By Aidan Quirke

Killarney’s thespians and writers lit up the stage on Wednesday night in the Gleneagle Hotel in what was a fitting tribute to a much loved local actor.

STANDING OVATION: The 200-strong audience gave a standing ovation at the Four Esquire Productions performance in the Gleneagle on Wednesday night.

An audience of over 200 came along to appreciate the first live production post-pandemic by local troupe Four Esquire Productions.

It was poignant to many that this series of three short plays came just weeks after the passing of local actor, writer and director of West End House School of Arts, Donie Courtney.

His influence could be seen in the young faces that graced the stage, some who are also students at the drama school - a fitting tribute to the inspirational Killarney man.

The first play, 'The Letter D', was a farce based on a retired rug seller selling off his stock online. The only issue was he advertised drugs and not rugs which caught the eye of the local garda, drug dealer and party goer. It held up well with a great turn from emerging talent Killian Fleming and Ryan Jones. Brian Bowler as the local garda and Martin O’Brien kept everyone laughing.

The second play about a disillusioned hospitality worker was less farce and more introspective with two young actors, Dylan Shortt and Sean Gannon holding the audience’s gaze. Many will be watching with keen interest how these two talented actors will progress as both performances were excellent.

The best laughs were saved for last with ‘Bin Wars’ a darkly comic farce about two neighbours fighting over their wheelie bins. Events take a turn for the worst in violent comic fashion.

The timing of the lead actors was impeccable, Danny McClure, Paul Spitere, Anne Browne, and Otis Ikogho had the audience in stitches.

A standing ovation on the night left no one in doubt that Four Esquires Productions has come back in strong form.

It is a great shot in the arm for the arts in Killarney with young and old talent showing great commitment.