Newry Drama Festival Ends on High Note with Hugh Leonard's 'Da'

The final night of Newry Drama Festival saw Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group take to the stage with their production of Hugh Leonard's Da.

Speaking after the performance Adjudicator, Tony Finnegan set out the particular demands this play places on any company attempting it. He pointed to the challenge of handling flashbacks, noting the knock-on effects these create across lighting, make-up, set design and costume. He also highlighted the need to break the fourth wall in a way that does not feel jarring to an audience, and the importance of presenting the ghost of Da with enough charm to keep the character likeable throughout. For Mr Finnegan, the ending carries particular weight, serving as the moment the audience comes to understand Charlie's suppressed emotions and the reality that locking the front door will not lock Da out of his life.

Turning to the production itself, Mr Finnegan was complimentary about the scenery, furniture and props, crediting Chris Atkinson, Kieran Tyrrell, Marian McDonald, Niall O'Muiri and Lib Nolan for work that was "very nicely designed." He noted the attention to detail, the good angling of the set and the clever use of trucks between scenes.

The stage management team of Liam Farrell, Michael Dunbar, Conor Stephenson, Padraig Darcy and Raymond Brennan drew praise for good ensemble working, with light, sound and stage crew coordinating well together. Lighting by Grace and Kevin was described as having a lovely preset with great coordination between actors and light cues. Sound by Keith McLoughlin and Kieran Tyrrell was noted for being very natural, at a good volume and giving a strong sense of distance. Costumes by Gerry Kinsella and Marian McDonald were described as beautifully done, with make-up by Gerry Kinsella and Margaret Farrell also singled out for praise, particularly the ageing of characters.

On the performances, Finnegan praised Billy Canning in the role of Da for a relaxed countenance on stage, very comedic reactions and a good portrayal of sardonic wit. Tynan Hooper as Charlie Now brought great energy and physicality, with the moment "Da, I love you" described as beautifully done. Tim Connaughton as Charlie Then matched that energy and showed good synchronisation and very natural movement. Josephine Byrne as Mother was noted for perfect diction, good animated looks and lovely timing. Tommy  Murphy as Drumm was praised for an excellent speaking voice, good projection and ageing that worked very well. Scott Cooper as Oliver showed good demeanour from the outset, while Margaret Farrell as Mrs Prynne was credited with a beautiful entrance, great poise and beautiful diction. Claire Hatton as Mary Tate was highlighted for her facial expressions as well as lovely clear diction.

Director Kieran Tyrrell received a strong overall assessment, with the Adjudicator acknowledging the many good things about the production. He did note that when injecting pace into a scene, clear diction should be observed, but said the director "showed a strong hand overall in making a symbiotic relationship with actors", with small touches such as the wave and the mother's death handled particularly well.

The adjudication brought the curtain down on this year's Newry Drama Festival, rounding off what was a fitting finale from Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group. The venue for the 2027 festival is still to be decided with plans to close the Town Hall from the end of May to allow building work on the new theatre to proceed.