Anyone Could Rob a Bank by Thomas Coffey (Comedy)
Directed by Brendan Carruthers
First produced by The Abbey Theatre in August 1960, this award-winning play tells the story of three men-Badger, Jereen and Windy-who discuss how easy it would be to rob the local bank and come up with the perfect plan. When they wake up to the news that the local bank has been robbed using their very plan, they begin to suspect each other. This play has been praised for its laugh-a-minute, lightning fast paced dialogue and its comedy of errors style.
About the Playwright: Tom Coffey worked as a schoolteacher and in industry before writing plays for the Abbey and the Lyric. He also wrote many episodes of the RTE drama serial ‘The Riordans’. Other works include Gone Tomorrow, It Would Be Funny…., Stranger Beware, The Call, The Long Sorrow, and Them. His plays are produced regularly across Ireland and around the world.
The Cast
Pete Hudson (Badger Grey)
Since his debut with Tara 10 years ago, Pete has averaged one play per season, most recently as Joe in McPherson’s Port Authority, and Davies in Pinter’s The Caretaker. Pete has also appeared in several Shoestring Players productions and is currently in rehearsal with them as Birdboot in Stoppard’s The Real Inspector Hound , coming to the Gas Station Theatre in April.
Mary Kelly Campbell (Sarah)
A founding member of Tara, Mary has directed many of our productions, including last year’s official A.I.I.T.F entry “I Do Not Like Thee, Dr. Fell”. She has also directed for Summer Theatre School, Red Hen Productions and Mollycaw Productions. This is Mary’s first return to the stage in some time, and she is happy to be acting for a change!
Tom Holder (Jerreen)
Audiences will remember Tom from the November Production of “Gone Tomorrow”. Tom has been active with the Tara Players since 1992. Other credits include Patsy in “The Butterfly of Killybegs”, Mr. Manelli in “Once a Catholic”, Dermott in The Port Authority, and Colm in last year’s season opener, Five Nickels.
Arwen Smith (Noreen)
Making her debut with the Tara Players, Noreen grew up in Thompson Manitoba and moved to Winnipeg in 2001. She is a recent theatre graduate of the University of Winnipeg, and in addition to her theatre and film studies, Arwen has also studied stage combat and mime. We’re delighted to have you working with us Arwen!
Allan Nimmo (Windy)
Last seen as Jerry in November’s “Gone Tomorrow”, this is Allan’s second appearance with the Tara Players. Allan has also made his first television appearance this year, as a pilot in the Canadian series “Falcon Beach”. In his real life, Allan actually is a pilot, flying a private jet for a large Winnipeg-based company.
Jason Westmacott (Tony)
A student of theatre and film, this is Jason’s first appearance with the Tara Players. Select acting credits include Fringe-Man in “The Crysallids” and Max in “Death by Love” for Prairie Theatre Exchange, as well as Thomas in “Seven Keys to Baldpate” with Bearspaw Dinner Theatre. Jason has also taken a number of film and theatre acting classes with P.T.E. Welcome Jason!
Neil Bessette (Sergeant)
One of the 2nd generation of Tara Players, Neil has appeared in a number of roles since he joined the company in 1999. Most recently he portrayed the lunk-head Peter in last year’s official A.I.I.T.F entry “I Do Not Like Thee, Dr. Fell. Neil also performed the role of Kevin in Declan Croghan’s “Paddy the Englishman, Paddy the Irishman & Paddy” , which won best production at the A.I.I.T.F in Boca Raton, Florida in 2002.
Thomas O’Rourke (Mickey)
Thomas has returned to the Tara Players after a 5 year moratorium. Also a 2nd generation Tara Player, Thomas performed his first play with the company in 1995 at age 13 as Thomas in “Like the Sun”. It’s great to have you back working with us Thomas- break a leg!
The Crew
Director Brendan Carruthers
Stage Manager Linda Kalturnyk
Set Design Team Brendan Carruthers, Ted MacMartin, Gerry Bessette, Sidney Gray
Costumes Linda Kalturnyk and Cast
Lighting & Sound Justin Olynyk
