PHOTOS College Players bring Ken Ludwig’s ‘Lend Me A Soprano’ to Lime Tree from November 5 to 8

College Players officially launches its Winter 2025 production, ‘Lend Me A Soprano’, coming to Lime Tree Theatre from November 5 to 8. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

College Players returns to Lime Tree Theatre with Ken Ludwig’s ‘Lend Me A Soprano’, this November 5 to 8

College Players has officially launched its Winter 2025 production. American playwright Ken Ludwig’s hilarious ‘Lend Me A Soprano’ will be performed at the Lime Tree Theatre from Wednesday, November 5, through Saturday, November 8, including a matinee on November 8.

This year’s production by Limerick’s oldest theatre company will see well-known Limerick theatre actor Brian McNamara take the reins as Director. This will be Brian’s first full length play in the Director’s chair and it’s no surprise that he is settling well in this new role!

The company has assembled another quality cast for the 2025 production. Regular College Players cast members include well known faces Caitriona Stack, Evelyn Cosgrave, Gillian Hunt, Deirdre Kiernan, Gary O’Hanlon, Helen Christie, and Dave Griffin. For this production we also welcome Darren O’Dea, who joins the cast for his College Players debut.

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Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Soprano has close ties to his smash-hit comedy Lend Me a Tenor, which left audiences in tears of laughter during our 2013 run here at the Lime Tree.

This fast-paced farce brims with mistaken identities, chaos, and second chances. Set in 1930s Cleveland, the story follows a local opera company preparing for a one-night-only performance starring a world-famous soprano. When the diva unexpectedly collapses just before curtain, her nervous assistant, Jo, must step in to save the show—while keeping the disaster under wraps.

What follows is a whirlwind of slamming doors, romantic confusion, and operatic mayhem, all delivered with Ludwig’s signature blend of wit, warmth, and comic precision.

“Ken Ludwig’s show-must-go-on comedy is a screwball delight, fast, furious and consistently funny.” — Houston Chronicle

“…a wonderful, farcical romp that will have you rolling in the aisles.” — MD Theatre Guide

With a set designed by Gerry Lombard, costumes by Jacinta Florish, lighting design by Michael Finneran, props by Brid Finn, and Stage Management by Brian Griffin, audiences can once again look forward to a quality-laden full-scale production for which College Players have gained a national reputation, over recent years. Behind these mentioned, sits a large and extremely busy team of production volunteers whose skills and passion for theatre we could not do without.

Since they were founded in 1926, ninety-nine years ago, the College Players’ mission has been to bring exciting classical and modern theatre to home audiences and further afield. The company encourages, develops, and delivers artistic theatre experiences to local and regional audiences. In so doing, the Company has established a vivid presence in the cultural life of Limerick City and beyond.

Speaking at the launch of the November production of Lend Me a Soprano, held at The Savoy Hotel, College Players Chairman Dave Griffin said, “We are delighted to be returning to the wonderful Lime Tree Theatre this November, following our successful run in 2024. Once again, the company is fortunate to have an experienced and talented cast who, we are confident, will deliver another memorable theatrical experience for Limerick audiences.

“A special welcome goes to our director, the wonderful Brian McNamara—well known to Limerick theatregoers as one of our finest leading actors, last seen in our 2024 production of All My Sons. Brian has embraced his new role with great energy and creativity, working closely with the cast and production team to bring this sparkling comedy to life. You’re in for a real treat at the Lime Tree Theatre from 5th–8th November.”

On behalf of College Players, Dave also voiced their particular appreciation for the welcome partnership of The GAFF, in Lord Edward Street, and the team led by Monica Spencer, who have been hugely collaborative in providing rehearsal, meeting and set-building facilities for the company throughout the production process. Dave also acknowledged and thanked two special guests for the launch – our esteemed Mayor John Moran, and our Special Guest Eve Stafford Limericks own Songbird Soprano.

Also speaking at the launch, director Brian McNamara said, “It’s a real eye-opener to be back in the rehearsal room with College — but this time as director. It’s been a hugely enjoyable experience so far. Bringing a comedy like this to life takes a lot of work, but it’s an absolute joy to collaborate with such a superb local cast. They’ve been wonderful to work with and have brought great energy and laughter to rehearsals.

It’s also a real pleasure to have the support of such an experienced production team, a hardworking committee, and dedicated volunteers across every department. This is teamwork at its finest!”

Limerick’s College Players presents Lend Me A Soprano at Limerick’s Lime Tree Theatre from Wednesday 5th to Saturday 8th November, including Matinee on Sat. 8th Nov. Tickets for the show are on sale now and can be purchased via the Lime Tree Theatre box office on 061 953400 or online. 

Pictures: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick