Student players hope to repeat les mis success with sweet bird of youth

Now in their 11th year after the incredible success of April’s sell out Les Miserables, the Mullingar Student Players embark on their next production this September 18-20, Tennessee Williams’ Sweet Bird of Youth, directed by Sean Lynch with assistant directors Lauren Divine and Hannah Egerton.

The plot follows fading Hollywood legend Alexandra Del Lago (Hazel Gavigan) as she flees a disastrous premiere of her comeback film. Travelling incognito, she seeks refuge in drink, drugs and the arms of Chance Wayne (Ben Thompson), an idealistic young dreamer turned gigolo. On a trip to Chance’s hometown in a bid to win back his childhood sweetheart, Heavenly Finley (Dayna Whelan) sees their relationship of convenience unravel in Williams’ vivid and haunting portrait of the destruction of dreams.

Rachel Gallagher plays Miss Lucy, the mistress, Daniel Allen plays Tom (Boss) Finley and Ben Mulligan is Tom Finley Junior. Other cast members include: Anna Doolin, Aoife Gavin, Aaron O’Dea, Blaithnaid Glennon, Cian O’Farrell, Clecia Rossi, David Brennan, Evelyn Paul, James Craig, Jack McCormack, Megan Ayers, Rachel Thompson and Sam Gilmartin.

Former Mullingar Student Player and Andrew Lloyd Webber reciprocate, Daniel Egerton, is also lending a hand during rehearsals.

Sweet Bird of Youth runs in Mullingar Arts Centre on September 18-20. Tickets, €10/€8, from the centre at 044 9347777.