Abu Dhabi Players to stage The Real McCoy to raise funds for Nepal

The Abu Dhabi-based cast of The Real McCoy in rehearsals. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Players

Eight school teachers in the capital have teamed up to stage an Irish play on May 5 and 6 to raise funds for victims of the earthquake in Nepal.

Local theatre group Abu Dhabi Players will stage The Real McCoy at The Club in Al Mina and donate the proceeds from ticket sales to one of two charities, Save the Children or World Education Fund.

The April 25 earthquake has left more than three million people in need of assistance and Unicef warns against diseases and lack of nutrition among children. There is also an urgent need to set up child-friendly spaces, schools and access to basic services and water in the affected districts.

The play by Irish playwright Tommy Marren has already been staged more than 200 times in Ireland, the United Kingdom and United States. Set in rural Ireland of the 1960s, it follows the story of a woman whose husband left her, 33 years ago. On the day of the anniversary of his departure, she is visited by an unexpected guest – her husband, who wants to make amends and reconnect with his daughter.

“It’s a tender comedy, heartfelt comedy and was a good fit for our cast because all our actors are Irish,” says director March Clark, 35, an English teacher who works in Abu Dhabi. “We also chose it because it’s not slapstick comedy but easy laughs. It also explores a whole range of emotions and you tend to empathise with the characters.”

• The Real McCoy is at The Club, Abu Dhabi on May 5 and 6. Tickets are priced at Dh75 and can be booked by calling 050 731 6984