Irene Melaugh

[Courtesy flyer]

THE COMEDY EXPERIENCE

Well here we ar, we’re what you see,

We’re sure  not in to modesty,

We’re bold, we’re brash,

We’re big, we’re bad,

We’re the best night’s fun, we’ve ever had.

Stretchmarks Theatre Company started life as Stretchmarks Unlimited two years ago. Since then the group has performed in many venues both here (Derry, Northern Ireland) and Donegal (south Ireland).

We are a cross-community, cross-border group whose members draw on a wide spectrum of experience, both in drama and music.

We provide a varied nights entertainment wherever the venue and whatever the occasion.

Stretchmarks Theatre Company is the only all female theatre group in the area. We write all our own material, mainly comedy, and members are involved in a wide range of activities.

There are six members in the company, plus our director, Rosie O’Hara. Three members from the Waterside, three from the CIty-side and one from Donegal.

MEMBERS OF STRETCHMARKS

PRODUCER: Rosie O’Hara

CAST: Nuala Bradley, Tracey Cullen, Irene Melaugh, Berni Kerr, Bernie Mahon, Lesley Porter.

With saggy boobs, and rolls of flab,

We think we’re absolutely fab,

Our teeth are false, our hair is dyed,

We’re anything but dignified,

We’re STRETCHMARKS!

*Stretchmarks are pleased to be members of the Oral and Written Network

** This event has been funded by Co-operation Ireland, through the Special support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.

[Courtesy (unknown) March 6th 2003]

Los Angeles (California) writer Gloria Goldsmith putting actors in the Irish Womanspeak through their line at the rehearsals of the play to be held at the Playhouse. Included are Irene Melaugh, Madeline McCully, Bridie Canning, Pat Burne, Anne Crilly and Kathleen Hutton.

Gloria Goldsmith and the actors of "Womanspeak"

[Courtesy (unknown) May 28th 2004]

Group pictured at the EGSA’a Adult Learners week “Make The Right Connection” conference in the Playhouse. Included are, seated, Carmel McCafferty, Irene Melaugh, Maggie Bernard and Kate Ingram. Standing are Paul Haslam, Tom McKeever, Sharon Moran, Seamus Murphy, Patsy Slater, Ivan Armstrong and Brendan Patterson.

Members/attendees at EGSA's "Make the right Connection" conference.

[Courtesy Derry Journal, May 11th 2007]

Irene Melaugh’s new play, ‘Flick’, will premiere at The Millennium Forum on Wednesday, May 23  and run until Saturday the 26 (2007). This is the third play from the pen of the Derry playwright, and like her first two it delves into the lives of ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Set in a hairdressing salon, which is frequented by some very.unusual clients, this is a comedy with a seriously funny twist. Lucy the proprietor has been struggling for years to keep her business afloat. Undaunted by the fact that the plumber has repossessed her sinks and cut off the water supply, she advertises for a hairdresser to hold down the fort so she can get to Mexico to meet up with Wan (Jan) the sailor she met on a night out that’s when everything starts to go under.

The play has several extremely diverse characters. Lucy the salon proprietor lost the love of her life but twelve years later is desperate to marry anyone to get escape the clutches of her domineering mother. Played by Aslinn Harley who has spent the past five years performing in theatres around England, and presenting programmes on Channel 4 Television. Aslinn is a native of Derry. “It will be the first time my mother has seen me perform. I’m both excited and nervous. But also very pleased to be appearing in The Millennium Forum”.

Maurice the gay would-be hairdresser finds the love of his life, and experiences the shock of his life in the salon. Played by Stephen Sellers who was discovered working behind the t*lll in Pr*lmark, and has turned *Into a total prima donna, and a gem of a comedian. Its hard to believe watching Stephen that this a debut performance. Lola the local lady of the night staggers in and out of the salon. Full of life and fun, no one knows her heartbreaking secret. Until that is, fate takes over. bringing out the truth, and shocking everyone. Played by Maureen Wilkinson, a dedicated and enthusiastic performer, who’s portrayal of the tragic Lola will touch your heart.

Minnie the recluse, who has made a hair appointment every week for the past ten years but never shows up, finally appears in the salon. And what she discovers there changes her lonely life forever. Played by Anita Peoples the unforgettable, “Sarah,” In Irene Melaughs play, ME DA’S SUIT

Flick is the story of a hairdressers where, you let your hair down, and get your spirits lifted. A place where you will meet unforgettable characters in a heart-warming comedy of lost love reunited.

[Courtesy (unknown) March 3rd 2003]

The Derry Playhouse writers pictured with Gloria Goldsmith, seated centre, whose play Womanspeak, was staged at the Playhouse. Included are Anne Crilly, Gloria Goldsmith, Margie Bernard.

Author of Womanspeak (Gloria Goldsmith seated centre) with actors in the play.