-buried grudges bubble to the surface.

With each song, each pint raised, friendships waver, hidden betrayals ignite, and the question of who truly owns the Bull Field threatens to turn a singalong into a showdown.

With a script of 36,000 words and a cast of 15 local talents, ‘What’s in the Air’, The Bulls Field, came alive. Standout performances lit up the stage; Carmel Moran as the spirited Regina, David T Bright as the quick-witted Mattie, Feilim O’Neill as the steadfast Tom, Majella Hayden as the sharp-tongued Dolores, Michael Murphy as the earnest Jon, and Claire Kenny as the unforgettable Old Granny Winnie.

Newcomers Catherine O’Farrell (Agnes, the local solicitor), Trisha McGrath (Sally O’Brien), and David Jones (Johnny Murphy) also impressed in their first major drama roles, each bringing fresh energy and heart to the production.

Lorraine Ledwith (Bronagh) and Lyndsey Delaney (Jane) added flair and tension to the unraveling secrets, while Paul Casserly (Mick Flashy) and Declan McCann (Sergeant Hunt) provided memorable moments of humour and surprise.

Anchoring the chaos as MC was Mick Kenny, skilfully guiding the audience through two riotous acts that captured the spirit, heartbreak, and hilarity of Ballybegle, where musical numbers surprised the audience with a level of musicality and storytelling they hadn’t expected, ending the night on a touching note with words of gratitude from The Valley chairperson, Feilim O’Neill.

The Valley Drama Group, proudly rooted in Delvin, first tested their wings with 2023’s sketch night Bits and Pieces in Mary Gaffney’s pub. From there, buoyed on enthusiasm, they launched into this full-scale production, bringing in more local talent, humour, and heart.

More than 400 people enjoyed the show over the two nights, the laughter echoing down the main street, long after the curtain fell.

Special thanks are due to Mary Gaffney, group sponsor and dear friend, who opened her lounge to the group for rehearsals, providing a haven where the cast and crew could perfect their craft. Her generosity – along with the support of many others – made the production possible. Members are also grateful to David Jones for donating signage to help notify the community.

A mountain of thanks is also owed to backstage heroes, Patricia Royane, Margaret M Casserly, Joan Powel, Liam Brady and Paula Brady, front-of-house lady Bridie Monaghan with a team of volunteers, and the ever-steady John and Ann Ayres, who kept everything flowing for the hundreds who came to enjoy the show. Thank you to the audience and to the Delvin Hall committee, led by Michael Leonard, for the support. Special thanks to Paul Casserly (working committee member), tasks were never too big or small; and to Kevin and crew from Mathew’s Entertainment for lighting up a dream, for their support, advice, patience and professionalism.

The set is now dismantled and the stage returned to its usual self, and an AGM will be held this May; there is an open invitation to anyone who wishes to join – whether their talents lie in the spotlight, behind the scenes, or somewhere in between, there’s a place for you in The Valley Drama Group.