Main pic: The cast of A Dogs Life: Kennel Keeper (Kate Boyle), Ginger the Pup (Rachel Marley), Old Bella (Kathleen McGowan), German Shepherd (Christopher Quinn), and Woman (Marina Marcinekova). Missing is the French Poodle (Sinead Doherty Heaps) who was away at the vets!
A brand-new celebration of local theatre takes to the stage this weekend with the inaugural Ballybofey and Stranorlar One Act Drama Festival.
Organised by the Butt Drama Circle, in association with Highland Radio, the event will take place at the Balor Theatre on Friday and Saturday night.
The organisers are promising an exciting mix of comedy, drama, and heartfelt storytelling. Three diverse one-act plays will be performed across the two nights, giving audiences a taste of the creativity and talent thriving in the northwest’s drama community.
The festival will be adjudicated by Mr. Ciaran McCauley (ADA), who will provide a public adjudication after each performance before announcing the winners at Saturday night’s Results and Awards Ceremony.
The opening night on Friday begins with two productions that blend humour and emotion in equal measure.
A Dog’s Life by Pamela Valentine will be performed by the Butt Drama Circle and directed by Bernie Thompson. This warm and witty piece tells the story of four dogs sharing a kennel as they await adoption. With plenty of laughs and a few touching moments, the play offers a canine’s-eye view of hope, loyalty, and love.
This will be followed by In Sickness and In Health by Tom Casling – performed by Derrylin Amateur Dramatic Society
Directed by Debbie Murphy, this moving and insightful monologue-style drama follows Val Braithwaite as she recounts her husband’s journey through dementia. Based on real-life experiences, it’s a heartfelt story of resilience and devotion. The evening concludes with a public adjudication by Mr. McCauley.
The Cast of The Ripple Effect from L-R: Donna-Marie Doherty, Mickey McMahon, Michael King, and Daireen McMenamin.
The second night on Saturday features the Butt Drama Circle’s festival circuit entry for 2025: The Ripple Effect by Robert Scott, directed by Shaun Laverty.
When a woman stands over a dead man with a gun in her hand, the story seems simple — until it rewinds to reveal the web of choices that led there. A gripping and thought-provoking play about fate, consequence, and the unpredictable nature of human actions.
Following Saturday’s performance, Mr. McCauley will deliver his final adjudication before presenting the festival awards.
Tickets are priced at €15 per night or €25 for a two-night festival pass, available now from the Balor Arts Centre box office or online at www.balorartscentre.com.
The Ballybofey and Stranorlar One Act Drama Festival marks an exciting new addition to Donegal’s cultural calendar — and a must-see event for anyone who loves great local theatre.
Twin Towns short play festival to enthral audiences this weekend was last modified: October 29th, 2025 by Staff Writer
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