What's On...

Based on the writings of Myles Na gCopaleen


The hilarious writing of Myles na Gopaleen and the comic talents of Eamon Morrissey combine to provide a piece of entertainment that has endured through the 35 years since his show opened in the Peacock Theatre. Learn at source about the atomic dangers of bicycles, and to understand why ‘a pint of plain is your only man’. Although as Dublin as the stout he consumes, The Brother is understood, and enjoyed, far beyond his place in the dark days of Ireland in the 40s and 50s, his international acclaim having brought him from Edinburgh to Sydney, and to many places in between. Now he is coming home.



- youtube clip shows Eamon in action in The Brother

Two football fans have just seen their side relegated after a referee disallowed a perfectly good goal, allowing the opposition to go down the other end and score. The referee’s decision is final...or is it? The two cheated fans take matters into their own hands to deal with the ref…with hilarious and unexpected consequences.

A madcap comedy starring legendary Irish actor, Mick Lally, George McMahon (Mondo - Fair City) and rising star Edwin Mullane. Winner of the Spirit of the Fringe Award at Edinburgh Fringe Festival… to some people football is a matter of life and death, to others it is far more important than that…

“You know a true comic playwright has arrived when the audience start laughing before the actors tell the jokes.” The Guardian

Two classic American one act plays, both written by Pulitzer Prize winning authors, both Pennsylvania men, born at the end of the nineteenth century, but both contrasting in style.

The Devil and Daniel Webster deals with American patriotism through a fantastic trial in which real historical figures argue over the fate of a man’s soul.

The Still Alarm, on the other hand, is classic Broadway, an ingenious skit which was originally written as part of a revue. The idea of Nero fiddling as Rome burns is transferred to a New York Hotel with hilarious results.

LYTC Carrick comprises young people aged 14 - 18 from Carrick on Shannon and surrounding areas. LYTC is funded by Leitrim County Council Arts Office.

Director Catherine Simon, assistant director Mary Blake.

See How They Run is a blissful hilarious evergreen farce, set in an English Village during the second world war.

The action takes place in the vicarage of Reverend Lionel Toop who lives there with his new ‘ex actress’ wife Penelope, and their ‘mums the word’ cockney maid, Ida. Life is peaceful and quiet for the residents of the vicarage, except for the regular interference from the local gossip, Ms. Skillon.

Then one day all hell breaks loose as the vicarage is invaded with Germans, Bishops, Reverends and actors (well one of each) with catastrophic results!

Can the vicarage and it’s residents survive the day?

Directed by Angus Dunne.

Based on the multimillion best selling book, this beautiful play tells the story of a professor and a student who meet after sixteen years when the student, Mitch, discovers that his much loved tutor, Morrie, is suffering from a terminal illness. They begin to spend Tuesdays together and Mitch learns the lessons of life and death from Morrie. Directed by John McDwyer and featuring Michael Roper and Pat Feeley, Tuesdays With Morrie is a warm, funny, compassionate and life enhancing evening of theatre.

*ST PATRICKS WEEK SPECIAL*



Three actors hurtle through 10 of the most famous Irish plays ever written, whipping through more than 70 characters in a show that’s crammed with culture, comedy, hilarious antics and wonderful parody.

In a jam-packed hour the stage will come alive with Irish figures who have dominated theatrical circles for over a century. Cathleen Ni Houlihan, Christy Mahon, Bessie Burgess and many more grace the stage in quick succession, running breathlessly through iconic Irish theatre of over one hundred years, unfurling into comic chaos.

Completely and unashamedly abridged, watch The Irish Canon flash before your eyes dragging Irish plays kicking and screaming into the future.

Featuring Cora Fenton, Dominic McHale, Adrian Scanlan with Laura Daly. Directed by Laura Harte.



“A multi-headed parody with oodles of imagination and a knock-about sense of fun” Evening Echo




-youtube clip shows a Blue Shed Productions film of The Irish Canon

Directed by Rhona Trench, this play predominantly explores the conditions surrounding the outsider, Hester Swane, a member of the travelling community, in terms of the cultural forces that impinge upon her identity. Hester responds to the settled community through resistance and defiance. Her relationship with the community examines her confrontation with the world that shapes her, including the early abandonment of her mother and her absent father. Loosely based on Medea, the story is a tragedy while it retains many comic moments.

Please note that this play is not suitable for under 16s

Written and performed by Sheila Flitton Nominated for ‘Best Actress’ in Irish Times Theatre Awards 2004, award winning actor and playwright Sheila Flitton does a lunchtime performance of her one-woman show, co-written and directed by Dave Flitton. Based on the story of Beezie Gallagher, born in the 1870’s, who was the sole resident of an island on Lough Gill in Sligo for over sixty years. Beezie returns, telling of her youth, her friendship with the young W.B. Yeats, her brief marriage in mid-life, her rescue from the Great Famine and her moving and hilarious campaign of resistance and escape from the County Home. Since it first opened in Dublin in 1984, this production has been performed in the US, UK, South Africa and Edinburgh Festival. Sheila Flitton has 30 years experience in theatre, TV and film. She has written three novels and several plays, including ‘For Better or For Worse’ which won a Listowel Writers Award and premiered in the US, ‘Harbour Nights’, ‘Voices from the Past’, which was produced as a radio play for RTE and ‘Money is The Root’, which, after being staged in Dublin, RTE commissioned a six part adaptation. TV credits include Glenroe (Josie), The Irish RM, The Snapper and Lilac Bus among many others.

Special group rates for this show.

BACK DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND!

*EARLY SHOW*

After the success of The Tinkers Curse in 2007 (Nominated for Best New Play in Irish Theatre Awards), award winning actor, playwright and Irish Times columnist Michael Harding is back on the road with a moving story about a travelling man who climbs Croagh Patrick to do penance for the sins of a lifetime. It is a play of laughter and joy, brimming with fun and rich imaginative language, as Mikey reveals the sequence of tragic events that lead to his own ultimate destruction.

Accompanied by musician Finbar Coady, this is a rough, raw and unconventional piece of theatre; a glimpse of the joys and sorrows that make up the life of an Irish Traveller. The work is the result of ongoing collaboration with members of the Travelling community. The performance will be followed by a Post Show Talk, where the audience has an opportunity to ask questions, express opinions and discuss the play with the author.

“Harding’s Theatre is always unique, daring, and unmissable!” The Irish Examiner


This show is included in our Pick&Mix Package – choose any 3 shows that have the Pick&Mix symbol for only €36!

-youtube shows clips from the live show

Described by John B. Keane as one of his best plays, ‘Sive’ is now an established classic and is being staged at The Dock exactly fifty years after its first performance. The play is set in a remote rural area and tells the story of the promise in marriage of the beautiful and young Sive to an old man. The play deals with the twin themes of monetary and sexual greed as well as examining the themes of good versus evil and wealth versus poverty.

Directed by Frank Cadam.

First produced in The Peacock in 2001 and later performed at The Abbey, this award winning play by the writer of RTE’s hugely popular ‘Pure Mule’, is brought to us by Mayo’s newest professional theatre company.

Set in a small town in the midlands in pre-Celtic Tiger Ireland, it centres on the disintegration of the marriage between Billy and Breda Farrell whose tenth wedding anniversary is looming. Mac’s late bar is the venue and their story unfolds as both characters pursue their opposing goals with the inevitable outcome.

In its everyday simplicity, hilarious storytelling and colloquial language, Eden is guaranteed to appeal to both theatre and non-theatre goers alike. Starring Paul Mekitarian and Hazel McLynn.

*Note: Strong language and adult themes throughout.

Memories of a time gone by; of love and coming of age in rural Ireland. A mixture of looking back and looking forward told through the words of two actors. Directed by Valerie Traynor.

Country Music by Olivier award winning writer Simon Stephens, is a story of crime and redemption. Spanning more than twenty years and covering the length of England from Gravesend to Sunderland, this is the life story of Jamie Carris, a troubled eighteen year old whose recklessness leaves him facing a tragic future. It follows his life in prison to his release and his attempts to redeem his past and build a relationship with his young daughter. A major hit in the Galway festival ‘Project 06’, winning festival awards including best actor for Andy Kellegher, who plays the leading role of Jamie, this is produced by Galway Arts Centre director Pauraic Breathnach and directed by Andrew Flynn, who has also directed productions for Druid Theatre and Lyric Theatre Belfast.

“The imaginative sympathy of Country Music really blew me away...almost unbearably moving” The Daily Telegraph

*Note: Strong language in first scene.

This play, by world acclaimed ‘chicklit’ novelist Cecelia Ahern, stars Mary McEvoy and focuses on a 46 year old woman dealing with five difficult sons, a broken 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 mixes laughter with tears in equal measure to create this humorous portrait of a woman finding her own place in the world.

‘As far as successful debuts go, Cecelia’s play ticks all the boxes’ Irish Mail

DUE TO THEIR, PHENOMENOLY SUCCESSFUL, SOLD OUT RUN IN JULY BEEZNEEZ THEATRE COMPANY WILL BE RETURNING TO THE DOCK WITH THE HILARIOUS "A WAKE IN THE WEST"

Not content with drinking himself to death, Tom Healy makes a last request to be buried in the drink (at sea). His wish creates havoc in his house and in his local community, with some believing he is not entitled to ‘take it all with him’. In this riot of a comedy, his neighbours vie with each other to secure a piece of Tom before his exit. Described by Beezneez as the funniest comedy they have ever worked on, this absolute madcap evening of fun and frolics will leave you sore from laughter.

Established over 65 years ago Carrick on Shannon’s very own Breffni Players present a special variety performance in The Dock.

The following is the programme

Tuesday August 4th

Deasun Lyons and Gene Anderson - a wonderful combination of talent to perform a selection of popular songs and instrumental tunes to delight all age groups.
A reading of an extract from a play performed by members of the Breffni Players Drama Society- directed by Rhona Trench.
Cortober Children's Choirs - this choir consists of children from Carrick-on-Shannon, Cortober, Drumlion and Croghan and the ages range from 7 to young teenagers. They will perform a selection of songs both traditional and popular together with a little Sean Nos dancing thrown in.
Interval
Tish Dunleavy and Friends - members of the very successful Mohill Drama Society will entertain with a selection of hillarious sketches and monologues.


Thursday August 6th

Deasun Lyons and Gene Anderson - a wonderful combination of talent to perform a selection of popular songs and instrumental tunes to delight all age groups.
A reading of an extract from a play performed by members of the Breffni Players Drama Society- directed by Rhona Trench.
Eamon and Orla Daly - Two of Leitrims most accomplished musicians/performers will entertain with music and songs not to be missed.
Interval
Tish Dunleavy and Friends - members of the very successful Mohill Drama Society will entertain with a selection of hillarious sketches and monologues.

http://www.breffniplayers.net

The Dock goes offsite to THE RAMADA HOTEL, Drumshanbo

Ever wondered what it would be like to dine at Faulty Towers?
Well now you can find out.

Enter the snobbish world of manic Basil; his domineering wife, Sybil; and their hopeless language-challenged waiter, Manuel. Be one of the steady stream of bemused guests trying to make Manuel understand what it is you want. Asking for an ice bucket ends up with you being presented with a ‘nice bucket’. A simple procedure like opening a bottle of wine can become a huge drama. And, maybe, just maybe, in the middle of all these events, you might get some service, Faulty style, of course!

Acclaimed both nationally and internationally, selling out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2007 and 2008, Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2008, and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2008, this comedy dining experience comes to Leitrim for one night only before returning for another sell-out run at Edinburgh festival. So brace yourself for two hours of “fat-wobbling, gut-busting, face-aching laughter” whilst, at the same time, enjoying a fabulous three course meal.

Price includes a three course meal. Early booking essential.

The man who brought you ‘The Love Hungry Farmer’ is back!

Des Keogh returns to The Dock with a new comedy based on the work of one of Ireland’s best known storytellers, John B. Keane’s ‘Confessions of an Irish Publican’ in which the lives of the inhabitants of Knockanee are brilliantly evoked by Kerry publican, Martin MacMeer - proprietor of Journey’s End pub.

Having premiered off-Broadway at New York’s Irish Rep Theatre, this hilarious one-man show sees the inimitable Des Keogh switch from character to character as he brings the Confessions to life. Come to Journey’s End to meet MacMeer, the parish priest, the Reverend Mother, feisty Dublin woman Grace and many more…

- you tube clip show Des in action in The MatchMaker with the late Anna Manahan

Directed by Rhona Trench is a play which predominantly explores the conditions surrounding the outsider, Hester Swane, a member of the traveling community, in terms of the cultural forces that impinge upon her identity. Hester responds to the settled community through resistance and defiance. Her relationship with the community examines her confrontation with the world that shapes her including the early abandonment of her mother and her absent father. Loosely based on Medea, the story is a tragedy while it retains many comic moments.

This play is not suitable for under 16s

Alive with trickery and poking serious fun at the establishment, this adaptation of The Devil in Drag by controversial Noble Prize winner Dario Fo, was commissioned by the National Theatre in the UK in 1999 for the Connections Project and since then has been performed by Youth Theatres and School Groups throughout Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. The play mirrors images of corruption today, not just in churches, but of all those in power who preach a moral code for others while ignoring it in their own lives.
Suitable for 15 years old and over.

Director and author, John McDwyer describes Love Is... as a complete departure from his previous funfilled work. While there remain many humorous touches in this new play, the writer is taking a very serious approach to two aspects of modern life and death and how events impact on people’s commitment to love. He describes the work as something he had to get out of his system and says that it was the most difficult work he has taken on as a writer. It is a work that is laced with personal and social commentary and the audience response has been phenomenal.
Decorated by two astonishing performances from Gerry Farrell and Mary Morris, Love Is... provides a compelling and moving evening of pure theatrical story telling which is bound to provoke much discussion and given the trademark Beezneez treatment this is definitely a show not to be missed.

Chrysalis Dance specialise in creating new works of ballet, which are
performed to contemporary popular music. They have worked with a
number of well known Irish musicians including Paddy Casey, Bell X1 and
Mundy and have built a reputation for bringing accessible dance to a wide
audience.
This new production will feature the music of John Spillane and incorporates
three very different pieces: Nurture, 2 Seasons and Ways You Wander.
Nurture, with an original score from American composer Justin Ryan and
choreographed by guest choreographer Kerry Biggin, 2 Seasons, set to
Vivaldi’s sublime Concerto, is a visual spectacle of movement, based on
the contrasting elements of Winter and Summer. Ways You Wander is
inspired by the beautiful songs of John Spillane.

“Imaginative production with wonderfully choreographed dance numbers”
RTE.ie

“Incredibly accessible.....exceptionally well put together” Galway Independent

This award-winning drama by Ireland’s foremost playwright probes the dilemma of a benevolent landlord as social and political forces close in around him. The author sets his play in 1878, the year of the assassination
of Lord Leitrim, an event which marked the beginning of the end of landlordism. Central to the plot is a beautiful love story which rivals that in Friel’s other masterpiece – Translations.

Directed by Prin Duignan this is Splódar Theatre Company’s production in English for 2009.

Acknowledgement is made to the author for his assistance in securing
performance rights of The Home Place for Splódar.

Brought to us by the company who recently toured the hugely successful Dead School by Pat McCabe, The Good Father is a love story of how two people starting at the end try to reach a new beginning. Tim and Jane are
from different sides of the class divide, but after a random meeting at a new year’s eve party leads to an unexpected pregnancy, they attempt to form a relationship against all the odds.

The play by Galway based Christian O’Reilly is hilariously funny and poignantly sad as two people try to reach out to one another and play the hand of cards that they have been dealt.

Directed by Padraic McIntyre, it stars Micheal Patric, previously seen as Liam in Livin Dred’s ‘Conversations on a Homecoming’, and Gail Fitzpatrick, recently seen in ‘Whistleblower’ on RTÉ TV.

The Breffni Players are back with an evocative production of Leonard Gershe’s smash hit broadway play ‘Butterflies are Free’. Set in downtown New York in the hippy days of the 1970s, a romantic heartwarming comedy about a crucial day in the life of an aspiring young musician/songwriter who moved from the shelter of his hope in Scardale to an apartment in New York and falls for the high spirited young girl who lives next door – they find love. but... !

This humorous, winning and quietly moving production is directed by
Angus Dunne and stars Caroline Burke, Roisin Doyle, Daniel Noone and
Damien Eames.

From John Breen, the author of smash hit comedy Alone it Stands, Yew Theatre Productions Present The Magic Boy

".......and then Gay Byrne would hear that we turned down Mike Murphy and he would pick up the telephone himself and ring us and sure who can say no to Gay Byrne , and then we’d be on the Late Late and we could put that on our posters and we could charge much more. We could even start to play support to Red Hurley."

Malcolm is a love lorn magician who rediscovers the magic in his life through an unlikely source, a nine year old boy, the son he never knew he had.

The boy Zack is the Mozart of Magic. He has a gift his father never had, a gift he got from his mother. Malcolm and Zack embark on a romantic quest, to bring Magic to the Ireland of the 1980’s and to rescue a woman they both love. Their quest brings them from the dettol scented halls of Irelands nursing homes to the lair of the IRA.

The magic boy is another heart warming comedy written by John Breen author of the smash hit Alone it stands.

The magic boy features mind reading and live close up magic!

Suitable for ages 13 and up

Female figures from the worlds of historical myths and fairy-tales finally get a word in with The World’s Wife; a playful stage show by Galway based Mephisto, based on the poetry collection by Carol Ann Duffy.
Duffy reveals the foibles of the great, the ghastly and the ordinary bloke and the sufferings of those closest to them. Dragging overlooked characters from the past into modern contexts, The World’s Wife is an accessible, fun-filled frolic through the dark world of the forgotten female.
Using Mephisto’s trademark visceral style the show features characters such as Mrs. Freud, Medusa, Queen Kong and Mrs. Darwin herself. The result is a melange of history lesson, fairy-tale and modern-day domestic tragedy, with the occasional joke thrown in for good measure. A beauty from start to finish.

One of John B.Keane’s best known and best loved stage works, ‘Many Young Men of Twenty’ takes a simultaneously serious, sad and side-splittingly funny look at the forces of smugness, greed and low-grade local corruption in small-town Ireland in the sixties. It also looks at the public and private tragedies triggered by economic recession and alongside this is Keane’s savagely indignant condemnation of the widespread emigration from country towns and townlands in early 1960’s Ireland. Featuring catchy songs and hilarious one-liners to send everyone home with tears of laughter as well as sorrow.

Rovers have reached the cup final for the first time in ten years. Tonto and Dusty are overjoyed with this success while their partners, Trish and Mags look on in bemusement. Holding a watching brief are friends Luke and Numbers, both with their own regrets and sorrows. When Dusty’s brother, Tony, who left town in mysterious circumstances after the last cup final appearance, arrives back for the final, the cosy world is turned upside down by a series of life changing events. Typical McDwyer humour is used to mask a savage tale of life and love in a Beezneez production which will both delight and disturb.

Following acclaimed sell out performances in New York and Dublin Fringe Festival, John Scott’s IMDT presents their most exciting and hilarious show ‘It is better to...’ by Berlin Dance innovator Thomas Lehmen for one performance only. Nominated for both “Best Production” and “Sexiest Show at Dublin Fringe, ‘It is better to..’. explores the everyday human struggle of making things better – from better sex to telling a better joke.

“Mr. Lehmen’s marvellous quartet was marvellously performed...energy, addictive and stimulating” New York Times

John Scott will lead a dance workshop at The Dock on
Sunday 12th October from 12pm.

Premiered in Killargue this summer as part of the ‘Flights of Fancy’ series, Little John Nee invites us to travel with him up into the wild hills for the grand re-opening of an isolated singing lounge ‘The Mothers Arms’. For a long time it has sat desolate among the scotch pines quiet as a temple, the only sounds, the snoring of an old dog dreaming on the floor and a bluebottle racing from the beer taps to the dart board and back. Can he maintain his artistic integrity or will he row in with the local characters?
Little John Nee’s exuberant melting pot of storytelling, visual comedy, pathos and live music continues to delight audiences wherever he goes.

To celebrate their 65th anniversary, the Breffni Players present a special variety night, comprising three one act plays and musical highlights from the Breffni Players productions over the past 15 years.
On Tuesday 2nd September at 8.30pm, the Breffni Players launch their 65th anniversary exhibition, featuring a collection of memorabilia, photos and records of the past 65 years, with music and light refreshments provided. A Breffni trip down memory lane!

BREFFNI PLAYERS in association with Carrick Water Music Festival presents

Two One Act Plays

NOCTURN by Miriam Gallagher
A one act theatrical/musical interlude focusing on the life and music of John Field, the Dublin-born composer and renowned pianist of the 1800’s. Directed by Angus Dunne.

BAR AND GER by Geraldine Aaron
An amusing, yet moving, piece which spans the lives of brother and sister Bar and Ger. As the play progresses their story unfolds.
Directed by Valerie Traynor.

In this celebrated work based on the enduring Greek classic of Sophocles, a tale of individual versus state and duty versus conscience, Splódar Productions (formerly The Glens Players) achieve something very rare in theatre - a play not only of deep passion and emotion but also a play of ideas and deep insights into the human condition.
Directed by Prin Duignan, the pivotal roles of Antigone and Creon are played by Mary Morris and Roddy Quinn.

*Dinner Theatre*

Pull up a seat and join us at the table for a unique theatre experience. Meridian Theatre Company will provide ‘guests’ with the evening’s entertainment by presenting two of their short plays, both dealing with families torn apart and re-united in bizarre circumstances.

Raccoon by Tom Hall
A poignant, lyrical tale of small town Irish life. Saoirse is a waitress in a small café. She does not know who she is or where she comes from, until a bizarre chance meeting in her café presents an opportunity for her to reconstruct her past and her future.

Exit Wound by Johnny Hanrahan
The story of Hugh, an itinerant singer/storyteller, who left Ireland on the day of Kennedy's assassination and has finally returned after more than forty years. The action of the play is a confrontation between Hugh and his granddaughter Julia who is the only one strong enough to resist the myth and see the man..

Enjoy an evening at the theatre complete with food, drink and great entertainment! Limited places available for this unique event

Performing artist Ursula Mawson-Raffalt and visual artist Anthony Faulder-Mawson present a new multi-layered compositional work, created during an eight-week residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre. “The Poetry of Silence in the spoken word, dance, music, sound, symbol, number, sign, spatial and temporal organization resonates in a Memory Theatre of the highest concentration and intensity. Uniting its power in an Art Installation, layered by the most vibrant and subtle realms of colour, rhythm, sound, form and texture, its vision illuminates an all embracing Ephemeral Sculpture of Silence” ) + ( = aO

P.J. Mulpeter now sixty-five years of age begins his final working day as a builder’s labourer having ‘soldiered’ for fifty years with the same ‘outfit’ Murray & Sons Construction. In a reflective mood, he casts a backward glance at the highlights of his ignominious ‘career’ on the ‘pick and shovel’, combining humour with pathos, love, loss, rejection and regret, but never without hope. Theatre critics have described it as
'A real gem of an evening…a Treat…a Winner…Not to be missed' - Cork Press
'Drama with laughter a plenty, pathos, substance and heart' - Leinster Leader
'Lynch not only wins his audience, he owns them' - Leinster Leader

Rose is a survivor. Her remarkable life began in a tiny Russian village, took her to Warsaw’s ghettos and a ship called ‘The Exodus’ and finally to the boardwalks of Atlantic City, the Arizona canyons and salsa-flavoured nights in Miami Beach. The play is both a sharply drawn portrait of a feisty Jewish woman and a moving reminder of some of the events that shaped the last century. Fiona York returns to the stage, continuing a career that has spanned over forty years in film, television, radio and theatre.

“ROSE received a rapturous reception and standing ovations…the audience was spell-bound” The Examiner

“Fiona York is captivating…it’s a must to go and see” Irish Independent

There are no easy answers to getting your dream partner, dream job or dream life: it takes a life time's study of self help books. Join Ailish McGovern's smart girls’ self help solution as she goes speed dating, re-imagines her childhood and aims to take over her boss' job using "The work secrets all successful people know - and the unsuccessful do not." But it seems no self-help book she has studied teaches that the pride comes before a fall!
A cautionary tale, or more likely, a wickedly fun spoof on our love of going life shopping.

"Clodagh Reid plays Ailish with comic versatility generating continuous laughter" Gerry Colgan, Irish Times.

"This one-woman farce is a fast paced parody of the self help industry, showing its star's comic range in male and female characters " Sunday Times.

Acclaimed Beckett actor Conor Lovett returns to The Dock with his performance of Samuel Beckett’s hilarious novella First Love presented by internationally renowned Beckett specialists Gare St. Lazare Players. It tells the story of a young man expelled from the family home who takes refuge on a bench by a canal. There he meets a woman who takes him home, with hilariously terrible consequences.
"One could hardly come up with a better human instrument to intone Samuel Beckett's blasphemous comic prose than Conor Lovett" Los Angeles Times

As with his previous smash hit comedy, the similarly titled, Why Men Cheat, de Burca travelled the length and breath of the country, interviewing over 150 Irish Men trying to solve the puzzle that has baffled many female minds.
What Men Want starts off with audience members receiving glasses of champagne, then brace yourselves for the intervening 90 minutes as Peadar de Burca’s new comedy, ‘What Men Want’ takes you on a mission to find out what goes on in the mind of the most complex species on the planet!

Back by popular demand, a play in two acts by Dale Wasserman, directed by Rhona Trench.
Power, conformity and anti-authority… a criminal serving a prison sentence for statutory rape gets himself transferred to a mental institution to escape the drudgery of work at the prison. Fuelled by his disgust at how it’s run, he sets himself the challenge of breaking down the iron hand of the establishment, by winning over the hearts and minds of his fellow patients, leading the audience to believe that victory is surely his. But alas...

The premiere of McDwyer’s new play United. Set against the background of the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster which decimated the Manchester United team of Busby babes, United traces the fate of an Irish family over fifty years, through hope, conflict and sorrow to a final resolution of peace and unity. From the author of The Leitrim Trilogy, Unforgiven and Love Is, early booking advised.

John Scott creates a lively and stimulating new work for six dancers. An amusing and compelling study in observation, viewing the world from inside and outside, Next to Skin, contains dancing of astonishing beauty and power. The dancers attempt to create the space using their bodies and voices with breathtaking leaps, finely honed partnering and explosive joy.

The Love-Hungry Farmer tells the story of John Bosco McLane, a bachelor who at 56 is, according to his own assessment, ‘past his best’. McClane’s amorous adventures range from the cartoonish to the pitiful. Even the strenuous efforts of matchmaker, Dicky Mick Dicky O’Connor fail him! Starring Des Keogh, nominated Best Actor at Edinburgh Fringe 2004, and has performed with all the major Irish theatre companies including the Abbey, the Gate, and the Druid and the National Theatre and the Royal Court in London.

The acclaimed Chantal McCormack and Fidget Feet stretches boundaries between a range of art forms, combining aerial circus skills, theatre, dance, music and video art. Commissioned by Cork Midsummer Festival 2007 ‘Invoke’ is a ‘breathtaking example of poetry and athleticism’, while’I Can’t Handle Me’ is filled with energetic dance both in the air and on the ground .
Suitable for those 14 years or older.
“I Can’t Handle Me’ is a startling fresh sometimes violently raw piece of dance. It is a vibrant, engaging, brave and often provocative show.” - Longford Leader

Flight of the Earls is a play about men in modern Ireland. Set in Donegal, it charts the lives of two childhood friends. One of the young men, Peadar O’Donnell, has just become a father. His lifelong buddy, Daragh Gallagher , looks on with a mixture of awe, jealousy and concern as Peadar’s life is changed completely. Flight of the Earls is a tragi-comic play dealing with issues of masculinity, fatherhood and friendship among men. Contains strong language.
**A post show discussion will follow the performance.

Beezneez Theatre Company presents
LOVE IS, by John McDwyer
This new John McDwyer play examines the turbulent and passionate story of two people who come face to face with all the joys and sorrow that love and life have to offer. Captured in two stunning performances from Mary Morris and Gerry Farrell, prepare for a funny and moving evening of theatre.

Written and directed by John McDwyer
Back by popular demand! Described by the author as a mad play about mad people who live in their own madness, Unforgiven completes McDwyer’s Leitrim Trilogy. Whereas the previous plays were serious with a few funny moments, Unforgiven is an all out comedy with a few serious moments. Cast includes Michael Roper, Finbar Ryan, Mary Morris and the author himself.

The publication of John McDwyer's Leitrim Trilogy of plays, consisting of Lovely Leitrim, Callaghan's Place and Unforgiven will be launched by award winning author Brian Leyden. There will be a reception from 7.30pm, followed by the official launch, and Beezneez Theatre Company will present excerpts from each of the plays. Books will be for sale at the launch.
All are welcome to the reception and launch but tickets for the performance are extremely limited and enquiries should be made at The Dock or directly to Beezneez at 071 9620224.

Newly Composed Work- Sketches in Situ
“Inspired by the traditional craft of knitting, a poetic symmetry in rhythm and texture evokes memories of the past which echo into the future.”
The second in a series of performance and installation works created by the artists and artistic directors Ursula Mawson-Raffalt (performing arts) and Anthony J. Faulder-Mawson (fine art). Working in their different disciplines both artists will take the title as a base on which to apply their own methods, not only creating two works which they will then layer for presentation, but also creating multiple unique stages with different participants and settings. The performance on 6th October will be the culmination of a six day intensive workshop with a range of local artists.

A Play in Two Acts by Dale Wasserman, directed by Rhona Trench.
Power, confirmity and anti-authority..a criminal serving a prison sentence for statutory rape gets himself transferred to a mental institution to escape the drudgery of work at the prison. However, life there is not as comforting and luxurious as he had expected. Fuelled by his disgust at how it’s run, he sets himself the challenge of breaking down the iron hand of the establishment, by winning over the hearts and minds of his fellow patients, leading the audience to believe that victory is surely his. But alas...

Performed by Conor Lovett
Directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett
Produced in association with Rubicon Theatre, Ventura, California.
This powerful monologue tells of a Dublin thug's last job for his boss. The job goes terribly wrong, resulting in a chase across the country. The 'thief' appears not to be in control of his life but during the mayhem he performs an act that shows his humanity may still be intact. A sad tale of a life ill spent but we are charmed somehow by the hapless 'thief'.
Conor McPherson is an irish playwright with a string of successful West End and Broadway runs including The Weir, Dublin Carol and Shining City.

A one-act theatrical/musical interlude to celebrate the music of John Field, the Dublin born composer and renowned pianist of the 1800s, creator of the ‘Nocturne’ and a legend in his own lifetime throughout Europe and Russia.

The play is set in Moscow where John Field spent most of his life, enthralling Russian society with his piano forte concerts. He was much admired and loved by his many lady friends and this is a story of one such love. Directed by Angus Dunne, cast includes Therese Hackett and Anthony Noone, with Roisin Blunney playing John Field compositions on piano.

Nocturne will be followed by a one act comedy, The Last Tango in Little Grimely produced and directed by Valerie Traynor.

When mild mannered accountant, Henry Perkins, picks up the wrong case on the London underground, he finds himself in possession of a fortune in used bank notes. But if getting the money was easy, keeping it proves harder, as not one but two police officers call and Henry, bemused wife, Jean and confused friends Vic and Betty are forced into a frantic game of cat and mouse. This brilliant Cooney farce directed by John McDwyer is given the full Beezneez treatment and audiences are assured of two hours of inspired, demented bliss!

Lance Corporal Francis Ledwidge lost his life in Flanders fields in 1917, while serving with the British army in WWI. One of Ireland’s emerging poets, Ledwidge left the familiarity of his Co. Meath home, and joined the British army at “seven shillings a week, a shilling more than London magazines paid for a line of poetry.”

Suspended in the half-light of memories and dreams, this beautiful new play from Dermot Bolger follows Francis Ledwidge on his final journey, as he finds himself once again walking the road to his home in Slane, alongside the ghosts of all of those who touched his life. But where are they walking to and will any of them ever reach home? Starring Colin O’Donoghue (TV credits include RTE’s Fair City & The Clinic) and Kelly Hickey, under the direction of Ray Yeates.

Mick Lally and Anne Charleston (Madge Bishop in Neighbours)are back together again in John B. Keane ’s hilarious hit play. The Matchmaker follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn from all parts of the country. At the centre of the production is John B. Keane’s marvellous and mischievous wit coupled by his unparalleled way with words. Directed by Michael Scott, the production features an introduction by John B. Keane himself on tape.
“The Matchmaker is a classic that continues to entertain audiences and tap into Irish sensibilities.” -Sunday Business Post

Written by award winning playwright Michael Harding, The Tinkers Curse is set in the world of Ireland’s Travellers; an imaginative world, rooted in myth and superstition. The power and sometimes destructive and inhibiting effects of the Traveller ’s world on ordinary lives is explored through the moving story of Delia Rattigan. Celebrating the music of colloquial language, and making the power of character and performance as strong as the story itself, The Tinkers Curse is a simple and powerful story of loss and remorse, speaking through the rich mythical language of Ireland ’s Travellers. With an all star cast including Mary McEvoy (Biddy in Glenroe), Aaron Monaghan (Abbey and Druid theatre) and Andrew Bennett under the direction of Padraic McIntyre, the result is scintillating entertainment.

Riots! Protests! Secret Agents! Assassins!
This was Galway,June 2nd 1984,when U.S. President Ronald Reagan visited Galway to be made a Freeman of the City and receive an honorary Doctorate of Law from the city’s University.
Now, that momentous day is relived again in a new comedy by Peadar de Búrca, author of ‘Why Men Cheat ’. Drawing on research from key local and national figures who had prominent roles to play that day, including Michael D.Higgins and Bishop Eamon Casey, de Búrca has assembled a play where just four actors take on almost sixty roles, as a lot of fact and a certain amount of fiction combine to bring the human tales behind the historic visit.
“A cross between ‘Alone It Stands’ and ‘Stones In His Pockets ’, only funnier ” – Beth Tyrell, Sunday World

A tragi-comedy set in the Dublin Tenements in the years of the Irish Civil War, 1922/23, Juno & The Paycock centres on the Boyle family. Many of the characters in the play are tragic victims of war and poverty. A subtle sense of the futility and harsh consequences of war runs throughout, highlighting the heroic quality of women and their enormous capacity to suffer.

Talking Through His Hat is an hour long encounter with Jonathan Swift, as he discusses a dinner-party that went wrong, and reflects on his friendship with the famous musician Turlough O’ Carolan. A major hit at the Dublin Fringe, this is an entertaining, funny, sometimes sad view of the life of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Michael Harding is widely known as a playwright, actor, and recently columnist with the Irish Times. The performance is followed by a lively post show talk with the author/performer. “This performance earned Harding a best actor nomination at the 2002 Dublin Fringe, and this assured yet edgy turn shows it was well deserved. A masterful performance” The Sunday Business Post.

Mrs Kay's 'Progress Class' are unleashed from school to go on a rather interesting school trip. The play is an exuberant celebration of the joys and agonies of growing up and being footloose, fourteen and free from school. But this is more than a ‘romp’ - it points out the depressing present and empty future for these comprehensive no-hopers from the backstreets of Liverpool, for whom a day out is as much as they can expect. Our Day Out is directed by Caroline Burke and stars 4th year students from Carrick Community School.

Sharon’s Grave is set on an Atlantic headland at the mercy of wind and rain and the harsh realities of rural Irish life in the 1930’s. Trassie Conlee tends her dying father and battles to protect herself and her brother Neelus, while her cousin Dinzie ruthlessly attempts to manipulate and dispossess her. The journeyman thatcher, Peadar, gets drawn into this inter-family struggle and the stage is now set for a showdown between love and hate, mythical beliefs and reality.

The Castleblayney twins John and Tommy Mc Ardle perform their critically acclaimed adaptation of the life and times of Patrick Kavanagh for one night only. “Their comic characters are those of Kavanagh’s prose and they inhabit a world similar to that of “The Third Policeman”, a world of numbing stasis. Between the laughs the McArdle Brothers convey the pain and frustration of living in that world and the terrible loneliness of Kavanagh’s life. I urge you not to miss this gem of a production.” The Irish Times