Strabane Drama Festival
Simply The Best .....
T
he Strabane Drama Festival was in full swing last week and it was great to see a good turnout for all the plays, Saturday night concluded the festival as Wexford Drama Group took to the stage with ‘Frozen’ who scooped the award for ‘Best Actor’ for John Crossbie’s performance as serial killer ‘Ralph’. Wexford Drama Group also came second for ‘Best Open Play’. However it was Silken Thomas Players who have done it again this year sweeping audiences away with their masterful performance of ‘Jerusalem’ winning five awards including ‘Premier Award for Best Play’, ‘Best Open Play’, ‘Best Staging Award’ director Sean Judge won ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Character Award’ went to Liam Quinlivan who played the part of ‘Rooster’. Since arriving on the Open circuit in 2005, the group have earned a reputation for taking on challenging works such as ‘Angels in America’ and ‘Equs’ and have never failed to seize the attentions of even the mildly curious. Speaking about the drama Adjudicator Scott Marshall expressed ‘Jerusalem is unarguably one of the best dramas of the 21st Centurary. Their slick scene changes enthralled the audience and Liam Quinlivan performance of ‘Johnny Rooster Byron’ was controlled and a delight to watch.’
Other winners on the night included Letterkenny Music and Drama Group with the hilarious comedy ’39 Steps’. A favourite with the crowd winning the ‘Audience Award’ as well as ‘Best 
Confined Play’ and ‘Best Performance by a Confined Actress’ went to Elaine Gillespie who played three parts ‘ AnnaBella Schmidt’, ‘Pamela’ and ‘Margaret’. ‘Best Performance by a Confined Actress’ went to Plunkett Nugent who played the part of ‘Jim’ in Pomeroy Players ‘The Weir’. ‘Best Performance by an Actress Award’ went to Rachel O’Connor who played ‘Teresa’ in Ballyshannon Drama Circle production of ‘The Memory of Water’, Scott Marshall described her performance as ‘truly superb’. Ballyshannon Drama Circle also picked up the ‘AUDF Certificate for Set Decor’. Best Performance by a Supporting Actor went to Leo McBride for his portrayal as ‘Mayor WH Lewis’ in ‘Shadowlands’ by Lifford Players. Best Performance by a Supporting Actress went to Ellen Corcoran from Clockwork Theatre Company who played ‘Blanka’ in ‘The Increased Difficulty of Concentration’.
Speaking about this year’s Strabane Drama Festival Director - Aodh McCay said ‘This year’s standard of drama has been exceptionally high with packed houses most nights. I would like to thank all the groups who took part, Strabane District Council, the various sponsors for each night, the Fir Trees Hotel for their hospitality, the staff at the Alley Theatre, our Adjudicator Scott Marshall and last but not least the audience for making the drama festival a truly spectacular event’. Adjudicator Scott Marshall concluded ‘This has been a wonderful festival in a delightful theatre. Thank you to Strabane Drama Festival Committee for all their hospitality and to the audience who have been so warm and friendly. I look forward to coming to Strabane again in the future’.
Strabane Drama Festival 2012 Line Up
Announced
The Alley Theatre is delighted once again to be hosting Irelands leading drama festival. Join us as this intimate venue comes alive with productions from all over Ireland as they compete for title of best plays between Friday 16th March and Saturday 24th March. Curtain goes up at 8pm. Keep a watch out for fringe events in the Alley Bar from 7pm onwards.
“As usual,” said Aodh Mc Cay, Festival Director, “we have in store a wonderful theatrical treat for the local comm
unity with nine very different productions being staged in the magnificent Alley Theatre. The best way to enjoy a spectacle such as this is to fully immerse in the festival experience viewing as many of the plays as possible – or, better still, all of them!”
“This year is another major milestone with the 26th staging of an annual drama festival in Strabane and is probably unique in community festivals locally for its longevity.” Aodh went on to invite the entire community to this celebration – especially those who have yet to experience a drama festival."
This years performances are:
Friday 16th March - 'The Wier' by Conor McPherson performed by Pomeroy Players
A ghost story which takes place in a bar in a remote part of Ireland where the local lads are swapping ghost stories to impress a young woman from Dublin newly moved into the area. But she has a story of her own. Conor McPherson's haunting elegiac play is a masterpiece of modern theatre. Quietly compelling and strangely chilling.
Saturday 17th March - 'The Increased Difficulty of Concentration' by Vaclac Havel performed by Clockwork Theatre Company
The play concerns Dr. Huml, a social scientist and writer, who has a life that’s fragmenting around him. He has troubles with his wife, troubles with his mistress, and troubles with a malfunctioning form of artificial intelligence called Puzak. His life goes round and round, repeating itself until Huml barely knows where he is or who is his current lover, as he struggles within a hilarious French farce with speed and comedy abounding.
Sunday 18th March - 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest' by Dale Wasserman performed by Belvoir Players Randle Patrick McMurphy the protagonist in this play is a wildly funny rebel who feigns insanity in order to finish his prison sentence in a mental ward rather than a prison work farm. However, when he meets the fellow members of the asylum, he discovers that they make a lot more sense than the restrictive establishment, embodied by a control-freak named Nurse Ratched. This is, at times, hilarious and then, equally poignant and is recognised as a masterpiece made famous by Jack Nicholson’s movie. Monday 19th March - 'The Memory of Water' by Shelagh Stephenson performed by Ballyshannon Drama Society Three sisters: Teresa, Mary and Catherine, come together as their mother is dead, and each haunted by their own demons. The play focuses more on how each sister deals with the death and how it directly affects them. The three each have different memories of the same events, causing constant bickering about whose memories are true. As the three women get together after years of separation, all their hidden lies and self-betrayals are about to reach the surface. Chilling and funny at times but unnervingly familiar to many families in these circumstances. Tuesday 20th March - 'Shadowlands' by William Nicholson performed by Lifford Players The subject is the relationship between Oxford don and author, C. S. Lewis and Joy Gresham. The story follows Lewis as he meets an American fan, Joy Gresham, whom he befriends and eventually marries. Made into a movie starring Antony Hopkins, this promises a touch of class. Wednesday 21st March - 'Closing Time' by Owen McCafferty performed by Backburners Drama Circle Vera is feisty but fading. Ronnie is washed up and permanently half-drunk. Together they run a grubby pub/hotel in present-day Belfast. Assorted 'regulars' come and go over the course of one day and night. Ronnie fails to secure the pub's financial future and Vera looks set to run off with the feckless Iggy in a storming night’s entertainment. Thursday 22nd March - 'Jerusalem' by Jez Butterworth performed by Silken Thomas Players On St. George's Day, the morning of the local county fair Johnny Rooster Byron, local waster and modern day Pied Piper, is a wanted man. The council officials want to serve him an eviction notice, his son, Marky wants his dad to take him to the fair, Troy Whitworth wants to give him a serious kicking and a motley crew of mates want his ample supply of drugs and alcohol. Again, a ‘meaty’ production from Silken whcih will, as usual, have the audience spellbound. Friday 23rd March - '39 Steps' by John Buchan adapted by Patrick Barlow performed by Letterkenny Music and Drama Group The 39 Steps is a farce adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock. Patrick Barlow wrote the adaptation, based on the original concept by of a two-actor version of the play with them playing a multitude of characters. Our hero Richard Hannay must solve the 39 steps to acquit himself of murder and save king and country! Saturday 24th March - 'Frozen' by Bryony Lavery performed by Wexford Drama Group The story is set in present-day England and involves three main characters: a serial killer named Ralph, who kidnaps and murders a young girl; the murdered girl's mother, Nancy; and a New York psychiatrist, Agnetha, who travels to England to examine Ralph. The three lives slowly intersect — and the characters gradually change and become unfrozen as they come to terms with the idea of forgiveness. Please Note: You can ONLY buy season festival tickets (for all nine nights) via the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444, Tickets cost £40/£30. Individual performances £8, £6 (concession) Click Here to book
Award Night for 25th Strabane Drama Festival
The Strabane Drama Festival concluded on Saturday night with Lislea Dramatic Players ‘On the Waterfront’ who scooped up the award for Best Performance by a Confined Actor by Aengus Hannaway who played FR Barry, however it was Silken Thomas who stole the show winning five awards with their award winning performance of ‘Angels in America’ by Tony Kushner. Their awards included: Premier Award for Best Play, Best Open Play, Audience Award, Sean Judge won Best Director and Conor O’Connell won Best Performance by an Actor with his performance of Louis Ironson.
Adjudicator Colin Dolley praised all drama groups that took part and ‘thanked the Strabane Drama Festival Committee Members for making him feel so welcome during his stay’
Other groups which took home awards included Ballyshannon Drama Society who won Best Staging for ‘Steel Magnolias’ as well as Best Confined Play and Best Performance by a Confined Actress by Ailis McIntyre who played Truvy. Best Perfomance by an Actress went to Adrienne Meyler who played SR Aloysius in Wexford Drama Group ' Doubt: A Parable', while Best Performance by a Supporting Actor was won by Austin McElhome who played Richard in Stagefright Theatre Company 'Key for Two.' Best Character Actress went to Kathleen McGowan who played Peggy in Butt Drama Circle 'Stolen Child.
Aodh McCay from Strabane Drama Festival Committee concluded by ‘We are overwhelmed with the ticket numbers this year and it has been a thrill to come in every night and see sold out shows. I would like to thank everyone that took part, the audience for supporting us not only for during the week but for the past 25 years, all the staff at the Alley Theatre and the Strabane Drama Festival Committee Members’
Strabane Drama Festival Pre - Show Events
Come along and enjoy a great range of free entertainment at the Alley Theatre before curtain call for shows at 8p.m. Fringe events start at 7.15pm please see below for a full line up:
Friday 18th March
Strabane Concert Brass
Saturday 19th March
Puddle Alley Theatre Group
Sunday 20th March
Geraldine Hoynes Quartet
Monday 21st March
St Mary's Boys
Tuesday 22nd March
Novelist in Conversation - David Park
Wednesday 23rd March
Strabane Gaelscoil in performance
Thursday 24th March
Novelist in Conversation - Eoin McNamee
St Annes Choir
Friday 25th March
TBC
Saturday 26th March
St Josephs Brass Band
Top Drama Line Up Announced at
Strabane 25th Drama Festival
The long awaited line up has been announced for this years 25th Strabane Drama Festival being held at the Alley Theatre from the 18th - 26th March. This year will see plays from all over Ireland with groups from Wexford, Belfast, Ballyshannon and Lisela to name but a few. Starting at 8pm every night there is also a great range of fringe events before hand held in the Alley Bar starting from 7pm. These include various school choirs, Brian McGilloway and Toby Wilders, further information about these pre -show events will be listed shortly. Tickets are £40 (£25 concession) for series tickets, student tickets £5 for 3 performances or individual performances £8 (£6 concession)
Drama Festival Programme:
Friday 18th March 2011
Backburners Drama Circle ’Immaculate’ by Oliver Lansley
Saturday 19th March 2011
Wexford Drama Group ‘Doubt-A parable’ by John Patrick Shanley
Sunday 20th March 2011
Duleek Drama Players ‘Bernadette’ by Michael Ferguson
Monday 21st March 2011
Stagefright Theatre Company ‘Key for Two’ by John Chapman & Dave Freeman
Tuesday 22nd March 2011
Lifford Players ‘Our Town’ by Thornton Wilder
Wednesday 23rd March 2011
Ballyshannon Drama Society ‘Steel Magnolias’ by Robert Harling
Thursday 24th March 2011
Silken Thomas ‘Angels in America’ by Tony Kushner
Friday 25th March 2011
Butt Drama Circle ‘Stolen Child’ by Yvonne Quinn & Bairbre Ní Chaoimh
Saturday 26th March 2011
Lislea Dramatic Players 'On The Waterfront' by Budd Schulberg with Stan Silverman
To book Series Tickets please contact The Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444 or click here to book individual performances
Tickets now on sale for
25th Strabane Drama Festival
Running between March 18th to March 26th 2011, the Strabane Drama Festival returns to the Alley in its 25th year.
From humble origins 25 years ago the festival has grown to attract audiences
and participating groups from across the island of Ireland.
Join us at the Alley Theatre in 2011 as this intimate venue comes alive with productions from not just from the cream of local drama groups, but from highly respected theatre companies from Dublin, Belfast, Wexford and further afield, all eager to take the title of Best Play.
Don’t forget to sample each night a range of pre-show events, including acoustic music sessions, book readings, choir and much more.
Pre-show events start from 7 p.m. onwards, with the famous Alley curtain up for productions at 8 p.m.
Watch out in local press and on this page for detailed festival information once finalists have been organised.
PLEASE NOTE!!!
You can ONLY buy festival tickets for every performance via the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444, Tickets cost £40/£25.
You can also purchase student tickets, £5 for 3 performances only from the Alley Box Office.
For individual shows, tickets CAN BE purchased online at £8, £6 (con). Simply click here.
The curtain falls on Strabane’s
dramatic festival final
The Strabane Drama Festival, the North West’s premier drama festival concluded in style last weekend, as the final performance of Alan Bennett’s “The History Boys” by the award winning Silken Thomas Players scooped not only the “Premier Award for Best Play” but also Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor Awards! Local talent however did not miss out, as the Lifford Players won the Audience Award and local Donegal drama group, Butt Drama Circle, won “Best Moment of Theatre” for the “washing room scene” in “The New Electric Ballroom”.
“Last year the Strabane Drama Festival surpassed all previous ticket sales and the festival committee wondered how we could build on the record year 2009 enjoyed. However, even in these tough times, this years festival has beaten all previous records, with large audiences visiting the Alley Theatre from across the island of Ireland.” commented Aodh McCay from Strabane Drama Festival.
“Now seen as the best drama festival in the North West, the 
festival has certainly exceeded all out expectations this year and has gone a long way in developing new drama audiences within the region. As we welcomed new festival fans to the Alley, we were delighted to see local hotels like the Fir Trees Hotel, B&B and local restaurants also enjoying a boom period during the festival, projecting Strabane as a superb cultural place to visit for tourists during this period.”
“I would like to sincerely thank all our sponsors for supporting the festival once again this year, the Alley Theatre and the principal sponsors, Strabane District Council and the Fir Trees Hotel, and we look forward to seeing the Strabane Drama Festival in 2011 breaking even more box office records!” concluded Aodh McCay, festival director.
Brian Friel’s “The Freedom of the City” performed by Corefin Dramatic Society won Best Confined Play, in addition to also scooping the Best Confined Actor Award (Pius Tierney) and Best Confined Actress (Anne Garvey). Best Lighting and Best Set went to the highly respected Corofin Drama Group and finally Best Open Actor went to Conor O’Conor for his fantastic performance as “Irwin” in the History Boys and Eileen Lahiffe won Best Open Actress for her role as Lily in Lislea’s “Freedom of the City”.
John Kerr, Alley Theatre manager stated “The Strabane Drama Festival is now firmly on the map as the premier drama festival in the North West and we are delighted to see the Alley welcoming patrons not just from Strabane, but from across the country. The Strabane Drama Festival arranged a welcome festival line up and we look forward to seeing what they have planned for in 2011.” Images from the Strabane Drama Festival can be view below or on the Alley's popular Facebook page.
Audiences flock to leading
North West Drama Festival
The Strabane Drama Festival, the North West’s premier drama festival once again demonstrated that live festival theatre is alive and thriving in the North West, as fans flocked to Strabane’s Alley Theatre to the opening night show to see Brian Friel’s groundbreaking play, “The Freedom of the City” performed by Lislea Dramatic Players.
“The Strabane Drama Festival has been a tremendous success so far with increased ticket numbers, retention of leading business sponsors and a great selection of plays for the public to enjoy” commented Aodh McCay, Festival Director.
“We have drama groups from across the Island of Ireland
coming to the Allley Theatre to perform, from the Silken Thomas Players, Lifford Players, Butt Drama Circlem Corofin Dramatic Society to name but a few.”
Praised by theatre critic’s for its festival line up, North West fans are set to be treated to Alan Bennett’s “The History Boys”, “The New Electric Ballroom” by Enda McShane and “Doubt: A Parable” by John Patrick Shanely, performed by previous All Ireland Drama Champion’s Corofin Drama Society. Shanely’s play was recently made into gripping film starring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman, receiving 5 Oscar nominations, including one for “Best Script” commented the Alley Theatre Manager, John Kerr. “This new production is certainly appealing to local audiences, as tickets are limited for all shows during the festival run in.”
The festival runs every night at the Alley Theatre until Saturday, March 27th. Tickets start at only £6, for more information contact the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 7138 4444 or by clicking here.
Strabane Drama Festival
set for record year!
The Strabane Drama Festival Committee and Strabane’s Alley Theatre are delighted to annouce a record number of festival ticket packages have been purchased early for the forthcoming Strabane Drama Festival 2010 (March 19th – 27th).
“So far the Alley has been overwhelmed with requests for festival drama packages, many snapping up tickets as the perfect gift for Mothers Day, which takes place on March 14th, just 5 days prior to the launch of the first night of the festival.” commented Ciara McCay from the Strabane Drama Festival Committee. “
We are also delighted to annouce the Fir Trees Hotel are the principal sponsors this year for the drama festival. Their support is invaluable in ensuring the festival runs smoothly and helps us develop the festival into the largest and most popular drama festival in the North West of Ireland”.
To compliment their support for the festival, the Fir Trees will be launching a delicious pre-show menu during the drama festival. Starting at only £7.95 upwards, patrons can pick from a selection of mouth watering starters, mains and desserts, which will be available from Monday to Thurday’s during the 9 day festival period.
Nine theatre groups from across Ireland will part in the Strabane Drama Festival, all battling it out to be crowned festival champions. This year the festival has a magical line up which includes the Lifford Players, Backburners, the Belvoir Players, the Butt Drama Circle and the Creggan Drama Group. Tickets for the drama festival start at only £6 per performance, £40 for a nine show festival pass or just £25 for concessions. The Alley is also offering an amazing £5 for 3 shows ticket offer for students! For more information visit www.alley-theatre.com or contact the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444.
Tickets now on sale for the
Strabane Drama Festival 2010!
Now seen as the North West of Ireland's leading drama festival, 
the Strabane Drama Festival has a packed programme for drama fans this March.
From the fantastic Alan Bennett "The History Boys" by Silken Thomas Players, Brian Friel's "The Freedom of the City" by the Lislea Players and "The New Electric Ballroom" by Butt Drama Circle, the Alley will be buzzing for the 9 days the festival will be on.
"The Alley Theatre, home of the Strabane Drama Festival, will be offering a series of special festival ticket packages, ranging from £40 (£25 con) for a 9 shows to a speical student ticket package of 3 shows for £5. These festival ticket packages are now available from the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444." commented Nathan Flatman from the Alley Theatre.
"For patrons wishing to purchase tickets for one performance, tickets are only £8, (£6 con) and can be purchase online by clicking here or at the Alley box office, which is open 9.30 - 4.30, Monday to Saturday".
"With Brien Friel's 80th birthday celebrations last year, a number of groups have decided to perform his work, including Backburners, Lifford Players and Lislea, adding a dinstinct North West feel to the performances on stage this year. Corofin Drama Group, who made such a wonderful impact last year, return to the Alley with Doubt: A Parable, a great moving play which I know will have the audience hooked" concluded Mr Flatman from the Alley.
Strabane Drama Festival 2009
breaks new ground for North West
The Strabane Drama Festival (March 21st - March 29th), supported by the Fir Trees Hoteland hosted at the Alley Theatre, Strabane, has been hailed as one of the “most exciting and groundbreaking drama festivals to take place in living memory.”
With competition tight across both the “Open” and “Confined” competitions, the Strabane Drama Festival included a wide selection of top drama groups from across the country performing some the most iconic plays in theatrical history including “The Black Stranger”, “The Country Boy” and the highly controversial “Equus”.
Aodh Mc Cay, Director of Strabane Drama Festival, stated he was delighted with the achievements of this year's festival, building upon the previous success of staging the All Ireland Drama Finals in The Alley Theatre. “Audiences numbers are up this year which is fantastic when you consider the current climate”, said Aodh, “The Drama Festival Committee was delighted with the variety of plays on offer and, equally, in the high standards of these productions. The comments from those attending the drama festival have been very positive with all enjoying the quality of theatre on show and the various festival fringe events. It is marvelous that this cultural event has attracted bigger audiences than before and demonstrates that live theatre in the Strabane district is alive and well. I would like to thank all the sponsors of the drama festival for their support, without it this support, the festival would not have been the amazing success it was.”
Overall winners of the Strabane Drama Festival were the Lifford Players with moving play “The Black Stranger”, while Lislea Players won the confined competition with the comedy farce “Arsenic and Old Lace”. The highly controversial, yet thoroughly riveting “Equus” won the “Audience Award” and was narrowly beaten into second place for the “Open” competition award by festival champions Lifford Players, who were delighted to win on their return to the festival after a brief absence.
John Kerr, Alley Theatre Manager stated “The Alley Theatre was delighted to host this professionally run drama festival, which highlighted the very best in theatre in across the island of Ireland. Lifford Players provided a magnificent award winning show, closely followed by “Equus” by the Silken Thomas Players from County Kildaire. The quality of lighting, staging, accompanying music and performances was truly exceptional, and mix this with the wonderful fringe events planned throughout the programme, I am sure every patron who visited the Alley can surely confirmed the Strabane Drama Festival in now the premier drama festival in the North West.”
Images from Strabane Drama Festival 2009
Top author set for Alley fringe event!
Brian McGilloway, the best-selling author of the Inspector Benedict Devlin crime novels, is set to offer a book reading at the Strabane Drama Festival Fringe Event series, based in the Strabane Community Library on March 25th from 6.30 p.m.
Born in Derry, Northern Ireland in 1974, he is currently Head of English in St Columb’s College in the city. His first novel, Borderlands, was shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger 2007 and was hailed by The Times as ‘one of (2007’s) most impressive debuts.’ The second novel in the series, Gallows Lane was published in April 2008, with the new Devlin novel, Bleed a River Deep due for release this April. Brian lives near the border with his wife and their three sons. This is a few event to attend, for further information contact the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444. For information on Brian's latest work visit www.brianmcgilloway.com
Strabane Drama Festival set to excel this year
The North West’s premier drama festival, the Strabane Drama Festival, supported by the Fir Trees Hotel, has made “amazing progress this year to firmly establish itself as the leading Drama Festival in the North West”, commented Strabane Drama Festival Director, Aodh McCay. The nine day drama festival, which is attracting the very best in drama groups from across the island of Ireland, is once again aiming to present one of the most varied, entertaining and thought provoking drama festivals in the North West.
“The Strabane Drama Festival has an all-embracing drama programme, ranging from the Backburners Drama Group gripping “Days of Wine and Roses”, the Lifford Players and their powerful play “The Black Stranger”, the award wining Silken Thomas Players from County Kildaire with the controversial “Equus” and the Butt Drama Circle from Ballybofey presenting “Dolly West’s Kitchen” to name but a few.”
“Strabane is quickly becoming the major cultural hot spot, with the Strabane Drama Festival leading the way in presenting the very best on offer in drama at the award winning Alley Theatre. So far festival ticket packages have exceeded our expectations, with patrons snapping up our various special ticket offers. After the success of last years All Ireland Drama Festival, there is a high anticipation amongst the local drama fans and I can certainly promise the Festival committee in association with the Alley Theatre and our sponsors, the Fir Trees Hotel expect to deliver a great festival experience” concluded Aodh.
As well as major drama on stage, the Strabane Drama Festival will be arranging various Fringe Events within the Alley Theatre, including a guest appearance by Dan Gordon, the famous Belfast actor, who many remember for his comic BBC portrayal of Red Hand Luke in the hit show “Give My Head Peace”. Dan will be presenting a talk about his time as an actor, performing at the Lyric, he’s involvement with the hit show “A Night in November, and his work on the BBC. Dan has produced and starred in a number of shows for the BBC, including a stunning fly on the wall documentary entitled ”Observe Sons of Ulster”, which followed his efforts at producing a play about world war one using inmates from a young offenders prison. Gordon will be talking from 7 p.m. until 7. 40 p.m. within the Alley’s Gallery space, on March 22nd, prior to the CB Players and their performance of “The Lonesome West.”. This play is by contemporary playwright Martin McDonagh, who was recently nominated for an Oscar for his screen play “In Bruges”. The Lonesome West is part of his "Connemara" trilogy, which includes The Beauty Queen of Leenane and A Skull of Connemara, with all three plays receiving large critical acclaim throughout Ireland.
Brian McGilloway, one of Ireland most celebrated new novelists will be returning to the Alley for a book reading of his new thriller, whilst local schools, including St Mary’s Boys and St Anne’s from Strabane, Sion Mills Primary School and St Columba’s From Clay, will be taking part in musical fringe events within the Alley itself. Finally Strabane Concert Brass, who recently appeared at the Alley and St Joseph’s Brass Band, who appearance at the forthcoming North West Music Festival is highly anticipated throughout Ireland, will also be performing for the public at one of Northern Ireland’s largest Drama Festivals.
“Ticket sales are going extremely well” stated Nathan Flatman, Marketing officer for the Alley Theatre “however I recommend those patrons interested in watching some of the local drama groups perform to book quickly, before those shows book out. Don’t forget as we approach “Mothers Day” we are finding several patrons buying tickets or Alley Theatre vouchers for their parents this year, so for further information about the Strabane Drama Festival or other events like our St Patrick’s Night Musical Extravaganza on March 14th, contact the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444 or book online at www.alley-theatre.com.”
Fringe Events planned for Strabane Drama Festival
The North West premier drama festival, the Strabane Drama Festival, supported by the Fir Trees Hotel, is set for a host of fringe events to compliment the already exciting programme of shows. Dan Gordon, the famous Belfast actor, who many remember for his comic BBC portrayal of Red Hand Luke in the hit show “Give My Head Peace”, will be presenting a talk about his time as an actor, his time in the Lyric, he’s involvement with the hit show “A Night in November, and his work on the BBC. Dan has produced and starred in a number of shows for the BBC, including a stunning fly on the wall documentary entitled ”Observe Sons of Ulster”, which followed his efforts at producing a play about world war one using inmates from a young offenders prison. Gordon will be talking from 7 p.m. until 7. 40 p.m. within the Alley’s Gallery space, on March 22nd, prior to the CB Players and their performance of “The Lonesome West.” . This play is by contemporary playwright Martin McDonagh, who was recently nominated for an Oscar for his screen play “In Bruges”. The Lonesome West is part of his "Connemara" trilogy, which includes The Beauty Queen of Leeanne and A Skull of Connemara, with all three plays receiving large critical acclaim throughout Ireland.
Brian McGilloway, one of Ireland most celebrated new novelists will be returning 
to the Alley for a book reading of his new thriller, whilst local schools, including St Mary’s Boys and St Anne’s from Strabane, Sion Mills Primary School and St Columba’s From Clay, will be taking part in musical fringe events within the Alley itself. Finally Strabane Concert Brass, who recently appeared at the Alley and St Joseph’s Brass Band, who appearance at the forthcoming North West Music Festival is highly anticipated throughout Ireland, will also be performing for the public at one of Northern Ireland’s largest Drama Festivals.
“Festival ticket packages are selling very well, starting at only £6 for three shows (students package) or £40/£25 (con) for all nine shows, the Alley is delighted to welcome patrons from across the North West to witness one of Northern Ireland’s most successful festivals” commented John Kerr, Alley Theatre Manager, “The festival includes a good mixture of popular and cutting edge performances, including Newtownstewart’s Backburners with “Days of Wine and Roses”, Lifford Players with “The Black Stranger”, The Silken Thomas Players with “Equus” and the beautiful and moving play “The Country Boy” by Garymoore Drama Group.” For further information about the Strabane Drama Festival or to book tickets contact 028 7138 4444.
North West premier Drama Festival announces the final line up
The North West premier drama festival, the Strabane Drama Festival, supported by the Fir Trees Hotel, is delighted to announce the running order for the forthcoming drama festival, which will be taking place at the Alley Theatre between March 21st - March 29th.
The festival starts on March 21st with the award wining play “The Country Boy” by Gary Moore Drama Group, a gentle play about one mans journey chasing the American dream and the harsh realities which emerge. The CB Belfast Players join the festival on March 22ndwith the iconic play “The Lonesome West”, follow by one of the hot favourites for the festival title, Newtownstewart’s Backburners Drama Circle with “Days of Wine and Roses”, a gripping play focusing on a young couple who leave Belfast for a new start in 60's London. Strangers in an unfamiliar city, they fall in love with life, each other and drink. An exciting whirlwind of discovery starts to spiral out of control as alcohol takes a grip. Owen McCafferty's brilliant new version for the stage is based upon JP Miller's Days of Wine and Roses, famously filmed in 1962 with Jack Lemmon and Lee Remick.
The Newpoint Players from Newry make their Alley debut on March 24th, with the American classic, 'Where has Tommy Flowers Gone? by Terrence McNally. Lifford Players make a welcome return to the Strabane Drama Festival with their new production of “The Black Stranger” by Robert E. Howard on March 25th, performing a gripping Irish theatre classic which looks at the trouble and hardship of the Irish Potato famine, with communities and families torn apart as a result of the social, political and environmental disaster that was the Irish famine.
On March 26ththe Wayside Players perform “Love in the Title”, a play set over three different time frames, exploring the lives of three extraordinary women, Katie, Triona and Catherine. As their innermost fears and secrets are revealed, it is clear that their stories of love lost and won is similar, even though the stories are separated for decades of history. A moving, funny play, which was one of the major hits of last years All Ireland Drama Finals at the Alley.
One of the stand out shows of the festival must be “Equus” by the Silken Thomas Players from Country Kildaire (March 27th), a fascinating play which is currently being performed on the West End and Broadway, New York. Silken Thomas Players are highly recognised amongst drama groups across Ireland, with several All Ireland Championship productions already in their trophy cabinet.
Ballybofey will be represented in the drama festival with the Butt Drama Circle and their new production of “Dolly West’s Kitchen” on March 28th, with the final night, March 29th, Is bestowed upon the Lurig Drama Group and the comedy “I Do Not Like Thee Doctor Fell.” This wonderful play will bring the festival to an end, with awards ranging from Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Production being awarded at the end of the evening.
“This year is shaping up to be another massive Strabane Drama Festival, now seen widely by critics as the premier drama in the North West” stated Nathan Flatman, Marketing officer for the Alley Theatre, “Not only will patrons enjoy dramatic action be on the stage, but we also have a range of fringe events planned throughout the week which will incorporate book readings, school performances and music showcases in the Alley’s main gallery”. Tickets for all eight performances are only £40, £25 (con), while students can purchase tickets at only £6 for 3 shows. “if you have someone in your family who loves drama or could be studying English or Drama qualifications, the Alley has some excellent ticket packages on offer. I would strongly recommend drama patrons across the North West consider visiting the Alley between March 21st - March 29th, as we have some fantastic productions on show and some excellent ticket offers for all ages”. To book tickets please contact the Alley Theatre Box office on 028 7138 4444 or visit www.alley-theatre.com/about-us/strabane-drama-festival-2009
Strabane drama festival toasts to success with new sponsor
The Strabane Drama Festival toasted to the success of the forthcoming2009 festival with their new sponsor, the Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane and its owner Johnny Kelly. Speaking at the launch of new sponsorship programme, Aodh McCay, Festival Director stated “We are delighted to be working with the Fir Trees Hotel and Mr Kelly’s superb team, and we hope visitors attending the festival, many of whom will be travelling from across the UK and Ireland to participate, will take the opportunity to enjoy the comfort and services this stunning newly refurbished hotel has to offer.”
The Fir Trees Hotel owner, Johnny Kelly stated “The Strabane Drama festival has been one of the major events on the arts and social calendar for a number of years now and the Fir Trees Hotel is delighted to be associated with such a progressive festival. Last year the festival committee welcomed the All Ireland Finals to Strabane’s award winning Alley Theatre, with the 2009 drama festival expected to even surpass that success. The Fir Trees Hotel is always keen to support Strabane’
s development and this festival is one of the flagship arts festivals taking place in the North West, we therefore recommend to all our loyal patrons to take up this marvellous opportunity to enjoy the very best in drama at the Alley this March.”
The Strainer Drama Festival takes place on March 21st until March 29th, with leading theatre groups from across Ireland and the UK flocking to take part in this premier North West drama festival. Starting with“The Country Boy” by the Garymoore Drama Group, the festival will finish with “I do not like thee Doctor Fell” by the Lurig Drama Group. Also participating are Newtownstewart’s Backburners Drama Group, Butt Drama Circle from Ballybofey, the welcome return of previous All Ireland Champions the Lifford Players and the Silken Thomas Players, one of Ireland most successful theatre groups in All Ireland championship history. The Silken Thomas Players will be performing “Equus”, currently being performed in the West End and Broadway, this ground breaking drama will certainly be performed to a packed house. Festival ticket packages start from as little as £6 for 3 shows (student ticket package) to £40 for all 9 shows, that’s only £4.44 per show! For further information about the Strabane Drama Festival, supported by the Fir Trees Hotel, then contact the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444 or click here.
Strabane Drama Festival plans massive arts festival for 2009!
The Strabane Drama Festival, the premier drama festival on the Ulster drama circuit, has just launched its new festival programme, packed full of comedy and drama, the festival is set to take the North West by storm during March 21st to March 29th. Organisers have been working hard to ensure keen drama fans are set for a real treat this year, with nine performances planned to take place the award winning Alley Theatre, all of which are expected to be sold out prior to the festival taking place.
The Strabane Drama Festival kicks off on March 21stwith “The Country Boy”, presented by Garymore Drama Group, it is a wonderful comedy-drama set in the small Irish farmhouse and tells the tale of Curly, who still lives at home with his parents, but dreams of following his older brother Eddie to the U.S. in pursuit of the American dream, even if it means leaving his sweetheart, Eileen Tierney. Unfortunately upon Eddie's first return home with wife, Julia, the idyllic lifestyle Curly envisages isn’t all that it seems and the play sees poor Curly’s dreams fall apart with long term consequences.
Other plays set to follow this hit show include a welcome return by the Lifford Players with “The Black Stranger”, the highly controversial “Equus” by Silken Thomas Players form Co. Kildaire and “The Days of Wine and Roses” by award wining local group, “Backburners”. The festival is delighted to include “Equus”, which is making big waves in Broadway and the West End, and currently stars Daniel Radcliffe, from the Harry Potter films. Although Daniel will not be starring in this production, patrons can be guaranteed a magical night at the festival!
The North West will be well represented at the festival, including performances from Puddle Alley, who will be performing the hilarious “Caught in the Act” by Ray Cooney, a must see for all local drama fans. The festival will be closing with the Lurig Drama Groups production of “I do not like thee Dr Fell” by Bernard Farrell, one of Ireland’s most popular plays. This groundbreaking play originally premiered at the Abbey Theatre in 1979, written by playwright Bernard Farrell, it mercilessly exposes the simmering jealousies and deceptions among the hapless members of a self-help encounter group. While asked to express 'total honesty' for its positive therapeutic value the youngest member of the group exposes individual participants' lies and prejudices to devastating comic effect.
“This year the Strabane Drama festival plans to climb new heights in the search to produce the most successful and visited festival throughout Northern Ireland. After the amazing success of last years All Ireland Confined Finals held at the Alley, the Strabane Drama Finals 2009 has so much to offer drama fans across the North West. Not only will the festival have excellent local representation from Puddle Alley, Butt Drama Circle, Backburners and Lifford Players, but we also have attracted new groups from Kildaire, Belfast and Garymoore” stated Aodh McCay , Festival Director, “The festival will include nine shows, offering everyone who buys a full festival ticket package excellent value for money. Tickets sales have already begun and we are delighted with sales so far, a high number of patrons are picking the various festival ticket packages, some of which start from only £6 for 3 shows, which is great news for the festival’s continued success”.
John Kerr form the Alley Theatre commented “The Strabane Drama Festival continues to go from strength to strength, and after last years “All Ireland finals” the festival has an amazing opportunity to reach out to an even larger audience. The Alley Theatre is delighted to be hosting the festival this year and patrons looking to book for shows can now contact the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444 or click here.”
Local Drama Group Lifford Players walked away with Best Performance by a Supporting Actress for Anne Shiels performance as Mrs Soames in ‘Our Town’
Saturday 17th March - 'The Increased Difficulty of Concentration' by Vaclac Havel performed by Clockwork Theatre Company
The play concerns Dr. Huml, a social scientist and writer, who has a life that’s fragmenting around him. He has troubles with his wife, troubles with his mistress, and troubles with a malfunctioning form of artificial intelligence called Puzak. His life goes round and round, repeating itself until Huml barely knows where he is or who is his current lover, as he struggles within a hilarious French farce with speed and comedy abounding.
Sunday 18th March - 'One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest' by Dale Wasserman performed by Belvoir Players
Randle Patrick McMurphy the protagonist in this play is a wildly funny rebel who feigns insanity in order to finish his prison sentence in a mental ward rather than a prison work farm. However, when he meets the fellow members of the asylum, he discovers that they make a lot more sense than the restrictive establishment, embodied by a control-freak named Nurse Ratched. This is, at times, hilarious and then, equally poignant and is recognised as a masterpiece made famous by Jack Nicholson’s movie.
Monday 19th March - 'The Memory of Water' by Shelagh Stephenson performed by Ballyshannon Drama Society
Three sisters: Teresa, Mary and Catherine, come together as their mother is dead, and each haunted by their own demons. The play focuses more on how each sister deals with the death and how it directly affects them. The three each have different memories of the same events, causing constant bickering about whose memories are true. As the three women get together after years of separation, all their hidden lies and self-betrayals are about to reach the surface. Chilling and funny at times but unnervingly familiar to many families in these circumstances.
Tuesday 20th March - 'Shadowlands' by William Nicholson performed by Lifford Players
The subject is the relationship between Oxford don and author, C. S. Lewis and Joy Gresham. The story follows Lewis as he meets an American fan, Joy Gresham, whom he befriends and eventually marries. Made into a movie starring Antony Hopkins, this promises a touch of class.
Wednesday 21st March - 'Closing Time' by Owen McCafferty performed by Backburners Drama Circle
Vera is feisty but fading. Ronnie is washed up and permanently half-drunk. Together they run a grubby pub/hotel in present-day Belfast. Assorted 'regulars' come and go over the course of one day and night. Ronnie fails to secure the pub's financial future and Vera looks set to run off with the feckless Iggy in a storming night’s entertainment.
Thursday 22nd March - 'Jerusalem' by Jez Butterworth performed by Silken Thomas Players
On St. George's Day, the morning of the local county fair Johnny "Rooster" Byron, local waster and modern day Pied Piper, is a wanted man. The council officials want to serve him an eviction notice, his son, Marky wants his dad to take him to the fair, Troy Whitworth wants to give him a serious kicking and a motley crew of mates want his ample supply of drugs and alcohol. Again, a ‘meaty’ production from Silken whcih will, as usual, have the audience spellbound.
Friday 23rd March - '39 Steps' by John Buchan adapted by Patrick Barlow performed by Letterkenny Music and Drama Group
The 39 Steps is a farce adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock. Patrick Barlow wrote the adaptation, based on the original concept by of a two-actor version of the play with them playing a multitude of characters. Our hero Richard Hannay must solve the 39 steps to acquit himself of murder and save king and country!
Saturday 24th March - 'Frozen' by Bryony Lavery performed by Wexford Drama Group
The story is set in present-day England and involves three main characters: a serial killer named Ralph, who kidnaps and murders a young girl; the murdered girl's mother, Nancy; and a New York psychiatrist, Agnetha, who travels to England to examine Ralph. The three lives slowly intersect — and the characters gradually change and become "unfrozen" as they come to terms with the idea of forgiveness.
Please Note: You can ONLY buy season festival tickets (for all nine nights) via the Alley Box office on 028 7138 4444, Tickets cost £40/£30. Individual performances £8/£6 (concession) click here to book
