Ailbhe’s set for cracking show

Orla O’Driscoll

A NIGHT at the theatre was once regarded as a pastime for ‘dahlings’ and those with obese bank balances. 

However, Beaumont actress Ailbhe Cowley is keen to break down any remaining barriers of elitism and show the world that theatre is accessible to everyone. 

At 23-years-of-age, incorporating skills developed during a two-year acting course at The Gaiety School of Acting, Ailbhe brings her one woman show, ‘Kracked’, to the DLR Theatre in Dundrum.

Ailbhe says: “Young females are writing pieces and we are not being heard. There has been so much about female actors in recent months, and this is an opportunity to showcase our ability and let our voices be heard.”

‘Kracked’ uses comedy, improvisation, a smattering of audience interaction, grief, a hefty dash of drug dealing, and a goldfish bowl, to optimum effect, in this one-hour show.

“The idea was born, in a sense, out of desperation. I procrastinate a little bit,” she says with a grin. 

“So my manifest showcase for my final module was due, and even having two weeks to prepare something, I put it off to the last minute.”

‘Kracked’ was the result of that last-minute panic. 

Ailbhe says using props helps her idea generation, and for this show the prop was chocolate.

“I thought, there are so many ways to get away with drug dealing, but how do I portray that as a one woman show with a comedic element?” 

The play is the story of a 23-year-old inner city Dubliner called Sharin, who is coming to terms with the death of her uncle, who was her only guardian, and her best friend. 

Sharin is also the sole beneficiary of the ‘family business’ which is lucratively selling cocaine filled kit-kats.

Ailbhe says: “I had to decide how will Sharin deal with the pressure of moving her stock?” She laughs: “Like it’s a crime, and I had to factor all the elements of that into the thought process.” 

Ailbhe fell in love with acting in primary school. In her mid-teens she got involved with the Dublin Youth Theatre (DYT) and she knew then that acting was the career she wanted to pursue.

She says her parents’ support has been phenomenal. 

“They were great, they knew how much this meant to me. I got to learn in such a great school, although its nearly like an army camp, you are really pushed hard, but that’s what’s needed.”

Ailbhe also praises the practicalities of her acting course and how it incorporated promotional and marketing skills, money management and budgeting skills, and a good knowledge of who’s who among industry leaders.

Aiblhe notes: “Putting on a show is huge. Four of us started our company, called Jade productions, after our course. We all have a role. Without all of us putting in the work, this show would not be possible.”

Ailbhe hopes ‘Kracked’ warms the hearts of the audience and reminds them that “theatre is for everyone to enjoy”.

‘Kracked’ runs for one night only at the DLR Theatre in Dundrum – June 17 at 8pm.

Tickets for the show are available at www.milltheatre.ie