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Tuesday 5 March 2024 at 7.30pm (doors open 7.15pm) THE MIRACLE CLUB (12) 90 mins Director: Thaddeus O'Sullivan Starring: Maggie Smith, Laura Linney, Kathy Bates, Agnes O'Casey Synopsis: Ballygar, Ireland, 1967. A hard-knocks community in outer Dublin marches to its own beat, rooted in traditions of loyalty, faith and togetherness. There's just one tantalising dream for the women of Ballygar to taste freedom and escape the gauntlet of domestic life: to win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes. And with a little benevolent interference from their cheeky and rebellious priest, close friends Lily, Eileen, Dolly and Sheila are the 'lucky' few to win this ticket of a lifetime at their riotous local raffle night.
Having never even left Dublin - let alone Ireland - the journey provides our heroines the chance to let their hair down, celebrate life and delight in some sweet independence. But it's not all just a 'jolly': the women have a very important role to play when they arrive in Lourdes - to act as 'pushers' for the seriously ill and disabled pilgrims, there to bathe in the town's healing springs. And it's also a chance to reflect on their own lives, with each of the women in search of their own personal miracles. But when they are joined by Chrissie, recently returned from a decades-long exile in the USA, deep wounds from the past are re-opened, and bitter truths exposed. As they confront one another and embrace their past, these women realise that the miracle they have all been looking for is right in front of them: in the strength of their friendships and unshakeable togetherness. Truly joyous, uplifting, hilarious and aspirational - and an invitation to meet our heroines, all just as funny, messy, vocal and flawed as ourselves - The Miracle Club empowers us all to communicate, love and laugh, and discover that we are only as strong as the friends and family who stand by us. Awards: Reviews: "Maggie Smith steals the show; the 88-year-old actress is a delight in this Irish film – conveying so much humour, and contempt." NEW STATESMAN "All the drama in this well-intentioned drama comes from the stella cast" THE OBSERVER |
