The Curse of the Button Accordion 

Written and performed by Sharon Mannion

2019

Comedian Sharon Mannion (Bridget and Eamon - RTE) pens a hilarious show based on her worries, fears and adventures growing up in a Roscommon village.

Will she live up to the expectations of her ex-showband star father and her Midwest FM radio-loving mother?  On receiving a shiny button accordion, Sharon is thrust into the local limelight. But things soon turn sour, when she starts to wonder if 'Frank the Accordion' might have her cursed.

This eventful coming of age tale explores the calamitous consequences of forging deep, complex feelings for an inanimate object.

This is a laugh out loud play inspired by Sharon's own experiences growing up in rural Roscommon. In this heart warming coming-of-age tale Sharon introduces us to the weird and wonderful characters that have influenced her life, not least of all Frank, her button accordion.

After eighteen months of development 'The Curse' has thrilled audiences in theatres across the country including: Roscommon Arts Centre; Mermaid Arts Centre - Bray; Riverbank Arts Centre - Newbridge; The New Theatre - Dublin; dlr Mill Theatre - Dundrum; The Dock - Carrick-on-Shannon; St John’s Theatre - Listowel; Friars’ Gate Theatre - Killmallock; Trinity Arts Centre, Castlerea; Wexford Arts Centre; Visual: Bernard Shaw Theatre - Carlow; Ballygar Arts Centre, Co Galway; Nenagh Arts Centre; Whale Theatre - Greystones.

Director: Matthew Ralli, Lighting Design: Paul Doran, Sound Consultant: Carl Kennedy, Producer: Melissa Nolan, Touring technicians: Shannon Cowan & Darragh Brennan.

"Mannion enthralls and engrosses the audience in what is a faultless performance...riotous laughter..."  The Reviews Hub

Sharon Mannion

Sharon is an actor, comedian and improvisor from Co. Roscommon. She is best known for her comedy TV work: 'Bridget and Eamon' (RTE), 'Trojan Donkey' (Channel 4/RTE), Callans Kicks (RTE), Moone Boy (Sky 1) and Damo & Ivor (RTE). 

She won Best Stand Up award at the inaugural Fr. Ted Festival and has been a finalist in both the UK & Ireland Funny Women and Bulmers Comedy Festival stand up competitions.

Sharon performs weekly for The Dublin Comedy Improv (International Bar, Dublin) 

Roscommon County Council & Roscommon arts centre

Sharon Mannion was awarded a bursary from Roscommon County Council to develop her initial thirty minute script into a full-length play. The premiere performance in her home town was proudly supported by Roscommon Arts Centre.