‘once A Catholic’ (Press, 9 February 1984)

The Riccarton Players staged "Once A Catholic," a play by Mary O’Malley directed by Doug Clarke at the Mill Theatre in Wise Street from 8 to 18 February 1984. The production featured a sizable cast of 19 characters, predominantly focusing on the experiences of three secondary schoolgirls attending a convent school in 1950s London. The play serves as a satirical examination of Catholicism and was noted for its witty and engaging dialogue, blending humour with an authentic portrayal of the girls' lives. The three central characters were portrayed by Ondine Claridge, Chris Stachurski, and Cathy Scully. Claridge’s character was depicted as the naïve and inquisitive girl, asking candid questions about topics such as sin and sexuality, which led to humorous situations. Stachurski’s character, Mary McGinty, presented a more rebellious persona who, despite having a Protestant boyfriend, clung to her desire to raise a Catholic family. Scully, playing Mary Flanagan, embodied the seemingly innocent girl who cleverly evaded blame for her mischief, navigating her relationship with her Catholic boyfriend. The performances of the nuns were crucial in portraying the rigid and often humorous nature of religious education. Judy Collins’ Mother Peter exhibited a gentle authority, while Leslie Hawkins' Mother Basil was the epitome of stern intolerance. Shirley Urlwin's portrayal of Mother Thomas Aquinas resonated with age and authority, serving as the Mother Superior. Patrick Paynter’s Father Mullarkey successfully balanced the role of a protective figure of Catholic purity with a more relaxed approach outside of the classroom, while Lee Hallman portrayed the assertive and somewhat chauvinistic boyfriend adeptly. Despite the cast's cohesive performance and the potential for the show to develop further, the production experienced some drawbacks, including length issues and pacing problems in the latter half. There were also moments where technical difficulties were evident, impacting the overall flow of the performance. Notably, a silent altercation between a nun and one of the girls was highlighted as an unusual choice, prompting suggestions for tighter editing of certain scenes, like the lengthy description of the Fatima miracle, to maintain audience engagement. Overall, "Once A Catholic" was a vibrant exploration of youthful curiosity and the contradictions of Catholic teachings, brought to life by a dedicated amateur cast who tackled the script’s complexities with flair, providing both humour and poignancy.

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