The Inkwell Theatre Drama group returns with new play “Mother Know’s Best”

By Mary Kind

The Inkwell Theatre Drama group’s hilarious production of Jimmy Keary’s comedic play “Mother Knows Best”, certainly puts paid to the notion that mothers instinctually know the best course of action in any given situation. For social climbing mother, Tess McDermott (Ber Hayes), her dreams and schemes to match her daughter, Suzy, (Caroline Horgan) with smarmy financial consultant, Adrian Bird (Phil Soltan) find her on very shaky ground. The arrival of a former flame of Suzy’s, Nick Cassidy (Tim Coleman) into the household to do a painting job, is, of course, one major source of trouble for snobby Tess.

However, add to this, Nick’s shifty workmate, Joe Galligan, (Eamon O’Leary) who has things other than painting their house on his mind. Then the raucous arrival of Nick’s loudmouthed mom, Dolly (Angela Twohig), bringing in tow her crazy friend, Sadie (Mary Kind) further adds to her woes. But when Tess’s missing doggy is returned by bolshie chancer and ex- girlfriend of Nick’s, the devilish, Dinah Dolan, (Brenda Nestor) there seems a glimmer of hope for Tess’s schemes- if only!! And all along, under her very nose, Tess fails to register her man hungry, golfing friend, Dulcie Cotter’s (Angela Geary) designs on her long suffering and downtrodden husband, Harry (Colm Nestor).

No indeed, this mother definitely does not know best!!

Photo: Siobhan Russell

The Inkwell drama group are delighted to be bringing “Mother Knows Best” to audiences on the 10,11, 12 and 13 of April in the lovely Inkwell Theatre, Tracton Arts and Community Centre, Minane Bridge.

The play is directed by ace director, Valda Rumley who is credited with directing so many of the Inkwell drama group’s excellent plays over the years. Valda has been with the Inkwell Theatre since 2014, with a short interlude when she went to direct “A Bunch of Amateurs” by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman for UCC players at the Granary Theatre, Cork, in 2018.

The many hysterically funny comedies and plays she has directed at the Inkwell include “It’s the Real MCoy” by Tommy Marten  in 2015,”Don’t Dress for Dinner” by Marc Camoletti and adapted by Robin Hawdon in 2016, “A Wake in the West” by Michael J. Ginnelly  in 2017,Three One Act Plays in 2019, “A Widows Paradise” by Sam Cree in 2022, “Betwixt and Between” by Michael J. Ginnelly in 2023 and “Cupid Wore Skirts” by Sam Cree in 2024.

Anyone who has been to any of these former productions knows that a treat of entertainment is in store. “Mother Knows Best” is no exception and is definitely one not be missed. Ticket are available online at www.tickettailor.com and at XL, Minane Bridge and Martin Walsh Allcare Pharmacy, Carrigaline.