'One Wife Too Many' brings comic chaos to Corn Mill Theatre

Laughter, mayhem and plenty of distractions are about to descend on the Corn Mill Theatre as One Wife Too Many prepares to open its doors to audiences Friday 13th, Sunday 15th, Thursday 19th, Friday 20th & Saturday 21st March. Directed by Sonia Silverbeck, the three-act comedy by Jimmy Keary promises fast-paced fun, recognisable Irish characters and the kind of light relief many feel is badly needed right now.

Silverbeck, who has been directing for the past decade, is known for tackling darker, socially driven material with her theatre company, The Rabbits Riot, based in Manorhamilton. This production, however, marks a welcome change of pace. “I usually direct much darker work,” she explains. “There’s always comedy in it, but it’s normally layered into something intense or dealing with social issues. So it’s really fun to be working on a straight comedy with an adult cast.”

The script was selected by the Corn Mill group, with Sarah Slattery championing it before asking Silverbeck to come on board as director. “I’m really enjoying it,” she says. “It’s quite rare to have a modern script with so many female characters. Scripts are often very male-heavy, so having lots of women in the chaos of this story is great fun.”

And chaos is exactly what audiences can expect. At the centre of the story is Shane — a man determined to propose to the love of his life. There’s just one problem. “Shane wants to propose,” Silverbeck laughs, “but distractions keep getting in the way. Women from every angle seem to be throwing themselves at him — even ones he didn’t realise were in his life. His fear of losing his fiancée makes everything spiral.”

While Silverbeck regularly directs pantomimes at Christmas, this marks her first full-length adult comedy. “It’s my first proper three-act adult comedy,” she says. “With kids’ shows it’s different — you’re their person for the whole run. With adults, everyone has their act together. It’s quite freeing.”

She credits Sarah Slattery with assembling what she describes as a “fabulous cast”. “The biggest challenge is always casting — making sure everyone gels and that the characters come together in a way that works. But every character here has nailed it.”

As opening night approaches, Silverbeck admits she feels more excitement than nerves. “I don’t really get nervous. I get excited. It’s like — we made it. We’re here.” And while she may not attend every performance, one of her favourite moments comes after the final curtain falls. “After the final get-out, when the theatre is completely empty and the chaos has settled — I love that moment. It’s just quiet. It’s really special.”

With the world feeling heavy at times, Silverbeck believes comedy has an important role to play. “The world needs silly,” she says. “We need comic relief. This is that. It’s light, it’s fun, and people will leave in a good mood.” One Wife Too Many opens soon at the Corn Mill Theatre. Audiences are encouraged to book early for what promises to be a lively and laughter-filled run.

READ MORE: Sligo paramedics launch petition after HSE refuses permanent contracts