Behan classic for Ramor

'The Hostage', produced by The Canal Studio, stages at Ramor Theatre this week. Directed by Noel Strange, with a cast of fine actors from across the midlands region. Brendan Behan's work is a madcap play, full of high drama, live music and laughter.  Set in Dublin in 1960 when the ancient tensions between Ireland and England are flaring up once again, a young IRA member has been sentenced to death for allegedly shooting a policeman in Belfast. The action of 'The Hostage' takes place on the eve of his execution where in a seedy brothel a young British soldier is being held hostage.  In the unlikely setting of this shabby, dilapidated brothel, surrounded by patriots and prostitutes, a simple and sweet love story unfolds between the soldier and the house maid, a quiet lass who has recently moved to Dublin from Longford - both nineteen and innocent of the bigoted and troubled world around them. The Hostage is quite literally a melodrama - a drama with melody - the characters frequently breaking into song, accompanied by live music onstage.  But if there is melody, there is also drama, and the ominous presence of armed IRA activists, the spirited demonstration for the release of the 'Belfast martyr' and the alliance of the residents to protect the young hostage,  never let the audience forget that there is a serious story to be told. In a piece of theatre that is simultaneously hilarious and poignant Behan pits factions against each other - old IRA against new IRA, republicans against Free Staters, sinners against saints and of course, Irish against English The cast for this upcoming production was assembled through a process of open auditions and includes some of the best actors from across the midlands region. The Hostage stages at The Ramor Theatre, Virginia from Thursday 13th to Saturday 15th October nightly at 8.30pm. Tickets €18/€16 are available on (049) 854 7074.