Carbury has a long tradition in Drama dating back to the 1940’s. The ‘Dramatic Class’ as it was known was made up of actors from Carbury, Cadamstown and Broadford.

Prominent names at that time were Nan Brennan, Dermot Bourke, Billy Carey and Eileen McGinty and best known of all was Bill Clinton who was a legend for his performances. He was never known to be stuck for his lines as he would make his own and many times there would be blank faces all around looking for a prompt, but not Bill.

When Fr Stan Shine became Parish Priest of Carbury in 1967 he was delighted to see the hall and set about forming a drama group almost immediately. He was an experienced director having produced and directed a number of plays with Two-Mile-House Drama group. It was decided to call the new group ‘The Carbury Players’. The late Sunny Kinsella and Des Farrell were founding members and their contribution to Carbury Players in the early years saw it go from strength to strength. In those early years the Carbury Players were very lucky to have a wonderful backstage team. The late Patsy Daly (Ticknevin), Teddy Mullally and Matt Daly were usually involved in set building and also Jack Brereton who was something of a perfectionist.

Paddy Lavery took care of stage lighting. During the festival season he usually procured a truck to carry the sets and equipment to venues and then set them up. Three hours later they would be on the road again having taken down everything and loaded the truck once again. Paddy was so versatile that there were times when he took a major role in the play as well as setting up the lights.

In Fr Shine’s time, Carbury Players have had many directors. The late Des Farrell (Edenderry) directed a number of plays as well as doing the stage make-up. Other directors included Michael Whelan (Edenderry), Edward Walker, (Allen), Enda Grace (Allenwood), Jim Lynam, Donal Hanley, Brendan Cummins and John McGuire who is now the group’s main
producer/director and often acts in the plays too.

There are many ways to contribute to the group – on-stage, back stage, make-up, sound, lighting, stage management and script holders. Carbury Players always welcome new members.