Amber benefits from Little Theatre’s staging of Gaslight
Mark Cradock, president of Carlow Little Theatre Society, handing over a cheque to Lisa Morris, manager of Amber. They are joined by Gaslight cast members, Zoe Sheriff and Paul McManus
CARLOW Little Theatre Society generously presented a cheque for €1,000 to Amber, an organisation that helps women and children in domestic abuse situations, after they staged a play with a similar theme.
Their production of Gaslight by Patrick Hamilton was staged in the Visual arts centre in October when it struck a chord with audiences, not only for its high production values, but also because it tackled the theme of domestic abuse.
As gaslighting is a key part of relationships at the centre of the play’s story, the society offered to run a charity night for Amber, which included a fascinating panel discussion with questions from the audience afterwards. The night raised €1,000 for the charity and helped to increase awareness about its services in supporting and protecting women and children across Carlow and Kilkenny.
It has been a busy and momentous year for Carlow Little Theatre Society, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the society launched a book about its history, featuring photos and stories of productions throughout its eight decades of entertaining audiences. The foreword is by Hollywood actor Patrick Bergin, who was at the book launch. He is a son of one of the society’s founding members, while the book’s introduction is by former president Michael D Higgins.
A key part of the book is local characters who have trodden the boards and helped off stage throughout its rich history. It includes many stories about local legends like Terry O’Morain, Laz Costello, Seamus O’Rourke, Tony Dooley and Peggy Murphy and living legends like John Brady, Rory Moran, Jo O’Donovan and Paddy Behan.
The society will also host a party to celebrate its 80th anniversary milestone at a dinner on 24 January in the Seven Oaks hotel, Carlow. The evening will include the presentation of many photos and mementos amassed by members going back to the 1940s, a gathering of current and past members, as well as friends of the society. Entertainment will also be provided, of course, with so many performers in attendance. Tickets can be booked via Eventbrite or from Mark Cradock on 087 2237198 or via carlowlittletheatre@gmail.com.
