Omagh Players still taking to the stage 91 years on from creation

THE only sound breaking through the rain on the tin roof was the bellows of actors reciting an old Irish tale.

It was a gloomy Saturday afternoon, and inside a large agricultural shed – home to a boat and various farm machinery – a traditional Irish bar had been recreated for rehearsals.

Dressed in character, members of the Omagh Players acting group were fine-tuning their performance ahead of their upcoming play, ‘The Field’.

Founded in 1934, the Omagh Players is one of the oldest drama groups in Tyrone, and perhaps even in Ireland. Among the cast is veteran actor Frank McCanny who stood on stage with the group in the same production four decades ago.

Speaking about the 1981 performance of The Field at the old Town Hall, Frank recalled, “We practised in a mobile at St Pat’s school before going for a drink at O’Kane’s Bar.

“It was a completely different time back then: Paddy McLaird was the producer, and Joe McElholm, Kathleen Hinds, and Jarlath McElholm were in the cast.

“It was a big success. We took it to the festival circuit and by March we were performing at Enniskillen Tech School.

“We entered different festivals across Ulster and won several prizes. Happy memories. I suppose it kickstarted my acting career.”

Now retired, Frank has remained with the group through the decades, and is taking on a new role in this year’s production.

“This time I asked not to play the same part – I wanted a fresh perspective. Now I’m playing the priest, which suits me because it’s at the end and I’m past learning big parts,” he joked.

As Frank revisits the play from a different vantage point, newcomer Jenny Young is stepping into the spotlight for the first time.

“Acting is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Jenny. “During lockdown I decided life was too short not to try. I sent off audition tapes a couple of years ago but nothing came of it. Then I found the Omagh Players.”

After taking part in the group’s Murder Mysteries show last year, Jenny has now been cast as Maimie Flanagan in The Field.

“The rehearsals have been so much fun and everyone is friendly and welcoming,” continued Jenny.

“They’ve been helping me fit into the character… and ease my nerves!

“There’s so much teamwork behind the scenes – from props to staging – and I’ve learned so much already.”

At the helm is director Orlagh Bann, an experienced actor with the group who has stepped into the leadership role following the retirement of long-time director Kathleen Hinds in 2019.

“I started as a teenager in ‘The Crucible’ back in 1986,” said Orlagh. “When Kathleen retired and then Covid hit, it left a vacuum.

“I took on the role of director and it’s been a privilege to guide such a talented, dedicated team.

“Though I’m directing now, my first love is being on the stage.

“Even at rehearsals I would still stand in for people who are off, and I still feel that buzz and adrenaline of performing. We’re all really looking forward to this first big production in many years,” she added.

Omagh Players will be performing ‘The Field’ at the Strule Arts Centre on the first weekend of May