The programme for the 2011 RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival was announced recently. Plays offered by the nine finalists will take place from Friday April 29 to Saturday May 7.
The Festival will take place at the Dean Crowe Theatre, Athlone and performances commence nightly at 8pm except the final night, Saturday May 7 which opens at 7pm. The nine-day festival, which is held under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland, showcases the very best of Irish amateur theatre and attracts hundreds of visitors to the Midlands every year.
Presiding over the competition is distinguished adjudicator John P Kelly. A founder member of the Irish Association of Drama Adjudicators, John formerly worked in RTÉ where he held the post of managing editor of features and arts. He has since worked with the European Broadcasting Union in Switzerland and now lives in Canada, where he directs and instructs in drama.
All-Ireland Drama Festival line-up:
Friday April 29 - Cornmill Theatre Company with The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh
Saturday April 30 - Palace Players with Doubt - A Parable by John Patrick Shanley
Sunday May 1 - Bradán Players with Tom and Viv by Michael Hastings
Monday May 2 - Wexford Drama Group with Doubt - A Parable by John Patrick Shanley
Tuesday May 3 - Ballyduff Drama Group with All My Sons by Arthur Miller
Wednesday May 4 - Kilmeen Drama Group with A Whistle in the Dark by Tom Murphy
Thursday May 5 - Bangor Drama Club with A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller
Friday May 6 - Prosperous Dramatic Society with November by David Mamet
Saturday May 7 - Silken Thomas Players with Angels in America by Tony Kushner
Tickets are now on sale and can be booked through the festival website at www.dramafestival.ie or at the theatre box office, phone (090 ) 64 92129. Admission €19 (includes a €1 booking fee ). Concessions available.
