YEARS OF
spring 2023
January
Sat 14 20 - 28
February Sat 4 Sun 5 Fri 10 Thurs 16 Sat 18 Fri 24 Sat 25
March
Tues 7 Thurs 9 Fri 10 Sat 11 Wed 15 Fri 24 Sat 25 30 – 1 April
Quick Guide
Gina and the Champions Peter Panto Backstage Youth Theatre
Pilgrim Street Joe Daly Magician How to get the Menopause Ann Gildea Mattie Fox & Friends Night of Nostalgia Danti Dan Livin Dred Teddy Bear’s Picnic Theatre Lovett Patrick Feeney
Adole Ta Little Lion Theatre Happy Days Blue Raincoat Theatre Michael Harding Jack L King Fishamble Theatre Matchmaker Jon Kenny & Norma Sheahan Kyle Riley Sive Backstage Theatre Group
April
Thurs 6 Thurs 13 Sat 22 Thurs 27 Sat 29
May
Thurs 4 18-20 23 & 24 Fri 26 Wed 31
Declan Nerney Tonic Rough Magic Theatre A Call To You Catherine Young Dance Country & Irish Pat McCabe Music Generation
Gombean Niamh McGrath Tom Foolery at the Folly Mostrim Players From a Low & Quiet Sea Decadent Theatre Philomena Begley In The Midst of Plenty Enchanted Croí
Give the gift of
Gift Vouchers Available 043 33 47888 or www.backstage.ie
spring 2023
a great night out!
music
sat 14 jan 8pm €25 =
Gina & The Champions 50th Anniversary Tour!
2023 sees Gina, Dale Haze and The Champions celebrate fifty years on the road, bringing joy through music and dance to the hearts of many. To mark this monumental milestone, Gina and The Champions bring you their special anniversary tour performing many of their hits, such as “The Greatest Lover”, “Give Me back My Love”, “Dreams are Good Friends”, “Drunken Sailor”, “A Real Good Feeling” and many more. Come share 50 years of Hits and Memories.
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family fun comedy
fri 20 - sat 28 jan €12/8/35 =
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Written & Performed by Backstage Youth Theatre
PETER PANTO Fri 20 & Fri 27 Jan @ 7pm Sat 21 Sun 22 & Sat 28 @ 3pm €12/€8 / Family of 4 €35
Peter Pan is having a bad day. First of all, he loses his Shadow and with it his ability to fly. Then, one by one, he manages to turn all his friends against him. Now that Peter’s alone, Captain Hook spies a chance to finally get his revenge! Will the Pirates make Peter walk the plank or will Tinkerbell, Wendy and The Lost Boys find a way to save the day?
Peter Panto is a tale you won’t find in the story books! Oh, no you won’t!
music
sat 4 feb 8pm €25 =
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Pilgrim St Strongly influenced by Bluegrass, Old Time Country and Folk Music, fused with traditional folk songs from this side of the Atlantic, Pilgrim St bring a warm and lively atmosphere to their music and have garnered a glowing word of mouth endorsement from venues around the country with their powerhouse live performances. Drawing from fellow luminaries such as Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, The Pogues and Bruce Springsteen’s Seeger Sessions outfit, Pilgrim St have brought their infectious melodies, harmonies and songs to the stages of Electric Picnic, Vicar street and venues all over the country. Pilgrim St are a collective of musicians that include Peadar Farrelly on Guitar and Vocals, Eugene Donegan on Banjo and Vocals, Eoin McDonnell on Mandolin and Vocals, Francis McGinn on Bass, Mark Lynch on Dobro, Brendan Kelly on Accordion and Vocals and and Cathal McQuaid on the Fiddle.
family fun
sun 5
Joe Daly Magician It’s Joe the Magician from RTÉjr! And he’s bringing his spectacular children’s comedy magic and illusion show to the Backstage Theatre for one spectacular afternoon of mind boggling fun! Joe’s show fuses laugh out loud comedy magic with absolutely jaw dropping spectacular illusions live on stage. It’s a rollercoaster theatrical ride that reinvents children’s entertainment. Tables will fly, a friendly ghost will magically fly into the audience and charm kids and grownups alike! Joe will even make it snow live on stage! That’s just for starters! Joe’s hugely popular TV show ‘abraKIDabra’ has been one of the most watched shows on RTÉjr and on the RTÉ player and now Joe stars in his new educational comedy show ‘Dizzy Deliveries’ where Joe is a magical delivery man who uses ‘Lámh Sign’. Duration 70 mins Ages 4-12 (and grown-ups too!)
“Joe Daly is Ireland’s leading children’s magician” The Irish Times “Joe Daly is absolutely brilliant” John McColgan …producer/director of Riverdance.
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feb 3pm €15 =
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comedy
fri 10 feb 8pm €20 =
How to get the Menopause and Enjoy it!
Join Anne Gildea (The Nualas) on this fabulous, informative, laugh-out-loud, trip through all things Menopause. What is it? Why does it happen? How come it barely bothers some women and shakes others to the core? Why is it named after men? Why didn’t our mammies warn us about it? Is there anything you can do about it? And why oh why is so little known about this inevitable phase of lady-life? Anne answers all these and more, as she brings TMI to a whole new level.
‘Amazingly funny and really accurate menopause show - loved it!’ -Dr Deirdre Lundy, menopause specialist.
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music
thurs 16 feb 8pm €20 =
Mattie Fox and friends AN EVENING OF NOSTALGIA After 40 years working as an artist manager in the music business, Mattie Fox is now back showcasing his first love of singing & entertaining. He is joined on stage by special friends with whom he worked in his earlier years - Charlie Arkins on Fiddle & harmonica, Matt Leavy on vocals and guitar, multiinstrumentalist Dessie Hynes playing accordion, piano, whistle, among others, singer Eddie Quinn on percussion & harmonies and Pat Creegan on fretless bass. Join them for an evening of nostalgia, a two hour show with some of the best musicians in the business.
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theatre
“Listen girl, this is the kind of place that if you lost your virginity, somebody would find it and bring it home to your mother”
sat 18 feb 8pm €18/16 =
Livin Dred present
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Danti Dan
Directed by Aaron Monaghan Cork. 1970. A motley gang hang out on a short stretch of road. By the end of the summer, their lives will change forever. Funny, sharp-tongued & tragic, Gina Moxley’s shamelessly funny tale of the sexual-awakening of five innocent youngsters in a small dead-end town is a sharp-shock teenage comedy with tragic undertones. Bursting with hormones-in-bloom, sentimental nostalgia and brash young cynicism, this hilarious exploration of puberty blues has been described by critics as one of the greatest Irish plays of the past few decades. Danti-Dan is a theatrical gem.
schools
fri 24 feb 10am & 12pm €8 Age 5+ =
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Theatre Lovett present
The Teddy Bears’ Picnic by Louis Lovett
If you go down to the woods today you’re in for a big surprise… The teddy bears’ picnic! Where can we find it? What’s the address? Are we invited? Do teddies eat food? Is the tea they drink real? It’s hard to digest, this mythical meal. Theodor is a detective who found Timbuktu and a two headed llama that lives in Peru. Now Theo’s hot on the trail of the famous teddy bears’ picnic… a tricky puzzle to pick. Come join us and together, we’ll try our best to help Theo on this cuddly quest. The Teddy Bears’ Picnic is a theatrical treat for children aged 5+ and everyone else is welcome too. (Teddy bears are especially welcome!) The Teddy Bears’ Picnic is funded by The Arts Council and supported by Riverbank Arts Centre.
“Easily the best family entertainment on stage” The Irish Times
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music
sat 25 feb 8pm €25 =
Patrick Feeney
Patrick Feeney was born to sing! From the tender age of four he wanted to be on stage with his father who played in a local band. He released his first album as a teenager and has enjoyed phenomenal success since, especially over the past few years. Patrick, known nationally for his remarkable tenor voice, has legions of fans across Ireland and is a regular guest on TV and Radio. Patrick has won many prestigious awards over the years and is renowned as a versatile performer. So why not join one of our finest for an unmissable night of Country and Gospel.
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schools
tues 7 mar 10am & 12pm €8 =
Little Lion Theatre present
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Adole-TA!
Joy loves running, spinning and flying in nature. Sky loves reading, singing and gaming indoors. Adole-TA! is a dance theatre piece that joyously explores friendship and play. Come into a world with Joy and Sky where anything is possible - a tent can be a crab, an umbrella can be a cloud, and the moon can sing! Through play, two friends overcome differences and together imagine, create and expand their reality and yours. Suitable for ages 3-6
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theatre
thurs 9 mar 8pm €18/16 =
Blue Raincoat Theatre present
Happy Days
by Samuel Beckett directed by Niall Henry. In Happy Days we find Winnie, a woman in her 50s, buried waist-deep in the centre of a mound of scorched earth, with little else around other than a large black bag and a collapsed parasol. Behind her and hidden from view sleeps Willie. A piercing bell rings, stops, rings again and Winnie wakes. Blue Raincoat Theatre Company have been touring their work throughout Ireland for over three decades with shows such as Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Third Policeman, The Bald Soprano and Shackleton. Beckett’s classic, Happy Days, marks the companies 20th national tour and features long time company members Sandra O’Malley and John Carty.
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literary
fri 10 mar 8pm €22/20 =
An Evening with Michael Harding
All The Things Left Unsaid
For almost fifty years, Michael Harding has been crafting words in a bid to express himself and to explore truths about the human condition. But even still he found himself unable to say certain things he really wanted to. Then, while in recovery from surgery, he travelled to a cottage on the Atlantic coast and thought again about life and the people who had profoundly affected him over the years: mentors, loves and old friends. There at the ocean he wrote letters, with an intimacy not previously risked. Letters that would never be posted but that feature in his latest book All the Things Left Unsaid – a vulnerable and beautifully wrought collection of insights into life, death, friendship and love. Join Ireland’s master-storyteller for a return to the stage that is greatly anticipated by his legion of fans across the country, telling his stories with great humour, warmth and honesty.
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music
sat 11 mar 8pm €28 =
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Jack Lukeman Echo On - 25 Years
Jack Lukeman, one of Ireland’s most enigmatic and magnificent performers, embarks on a new regional tour following the success of his headline show at Dublin’s 3Arena. With a career spanning 25 years, fans can expect a spectacular live performance with Jack L performing his greatest hits alongside live favourites and tracks from his new album Echo On.
theatre
wed 15 mar 8pm €18/16 =
Fishamble present
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King
Witten and performed by Pat Kinevane KING tells the story of Luther, a man from Cork named in honour of his Granny Bee Baw’s hero, Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Luther only leaves his apartment for essential journeys, and to perform as an Elvis impersonator. The play explores prejudice, privilege, and resilience, as Luther struggles to live life to the full. Fishamble and Pat Kinevane have previously collaborated on FORGOTTEN, SILENT, UNDERNEATH, and BEFORE, which have won major international awards including Olivier, Fringe First, Herald Archangel, Adelaide Fringe, and Helen Hayes awards. Now, Fishamble and Pat Kinevane, under the direction of Jim Culleton, and with music by Denis Clohessy, return with this very special fifth solo play.
Praise for Kinevane’s work: “EXTRAORDINARY” New York Times “BRILLIANT” Irish Times “STUNNING” Scotsman “DAZZLING” Guardian “MESMERISING” Sydney Morning Herald
theatre
fri 24 mar 8pm €24/20 =
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THE MATCHMAKER By John B Keane Directed by Michael Scott
John B Keane’s iconic comedy celebrates 21 years on the road this year as Norma Sheahan joins Jon Kenny to play a myriad of characters in this hilarious and earthy dramatic comedy about the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O’Connor as he attempts to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn of the parish. With a deft sense of “devilment” and wit, Keane uses his inimitable way with words to delve into the longings, hungers, fears and foibles of this collection of lonely country people, creating a marvellously colourful world that takes us back to a simpler time when phones were few and far between and the only web was the one left behind by spiders.
family fun
sat 25 mar 11am €10 =
Little Folk On The Road with Kyle Riley ‘Little Folk- On the Road’ is a fun family concert perfectly suited for 2-8 year olds and their adults. Kyle has been writing and performing children’s music for over 10 years, touring Ireland and abroad. ‘Little Folk’ features his award winning original children’s music, catchy kids tunes and some proper sing-along songs. It’s a foot stomping, hand clapping and jumping good time. The fun doesn’t stop when the show ends, each child gets a little musical goody bag so they can join in during the show and take the music home with them. Bring your rock toddlers, your little boppers, and cool kids to Kyle’s one of a kind family concert.
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theatre
thurs 30 - Sat 1 april 8pm €16/14 =
Backstage Theatre Group present
Sive
by John B Keane Directed by Charlie McGuinness Backstage Theatre Group return to the stage with this great Irish classic and one of the nation’s best loved plays. It is a story about a battle of generations, a country in flux, exploitation, greed, love and tragedy all told with John B’s lyrical dialogue and great Irish humour.
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music
thurs 6 april 8pm €25 =
Declan Nerney
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Declan was born in the heart of Ireland in Drumlish Co Longford, at a unique period of time in the worldwide music scene. Since then Declan has gone on to have a super career that has spanned over 4 decades at the top of Irish Country Music winning many accolades along the way and scoring countless hits with his catalogue of trademark songs. Join Declan and special guests John Hogan and Owen Mac accompanied by his super live band for a nostalgic night of music, song and laughter.
theatre
thurs 13 april 8pm €18/16 =
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Fionn Foley and Rough Magic present
TONIC
in association with Solstice Arts Centre and Kilkenny Arts Festival It’s the year 2047 and the end is truly nigh. That is, until a miracle tonic is discovered – Halcyon – which promises to restore the mind and body to the glory days of the 2020s. Charged with spreading this good news, the amazing Calibri Triplet Family Band embark on their most challenging touring schedule to date. Using only their charm, their music and their notoriety they will show their adoring audiences how to take the doom out of doomsday. From award winning playwright Fionn Foley, Tonic is a blistering new comic musical for the times we live in. Great fun, with inspired musical talent and sneakily clever lyrics – TONIC really is a tonic Sunday Independent witty and playful… you will leave with a big smile on your face Irish Independent
★★★★ flirts with our jaded contemporary souls, providing recognition as well as escapism from postpandemic woes The Irish Times
Dance
sat 22 april 8pm €18/16 =
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Catherine young Dance presents
A Call to you
Originally created at Backstage Theatre for the Dublin Dance Festival in 2022, ‘A Call to You’, Catherine Young’s passionate celebration of life, togetherness and dance, now embarks on a national tour, opening at Backstage on 22nd April 2023. ‘A Call to You’ emerges from the urgency of the incomprehensible times we live through. It is a call to come together; to explore the fragility and friction of community and the strength of the many. Featuring a cast of outstanding international performers and live music directed by Young’s long-time collaborator Martin Schärer, and inspired by Ukranian folk dance traditions, A Call To You offers an antidote to the imagery of war and the endless rhetoric of politics. As words fail, the body now speaks – untamed and unapologetic. Catherine Young is Dance Artist in Residence at Backstage Theatre. This tour is funded by Arts Council’s Touring Award with the support of the NASC network
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theatre
thurs 27 april 8pm €18/16 =
Country and Irish presented by Fight 2 Flight Theatre Company
Peter Gowen takes the lead in Patrick McCabe’s Beckett-esque one man show. Meet Doie Burris who overcomes his troubles (which incude his girlfriend, his overbearing mum and the Midford Mafia) by imagining himself as “the star of his own gangster movie”. Presented by Fight2Flight Theatre Company, Country and Irish is essentially the story of a man at the end of his tether who sets out to tell a story like none you’ve ever heard before Directed by Conor Hanratty, Mc Cabes’ triumphant theatrical display has been picking up rave reviews.
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music
sat 29 apr 7pm €5 =
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Music Generation Longford
Longford Sounds LIVE
Music Generation Longford is delighted to present ‘Longford Sounds LIVE’ where students from Longford Sounds will perform popular music spanning different genres and instruments they have been learning throughout the year. The concert will include performances from bands and ensembles of ukulele, African Djembe Drumming and the ‘HUM – Happy Uplifting Music’ programmes.
Give the gift of
a great night out!
EARS OF Gift Vouchers Available 043 33 47888 or www.backstage.ie
theatre
thurs 4 may =
Gombean
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8pm €18/16 =
GomBean is a comedy set in a sleepy town in Sligo. Delivering a lock-down dose of caffeine-fulled fun, GomBean opens a lid on Grace O’ Malley’s new coffee van venture, but a blast from her past, wrestling rival Ruby Stephens arrives in town, decades after making it big. Her arrival literally turns Grace’s world upside down, as she contends to win back her title which she lost at the U18’s Community Games in ’94. Some dreams can’t be stomped on!
theatre
thurs 18 - Sat 20 may 8pm €15 =
Mostrim Players present
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Tom Foolery at the Folly Written and directed by Pauline O’Neil Flood This drama tells the story behind the establishment of Charlton’s Endowment Charitable Trust Fund, which is understood to have taken place in county Longford in 1776 according to local folklore. 75 year old Thomas Charlton of Moatfarrell, Co. Longford, millionaire, wishes to marry and father an heir to his estate and his substantial fortune. Thomas’ two sisters are not happy with this idea so they devise a plan. Based on true events with some artistic flavour the audience will be taken on a trip through important local history.
theatre
tues 23 & Wed 24 may 8pm €20/18 =
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Decadent Theatre Company present
From a Low and Quiet Sea Decadent Theatre brings us an unmissable stage adaptation of Donal Ryan’s acclaimed, Booker Prize-nominated novel. Four characters, four lost souls, searching for a version of home. For Farouk, family is all. He has protected his wife and daughter from the war. If they stay, they will lose their freedom. If they flee, they will lose all they have known of home, for a faraway land across the merciless sea. Lampy is distracted. He’s with Eleanor, but she’s not Chloe. His granddad’s sniping jokes are getting on his wick. And on top of all that, he has a bus to drive; those old folks from the home can’t wait all day. For John, the game was always the lifeblood coursing through his veins. Manipulating people for enrichment, for enjoyment, for spite. But it was never enough. The lifeblood is slowing down, will God listen? Florence’s son is acting differently which forces her to look for answers, but she is afraid of the truth that lies within herself. Adapted by Donal Ryan, the cast, and Andrew Flynn. Directed by Andrew Flynn. Original production of ‘From A Low and Quiet Sea‘ was developed with support of : The Arts Council, Backstage Activate Bursary and GIAF Elevate programme.
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music
fri 26 may 8pm €30 =
Philomena Begley “AIN’T over the Hill” Show Philomena Begley is widely known as the Queen of Irish Country and her name needs very little introduction. She is synonymous throughout Ireland and beyond, and has been at the forefront of Irish Country Music now for 60 years and during this time she has had a glittering career that has seen her achieve countless accolades and score dozens of No.1 hit songs that include “The Blanket on the Ground”, “Truck Driving Woman” and “The Queen of the Silver Dollar” to name but a few, along with being a regular guest on all major TV and radio shows. Philomena has performed on stages all over the world to legions of fans and appeared with Porter Wagoner on the Grand Old Opry in Nashville. Join our national treasure Philomena Begley with special guests Ray Lynam and her son Aidan Quinn for the memorable “I Ain’t Over the Hill Tour 2023.”
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theatre
Wed 31 may 8pm €20/18 =
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In the midst of Plenty
presented by Enchanted Croí Theatre
“In the Midst of Plenty” written and composed by Amy Day is a new work of historical drama set in 1847, at the height of Ireland’s Great Famine. Featuring an original score of contemporary acoustic folk music performed by a cast of professional actors and a live folk band, it tells the story of Bridget Connor, a tenant on the Strokestown estate, as she struggles to protect her family from the forces of starvation, eviction, and emigration. Produced and directed by Anne-Marie O’Sullivan the show has successfully sold out in the Roscommon Arts Centre, and in the National Famine Museum.
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