Some assembly required for charming new play

A heart warming play blending humour, nostalgia, and a healthy dose of flatpack assembly is coming to Cork city early next month.

Written by Brendan Griffin, ‘Broby Laundry Basket (Model 7800)’ is running at the Cork Arts Theatre in Cork city from 8-11 July.

The play is directed by Hanan Sheedy and is a production of Midleton-based drama troupe Featherbowl Theatre Group, whose name is inspired by the Kindred Spirits monument in the town.

The story focuses on Noel and Lily who have been married for 34 years and for whom life is comfortable and predictable in the best possible way. That is, until a ghost from the summer of 1986 decides to sprint back into the spotlight.

It all begins innocently enough. Noel lands a role in an over 55s life assurance television advertisement. A proud moment, surely. But the cameras accidentally unlock a national (and soon international) curiosity. Suddenly, Noel’s early morning, very carefree jogging from back in his college days becomes the basis of a media frenzy. Noel does what any self-respecting man confronted with a decades old revelation would do: he retreats into the quiet, meditative world of flatpack furniture assembly. The Broby Laundry Basket becomes Noel’s fortress.

Lily, meanwhile, finds herself pulled in two directions. She wants to support Noel, but the chaos also stirs something in her—a long dormant awareness that life still has surprises, and maybe she’s ready for a few.

‘Broby Laundry Basket (Model 7800)’ blends humour and heart. It’s a story about the things we hide, the truths that catch up with us, and the unexpected ways we rebuild—sometimes with an Allen key.

The play will see writer Brendan Griffin and actors Ann Dorgan and John Morgan, who have all worked in the original Cork Arts Theatre, collaborating with the younger creatives, director Hanan Sheedy and set designer Hannah Lane.

As the Cork Arts Theatre celebrates 50 years in operation, Brendan recalls serving his play writing apprenticeship in the early days of the theatre.

He said: “Through various aspect of its programming, the theatre provided opportunity for writers, actors, directors, designers to practice their art.

“It was a place to try things out, to get feedback, to develop. It was a place to collaborate, be part of a community of people who had a shared fascination for live theatre. It was a place to stay behind afterwards and enjoy the post play chat.”

‘Broby Laundry Basket (Model 7800)’ at the Cork Arts Theatre will run from 8-11 July at 8pm each night, with additional 1pm shows on 9 and 10 July.

Evening shows cost €18, and lunchtime shows cost €15 or €20 with lunch. For bookings, visit corkartstheatre.com.