A journey of self discovery in the six marys

VENUE: The Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar from Wednesday to Sunday this week. 

Red Lizard Theatre Productions present Jean Farrell’s The Six Marys, directed by Joe McCarrick (RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival), in the Greville Arms this week (Wednesday April 15 to Sunday April 19 at 8.30pm nightly).

The Six Marys is a play of nostalgia, expectations and broken dreams.

In her unique comedic way, Jean Farrell examines a slice of humanity with compassion, insight and a keen sense of humour.

This one-woman show is a comical yet poignant look at life, from childhood in the 1950s, to the present day.

It draws on the influence of religion as taught by the nuns, preparing young Irish Catholic schoolgirls to imitate the virtues of the Virgin Mary.

They were to be meek, humble and pure. How well did this help them cope with the huge social changes of the following decades? Were the fanciful dreams of youth fulfilled?

This journey of self-discovery is interspersed with hit songs from the various eras, sung by Catherine Gallagher.

The Six Marys are fun-loving girlfriends, who grow into practical, everyday housewives.

The light-hearted atmosphere helps us concentrate on their journeys through the decades, delivering all kinds of sharp and comical observations.

Jean has plenty to say about the teenage pursuit of Mr Wonderful, followed by the reality of married life, teenage children and growing waistlines.

And, when our children grow up eventually and leave home, what lies ahead then — a big void or peace at last?

VENUE: The Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.

Tickets €12 from the Greville Arms on 0449348563 and www.grevillearmshotel.ie.