'December Bride' play set for Ards

Posted in: General | Read Comments (0)

In a rare treat for theatre goers, the only stage play to have been adapted from a Sam Hanna Bell novel comes to Ards next month.

'That Woman At Rathard', which the author himself adapted from his celebrated novel 'December Bride', is to be performed by the Centre Stage Theatre Company with Roma Tomelty both as Artistic Director and playing the part of 'that woman's' mother.

"It's over 20 years since the play was last staged by Theatre Ulster and it will be the closing of a year of celebration marking the centenary of Sam's birth," said Roma Tomelty, Artistic Director of Centre Stage, who also plays the role of Martha, the mother of 'That Woman'. "The novel was banned in the South as it deals with illegitimacy, hypocrisy and rural attitudes, and whilst the play can't encompass the entire novel, these are the aspects that Sam chose to highlight."

The company has assembled a formidable team to present the play. Maria Connolly plays Sarah Gomartin, the title role who's statement 'I'm born a woman and I won't die a servant!' drives the story, while James Duran and Kevin Elliot play the two brothers, one of whom is the father of her child. Veteran actor J.J. Murphy, who himself worked with Sam Hanna Bell in the BBC, plays the Doctor who feels responsibility for the scandalous situation and Paul Kennedy takes the role of Rev Sorleyson, the local Presbyterian Minister who must guide his flock on the path of righteousness while retaining great compassion for the unfortunate protagonists.

"It isn't all black," says Roma. "Gordon Fulton is the sympathetic old farm hand Petie, a role Sam Bell wrote with his dry Ulster humour, and Derek Lord, best known as Davy Sneddon in STV's Take The High Road, is returning to make a guest appearance as Matt Crockart, the troublesome neighbour. Derek is delighted to back."

Caroline Curran and Michael McAleenan complete the cast. John Leslie designs and Colin Carnegie directs.

'That Woman At Rathard' takes place in the Queen's Hall, Newtownards on Saturday March 6 at 8 pm. Tickets priced £10 (£8 concession) are available from Ards Arts Centre, on 028 9181 0803.