THEATRE IN IRELAND has never been so exciting. From fresh, vibrant productions of old favourites to new, gripping stories, there’s something for everyone on stage here right now.
Here are four theatrical calendar highlights taking place in the coming days, from a story of Northern Ireland’s Troubles to a play dating back to Victorian times.
When: Thursday April 19 and Friday April 20
Where: The New Theatre, Dublin 2
Award-winning writer Gerard Humphreys’ retelling of the 1983 Hunger Strikes in Northern Ireland centres on Norah, a young woman faced with a difficult choice after her brother joins the strikes and becomes ill. Sensitively told, Norah may not be the most cheerful play in the world, but it’ll certainly prove to be food for thought.
After closing at The New Theatre, Norah’s cast will head to Friars’ Gate Theatre in Limerick, The Pavilion Theatre in Dun Laoghaire and Lyric Theatre in Belfast.
Tickets from €13 available here.
When: April 19 -26
Where: 126 Gallery, Co Galway
Produced especially for super-cool venue 126 Gallery by up-and-coming Westworks Theatre Company, 4:48 Psychosis is a classic and controversial work by renowned playwright Sarah Kane. Fractured, dizzying and dark, it’s the story of the torment of mental illness that’s a tough watch, but truly incredible.
Director Kieron Smith says the show is “an invitation to step into the shoes of another” for a time.
When: 7 -28 April
Where: Lyric Theatre, Belfast
First performed in 1860, Boucicault’s play has been performed dozens of times over the years, including four separate re-tellings on film. The story is about love, marriage and family – topics just as relevant now as in 1860.
Lyric’s production is full of music and melodrama, performed by the Bruiser Theatre Company. Perfect for a Saturday night culture trip.
Tickets from £10 (€11.50) here.
When: April 21
Where: Hawk’s Well Theatre, Co Sligo
Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, Take Off Your Cornflakes comes to Sligo as part of a whistle-stop tour around Ireland. It’s the story of an older couple, Trish and Tommy, who try to cope when Tommy is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
The play swept the awards board at last year’s Fringe Festival, and was described as “one of the most sensitive, heartfelt, and uplifting shows of the festival.” Bring a packet of tissues, just in case.
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