Don’t worry if you or any of your party are unable to attend a performance. If you contact our Box Office team on 043 3347888 no later than 4pm two days before the show*, you can exchange your tickets for another performance or ask for a credit voucher (which does not expire).*Must be two working days.
Box Office hours: Mon-Fri (10am to 5pm)
Please note: No refunds/exchanges can be offered on the day of a performance or after a show has taken place.
If we need to cancel or postpone a show, our team will be in touch to let you know and offer you a refund or exchange.
ACCESSIBILITY AT BACKSTAGE
We are always looking for ways to make your experience at Backstage as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. As your local Theatre and Arts Centre, we want to strip away any barriers that may exist and ensure that everyone feels welcome and knows that our space is your space. Please let us know, at time of booking, if you have any mobility issues and we will do our best to make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible.
ASSISTED LISTENING SYSTEM
We are delighted to offer those with hearing loss access to a new range of Infrared Assisted Listening Devices. This system will enable audience members to hear speech and sound from the main stage regardless of where they are seated in our auditorium.
To find out about the two types of systems available visit backstage.ie or scan QR code. Prebook your unit at time of booking or by emailing box office in advance on admin@backstage.ie
SENSORY FRIENDLY
Our Social Story is availble to view/download on backstage.ie
If you or any of your party would like to visit our space before a performance to become familiar with the surroundings and take away the unknown element, please feel free to contact us in advance to arrange a visit during office hours.
Our website, backstage.ie, is also fully accessible complete with language translator and accessibility tools.
POST PRiMARY ShOwS
We have lots in store for primary and post-primary schools this season.
As well as three shows for primary schools we have four shows/workshops dedicated to post-primary schools.
Find our more about these shows further on in our brochure.
5th Sept 8pm)
(Fri 22nd 10am & 1pm) Post Primary School Show - Book Early
KinG LeAR
Presented by Backstage Theatre and BYT
Directed by Charlie McGuinness
Join us for a wildly energetic re-imagining of the classic King Lear by william Shakespeare. Perfect for anyone looking for an introduction to the works of Shakespeare and a lovely refresh to the palate for those Shakespearean connoisseurs. Come and see this dramatic and comic retelling of the story of Lear as he tries to figure out who his favourite daughter is.
*For details and prices for School Group bookings please call us on 043 3347888
ZAC HACkeTT
A FOOTBALL MAN
Produced by amateur photographer/videographer
Ken Keenan
A docufilm about the aforementioned Pat ‘Zac’ Hackett, proud Longford man, noted footballer and local legend.
Unofficially produced to coincide with the centenary celebrations of Longford Town FC, whom Zac famously played for and subsequently managed, this film includes footage from yesteryear, interviews with those who know him best and from the man himself.
CLAuDIA BuCkLey
Claudia Buckley, daughter of the famous Jimmy, grew up immersed in country music and her own unique sound, a blend of traditional country, pop, bluegrass speaks to this.
Claudia is currently working on her second studio album set for release this year and cannot wait to embark on her tour all over Ireland and the uk to showcase some of her hits such as “Drinking with Dolly, ‘Diane’ and some old favourites that she hopes everyone will love.
JARgON feat. Charlie Mcgettigan
Jargon, the highly talented multi-instrumentalist acoustic quartet has returned, revisiting their interpretations and original songs in Ragtime, Blues, Folk and Bluegrass styles. Formed by Charlie Mcgettigan in 1973, and reformed in the eighties, they followed Clannad and Pumpkinhead in winning the prestigious Letterkenny Folk Festival and subsequently released three singles.
The group took a break in 1983 to pursue other successful musical interests. After 40 years, Jargon reformed earlier in 2023 to play, enjoy and share some of their music with new member Brian Mulligan. A must see for music lovers everywhere.
DiSTiLLATiOn
A
Luke Casserly, Abbey Theatre, and Solas nua production
Location: Temperence Hall, Longford
A performative journey which takes you to the Irish bog landscape.
In a response to the recent cessation of the peat harvesting industry Luke Casserly collaborated with renowned perfume maker Joan Woods to create a unique distillation of the Midlands bog – the place where he grew up.
Dedicated to the future of our broken landscapes –in the hope that by listening to them, we might be able to better understand them.
Age 12+
H H H H H “This ode to our landscape will give you a new perspective on Ireland’s bogs. All of the senses are engaged: not just sight and hearing but also touch, smell and even taste” - The irish Times
Fri 20th 8pm (tickets FREE as part of Culture Night supported by Creative Ireland Longford) Sat 21st 8pm €15
Supported by Goethe-Institut Irland, with additional development support by IMMA, Druid FueL, and Backstage Theatre’s Activate Residency programme.
BiG GueRiLLA
PRODuCTiOnS PReSenT
inDiGeSTiOn
This play has been described as sensitive, hilarious, intelligent, absolutely compelling and refreshingly forthright. A man, whose name we never hear, tells us his story of a life, always slightly out of his control... The madness of a simple rural man... a man shipped off to London at the age of 17…who goes through bouts of depression, obesity and anger issues… finds and loses love, comes back to ireland to more misfortune and mayhem and yet there is hOPe. This is a story full of hope, where laughter and tears join hands and race us through fifty years of a life, not much different to our own. This is Seamus O’Rourke doing what he does best, storytelling.
Kevin MCGAheRn - ShY TALKeR
Kevin is back with his brand new show Shy Talker. Looking back on the last year of his life the terminally lazy Cavan comedian now realises going on Dancing with The Stars with a 6 week old baby at home may not have been the smartest idea in the world.
Join Kevin for a night of jokes, japes, songs and stories in what many people are calling “the greatest stand up show ever at that particular time within that specific price range!”
“So F**king Funny!” Joanne Mcnally
“Gas Bastard” The Rubberbandits
“Brilliant!” hot Press
“Made me laugh out loud” Charlie Brooker
“I’m still laughing” The Scotsman
Mary-Lou McCarthy in association
with Once Off Productions presents THe DeAD LeTTeR OFFICe
elizabeth is a Dead Letter Detective and knows everything there is to know about lost post. She loves her job… but people don’t send letters anymore.
Days before the closure of her beloved Dead Letter Office, a mysterious package arrives. Faced with the most difficult mystery of her career, Elizabeth is forced to make lifechanging decisions.
An engaging show that explores migration through a beautiful story about belonging and loss, and the different ways we find to connect with each other.
For ages: 9+, show length 1hr
Primary School Show - Book Early
Catherine young Dance in assoc with Backstage Theatre presents
FLOATINg ON A DeAD SeA
Floating on a Dead Sea is inspired by Catherine Young’s experience visiting Palestine with her dance company in 2017 and again in 2019. This is Young’s immersive and visceral reflection on life in the west Bank prior to the 2023/24 war, interweaving dance, film, live music and text.
Prior to the performance, there will be a screening of Floating on a Dead Sea (documentary), created in collaboration with Luca Truffarelli, an intensely powerful film offering a glimpse into life under occupation in Palestine in 2019. The film was created in 2020, when lockdown threatened the development of the live performance.
“Irish dance making at its best; political, urgent and intelligent” – RTÉ Arena
Floating on a Dead Sea was originally commissioned by the Dublin Dance Festival and premiered in Backstage Theatre as part of DDF winter edition in 2021.
Presented in association with the Backstage Theatre and funded by the Arts Council Touring Award with the support of Town hall Theatre Galway.
Backstage Theatre Group present
AN eveNINg OF ONe ACTS
enjoy a mix of theatre and comedy performed by a host of local talent, from seasoned performers to newcomers.
Playground Productions present
THe LeTTeR
by gea gojak
The world is ravaged by the war… a Boy finds refuge in a shelter. He is alone, frightened, cut off from any contact with anyone in the outside world. Or is he...?
A surprise awaits him when an unexpected friendship begins to blossom...
Combining elements of immersive theatre, puppetry, stage design and original music score, the two characters of The Letter travel together with the audience along the path of gradually building trust, care, empathy and friendship.
Age 10+ 50 mins
The project is being produced by Playground Productions (Hannah Mullan) and gee gojak with the support of Backstage Theatre, the Croatian Centre uNIMA, 29th Puppet Spring Festival and Istrian National Theatre Pula, Croatia.
Primary School Show - Book Early
THURS 24 = OCT = 10AM &12PM
Branar & Miquel Barceló present
BALLAD OF A BANDIT
Ballad of a Bandit is a rollicking adventure story with a difference. Acclaimed musician Matthew Berrill takes to the stage in this new show which conjures up the daring deeds of bandits and highway men. But be prepared for the unexpected in a performance featuring live music, puppetry, object animation, expert storytelling and lots of surprise.
Inspired by the legendary historical figure Capt. george McNamara of Cong who sided with poor tenants in Penal Law times, this reimagining of his story highlights the power of myth and story to give hope to people in a time of need.
3rd-6th class, 45mins
Primary School Show - Book Early
15
‘CELEBRATING 15 yEARS IN LONgFORD’
Students of evolution Sage School
Sunday 27th 7.30pm
(later start time for opening night)
Monday 28th 1pm & 7pm
Tuesday 29th 7pm
Wednesday 30th 7pm
Off 31st
Friday 1st 7pm
Saturday 2nd 1pm & 7pm
Sunday 3rd 1pm & 7pm
ROBeRT MIZZeLL
On sale for evolution families Oct 2nd. general release Oct 9th
The students of evolution stage School showcase their talents in a musical extravaganza not to be missed FRI 8 = NOV = 8PM = €25
Born in Louisiana Robert Mizzell has made Ireland his home for over 25 years. Anyone who has ever been to one of his shows will agree that it is two hours of non-stop entertainment. Robert Mizzell definitely puts his heart and soul into every song proving why he is one of Ireland’s top country music recording artists!
With special guest Noreen Rabbette.
SeLLINg FAST
BOOK eARLY 043 33 47888
TUES 5 = NOV = 8PM = €18/16
“Declan’s Got Talent” is a hilarious and heart-warming, dark comedy for anyone who has ever battled self-doubt and sought the courage to chase their dreams. Declan lives alone but he is not alone. As he prepares for an audition on a talent show—a moment that could change his life forever, a constant companion, a voice of negativity, tries to hold him back.
As Declan strives to silence this voice, the audience is transported back to the late Sixties in East Cork/West Waterford. you’ll be immersed in Declan’s past—his attempts to enter the Church, his youthful infatuations, and his relentless pursuit of self-worth. It’s a rollercoaster of nostalgia and emotions as we watch him grapple with his fears and ultimately see him rise above them.
SAT 9 = NOV = 8PM = €25
Grammy-winning singer Prine was one of America’s greatest songwriters. He combined literary genius with a common touch and changed the face of modern American roots music. When he passed away in 2020, John Prine left behind an extraordinary body of folk-country classics.
Boasting some of Ireland’s most experienced musicians, the Bruised Orange band is made up of Michael ‘Mike Mack’ Mcgarry, Anthony Toby Cregan, Derek Matthews, James Quinn and Shay Carry. each member brings a unique set of talents and abilities to the group which provides for a unique live John Prine experience.
H H H H H
“Outstanding Tribute to the late great John Prime”
Tom kelly Promotions
H H H H H
“Simply the closest thing you will get to the real thing”
Tommy Swarbrigg Promotions
By
Magic Pill No
O’Reilly
Magic Pill Productions presents
Christian
(writer of inside i’m Dancing)
Directed by Raymond Keane
H H H H
“physically striking … gutsy and engaging”
The irish Times
“an evening of transformative theatre that compels as much as it entertains”
irish
independent
No Magic Pill is the heartfelt, hilarious, groundbreaking and irreverent story of an activist and a celebration of love, friendship and the enduring pursuit of freedom.
Written by award-winning playwright and screenwriter Christian O’Reily (Inside I’m Dancing)
Fully accessible performance including:
Increased seating for wheelchair users
Audio Description
Irish Sign Language Interpretation
Touch tours
Quiet room
Contact us in advance of your visit to talk to us about any additional supports or access requirements you may have.
Tues 12th Nov 8pm, Wed 13th 12pm matinee
€18/16 || Disabled Person €10/Free PA || school groups €12 Winner! Audience Choice Award Irish Times Theatre Awards 2022
No Magic Pill wowed audiences and critics alike when it premiered in 2022. Don’t miss your chance to see it this time around.
‘Never before have I been to a gig where the atmosphere has been so electric.’ The Irish News
Hailing from Newry, Northern Ireland, The 4 Of us has been captivating audiences for over three decades with their soulful melodies and compelling lyrics.
With brothers Brendan and Declan Murphy at the helm, The 4 Of us has left an indelible mark on the Irish music scene. Their journey began in the late ’80s, and since then, they’ve evolved into one of Ireland’s most beloved and enduring musical acts. Known for their distinctive sound that seamlessly blends rock, folk, and pop influences, The 4 Of us has produced a string of hits that have become anthems for fans across generations.
Brothers Brendan & Declan Murphy will perform the highlights of their award-winning career, along with new material from their upcoming album Crescent Nights. This show will be a chance to hear Mary, Washington Down, She Hits Me, Sunlight and many more classics.
Anne not only creates a night of outrageous laughter, but you just might learn a thing or three, as she brings her keen comedic skills to a topic that affects 51% of us yet is still treated like a mystery. What is it? Why does it happen? Is the moustache inevitable? And what superpowers come with this unavoidable phase of lady life?
Anne answers all these questions and more, as she brings TMI to a whole new level.
What Audiences Are Saying“The funniest, most honest and real show I’ve ever been to.”
“I enjoyed it so much I went a second time and brought the husband. He had tears streaming down his face with laughter.”
“Went with 10 friends tonight. I actually, have a pain in my stomach from laughing and tears ran down my face!
Thank u so much for this important work.”
“Absolutely LOVED the show!! Cried laughing, still thinking about it “
19 - WEDS 20 = NOV = 8PM/12PM = €20/18/15/12
HHHH ‘Director Jim Culleton and the tremendous cast succeed in balancing the factual background with vivid, gripping drama’
‘A superb piece of theatre which is superbly acted and directed... wonderfully realised’ Sunday Independent
HHHH ‘Strong performances and top class direction…powerful’
The Arts Review
“War makes heroes and demons doesn’t it, so how could war in Ireland be any different?” Told through the prism of two sisters, OuTRAge is a play that explores the true nature of women’s role in the Irish revolutionary wars and in particular the effect of Civil War on women’s mind, body and soul.
Alice and Nell play key roles in arming revolutionaries, organising civic resistance and in particular the propaganda war.
They are fervent. They are funny. They are human. And they, like everyone else in Ireland, become deeply conflicted as the country spins toward a shattering Civil clash that split the nation and continues to haunt Irish politics, society and culture to this day.
OUTRAGE challenges the historical narrative we have all grown up with.
OUTRAGE is written out of the true testimony of women we have never heard of.
OUTRAGE is a theatrical hurricane of emotion, empathy, action and truth.
Age guidance: 14+ Content Warning: Includes depiction of violent sexual assault
Tues 19th 8pm €20/€18 Wed 20th 12pm €15/ School Groups €12
The Lir Academy and the Abbey Theatre present
WOMeN IN TeCHNICAL THeATRe 2024
10am & 1pm (duration 2 hours) FRee event
Limited capacity. Booking essential, based on a first come first served basis
A collaboration between The Lir Academy and the Abbey Theatre which aims to introduce young women to careers in lighting, sound and stage management. The purpose of the roadshow is to engage female pupils from secondary level schools throughout Ireland by presenting and facilitating workshops geared towards increasing awareness of technical theatre, stage management and the importance that these departments play in the professional creation of a live performance.
These workshops will be designed and overseen by industry professionals who lead technical departments at The Lir Academy.
The performance aspect of the workshop will be led by an Abbey Theatre drama facilitator with experience of working with young people.
Niall McCabe, with his self-effacing humor and captivating stories of growing up on a remote Irish island, brings an effortless charm to his performances.
As well as becoming an accomplished finger-style guitar player, Niall has been lending his unique and distinct voice to Irish trad-fusion band ‘Beoga’,touring Ireland, europe and the uSA while also playing support for Ed Sheeran, Foy Vance and Johnny Swim.
In 2023, a breakthrough year, Niall’s Irish Tour triumphed with sold-out shows in iconic venues like Whelan’s Dublin and the Ruby Room in galway. The uk leg in November marked his solo debut in cities such as London and Liverpool, leaving audiences spellbound. The crescendo continued as Niall opened for Chris Isaak on 3k+ cap sold-out UK shows at the London eventim Apollo and Wolverhampton Civic Halls.
experience McCabe’s unique talent in an intimate concert at Backstage
Longford variety group presents THIS IS Me
Featuring acts from The greatest Showman, MJ the musical, Tina Turner the musical, Dirty Dancing, Footloose, Jersey Boys and Fiddler on the Roof. Audiences will also be treated to special performances by the students of Stonepark national school choir and Peelo School of Dance.
This year’s show will be co directed by Charlie Murray and kevin Hussey, choreography by the very talented Penny Barry, comedy is again led by John Kelly and set-design by killian, gerry & emma Reid.
All proceeds going to Longford Hospice Homecare St Christopher’s Special School, St Joesephs National School, Melview National school and other local charities.
LONgFORD vARIeTy gROuP By THe COMMuNITy FOR THe COMMuNITy
THURS 5 = DEC = 8PM= €17
Once Off Productions presents ReWILDINg THe MIND WITH MANCHáN MAgAN
In this 70-minute talk Manchán explores the rising connection people are having with the spirit and the lore of the land of Ireland. Beginning with the creation myth and origin story that our ancestors have passed down to us, he examines the mythological and archaeological clues to how our forebears identified with both the physical realm and the magical realms that surround it.
He’ll look at the raising awareness of the centrality of the goddess in all aspects of Irish culture, lore and ritual, and how it can help to steer us towards a deeper connection with nature and landscape.
ultimately, this talk is a celebration of the extraordinary heritage our ancestors have passed down to us and how it can inspire and empower us, guiding us in how to live, how to feel and how to relate to the wider world. It also explores the wider resonances of Ireland’s heritage with Indigenous cultures and vedic India.
Festive Family Fun with Livin Dred Theatre
A Christmas Carol is Aaron Monaghan and Bryan Burroughs’ playful, stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ much loved novella.
Devised straight from Dickens’ classic text, the two award-winning actors –dressed in snazzy suits – play all the characters at break-neck speed using an array of colourful hats, scarves and an Ikea coat-rack!
The famous cautionary tale tells the story of miserly ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by ghosts who take him on a journey through his past, present and future on one fateful Christmas eve. This production is funny, slightly scary, utterly heart-warming and features a surprise special guest appearing as Tiny Tim…
Recommended age: 6+
Images by Ros kavanagh. use by kind permission of The Ark.
MICk FLAvIN
Back by popular demand following the phenomenal success of Mick’s 50th anniversary concert last year.
A legend in country music, Mick never fails to deliver a great show, performing all the songs he has become famous for including Old School yard, Home in Longford and many more
As usual MIck will be joined a special guest but for the moment this will be kept as a surprise.
“ABBA FOReveR”
It’s always party time when ABBA comes to town but the Christmas Show is a real excuse to let your hair down! This happy sing-a-long event celebrates ABBA’S music with a loud and proud production featuring terrific audio and visuals of ABBA’s seminal moments on the gIANT screen!
It’s the perfect way to start your Christmas celebrations! So get your gladrags on, brush up on the lyrics, don the dancing boots and come to the best party in town!
SeLLINg FAST BOOK eARLY 043 33 47888
LONgFORD FLOWeR CLuB
Christmas gala
This year we have National and award winning demonstrator Christopher White for the occasion.
All proceeds in aid of local charities.
gReATeST 80S
Back by enormous public demand!
get ready to travel back in time to the 1980s with this exciting live music theatre production. This high-energy show features all of your favourite hits from the decade of neon and big hair, including songs from iconic artists like Duran Duran, Frankie goes to Hollywood and Spandau Ballet to name just a few.
ByT present
ALex IN WONDeRLAND
Fri 17th Jan 7pm Sat 18th & Sun 19th 3pm
Fri 24th 7pm Sat 25th 3pm
€15/€10/€42 (family of 4) Groups rate €8
Wonderland is in an uproar at the arrival of Alice - the girl prophesied to defeat the wicked Red Queen and restore peace to the land. There’s just one problem - she’s not Alice at all! Together with her magical pals, ALex in Wonderland must overcome this case of mistaken identity, win control of the kingdom, and find her way home once and for all, before the villains decide it’s off with her head!
