There’s plenty in store this season at Backstage Theatre, Longford to keep you entertained through those cold, dark nights. With everything from drama and music to comedy and dance, there’s something to suit your every need.
Kicking off the season is the ever - popular annual panto from Backstage Theatre Group. This year the group takes to the stage from January 23-31 with Babes in the Wood, a fun-filled show for all the family with a Hansel and Gretel meets Robin Hood twist! Finishing up the season is another local group with St Mel’s Musical Society’s production of Honk! in April. Tickets are on sale Tuesday March 24.
Comedywise, the hilarious David O’Doherty takes to the stage on February 5. For a taste of O’Doherty’s work check out clips of his gigs on www.backstage.ie; you won’t be disappointed.
On the music front there’s plenty in store. The well-known Brian Kennedy is first up on February 6, followed by a Johnny Cash tribute on February 11. The very talented Mick Flannery, who is taking the Irish music scene by storm, will be keeping you entertained on Valentine’s Day. The Three Tenors are back by popular demand on February 27 with a brand new show, as is the ever popular Tommy Flemming on March 20. Other concerts include The Fureys, Mick Flavin, The Bards, and Mary Duff.
Two of the most popular dance companies to visit Backstage are also back this season with brand new shows – Coisceim Dance Theatre brings the award winning Boxes for all the family on March 26, while Diversions will be keeping dance fans entertained yet again with their slick new show Bitter Suite on March 10.
As usual there is also a very high standard of drama to look forward to. The season kicks off with two comedies from Meridan Theatre Company on February 7. In Love Peace and Robbery, two Corkonians try to kick their booze, cocaine, and petty crime-filled lives and go straight – but can they manage? And in Thailand, Declan heads off on a two week holiday of a cheap thrills to end the drought with the ladies for once and for all!
On February 12, The Telephone Exchange is the heart-warming and funny tale of four exchange workers in 1960s Dublin. The Magic Boy, from the author of Alone It Stands, is a wonderful play for all the family featuring live close-up magic – a must for families on February 19.
After the immense success of the Irish Times Theatre Award-nominated The Dead School, Livin Dred Theatre Company are back for two nights on March 4-5 with The Good Father, which follows a couple’s attempts to form a relationship against all the odds. On March 19, Prime Cut Productions present the stunning Woman and Scarecrow by award-winning author Marina Carr, and on April 2-4 Backstage Theatre Group take to the stage again with The Beauty Queen of Leenane from the genius that is Martin McDonagh.
Druid Theatre Company, now regular visitors to Backstage, make a welcome return on April 7-8 with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival award-winning and Irish Times Theatre award-nominated New Electric Ballroom starring Rosaleen Linehan, Ruth McCabe, Mikel Murfi, and Catherine Walsh.
Further information about all shows and tickets are available on (043 ) 7888, www.backstage.ie, and from Farrell & Coy in Longford Town.
