Latest News
Craft fair hailed a success at the Alley
The Alley Theatre, Railway Street, Strabane, supported by RE/MAX, held a successful craft workshop day last Saturday, which included the launch of the latest art exhibition within the famous Alley Gallery by local North West artists Anne Quigley and Heidi Wickham.
Jean Symth from Strabane District Council who arranged a series of craft workshops was delighted by the response from the local community, all of whom were interested in taking part and reviving more traditional craft techniques, “The day included workshops from Castlecrafts, The Grange Quilters, Krafty Creations, Daisy Chain Cancer Support Group, Strabane and District Women Together, all of whom saw the huge potential by keen amateurs looking to get involved in local crafts, including quilt making and jewellery design. The future for traditional crafts looks very bright in the north West, as those who attended the workshops took away some excellent tips from leading experts in their craft fields. The day was a great success for everyone involved and we look forward to running something similar in the new year.”
The new art exhibition on display at the Alley will run until October 31st and features the works of Anne Quigley and Heidi Wickham, two celebrated artists, who work made a big impact on the day with the Alley recording their best ever sales for resident artists on the first day. Anne Quigley section of the exhibition is entitled “Chaos”, which the artist states tells the story of the journey home and the soul’s incessant call for us to recognize the greatness inside ourselves. Her pieces included some amazing woven sculptures and stunning paintings, which really grabbed the attention of visitors to the exhibition launch.
Shape Shifter by Heidi Wickham takes up the second half of the exhibition space, and is inspired by her love of myths and folklore, this magnificent exhibition looks at the mythical qualities of the hare transforming 
into a human form and vice versa. Produced in charcoal and oils, this is Heidi’s first exhibition in the Alley. Her stunning recreations were a obvious talking point for many of the visitors, who became transfixed by these life like paintings.
Adrian Beattie, gallery curator stated “This new exhibition has been an incredible success, not only from an artistic perspective, but it has been a wonderful vehicle in which to get the local community more involved within the gallery and local arts. The pieces on display are truly superb, and I know the people who took pieces away with them on the day will have a piece of artwork they can pass down the generations in years to come.”. For further information about the gallery opening times or concerning information about the new Alley Art Club, which is free to join, contact the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444.
The Clipper Carlton Show - perfomrnace update.
A message from Joe Gallagher Entertainments.
Joe Gallagher Entertainments regrettably have to re schedule the forth coming Clipper Carlton Story, This is due to the untimely illness of a family member of the writer/producer.
It is unfortunate that this has happened at this time, the show would not be able to go forward in the way it was planned with out this key individual.
However we will reschedule the event in the next programme of events in the theatre.
We apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused and thank you for the support to the show, our thoughts are with writer at this time
Thank you for you understanding
Joe Gallagher
If you have booked tickets for the show, our box office should be in contact with you shortly to discuss ticket exchanges or refunds. You can contact them directly on 028 7138 4444.
Interested in arts and crafts - get involved at the Alley!
The Alley will be hosting a new exhibition launch and craft workshops on October 11th at 1 p.m.
Find out about old time crafts, including creative textiles and jewellery design, in a series of exciting workshops, led by experts in their fields. The exhibition launch will see Heidi Wickham and Anne Quigley open their new exhibition to the general public. Click here for further details.
September 22nd
Conal Gallen ticket winner announced!
Danny Gallagher from Strabane is the lucky winner of two tickets to see Conal Gallen on September 26th. Danny correctly answered the Alley E-news question, asking what animal is on display outside the Alley. The correct answer is a pig sculpture, which is based in the Alley's piazza, and is free to view to the general public. Well done Danny, we hope you enjoy the show!
If you want to be like Danny and win tickets to see some of the best names in the business, click here and register for the Alley E-news. This free service offers you ticket competitions, special offers, interviews and show updates.
September 17th
President of Ireland visits the
Alley Theatre
Mary McAleese, President of Ireland, made an hour long visit to the Alley today, meeting with local representatives from the local charity, arts, business community, and with representatives from Strabane District Council. As part of her visit the President met with Strabane Chamber of Commerce to discuss the various projects and plans for the Strabane District. 
After a series of speeches in the gallery at the Alley, Mrs McAleese spent time chatting to the assembled crowd, including representatives from Linton and Robinson's, RE/MAX, Oysters and Craft Recruitment.
John Kerr, Manager at the Alley stated "The President was very impressed with the Alley and our current art exhibition from the Royal Dublin Society. It was a pleasure to host the President and we would love to welcome her back in the future to see a performance."
September 13th
Magners Big Tickle Comedy
Festival a big hit at the Alley!!
Andrew Maxwell, Ireland's rising star on the comedy circuit took the Alley by storm tonight with his one man stand up show. Andrew's performance on the night was electric, with a routine that left nothing uncovered or un-said! From politics, religion, his Johnny Cash impression at Mountjoy Prison, a benefit gig in the Shankill and the Falls, Andrew Maxwell strides with confidence where other comedians fear to walk.
"It was a great gig and I really loved the crowd" stated Andrew after the gig. "The theatre is wonderful and all credit to the area, it is a great place to perform". The audience certainly agreed and it won't be long before Andrew Maxwell is back at the Alley!
August 28th
A wonderful Cinderella, two Ugly sisters, a Prince Charming, a fairy godmother, even some naughty henchmen needed for new panto!!!!
Do you fancy taking part in the new Villages Together Community Pantomine "Cinderella", which will be performed at the Alley during January 2009?
No experience necessary, just bucketfuls of enthusiasm, and the ability to shout "He's behind you!" required. 
We are seeking adults and children (over the age of 11) for all parts within our popular annual panto. We are not just looking for a Cinderella star, but a Prince Charming, some very ugly sisters, a wicked step-mother, a wonderful fairy god mother, big parts, small parts, come along and see what suits you!
If you think you have what it takes to perform in a panto and you are aged 11 and over, then come along to the following venues and take part in our fun audition.
September 16th - The Alley Theatre, Railway Street, Strabane (from 7 p.m.)
September 17th - Bready's new community hall (from 7 p.m.)
For further information please contact Ashleigh Devine on 7138 2204 or email amoss@strabanedc.com Click here to download the Panto audition flyer.
August 23rd
Donegal triumph at Sounds Like
Summer!
Pavesi, the Donegal band who won heat 1, beat all the odds to win the final of the Sounds Like Summer Music Festival, beating tough competition from Strabane locals, the McBeth Sisters and Rois Kelly from Castlederg.
Boy # 7 from Donegal and Sunday Wreckage from Strabane also gave great performances, however the Donegal band impressed the judges panel with not only their song writing skills but their overall performance in front of the packed Alley Theatre.
Well done to all the bands who competed in the festival and lets see if Donegal can retain the festival prize in 2009!
August 18th
Five Bands make it to the final of Sounds Like Summer!
After months of waiting, an intensive selection panel, 4 live heats....the Sounds Like Summer Grand Final is only days away!
This Friday (August 22nd at 7 p.m.) will see the following bands perform within the main auditorium for the chance to win the prestigious Sounds Like Summer Music Festival 2008, supported by Strabane Community Safety Partnership and by our media partner, the Strabane Chronicle.
The bands are
- Donegal's finest - Pavesi
- Strabane's Sunday Wreckage
- Castlederg's Rois Kelly
- Strabane's McBeth Sisters (pictured)
- Donegal's Boy#7
Tickets for the final are only £5 and can be booked by contacting the box office on 028 7138 4444.
August 12th
Two Great Winners - Two more to come this weekend!
Sounds Like Summer got off to the best possible start with Paversi from Donegal and Sunday Wreckage from Strabane coming through the heats to make the grand final on August 22nd! Both bands are delighted to have made it through to the final, however Friday, August 15th and 16th will be another great chance for 2 more bands or musicians to come through to the Grand Final.
For further information about show times, two great nights of free music, a superb acoustic night and tickets for the final contact the Alley Box Office on 028 7138 4444.
July 11th
Top Music News
Sounds Like Summer – the full line up.
Music fans across the North West are in for a real treat with an eclectic mix of bands featuring in the forthcoming "Sounds Like Summer Music Festival", sponsored by the Strabane Chronicle and Strabane Community Safety Partnership.
The 15 acts confirmed are as follows.
- Dirty Little Words from Limavady
- Brendan Conway from Ballymagorry
- O’Adelaide from Raphoe (via Ohio)
- Pavesi from Donegal Town
- Sunday Wreckage from Strabane
- Recognise from Strabane
- Future Chasers from Derry
- Renegade from Strabane
- Gareth O’Connor from Ardmore
- Phantom Power from Letterkenny
- Rois Kelly from Castlederg
- Zero Resistance from Limavady
- Lost Souls from Strabane
- Rachel McCauley from Burndennett
- Boy#7 from Letterkenny
- McBeth Sisters from Strabane
To download a poster of appearance dates please click here.
Places will be limited for the festival, so come early! Each night is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the Alley Theatre open from 6 p.m.
The qualifying heats will be free of charge, with the “Grand Final” on August 22nd at the Alley Theatre only costing £5 entrance.
For further information on Sounds Like Summer, register for the Alley E-News, simply register by clicking here.
July 4th 2008
The first eight bands have been announced for the Sounds Like Summer Music Festival, which kicks off on August 8th at 7 p.m. at the Alley Theatre.
The four bands to play on August 8th are ………….
The Dirty Words are a four piece group hailing from across the North West. Formed over 12 months ago, the band has a broad spectrum of influences, which has helped the 4 lads become winners of the CALMS 2007 festival and champions in the Danny Boy Rox 08 Competition in Limavady. Expect a high class performance from this band.
O, Adelaide were formed in 2007 by Jonathan Brown, Nadia Plunkett and Cellist Matt Innes, from Gambier, Ohio in the USA. The band plays folk/acoustic music, offering a fresh and cutting edge sound compare to other bands on the circuit. The band has played throughout America, and is delighted to be playing to a new audience within the Alley.
Brendan Conway, the talented singer songwriter based in Ballymagorry has an impressive singing career already behind him, all at the tender age of 19. Not only has Brendan already performed in Derry's Millennium Forum Theatre, but he has been invited onto Radio Foyle to share some of his new compositions with Mark Patterson.
Pavesi are Duck Gallagher, Ronan Hanna, Michael Gillespie and Johnny McCabe and have been together since 2006. Named after the ballroom in Donegal were the band use to rehearse during their school days, the band have travel the world, but have now settled in Donegal town. This tight group of friends is producing some outstanding self-penned music – watch out for this band in the coming years!
The four bands to play on August 9th (from 7 p.m.) are............
Sunday Wreckage are from Strabane and already have a rack of great self penned songs lined up. This guitar driven band has already worked in Holywood Studios, Belfast, so expect some qualtiy tracks from this uncoming strabane band.
Recognise is another Strabane based band who put the Hoosiers and Bowling for Soup as their major influences. Ciaren Duffy is their highley rated lead vocalist, who is sure to attract major attention in the forthcoming years.
Future Chasers are a four piece al-rock band from Derry, who were originally called "Organized Confusion". Their sounds veers from reflective to full blown rock, with their major influences being from the local music scene. Previous appearences include BBC ALT TV, RTE's School of Rock, played the New Band Stage at Oxygen, not to mention supporting the Undertones at Picnic in the Park 07. The band are currently working on a new album....nothing is impossible for this group!
Renegade are a three piece band from Strabane who are enterting the competition for the very first time. This guiatr driven band have worked hard to reach the finals and great things are expected from this talented group over the coming months and years.
Entrance is free to the festival, however numbers are limited, so please arrive early to grab you spot!
June 2008
Cross Border Drama Camp set to
bring communities together.
The Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, and the Alley Theatre, Strabane, came together this week to celebrate the official launch of their new cross border “Crossing Bridges Drama Camp”, which will run from July 21st - August 16th. This ground breaking drama camp, which already has a full list of participants, will bring together 11-16 yr olds from cross border communities for a fun 4 week drama camp. During the camp participants will be able to write and star in their very own drama production which will then be performed in the new Balor Arts Centre in Ballybofey and the Alley Theatre on two consecutive nights in August.
The Crossing Bridges Drama Camp is described as a “groundbreaking and unique joint project”, and has been supported by the International Fund for Ireland, whose funding has been essential in bringing this project to fruition, enabling cross border young people to work and socialize possibly for the first time together.
Speaking at the launch, Paddy Harte from IFI stated ““I am delighted that the Board of the International Fund has agreed to support this very innovative approach to peace building taken by the Balor Community Arts, Ballybofey and the Alley Arts Centre, Strabane. I am sure that the young people will gain a better understanding of each others culture and backgrounds as a result of being involved in a venture such as this.”
Lisa Finn from the Balor Arts Centre, stated “The Balor Arts Centre is delighted to be working with the Alley Theatre on this essential project, which will not only teach young people new skills within the arts but also bring border communities closer together. The new Balor Arts Centre will very shortly be opening its doors to the to the public for the first time, and this will be one of the very first projects the staff will be working upon, so we are all very excited in getting started and meeting the participants.
“Working in joint projects like Crossing Bridges is essential for developing the importance and awareness of the arts and their contribution to renewal, regeneration, education and bringing communities closer together, therefore I am delighted that the Balor and the Alley have come together to offer such an excellent scheme” stated John Kerr, Alley Theatre Manager at the launch, which took place within the Alley Theatre Strabane.
Chairman of Strabane District Council Jarlath McNulty was delighted to welcome IFI and representatives from the Balor Theatre to the Alley for the launch, commented “The Balor Arts Centre and the Alley Theatre must be congratulated in working together in developing the new Crossing Bridges Summer Drama Camp, which will help develop the skills and confidence of young people on both sides of the border throughout July and August.”
“This is a great opportunity for young people to learn new skills, meet new people from different backgrounds and widen their horizons concerning what can be achieved through the arts. On behalf of Strabane District Council I would like thank the International Fund for Ireland for supporting this essential project, which I know will bring a far greater understanding between young people from both sides of the border”.
Jarluth McNulty, Chairman of Strabane District Council, Jim Hoolihan, Balor Arts Centre, John Kerr, Alley Theatre, Paddy Harte, IFI and Lisa Finn, Balor Arts Centre pictured at the Alley Theatre, Strabane at the recent drama camp launch.
The Alley Wins Top National Award
The Alley Arts & Conference Centre, Strabane, scooped the top award for best building under £3 million in the recent Royal Society of Ulster Architects awards. The Alley emerged as winner, in the largest contested category of the awards, fending off competition from 18 other entries.
The significance of the architecture was described by the RSUA as outstanding. The RSUA publication, Perspective, states: ‘It creates a prominent civic presence and reconnects public spaces within the town… The Alley marks the regeneration of this small town with a value for money centre that many small towns could be justly envious of’.
Council Chairman, Gerard Foley, said “I am delighted that the architectural quality of The Alley has been recognised in this prestigious award scheme. It demonstrates the impact the building has had on the town’s regeneration and sets the standard for further development within the town”.
Head of Culture, Arts and Leisure, Karen McFarland said: “The judging panel was most impressed with how the Alley was contributing not only to the physical regeneration of the town but also to its social development. The Alley continues to offer a dynamic events programme involving performances by our local arts, school, community and church groups, as well as professional performances. The real success of the building is in its flexibility to meet the needs of this wide range of groups”.
The building was designed by Glen Howells Architects in partnership with Alan Jones Architects.
The judging panel included Gordon Murray, Professor of Architecture, Strathclyde; architect, author and artist, David Evans; and Bill Kirk, Chief Executive of Ilex.