John Chapman's slick, fast-moving comedy, Dry Rot, marks the 40th anniversary of the Gorey Little Theatre Group's popular summer show.
Held during July and August, the show has been performed in various venues across Courtown and Gorey since 1967, a record unmatched by any other drama group in Ireland, according to group member Malcolm Byrne.
The show now attracts up to 4,500 people and has become a major part of the rich artistic and cultural life of north Wexford.
Dry Rot has proved popular with this year's theatre enthusiasts. The comical farce follows the exploits of a trio of bookies who, to be near a racecourse, stay at a country hotel run by an eccentric retired colonel, his wife, their beautiful daughter and a belligerent maid.
The bookmakers try to make their fortune by substituting a doped horse for the favourite at a local racemeeting.
While the productions vary each year, from traditional Irish plays such as John B Keane's The Field to those with a modern flavour like Bernard Farrell's Kevin's Bed, each show aims to keep the audience smiling.
"The summer audiences always seem to enjoy comedies, so we choose productions that are light-hearted," Byrne said.
Those attending Dry Rot will have the pleasure of watching the show in the comfort of the recently-renovated theatre. With the help of locally-raised funds and a grant of €370,000 from the Department of Arts and Tourism, comfortable seating has been installed and a new office and dressing rooms have been added.
Dry Rot is running every Tuesday and Thursday night in Pearse Street, Gorey until the end of the month. Tickets available at the door.