Set in Donegal in 1944, with the Republic a neutral country, and Northern Ireland at war, the arrival of the Yanks in nearby Derry causes ripples that will swell into a flood. There is another war taking place too in Dolly West's Kitchen where that well-off, but dysfunctional family centre their lives, with the matriarchal Rima orchestrating events with more than a touch of knowing " badness ". Outrageous characters clash with traditional values in a hilarious battle of wit and personality.

But war and death bring change. Fear and uncertainty stalk the latter part of this magnificent writing with disaster a possibility for every one in every relationship. In remembering what was so real to a generation in the mid-nineteen forties, the audience today is bound to be left wondering how the current war will change the lives of those who return home, scarred by what they have survived.

The tragedies and the hope that we have to hold for the future mould this play into a very special event. It is that rare experience that makes you laugh and makes you cry.

The cast of nine included; Lawrence Gibb, Carol Patterson, Denzil Wright, Clare Scougall, Greg Drysdale, Gary McKenzie, Claire Mathieson, newcomer Lyndsay Gilles and - after a few years at the bar (legally) - it was a pleasure to welcome back Frank Burr.

The Alman would particularly like to thank The Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther for kindly lending us some of their articles which greatly helped the authenticity of the play. Please visit their excellent website at: www.scotfishmuseum.org

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"The council has issued the final demands to the local bowling club. Can the boys save it from closure? And more importantly, are they willing to do ANYTHING to make it happen? ...EVEN becoming The Ladyboys of Banknock?!
Could be described as
a 'Full Monty' ...in drag!!"

This new play, written by club member George Marcinkiewicz, was premiered at the Edinburgh Festival between the 15th and 20th of August 2005
Written by George Marcinkiewicz

Music recorded by Greg Drysdale
Lyrics by 'the boys'

Reviews:

The Scotsman
Unashamedly "derivative and full of parochial, gallows humour"

three weeks rating: 4/5

Read the show poster

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