Download the Alley Theatre Events Guide
It's Panto Time in Strabane as Ali Baba and his Thieves
Launch New Spring 2012 Guide
It may be coming up to Christmas but we are springing forward as the Alley Theatre Spring Programme is out now filled with great drama, dance, comedy, live music and children’s theatre. Sponsors of the Alley Theatre, Caffé Fresco and Craft Recruitment joined some of the cast of forthcoming panto Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves to launch the guide.
To download the Spri
ng 2012 Guide Click Here
Wonderful Exhibitions
The Alley Theatre will have a range of excellent art exhibitions on show in the award winning gallery including exhibitions from The Ulster Sports Museum, Brendan O’Neill and Antonio Julio Lopez Castro, these are followed by exhibitions focusing on The Influence of Flann O’Brien on the Visual Arts and The ‘Titanic 100’ Exhibition which will celebrate the work of R.J. Welch. For more information on exhibtions click here
Panto Season
The new season opens up with Strabane’s Biggest Community Panto – Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves by Puddle Alley Stage School from Friday 13th – Saturday 21st January. The story tells of Poor Ali Baba who is worried that the evil El Scorpio and his 40 thieves will steal the little money he has saved to pay his rent. While trying to avoid the advances of Fatima Kebab, Ali attempts to help the intrepid Professor Jones and his daughter Polyanna find the cursed tomb of King Pomegranate. This clever version of the traditional tale is crammed with jokes for young and old alike perfect fun for the whole family. Click Here for more information.
Great Drama
As always the Spring programme is crammed packed with great drama. Kicking off in January as the ‘One Act Drama Festival’ comes to the Alley for the first time featuring The Droitwich Discovery performed by The Clarence Players, The Browning Version performed by The Holywood Players and The Trees They Grow so High performed by the Belvoir Players. It’s a night not to be missed for drama lovers.
This is followed by ‘Remembrances’ in February, written by Jonathan Burgess this story focuses on the lasting legacy of First World War in Ireland North and South.
The Alley gives young performers their opportunity to shine as StageWrite is back for another successful year as we give eight schools the opportunity to write and perform their own plays. This is followed by the North West Schools Drama Festival as we feature the cream of acting talent from schools from Omagh, L’Derry, Strabane and Donegal.
The Strabane Drama Festival always a major event in the Alley Spring programme will take place from Friday 16th March to Saturday 24th March. Expect nine nights of wonderful drama as productions from all over Ireland come together to compete for title of Best Play.
Comedy
Colin Murphy will take to the stage on Friday 10th February with his brand new stand up show. Another wonderful comedian Karl Spain will also be performing in the Alley on Saturday 28th April. Limerick comedian Karl is a regular on shows such as the Panel and has recently hosted the RTE series Karl Spain Wants to Rock.
Superb Music
Music gigs this season will feature an intimate evening in the Alley Café Bar with Corncrakes. Corncrakes from Belfast fuses together acoustic and pop influences.
For country lovers the Alley has a treat in store as Dominic Kirwin will be taking to the stage on Saturday 10th March joined by special guest Louise Morrissey.
The North West Music Festival will take place from Friday 30th March to Saturday 31st March with workshops and performances by the North West Youth Brass Band and Quintabile Brass Band followed by the prestigious Brass Band League Championship.
Legendary singer/songwriter Tommy Sands will be performing in the Alley Café Bar on Saturday 14th April. Tommy has become one of Ireland’s most powerful songwriters and enhancing performers.
This is followed by James Huish and his Michael Bublé Band on Saturday 11th May. This is a must see for all Michael Bublé fans as this tribute show is less of a tribute and more a re-enactment and direct replication of the man himself.
Children’s Performances
Cahoots NI Children’s Theatre Company is back with a brand new production ‘A Spell of Cold Weather’ on Saturday 3rd March. This theatre production for young children is fun filled, heart warming and is a magical adventure. 
Other children’s performances include ‘Beauty and the Beast’ by Muchado Stage School, ‘Wizard of Oz’ by St Mary’s Girls Primary School and a ‘Musical Extravaganza’ by St Mary’s Boys Primary School.
For more information on all performances click here
Workshops
An array of workshops will take place over the spring season including drama, decorative felting, introduction to photography and textile printing and jewellery making. Click Here for full workshop listings
Emma Devine Marketing Officer commented ‘This is a jam packed season with something to suit everyone. Pick up your copy now, tickets are on sale now so why not treat your loved ones to the perfect Christmas present. Early booking is recommended for some shows to avoid disappointment. Caffé Fresco also has a pre –theatre menu available from Thursday to Sunday nights to make your theatre night complete’
To Download the Spring 2012 Guide Click Here
Tickets Now on Sale for Great
Autumn/Winter Events!!!
The new Alley Theatre autumn/winter programme will be landing on our doorsteps very soon but here is a quick preview on what is coming up over the next six months.
Superb music is in store as the Alley Café Bar will host a range of music events over the next couple of months including Summer Jazz nights, David Oliver, Anthony Toner and Sounds Like Summer presents The Homecoming.
A perfect setting to catch up with friends, have a few drinks and unwind to a varied programme of entertainment.
A wide range of festivals will also be on offer over the coming months including The Johnny Crampsie Festival, Flan O’Brien Centenary Celebrations and Culture Night. Strabane District will take part in their first ever Culture Night on 23rd 
September joining 28 other cities across Ireland in a night of free events such as music, dance and exhibitions to name but a few. Check out the Culture Night Strabane Facebook page on www.facebook.com/culturenightstrabane for further information.
To celebrate the Centenary of Flann O’Brien Strabane District Council, The Alley Theatre, Gaelphobal, Strabane Gaelscoil, Strabane History Society and NI Libraries have compiled a programme of talks, discussions and performances designed to explore the life and work of Strabanes most famous sons. In October the Johnny Crampsie Festival is back for another great line up which will include C.R.A.I.C playing live sessions as well as Four Men and A Dog taking to the stage.
The new season opens up with some fantastic shows including ‘Irelands Funny Man’ Conal Gallen with his brand new show; this is followed Britain’s Got Talent Star RJ Woolsey as he plays tribute to 5 outstanding rock legends including Meatloaf, Dire Straits and Queen. An evening of glam and frolics will take to the stage as the wonderful Foyle Follies are back with special guests.
Both stunning and freaky mind reader David Meade will be coming to the Alley for the first time, this is expected to be a sell out show after the success of his BBC TV show the David Meade Project so early booking is advisable.
Comedy and laughs are in store in November and December as Colin Murphy and Jake O’Kane take to the stage with their brilliant new shows.
For the younger audience there is plenty to see coming up to Christmas as the magnificent Cahoots NI are back with their new production ‘Egg’ A delightful new theatre production for young children with magic, live music and plenty of action. Other children shows include ‘Santa and the Present Pirates’, ‘Stars in your Eyes’ by Strabane Academy and ‘Disney Classics’ in aid of Foyle Hospice.
The magic of Christmas comes alive as European Ballet presents ‘The Nutcracker’, highly respected dancers from all over the world will perform in this beautiful production.
Community participation plays a winning role in this season programme with shows such Castlederg Leading Men and Strabane Community Panto looking for people to take part no matter what your experience. For more information on how to take part please contact the Alley Theatre on 028 71 384444.
Winter wouldn’t be the same without Christmas concerts such as The Showstoppers and The Christmas Carol Concert all in aid of Marie Curie
For further information or to book tickets click here or contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444
To Download your Copy Click Here
Summer 2011
The Alley Summer Programme gets all
Jazzed Up.
Summer has started with a packed programme launched by Local Jazz Band 'Jazz Gazette'.
This summer the Alley has something for everyone starting off with last bank holiday in April with Frankie Gavin & DeDannan who will be performing on 29th April followed by top class comedian Jeremy Hardy on 30th April. Jeremy who is a regular both on TV and Radio shows such as Radio Fours NewsQuiz and QI will be making a one off stop to the North West so it’s definitely a show not to be missed. To download the guide click here
May has drama, music, comedy and great family shows. Blue Eagle Productions presents the Exodus on Thursday 12th May. Written and directed by Jonathan Burgess this tells the story of Protestant people living on the west bank of the River Foyle that moved away from the cityside between 1969 and 1973.
Schools from all over the Strabane District will be taking to the stage on Thursday 19th May in aid of Foyle Hospice for a special concert ‘Long Live Abba’. Pupils from St Columba’s Primary School, Killen Primary School, Sion Mills Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School, Cloughcor will be joined by special guests Jim Devine, Chloe Wilders and Rachel Crowe for a wonderful night of all the old favourite Abba songs. Traditional Irish Music lovers are in for a real treat as The High Kings will be coming to the Alley on Saturday 21st May. The High Kings have took America by storm and have sold out hundred of shows in Ireland and the US as well as having achieved platinum status with both albums. This is a must see show and early booking is advisable. Early booking is also advisable for star of Father Ted Ardal O’Hanlon who will be taking to the stage on Sunday 22nd May. This award winning comedian brings his latest tour to Strabane after sell out shows in Australia and the UK.
June is packed with music with the Sounds Like Summer competition kicking off on the 10th June. Entries from all over Ireland will be taking to the stage with heats on 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th June with the grand final on 24th June. The winners will receive a professionally recorded record as well as an accompanying video shoot. Past winners have included Kind Coma, Pavessi and Turbulent Eddy who have all gone on to great success.
Strabane Fair Day will be kicking off on Saturday 25th June with a fun packed day including a food and craft market in the Alley Court Yard. To round off the day there will be a FairDay Ceili and Old Time Dance in the Alley Theatre at 9p.m.
During the Summer months of July and August come and chill in the Alley Café Bar to some wonderful nights of Jazz. Commencing on 22nd July and running until 26th August this is a perfect opportunity to listen to live jazz in an intimate setting.
Conal Gallon makes a welcome return on Saturday 3rd September. Conal is back with his brand new show so expect side splitting stories and wonderful songs.
Emma Simpson Marketing Officer commented ‘As well as a packed programme full of wonderful shows we also have some excellent exhibitions on show. At the moment the renowned Maurice Harron is exhibiting with ‘Reflection of Form’ a wonderful exhibition of all his famous sculptures as well as many of his smaller scale pieces. Other fantastic exhibitions coming up include ‘The Journey of the Hysterectic Woman’ by Sonia Whitefield, Strabane District Schools Exhibition, ‘The Journey’ by Anthony Pilbro and Strabane District Camera Club with their latest exhibition.’
To download the latest Summer
Guide Click Here
Aladdin and his crew help
launch the Spring 2011 Events Guide!
The Alley Theatre went Panto crazy this month, as Aladdin and his crew delivered the new Alley Theatre Events Guide 2011 to Chairperson of Strabane District Council, Cllr Michaela Boyle.
TO DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE CLICK HERE!
The Alley Theatre, a facility of Strabane District Council, has a packed programme between December to April 2011, including top drama productions from Bruiser Theatre Company, The 25th Strabane Drama Festival, comedy from Jeremy Hardy and Brendan Grace, music for Trad legends De Dannan, Kintra, StageWrite and ballet with Ballet UK and Cinderella.
"This January the Alley will also be welcoming Puddle Alley and its cracking new panto, Aladdin, the biggest community panto Strabane has seen in 25 years" commented John Kerr, The Alley Theatre manager.
"This season we have a full programme of top shows, complemented with a wonderful exhibition programme. Artworks set to go on display at the Alley will feature some of the best up and coming artists from the UK, Europe and Asia. The initmate venue will also host a large number of established artists, including the highly respected Maurice Harron, famous for his "Tinnies" statues in Strabane." For more information on exhibitions click here.
"Interested in getting involved? Well the Alley is also offering a superb array of top art workshops for all ages, ranging from DJ workshops, drama classes, painting, dance and lots more. For more information on workshops, please click here.
"Last season we saw excellent attendance levels, something which we know will continue into 2011. As always we have an excellent mixuture of music, drama, comedy and dance, however we always urge early bookings from patrons."
To view a full listings of all the shows coming to the Alley click here or click here to download the new guide.
New Alley Winter Events Guide
set to sparkle this season!
The new Alley Theatre Winter Events Guide was launched this week by Vice Chair of Strabane District Council, Cllr Thomas Kerrigan, at the award winning Strabane venue with the help of Paul Coyle and Laura Patton from P. G McGillion Motors of Sion Mills, sponsors of the Alley Theatre and the North West Irish fusion Trad group Kintra, who perform at the Alley on August 7th.
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To download the new guide click here.
“The new Autumn/Winter events guide will be distributed from August 6th onwards, however tickets have already gone on sale for a host of new shows at the Alley!” commented John Kerr, Manager of the Alley Theatre. “We now only have limited tickets for the hit new Scottish comedian, Kevin Bridges, star of Channel 4’s “Stand Up For The Week” and Michael McIntyre’s “Comedy Roadshow”. Tommy Fleming returns after a 12 month break to sing a collection of some of his greatest hits on September 11th, while The Fureys and Davey Arthur set to take centre stage at the Johnny Crampsie Festival on October 21st””
“The Alley is always at the heart of the local community and once again 
we have a vast selection of shows including top local performers, school children and talented local actors. Castlederg’s Much Ado Stage School will be appearing for 4 nights with the hit West End show Annie in November, while the Strabane Marie Curie Cancer Care branch will be hosting two fundraising events over the Christmas period, one of which will include the magical Derg Valley Choir and St Joseph brass Band. Comedy will play a great theme this season with Kevin Bridges, Conal Gallen, Tim McGarry and Kevin McAleer all set to appear in this season. We are particularly delighted to welcome Des Bishop to the Alley for his new stand up show, My Dad Was Nearly James Bond, a fantastic show which has stormed Australia this year and is set to entertain at the Edinburgh Festival. Des will be with us on November 26th, so early booking recommended.”
“We have some fantastic musicians appearing this season. From the world’s finest, Ulster Orchestra, the superb Tommy Fleming, Trad fusion group Kintra (August 7th), to the infectious sounds of the Johnny Crampsie Music Festival, we will have something for everyone. A particular high point of the season will be the return of Ballet Ireland, who will be performing the world famous ballet “Romeo and Juliet” (Oct 27th), a must see for all dance fans. Don’t forget if you like your music with a bit more sparkle, glitz and glamour, then you can’t miss the Foyle Follies, the show everyone will be talking about, as they share their hit show with Strabane patrons for the first time on December 3rd at the intimate Alley Theatre.”
Brian McGillion from P.G McGillion Motors commented “The Alley is a tremendous resource for the district and this season has some wonderful shows, exhibitions and workshops on offer for all ages. As a local businessmen and parent I feel the Alley is doing great work towards the regeneration of the district and promoting the talent we have here in the North West.”
John Kerr concluded. “For the young ones we have the hit children’s theatre group Cahoots NI coming to perform the magical show “Leon and the Place Between”, City Theatre Dublin with “A Wish For Santa” and we have also just release tickets for the hit wrestling bout, the American Invasion Tour! Featuring a host of top names from the USA, Mexico, Japan and Europe, the last time the tour appeared in Strabane we had a special appearance from Goliath, star of Sky 1’s Gladiators. The final line up has yet to be announced, however expect a right royal rumble in the Alley on October 14th with all wrestling fans urged to book early for great seats”
“This season the Alley has some of its most ambitious shows and exhibitions planned for the intimate theatre and gallery space, including the launch of the new Strabane and District Camera Club Exhibition ( August 9th onwards). If you want to find out what’s coming to the Alley, check out the Alley website at www.alley-theatre.com, become a friend of the Alley on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thealleytheatre or check out the new brochure, available from August 6th.
Let's start enjoying the sumertime!
As we try to put behind us the cold winter and wet Spring, what bett
er way to get ready for the summer than by checking out what top shows are coming to the Alley this summer!
From the hit comedy of Jason Byrne, Conal Gallen and Adrian Knight, the Alley will also welcome top music from Kila, The Wall's Brothers and Sounds Like Summer, supported by the Strabane Chronicle.
If you are a drama fan, then you are in for a real treat as the Alley welcomes the world famous Belfast Lyric Theatre and their new production of "The Miser", directed by Dan Gordon and starring Scottish film and TV actor, Andy Gray.
In our exhibition and gallery space the Alley will be welcoming the poignant Anne Frank Exhibition, an internationally acclaimed exhibition which has inspired a new generation around the UK.
This groundbreaking exhibition not only looks at the effects of the Holocaust, the legacy left by Anne Frank, but how society today is still having to fight to protect human rights.
This is only a small snapshot of the new summer programme, to find out more about what's coming to the Alley, click here to download you new copy!
The Alley's 2010 Spring Guide
has arrived!
Strabane's Alley Theatre is delighted to reveal the new Spring 2010 Events Guide is out now and available to download!
The Alley will be welcoming a host of stars this in the Springtime including top stand up Colin Murphy, the McPeake Band, Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club, the North West's leading arts festival, the Strabane Drama Festival and Give My Head Peace.
"The guide is now available online by, with patrons receiving a copy via the post in the next few days" commented Nathan Flatman from the Alley. "We have a great line up in 2010 which I know will once again cement our reputation as the jewel of the North West!"
To download the 2010 Spring guide click here.
The Alley Autumn/Winter Guide Out Now!
We are delighted to annouce our Autumn/Winter tickets have gone on sale early via the Alley Theatre website and Alley Box office (tel 028 7138 4444).
Tickets will only be available for shows which are appearing up until December 30th.
So what can you expect this year from the Alley? Click here to download the new Autumn/Winter Events Guide!
The Ulster Orchestra, The Hothouse Flowers, PJ Gallagher, Cinderella, Flann O’Brien’s play “The Poor Mouth” starring Ambrose the Pig and The Johnny Crampsie Traditional & Bluegrass Festival are just some of the treats in store for North West patrons at Strabane’s Alley Theatre this autumn. Now recognized as one of the leading theatres within North Ireland, the Alley, situated in the heart of Strabane has announced the new 2009, which is set to be distributed from July 31st has features a variety of acts and festivals which will appeal to everyone and all ages.
“The Alley has gained a wonderful reputation since we opened in 2007 for offering the very best in drama, music, comedy and arts development and we are delighted that this new events guide reinforces our commitment to not only developing the arts within Strabane, but offering local people a great night out and drawing in patrons from across the island of Ireland to our wonderful venue and town” commented Nathan Flatman, Marketing officer at the Alley. “This 
season we are delighted to welcome back the world famous Ulster Orchestra for a special festive performance, whilst Flash Harry will have the venue rocking with the very best in Queen in December. The venue is set to host the landmark music festival, The Johnny Crampsie Traditional and Bluegrass Festival, featuring Donegal’s Dalltach, who will be performing the very best in Irish traditional music and the addictive bluegrass band Woodbine.”
“The North West is famous for its humour, so the Alley has a packed comedy programme, which will include comedy legends Conal Gallen, Brendan Grace and the infamous P.J Gallagher. All three acts are hugely popular in the North West so early booking are always advisable.”
“Drama will once again lead the way at the Alley this season, with Martin McDonagh’s “A Skull in Connemara” set to be performed by one of the UK’s leading theatre groups, Love and Madness, who return after last years successful Romeo and Juliet. Strabane’s literary heritage will be celebrated with a celebration of the life and works of Flann O’Brien and a performance of one of his well known pieces “A Poor Mouth”, which will be performed in Irish, with Irish translations sets available in the evening. The Poor Mouth tells the story about a poor farmer who has to deal with an naughty pig, Ambrose, who is literally eating him out of house and home. The Alley celebrates this story of Flann O'Brien and the heritage to the Alley site, which is an old pig and cattle market, with their statue, "Where Dreams Go", known locally as Ambrose the Pig. "
"This will be a unique chance to celebrate Flann O’Brien, who is now seen as one of the most influential writers in Irish literary history”. The New Alley Events guide is available online at www.alley-theatre.com/about-us/brochure or from the Alley Box office from July 31st."
If you want advance notice when tickets go on sale, click here and register for the Alley E-news service.
The Alley Theatre Summer Guide
Packed full of top names from the world of comedy, music, drama, the Alley will be offering something for everyone this Spring!
Click here to download the new Alley Summer Events Guide.
For further information please contact the Alley Box Office on 028 7138 4444 or click here to contact the Alley Box office via email
The Alley Theatre Summer Events Guide is out now!
With a mouth watering comedy line up this summer the Alley is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces as the intimate venue welcomes RTE’s “Anonymous” and “The Panel” comedy legend Jason Byrne, fellow “Panel” stand up comedian Neil Delamere and the hilarious new comedy “Mrs Whippy” starring Mary McEvoy from RTE’s Glenroe.
Mrs Whippy is a This moving, heart-warming and funny show focuses on Emelda O’Grady, a 46 year old woman dealing with five difficult sons, a split marriage and a new job.The soothing sounds of a Mr. Whippy van arrive at just the right time for Emelda, only now it’s not just the ice-cream that is her only true friend. Cecelia Ahern, writer of the blockbuster “P.S I Love You!” mixes laughter with tears in equal measure in Mrs Whippy, creating a humorousportrait of a woman finding her own place in the world. Not to be missed
For music fans the Alley welcomes back the breathtaking sound of Chris Kavanagh in his special 25thAnniversary concert “The Legend of Luke Kelly” featuring a special song “Voice of the People" to commemorate the passing of one of Ireland’s greatest singers, Luke Kelly. Lúnasa , the Irish trad band, hailed as the “New Gods of Irish Music” by MOJO magazine drop in for a special one night appearance, while the Rubber Plants return for their unique tribute to the masters of rock 2Led Zeppelin. While “Sounds Like Summer”, supported by the Strabane Chronicle, returns in August for a breathtaking series of top gigs which will not only profile the very best unsigned bands within the North West, but also enable the winning band to make their mark on the music industry with a fantastic music prize.
Josef Locke, Pavarotti and Mario Lanza fans will not be disappointed with the news that the Tony St John will be stopping at the Alley during his Irish tour to sing some of the greatest songs ever written, expect to hear those unforgettable songs “Nessun Dorma”, “Be My Love” and” Hear My Song”, as he offers his own unique tribute to three of the worlds greatest singers. Staying on the classical theme, the Alley is delighted to bring a new production of “The Barber of Seville” to North West, a fantastic production which will feature the costumes from Oscar winner, to the North West for the first time. Sung in English, Rossini's sparkling masterpiece has all the ingredients - secret lovers, magical music, wonderful costumes, elaborate disguises, intrigue, clandestine meetings, all mixed up with a fantastic comedy storyline. Michael O’Conner, Opera UK’s costume designer for “The Merry Widow” and this up-coming production of “The Barber of Seville” last night won the coveted Oscar for Best Costume Design for the film "The Duchess" following on from his win as Best Costume Design for the same film at the Bafta Awards earlier this month. Opera UK are delighted for Michael and his continuing support as an Artistic Associate with Opera UK.
Martin Lynch will be bringing his new play “The Chronicles of Long Kesh” to the Alley in June. Telling the story of Long Kesh/The Maze prison, the audience is taken on a journey through the eyes of the Prison Officers, Loyalists, Republicans and a rich assortment of patriots, chancers, leaders, wives, escapers and hypochondriacs. The Chronicles of Long Kesh is a powerful, painful and, at times, hilarious story which has performed to sell out audiences across Ireland. This will be a guaranteed sell out, so early booking is advisable.
For one night only! Irelands very own hypnotist Richard Morrow will be joining forces with one of Britain’s finest and fastest stage hypnotist’s around Christopher Caress who between them guarantee to take you on breathtaking magical adventure of the mind! This two-man show is fast paced, hilarious and a theatrical adventure. With Richards dazzling showmanship and Christopher’s sense of humour and charismatic charm between them they create magic on stage leaving any audience buzzing with excitement. Christopher has just returned to the UK form a series of sell of Las Vegas shows and is looking forward to touring Ireland throughout the summer.
Family shows are always at the heart of the Alley season and this year is no exception, with the arrival of the BBC smash hit “Little Howard and the Magic Pencil of Life and Death”.Perrier - nominated comedian Big Howard and his animated 6 year-old sidekick Little Howard will be the “must have” ticket for primary school children across the North West, as we find Little Howard finally meeting his maker – “The Pencil of Creation”, but with great power comes great responsibility, and on the other end Little Howard finds …... The Rubber of Doom! Determined to rub out the cheeky chap out for good, will the Rubber of Doom succeed or will our cheeky hero save the day.
“This is only a small selection of shows which are going on sale, tickets for our new shows go on sale from March 28th, for further information contact the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444 or click here for a full listing.” commented John Kerr, Alley Theatre Manager.
