Dr Fell is on his way to Laois

FOURTH Wall Theatre Group are busy rehearsing for their upcoming stage production of the Bernard Farrell play ‘I do not like you Dr. Fell.’ 

The group take to the boards in the Dunamaise Arts Centre for two nights only, Thursday and Friday 15 and 16 May 8pm both nights. Tickets cost €18 and €16 concession rate.

The play, a black comedy with strong elements of thriller and mystery, is funny, gripping and highly entertaining. It centres around a group therapy session involving six people.

The six gather in a room for Encounter Therapy that promises to probe their lives. They get more than they bargained for when Joe Fell exposes their secrets in this send-up of American group therapy.

The group therapy session is led by the enigmatic and manipulative Suzy (Mary Dermody). The participants Joe Fell (John Kavanagh), Roger (Kevin Lalor-Fitzpatrick), Peter (Joe Murphy), Maureen (Alex O’Neal) and Rita (Maeve Heneghan) reveal more about themselves than they intended, leading to hilariously awkward situations.

Paddy (Michael Brennan) the Group Attendant, provides the ‘normal’ balance to the proceedings. Clashing egos and misunderstandings devolve into absurd confrontations creating tension between Susy’s calm demeanour and the chaos of the group members.

As Suzy applies increasing pressure, the cracks begin to show, and buried conflicts, resentments, and fears erupt.

The play balances absurdity with authenticity, keeping the audience laughing while reflecting on human nature's vulnerabilities and contradictions.

Themes of control and human vulnerability are explored, exposing a thin line between therapy and coercion.

Set in the 1980s, the play is a satire of the self-help culture and a hilarious commentary on power dynamics within supposed safe spaces.