Tipperary drama group bring healing power of music to the stage in 'The Salvage Shop'

Redemption and the healing power of music are the themes of Jim Nolan’s The Salvage Shop, the latest production from Nenagh Players, which opens in Nenagh Arts Centre on March 4.

The production will see a return to the stage by some familiar faces as well as some new ones.

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A richly-layered drama, The Salvage Shop is the story of three generations of a family in the fictional seaside town of Garris.

At its centre is the fraught relationship of Sylvie Tansey (Kevin Walshe) and his son, Eddie (Kevin Ryan).

Sylvie, an alcoholic and opera buff, is dying of cancer but still raging against the machinations of the local brass band committee who are seeking to oust him from his role as maestro of the band. Eddie left the band at a crucial time for its success, has never been forgiven for his betrayal.

Sylvie’ best pal, confidant and fellow band member Stephen Kearney is played by Kevin Whelan.

Against this background, Eddie carries on, trying to care of his father; control the choices of his daughter Katie (Joanne Bracken) just newly returned from college and keep the family salvage business going.

Eddie, now struggling with regret and guilt comes up with a scheme involving a concert by Sylvie’s idol, Pavarotti, which he thinks will make up for his desertion of the band all those years ago.

Eddie’s plans are complicated by the fact that he has a new girlfriend Rita Shanahan (Maggie Smith), and he must cope with bar and concert venue owner Josie Costello (Greg Starr), who had an affair with his former wife.

In keeping with their mutual love of music, the play is permeated by snatches of powerful operatic tunes and arias that give the work a mythic quality.

Multi-award-winning actor, director and stage designer Kevin Walshe has been a member of the Nenagh Players for over 40 years and is delighted to be back on stage after a six-year break.

Kevin Ryan (Eddie) hails from Kiladangan. Recent roles include with Borrisokane Players on the One Act festival circuit; Boeing! Boeing! and Witness for the Prosecution for Nenagh Players as well as with Puckane & Carrig Drama Group.

Kevin Whelan (Stephen Kearney) a familiar face on stage and as a director over the years, directed the Lissenhall Players in their last four productions, and directed The Lithium Waltz, which marked the Nenagh Players' return to live stage productions following Covid.

Joanne Bracken (Katie Tansey) played Wednesday in Nenagh Choral Society’s production of The Addams Family in 2019. She most recently played Síle in The Local, an immersive theatre production in the 2023 Kilkenny Arts Festival. She will appear as Anno in Lance Daly’s upcoming feature film Trad.

Maggie Smith (Rita Shanahan) has been a member of Nenagh Players since 2016. Maggie's most recent role was that of Bertha the long-suffering housekeeper in Boeing! Boeing! (2023).

Greg Starr (Josie Costello), is making his debut with Nenagh Players. Greg is originally from Tipperary Town, where he began his stage journey in school and junior productions before
joining Tipperary Pantomime Society in the early 1990s. He has been very involved with the Borrisokane Players over the last number of years and was also been seen recently in Nenagh Choral Society’s productions of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Beauty and the Beast.

The Salvage Shop is directed by Margaret Walshe. A Cork woman, Margaret was involved in street theatre which she brought to Nenagh when she moved here in 1987. As well as directing children’s shows for over 15 years Margaret directed The Communication Cord for the Players in 2010. After a six-year break, Margaret was thrilled to be back on stage with Calendar Girls in November and really enjoyed performing again with a wonderful cast.

The Salvage Shop runs at Nenagh Arts Centre from Tuesday, March 4, until Saturday, March 7, at 8pm. Tickets €20/ €18, and booking through nenagharts.com or 067-34400. Contains strong language.