As we say goodbye to the long evenings, Longford’s Backstage theatre has just the thing to keep us entertained with one of their strongest season line-ups to date.
Kicking off the new season in a first for Backstage is the screening of two short films about Longford man Fr Michael Doyle; Camden 28 and Poet of Poverty.
The first is based on the arrest of Fr Doyle, along with 27 others, for stealing Vietnam draft records in America during the war, and the latter, narrated by Martin Sheen, charts his work in Camden, New Jersey, one of the poorest cities in America. Fr Doyle will be there on the night for a post-show discussion, and all takings on the night go to St Vincent De Paul.
In keeping with the anti-war theme, the second show of the season is 100 More like These which tells the true story of The San Patricios, the Irish men who deserted the American army to fight with the Mexicans in one of the most reviled wars in American history.
Backstage Theatre’s new LOL at Backstage sessions kick off with Neil Delamere in September, followed by Pat Shortt in October, and Naked Camera star PJ Gallagher and the much-loved Conal Gallen in November.
There’s plenty of top notch drama in store with Nomad and Livin’ Dred, Druid, and the Abbey all set to grace the stage this season. First off is the hilarious hit, Stones in his Pockets, staring Simon Delaney, who starred in the West End version of the show. Country Music in October is the touching tale of a young man’s brush with the law. Backstage group are busy this season with One Acts in October, and in December all eyes will be on Longford when, after a 12-year absence, they host the All-Ireland One Act Finals in Backstage.
The Abbey makes a welcome return with Terminus, a shocking show that wowed audiences in Edinburgh last year, a must for theatre fans. Nomad and Livin’ Dred, fresh from the sell out success of The Dead School, which will be playing in the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival this September, are back on tour in November with the unmissable Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme.
The autumn season just wouldn’t be the same without a visit from Druid, who have come to make Backstage a steady fixture on their tours. This season they’re bringing the powerful Gigli Concert, by Tom Murphy. Staff at Backstage have seen it and said it’s certainly one to watch out for.
On top of all that, Declan O’Rourke is back in September by popular demand – he’s a must-see in concert so make sure you get your tickets fast.
Tickets and full details of the season are available from (043 ) 3347888, from Farrell & Coy, and online on www.backstage.ie
