Elaine Birkett from Belturbet is involved in a new drama group called 'Hoodwink Productions' and their play called 'Bloodties' is through to the All-Ireland drama festival final this coming weekend in The Iontas Theatre in Castleblayney. Elaine not only created the script but she also stars in the production alongside Co Cavan actors, Vanessa Galligan Flood and Phil Gilbride.
The Belturbet native revealed that the inspiration behind this production was sparked after meeting fellow actor Vanessa at a drama course by the Drama League of Ireland back in the summer. Speaking to Northern Sound, Elaine believes that no play or production gets on the road without the support of many people both onstage and off stag. She praised the support that the paly has received so far and looks forward to welcoming audience members to Castleblayney this Friday.
"We took the bull by the horns and entered the one-act festival as newcomers to it and I also wrote a script specifically for our entry," explained Elaine. "Like all the other groups across the country we've been participating in a variety of festivals and we've been fortunate enough to reach the All-Ireland finals. We know that there's certainly stiff competition but we're very much looking forward to competing this weekend and we're actually opening the festival on Friday with our play so we're very excited about that."
