ENNISKILLEN Amateur Dramatic Society (EADS) has entertained audiences since 1928, with over 100 performances under its belt. But tonight (Thursday) marks a first for the group.

As the curtain goes up at the Ardhowen Theatre for their inaugural performance of ‘The Comedy of Errors’ it will be the first time EADS has ever taken on a Shakespearian play.

“Shakespeare’s plays have long been seen as ‘intellectual’ and ‘difficult’ but we hope that this performance will put paid to that impression,” says Christine Irvine.

“Shakespeare wrote with a wicked wit, bringing memorable characters to life in a series of plays that are still widely performed and loved today. We made our choice from these plays with care, EADS has a reputation for great comedy and this year will not disappoint! The Comedy of Errors is pure comedy, very close to what we would now call a farce, and you can be assured that you’ll be rocking in the aisles during this mad-cap and dynamic show!

“We have discovered during our rehearsals, and during the production of our Fermanagh Live sketch ‘Pirates do Shakespeare’ that the characters Shakespeare created come to life and are recognisable in any age, even today.” In October 2013 Nick Young, Tracey Kernaghan and Barbara Johnston ran some Shakespeare workshops to test what interest there might be in Fermanagh.

“We were delighted to discover that many others shared our enthusiasm and love for this wonderful playwright,” says Christine.

At about the same time the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) launched their Open Stages Project as a means to connect professional and amateur theatre companies to their mutual benefit and as a celebration of the life and works of Shakespeare.

One of the aims of the Open Stages Project is to bring Shakespeare back to the broad audience for which it was originally intended.

“Due in no small part to the dedication of our secretary, Nick Young, we were successful in our application to be a part of this project,” Christine explains.

“We were lucky to be selected along with three other amateur companies in Northern Ireland. This is a big vote of confidence in the Society from one of the most prestigious dramatic companies in the world!” There are about 100 companies across the UK that are staging a Shakespeare production between April 2014 and April 2015.

“Our actors and directors have attended courses in Stratford-upon-Avon and at the Lyric, Belfast, given by the professional practioners of the RSC, who train and direct the professional actors of the RSC.

“On May 24 we will be reprising part of tonight’s performance in a regional showcase at the Lyric Theatre along with the two amateur companies that remain in the project.” And on August 9 there will be a national showcase in Stratford-upon-Avon featuring selected companies from each region. The Royal Shakespeare Company will be celebrating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 2016 with a touring production of A Midsummers Night’s Dream in which the parts of Bottom and the other ‘mechanicals’ will be taken by local amateurs. EADS is fielding an all-female cast in a bid to be part of this.