God Bless Archie Dean
The 2004 Davitt College Production
Purgatory & Probation
What do you do when you’re not good enough to get into Heaven and not bad enough to get into Hell? Relive Davitt College's 2004 production of God Bless Archie Dean.
■ The Story
This is the dilemma faced by poor old Archie Dean when he was prematurely killed in a train crash. With an eternity in Purgatory as the only option, Archie makes a deal with Toby, the Devil’s doorman. He is given one month of borrowed time back in his own world, during which he must commit a cardinal sin to earn his ticket to hell. The only problem is that Archie is so innately good that his attempts at Adultery, Theft, and Murder lead to the most ridiculous consequences.
■ The Production
Written and composed by Peter Kennedy, God Bless Archie Dean took to the stage at Davitt College, Castlebar, on March 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2004. Produced by Tommy O'Malley with musical direction by Phil Duffy, this original comedy-musical production once again showcased the incredible dedication of the Transition Year students and staff in maintaining Davitt College's proud theatrical tradition.
Musical Play
Written and directed by Belfast-born playwright Peter Kennedy.
Musical Items
An extensive score featuring ensemble pieces like the "Hell Suite" and "God Bless Archie Dean."
Student Project
A Transition Year initiative, with students involved in production, set building, costumes, and design.
Orchestra
Directed by Phil Duffy
Led by John Flatley, accompanied by Michael Buckton on guitar and Donal Hoban on percussion.
Musical Numbers
Relive the energy and rhythm of Peter Kennedy's original score performed across every 2004 show.
Act One
11 NumbersOverture
Orchestra
Hell Suite
Chorus and Dancers
One hell of a place is hell
Toby (Richard Loftus) & Dancers
What do you know
Archie Dean (Peter Mulligan) & Stella (Caitriona Walsh)
All alone
Archie Dean (Peter Mulligan)
Tonight's the night
Eddie Hope (Colin Kneafsy), Esther Hope (Laura Williams) & Chorus
You're the best thing
Eddie Hope (Colin Kneafsy) & Esther Hope (Laura Williams)
I was there
Toby (Richard Loftus)
People of the night
Chorus and Dancers
Rotten to the core
Stella (Caitriona Walsh) & Nathan (Brian McAndrew)
God bless Archie Dean
Gabriella (Laura Flynn) & Chorus
Act Two
13 NumbersEntr'acte
Orchestra
God bless Archie Dean - Reprise
Chorus
I only did what I thought I ought to do
Archie Dean (Peter Mulligan) & Chorus
Do it now
Stella (Caitriona Walsh) & Toby (Richard Loftus)
Life ain't easy
Toby (Richard Loftus) & Chorus
So Long ago
Grandma (Miss Edel Mullin)
Life ain't easy - Reprise
Toby (Richard Loftus) & Chorus
All alone - Reprise
Archie Dean (Peter Mulligan)
Beautiful funeral
Toby (Richard Loftus) & Dancers
Open your eyes
Gabriella (Laura Flynn)
Alleluia
Chorus
Another Angel
Gospel Singer (Mary Staunton) & Chorus
Finale
Full Company
Afterlife Archive Gallery
Explore highlights from our historical photo archive showcasing the cast, character portraits, choruses, and classic 2004 performances.
Hayley Grange who plays the part of Samantha
Edel Mullin who plays the part of Martha
Katrina Walsh who plays the part of Stella
Richard Lotus plays the part of Toby
Kevin Concannon, Shane Horan, Brian McAndrew and Alan Cannon - the Gangsters
Laura Flynn - Gabrielle
Tommy O'Malley & Phil Duffy
Peter Mulligan who plays the part of Archie Dean
Michelle Gibbons - Martha
Aidan Brogan - St. Peter
Michael Gibbons - The Cop
Brian McAndrews - Nathan
The Boys Chorus
The Girls Chorus
The Cast of God Bless Archie Dean
The Production Team
The creative leaders, directors, designers, and stage crew who brought God Bless Archie Dean to the stage[cite: 1].
Tommy O'Malley
Peter Kennedy
Phil Duffy
Seamus Swift & Aiden Brogan
David Nevin & TY Team
Pádraic Moran & Ian O'Callaghan
John Flatley & Co
Michael Buckton & Donal Hoban
Caitriona O'Donnell & Bernie Rowland
Tracy Britton
Tracy Britton, Deirdre Gibbons & Stephanie Kelly
Tracy Britton
Ann Marie O'Hora
Stephanie Kelly
Martin O'Boyle
Mary Greally & TY Girls
Administration & Support
Mark Jordan & Ioseph McGowan
Mary Nugent & Rita Callan
Mr. Patsy Noone
Ioseph McGowan
The Cast
Meet the talented student cast who brought the divine comedy, memorable characters, and heavenly afterlife of God Bless Archie Dean to our stage.
Peter Mulligan
Richard Loftus
Caitriona Walsh
Brian McAndrew
Laura Flynn
Mr. Aiden Brogan
Colin Kneafsy
Laura Williams
Michelle Gibbons
Haley Grange
Miss Edel Mullin
Mary Staunton
Elsa Fernandes (Zelda), Aine Basquille (Monica), John McDonagh (Mr. Smith), Karen Reilly (Mrs. Smith), Alan Kelly (Danny Malone), Ann Marie O'Hora (Sister Immaculate), Darragh Heverin (Charlie), Shane Horan (Knuckles), Michael Giblin (Cop), Kelly McArthur (Gloria Gladheart)
Alan Cannon, Kevin Concannon, Damon Cunningham, Ann Marie Flanagan, Alan Gibbons, Marion Hopkins, Leighvi Keenan, Stephen McLoughlin, Jamie Tierney, Daniel Fitzgerald, Jonathan Hoban, Sean Kilroy, Declan King, Jenny Kirkpatrick, Shane McHale, Paul Moran, Murphy Michelle, Caroline O'Malley, Alan Quinn, Karen Quinn, Graham Ruane, David Nevin, Peter Casby, Tommy O'Malley, Ger Munnelly, Edel Mullin & Aiden Brogan
Special Thanks
With sincere gratitude to everyone who supported, contributed, and assisted with our 2004 production of God Bless Archie Dean.
School Community
Principal Mr. Patsy Noone, staff, and students for making our divine comedy production a soaring success.
Stage & Construction
Seamus Swift, Aiden Brogan, David Nevin, Pádraic Moran, Ian O'Callaghan, and Transition Year students for set building and design.
Music & Orchestra
Musical Director Phil Duffy, orchestra leader John Flatley, Michael Buckton, Donal Hoban, and our talented student pit musicians.
Sponsors & Audience
Local Castlebar businesses, box office team, programme designers, and our loyal audience for supporting Davitt College arts.