IF the cast of Dublin Youth Theatre's Buzzin' To Bits wasn't such an energetic force to be reckoned with it could well have been overshadowed by the informal DYT reunion that took place at the opening night on Wednesday. Deirdre Molloy, fresh back from touring with Paul Mercier's Kitchensink, Joe Hanley, known to most as Hughie Phelan in Fair City and Anthony Brophy, who has just finished in Druid's Shooting The Crow, were just some of the ex-DYT clan cheering the next generation on.
Gerry Stembridge, artistic director of DYT, was coy about current writing projects but looked forward to celebrating DYT's 20th anniversary, when he hopes to gather members of the company old and new for a bumper performance of a Shakespearean play. Gerry is also one of the many people buzzin' about Mark O'Rowe, author of Buzzin To Bits and a name to watch - he has been commissioned to write plays for Fishamble Theatre Company as well as the Abbey - and he has a screenplay or two up his sleeve.
Barabbas's Veronica Coburn directed the play and seemed not in the least bit cowed by the number of fellow directors present. Bedrock's Jimmy Fay was there his role as director of a play in the Peacock in this year's theatre festival will make a change from his chaotic role last year as director of the Fringe festival. Pan Pan theatre company's director Gavin Quinn was also there, along with Charlie O'Neill, stage designer and director of the recent production of Rosie And Starwars
Alan Farquarharson was another designer and another DYT connection in the crowd; as well as his Eurovision credits Alan has designed several shows for the company.
The reunion spirit continued after the show as most of the audience, including DYT founder and board member Paddy O'Dywer, film maker Vinny Murphy and musician/composer Trevor Knight moved up the road to Keatings pub for a champagne toast.