Fri 19 & Sat 20 The Greatest 80s Show School Show Family Show
BOOk WITH CONFIDENCE
Don’t worry if you or any of your party are unable to attend a performance. If you contact our Box Office team by phone only 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.
He DIes IN tHe eND
By Liam McCarthy Starring Darren Yorke
Matty’s dead, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. There’s no need to be sad, he says, sure he didn’t have much going for himself in the first place. He’s no big loss... Matty recounts his last day alive, over and over, telling us contradicting stories about a life that was already falling apart.
Have you ever imagined what it would be like to attend your own funeral? What would you say if you were to deliver your own eulogy? Ahead of a run at Dublin Fringe Festival, Longford’s own Darren Yorke appears in this special performance of He Dies in the End at Backstage Theatre.
An irreverent story about love and grief, and a young man making sense of his life on the day that he dies, He Dies in the End is a time-bending, funny and heartfelt piece of new writing, and a riff on time and potential.
Supported by Backstage Theatre Longford, Irish Theatre Institute (ITI). and Dublin Fringe.
Photo by Róisín White
CeLtIC DReAMeR
A HoMECoMINg CoNCERT WITH EMER BARRY
Longford born soprano emer Barry returns to her hometown for a special one-night-only performance.
Having built a glittering career performing across the UsA and around the world on luxury cruise liners, emer now brings her story home in Celtic Dreamer - a concert filled with music that has shaped her journey, from her roots in Longford to stages across the globe.
Blending classic favourites like Moon River, Wuthering Heights and Pie Jesu with Irish melodies and ocean-inspired pieces, the evening also features uplifting instrumentals by violinist Mary McCague and harpist teresa O’Donnell. the concert pays tribute to some of emer’s greatest inspirations, including Audrey Hepburn and sarah Brightman, whose elegance and artistry have left a lasting mark on her musical path.
Celtic Dreamer is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of the power of dreams, and how music can inspire, heal, and carry us forward.
Kindly supported by Creative Ireland Longford
SOLD OUT
experience an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling with Derek Ryan as he reflects on the stories and moments that inspired some of his most popular songs. Joined by acclaimed musicians Ray McLoughlin and Kane O’Rourke.
BYT and Backstage Theatre present ALL tHINgs
by Neil Flynn directed by James O’Donnell
A group of teenagers awaken in a sprawling, surreal metropolis—no memories, no exits, and no answers. As reality blurs, they discover they’re trapped inside a radical consciousness experiment orchestrated by a fractured team of scientists with questionable motives. As truths unravel and relationships disintegrate, each must confront haunting questions: how did they get here and who is responsible? And if this is a dream...how can they wake up?
Contains strong language, adult themes and scenes of a violent nature. Recommended 14+
Voices of Longford presents
A NIgHt OF COMeDy
Join edgeworthstown’s own Jimmy Connell (aka Jimmy Jests) and enda Whitney at Backstage for a night of sharp, laugh-out-loud comedy. Jimmy’s down-to-earth humour turns everyday moments into comic gold, while enda delivers punchy storytelling with wit and charm.Jimmy, known for his viral online sketches, now brings his comedy live to the stage. enda has toured worldwide, performing alongside top Irish comedians. Both are set to tour Ireland with their new stand-up shows: Who’s Laughing Now? and The LONgford Way Around.
Voices of Longford is a new not-for-profit community group created with the objective of harnessing the talent that exists in our community in the arena of performing arts.
Donations will be made to local charities from the proceeds of this event.
RoRY’S SToRIES: KEEP ‘ER
LIT
Rory is back on the road with his brand new show, ‘Keep ‘Er Lit’, as he tries to navigate and survive in this ever changing world.
He will take you into his home and life with his relatable humour and unique storytelling ability, as he speaks about growing up in simpler times, winging it, and life as a parent to three… even when feeling like a child himself!
Rory will share his experiences and thoughts on managing our minds, challenging fear and why it’s important to never lose the madness!
Over 16s seLLINg
REvERB
Ireland’s National Dance Company presents POST PRIMARY
Movement and melody collide in an electrifying celebration of legacy, live music, and movement by choreographer sarah Golding with music by multi-instrumentalist Lisa Canny. This high-energy performance combines powerful physicality with spellbinding vocals and composition, exploring the ways in which our actions ripple through time and leave their mark.
With Canny’s signature mix of traditional and modern sounds driving the dancers, every beat tells a powerful story, blending past and present in a raw, emotional experience. get ready for a performance where rhythm lives, tradition breathes, and every moment and movement resonates.
JILLy MORgAN’s BIRtHDAy PARty
presented by Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable
Written by Liam McCarthy | Directed by Joan sheehy
Jilly Morgan’s Birthday Party is a story of love, longing and obsession, centring on Jack, and his experience of a brief, passionate kiss in the downstairs toilet at a party in Limerick City in 1983. The incident becomes Jack’s lifelong fixation. He kissed Jilly Morgan, at her own birthday party, and life, for him, will never be the same again.
Jilly Morgan’s Birthday Party takes place across four decades. This is an exciting, time-bending and darkly humorous piece of new writing about the rise and fall of a fantasy.
H H H H Irish Times
H H H H Chris McCormack
Jilly Morgan’s Birthday Party was supported by Backstage theatre in the Development stage through our Activate Residency Programme.
SAT 27 = SEPT = 8PM = €27
tHe 4 OF Us
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.
BY PAT MCCABE
Adapted
and Performed
by Padraig Mclntyre & Shane Carroll
shay Mouse lived peacefully in Bornacoola Wood until an evil band of rats took it over forcing shay to leave in disgrace.
He travels across the midlands where in a series of wonderful adventures he meets new friends and enemies. He eventually ends up in Dublin where he befriends Jack Russell but will they be able to rescue all his friends from Pat the Rat and his evil band back in Bornacoola Wood?
Based on one of the warmest and lively children’s books to be published in Ireland, this new adaptation and inventive production with songs and delightful regional accents is a treat for young audiences.
Ages 5+
sOUNDs OF tHe BLUe BOOK
sounds of the Blue Book is a powerful musical journey inspired by Irish humanitarian Roger Casement’s 1910 expedition to the Amazon, where he exposed brutal human rights abuses in the rubber trade. His findings, published as the Blue Book, became a landmark in global human rights history.
Over a century later, Peruvian-Irish guitarist and composer Rodrigo Almonte brings Casement’s story to life through a dynamic suite of music that blends jazz, improvisation, and traditional Irish and Peruvian elements. Joined by pianist Lorenzo Vitolo and percussionist Matthew Jacobson, the trio creates rich, immersive soundscapes that evoke the Amazon, Indigenous traditions, and historical struggle.
this compelling performance is not just a concert but a deeply moving fusion of story and sound—an artistic tribute to resilience, justice. A must-see event.
Following the huge success of last year’s autumn short plays, Btg once again bring you an entertaining evening of new plays by Irish writers brought to you by local actors and directors.
TUES 21 = OCT = 11AM €10 & 8PM €15
A dynamic and heartfelt celebration of Irish culture, told with wit, rhythm, and a deep respect for the bardic legacy.
Following in the footsteps of legendary Irish bards like Raifteri an Fhíle and Brian Merriman, storyteller Aindrias de staic brings a fresh energy to the ancient art of storytelling, merging the spoken word with live musical collaboration, to create an immersive sonic journey for the audience.
Armed with his rustic fiddle and accompanied by live musicians Brian Fleming (Bodhran / Percussion) and Aisling Lyons (Harp/Concertina), Aindrias draws inspiration from folklore, nature, and the rich heritage of the west of Ireland, to weave captivating narratives of sunken villages, wandering musicians, mythical misadventures, and his own wild, otherworldly tales in this fast-paced and vibrant performance.
*Post Primary show 11am (€10) age 12+
Evening show 8pm (€15) age 16+
*The school performance is a specially devised show with stories more suitable for a post primary audience. The evening show is geared towards an older audience of 16+
tHe sHAPe OF QUIet FeeLINgs
Created by Maisie Lee presented in assoc with Mill theatre
What do you feel when you imagine climate change? What if that feeling were to come ALIVE? What if that feeling became a CREATURE?… one that had a mind of its own, but that we could relate to… the shape of Quiet Feelings is an immersive, atmospheric and sensory, audio/visual experience. Brought to life by a team of award-winning artists and designers the experience will be followed by a 20-minute responsive workshop, giving story and form to something that can sometimes feel scary and intangible. It hopes to empower children to consider new approaches to some of the big challenges presented by climate change, and gives them the opportunity to create their own climate creature.
Age Range: 8+ 10am 11am 12pm 1pm & 7pm
supported by Arts Council Ireland and Babaro
Ta Tum Tum! is a highly interactive bi-lingual performance for children with live music (percussion, cavaquinho, vocals), creative movement and storytelling exploring Brazilian culture.
Learn how to dance samba, capoeira & forro and how to clap various rhythms and sing in Portuguese. Round off with an electrifying Brazilian Carnaval party!
Age 4-7
Ray Bubbles, International Bubbleologist and guinness World Record Holder, is on a mission to master the art of bubble-making and create the ultimate square bubble! Prepare to be amazed by jaw-dropping bubble sculptures, from volcanoes and carousels to ghosts and tornados—all made of bubbles!!
the show was inspired by Ray’s work with seND schools, adult neurodivergent groups, and science centres across europe.
the performance is suitable for children and adults with additional needs. Don’t miss the magic!
Family Pre Sale
Wed 1st Oct 10.30am
General Sale Wed 8th Oct 10.30am
tHAt’s eNteRtAINMeNt stUDeNts OF eVOLUtION stAge sCHOOL
Dates & times:
Sunday 26th 7.30pm (later start time for opening night)
Monday 27th 1pm & 7pm
Tuesday 28th 7pm
Wednesday 29th 7pm
Thursday 30th 7pm Off 31st
Saturday 1st 1pm & 7pm
Sunday 2nd 1pm & 7pm
BOyFRIeNDs
Boyfriends charts the ups and downs and roundabouts of a modern situationship. Follow a three-month affair between two anonymous men, as they swing through four million one hundred and ninety one thousand possibilities of what they might mean to one another, through time, sex, Madonna songs, nightclubs, period dramas and calorie counting. Boyfriends asks us to ponder on that age old question: what the f*ck is romance anyway?
Don’t miss the return of this 5 star sold out smash hit from Lemonsoap Productions, as they hit the road for their first national tour!
“Smart, raw, and above all, hilarious…a thoroughly entertaining and poignant experience.”
The Irish Times H H H H
“Boyfriends is one of the best, if not the best, new plays of 2024.”
The Arts Review H H H H
ROBeRt MIzzeLL
Robert Mizzell, a beloved figure in Irish country music for over 25 years, has released 15 albums and toured extensively across Ireland and the UK. Known for hits like say you Love Me and Mama Courtney, his heartfelt performances and warm personality continue to win fans nationwide. With special guests Keelan Browne and stacey Breen.
geRRy gUtHRIe
gerry guthrie can’t remember a time in his life when he didn’t long to be a musician and singer. the Mayo native has led his own band since 2010, performing across Ireland and beyond. With six albums and hits like the Boxer and New Moon Over My shoulder, he’s earned legions of fans and multiple music awards. gerry is embarking on his 2nd nationwide concert tour, with special guests Kathy Durkin and Kevin Logue.
Join us as Anne explores the world of the feminine, the mammy, the twerky dancer: From 18-hour girdles and Housewives of The Year, to ripped influencer grannies pumping iron on Insta, from the sunday drive to the spa break, from Angel Delight to Ozempic and back to the chiffon scarf test, Anne weaves a pant-wetting path through a changing half century of womany stuff –and that’s just the tip of the Anneberg!
From Anne Gildea, the woman who taught you How to Get The Menopause and Enjoy It, comes a brand new show: Further Adventures in WOMANING. And what an hilarious adventure it’s going to be!
AL PORteR
Al’s back with his unique brand of exciting, energetic and fun-loving comedy.
Why does Instagram think he needs to get assessed? Can you learn to love renting in a house share? Can his parents deal with empty nest syndrome? Why is his brother the golden child? And much more!
one of the few Irish comics ever nominated for a Perrier Award (like Tommy Tiernan and Dylan Moran before him) Al’s 2023-24 “sold-out” tour now was critically acclaimed with reviews like,
“H H H H Gloriously upbeat! No self pity… Irrepressible stand up storytelling”
Chortle
“H H H H Dazzling… Brilliant and very funny” The Scotsman AL PORTER’s ALGORITHM is trying to find a formula for living in a world on fire!
tHe LIFe AND tIMes PADDy ARMstRONg
At the age of 74, fifty years after his wrongful conviction, Paddy is facing into his twilight years and wrestling with a thousand turbulent memories.
A one-man show, starring Don Wycherley as Paddy, the play is inspired by Paddy’s memoir Life After Life, a guildford Four Memoir (2017) and relives the journey that forever altered his destiny. Paddy is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness, reminding us that the privilege of freedom and love, family and everyday life can restore us and mend the scars of even the most savage injustice.
Don Wycherley brings unflinching honesty, pathos and humour to his portrayal of Paddy, a man failed and scarred by a flawed system yet refusing to be defined by it.
H H H H H “Don Wycherley is incandescent in this journey from disaster to redemption”
Irish Independent
“Gritty and moving… Unmissable”
The Arts Review
“Wycherley is superlative in this exquisitely tender portrayal of Paddy Armstrong”
Sunday Independent
Age 14+ contains strong language.
Longford variety group Presents
“HeRe I gO AgAIN”
A vibrant, high-energy showcase of music, comedy, and dance.
Audiences can expect standout scenes from Chicago: The Musical and Shrek: The Musical, as well as special guest appearances by Stonepark National School Choir, O’Reilly Bransfield Dance School, Peter Costello and Aisling o’Reilly, the 3M’S and Peelo School of Dance choreographed by Chloe Brady.
Brought to you by co-directors Charlie Murray and Kevin Hussey, choreographer by Penny Barry and comedy sketch directors by Kim Creevy Finnan and Triona Fitzgerald.
This year’s show is lovingly dedicated to the memory of Seamus Finn.
All proceeds will go to support local charities and schools. Join us for a night of Shows nightly at 7:30pm Matinee Sat 22nd 2:30pm €10
Live sketch show with actor and comedian tadhg J Devery
Tadhg has become an online sensation with his Country Ireland-related comedy sketches. For the past couple of years, he has consistently written, shot, and edited a new sketch every week, showcasing his versatility by playing multiple characters. Now, he’s taking his talents to the live stage!
Join Tadhg for this exciting and fresh one-man show featuring Tadhg’s most popular characters including Breda, the dramatic and slightly raunchy housewife, Fr. Nettles, the tea-loving priest and Seamus, the worst plumber of a generation!
“Bernard o’Shea, the ‘Desperate House Husband,’ invites you on a hilarious escapade into the stay-athome parenting world. Brace yourself for comical tales of domestic appliances with sinister intentions, yearning for a peaceful night’s rest, and even covert playground reconnaissance operations. It’s a laugh-out-loud journey through the trials and tribulations of modern family life!”
MICK FLAVIN
the legendary Mick Flavin makes a highly anticipated return to Backstage this December!
Longford native Mick will sing all the old favourites such as “Old school yard”, “Maria’s Heading Out to California”, “Home In Longford” “Boolavogue” to name but a few. He will also belt out a few from his new album and of course any special request that you may have.
As usual, this unforgettable night of country classics is sure to be a sell-out success, so be sure to secure your ticket as soon as possible!
eLLIe O’NeILL
ellie O’Neill is an artist from Meath. the landscape of her work is tender and diverse, foregrounding emotional truth to explore intimacy and loss, friendship and queerness. Her songs range from grungy, big hearted confessionals to two chord reveries, accompanied by experimental guitar tunings and dynamic, grounded vocals. In recent months she has toured widely, opening for Adrianne Lenker, John Francis Flynn and tucker zimmerman, as well as performances at greenman, Other Voices, and Pitchfork London. Her highly anticipated debut LP is due this year.
Named one of the Irish t imes Artists to Watch for 2025.
ye VAgABONDs
Brothers Brían and Diarmuid Mac gloinn, hailing from Carlow, captivate audiences with their rich blend of original and traditional folk music. since their debut in Dublin in 2012, they’ve become a cornerstone of Ireland’s live music scene, delighting fans with their heartfelt performances. With three critically acclaimed albums under their belt, ye Vagabonds have earned a devoted following both at home and abroad. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience their latest material, as they embark on a summer tour across Ireland. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling.
Winner!
2019 BBC Folk Awards - Best Traditional Track
2021 RTÉ Folk Awards - Best Traditional Track, Best Group
2019 RTÉ Folk AwardsBest Traditional Track,Best Group, Best Album
LONgFORD FLOWeR CLUB
Christmas gala
Join us for a festive winter flower demonstration with expert arranger Martina Flynn from sligo. Martina will show you how to create stunning seasonal floral displays, perfect for brightening your home this holiday season. Learn tips on design, colour, and styling in this inspiring and creative session.
All proceeds in aid of local charities.
TUES 9 = DEC = 8PM = €15
SUN 14 = DEC = 8PM = €30
“MAMMA MIA HeRe We gO AgAIN”, “MY MY HOW CAN WE RESIST THEM?”
ABBA Forever – the Christmas show is back with a bang at Backstage!
Get ready for a festive, feel-good night packed with ABBA’s iconic hits, stunning visuals, and high-energy performances. It’s the ultimate sing-along celebration –perfect for kicking off your Christmas season.
A NIgHt At tHe OPRy
A fantastic evening with 3 of Ireland’s biggest and best Country stars; Johnny Brady, Claudia Buckley and John Hogan. sit back and sing along to your favourite Country Music Hit songs, with Ireland’s brightest and best!
Extra night added! Sat 20th Sold Out Fri 19th on sale now
The Greatest 80s Show is BACk! – and it’s bigger, bolder, and bursting with new surprises!
We’re returning to the Backstage theatre and bringing a whole new wave of 80s magic!
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 mobility or any disability 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.
MORe OF WHAt’s IN stORe...
We’re always adding new shows so be sure to check out backstage.ie for details and keep an eye on our socials too!
