This month's special guest for Open Mic is the versitile and talented Danny Doran. As well as a great entertainer

Danny is known for his art work, wood carvings and his tireless work for Dimentia and Altzheimers charties in Newry and south Down.

We will be delighted to welcome Danny back to Abbey Lane on 26th April  as guest and to continue our support for local artists and writers.

If you have a song, poem, instrument, story or yarn there is a slot for you on stage in the friendly Abbey Lane Open Mic...the best in Armagh.

Come along for 8pm start, BYOB, £5 at door, 5 minute slots for entertainers , in house poetry competition and famous raffle.  

Our Guest Artist the brilliant Steve Lally enthralled the audience at this month's Open Mic with tales of ghosts, orchards, apples and the counting of souls. With balls of gold and wakes and rising dead that kept us glued to our seats. Mingled with beautiful poetry to finish the first half of the evening. Thank you Steve and come back soon.

Our Easter raffle followed with some delighted visitors winning wine, prosecco and collectable gift tea pot along with 6 lucky, luckly people sitting on tickets for Easter eggs!  After the brawl for the eggs things calmed down to have the results of the poetry competition.  This month's winner Matthew Toner from Armagh and Brett Lemick from Dublin. Congratulations to both. 

 Sue Divin belts it out

Our Open Mic had a great variety of participants. Musicians Dennis McCloskey; Eoin Kelly and Sue Divin. Singers Fergal Donnelly; Frances Lavery; Kate McConville and Bridie Heaney. Poets Mark Brownlee ; Brett Lemick; Malachi Kelly; Mary Farren and Matthew Toner and Ann Gilmartin storyteller. We also had a poem entry from a young Nigerian poet Oladejo Abdullah Feranmi which was read by Malachi and much appreciated by the audience. 

Next month's Special Guest is singer songwriter from Newry, DANNY DORAN, and in asking for a bio Danny said,

''It's not so much what Ive done it's a case of what I've not done. We were the only group that appeared on Opportunity Knocks that got boo'ed by the clappometer ''   

Well Danny,  Opportunity Knocks again and I'm almost sure there will be no booing from the Abbey Lane audience when you visit on the 26th April.

 DANNY DORAN April's guest.

April's poetry themes for our FREE 30-3-30 competition are

1) Inner thoughts (Which one do you listen to?)

2) Fears and Courage (life's experiences)

3)Afterlife   (Do you believe it exists, hope there is?  What's it like)

Our next Open Mic is on 26th April in Abbey Lane Theatre Armagh.

The cash prize winner and Highly commended certificate winner will be presented during the evening so we ask all entrants of the competition to endeavour to attend. 

Judging takes place after the deadline of 19th April and we will email those shortlisted for their availability. Unattendence means we go down the shortlist in accordance of the judges decision.

Rules of 30-3-30 are simple. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. [BEFORE midnight 19th April]

with your details and attachments (poem, its theme and title only).

30 line maximum in any format  -  3 themes with relaxed guidelines  -  £30 cash prize for winner : 2nd) Highly Commended certificate.

Entry is FREE and you can present for one or all themes.

Winning poets will read their work after presentation and be published on our website and FB page. www.armaghtheatregroup.com  or Armagh Theatre Groupatg FB. 

Good luck everybody and best wishes.

ATG Open Mic @ Abbey Lane Theatre Armagh BT61 7DW.

As the count down continues to the start of 2024's series of Open Mic's in Abbey Lane I'm delighted to announce we will be hosting the Armagh launch of 'Swirling Violets', Conchur White's exciting debut album . 

Performing songs from his album Conchur will kick off the night at 8pm

Presently the hottest talent from Co Armagh Conchur has been generating rave reviews on radio, print and social media throughout Ireland,  Britain and mainland Europe. So Abbey Lane Open Mic on 26th will, once again, be the place to be.

And that's not all folks!  Our Open Mic, poetry competition, and famous raffle will follow.  So come early, BYOB and remember limited seating, £5 entry and expect a cracker of an Open Mic Night...........sure where would you get it?

Audience members from Armagh, Tyrone, Monaghan, Antrim and Down attended Abbey Lane Theatre for the eager  'Return of Hassard' on Friday night last and were not disappointed.

Like a good red wine improves with age Colin's fully bodied performance certainly whetted the appetite of his many fans. 

Along side Colin we had a full compliment of participants for the Open Mic and here are those  brave and talented people;

Mark Brownlee; bard; Matthew Toner, poetry;Sandra McDonnell-Hill poetry,'  Steven Butler, guitar instrumentlist/ songwriter;John Henderson, poetry; 

Stevie C, guitar/ songwriter; John Mc Andrew, story; Cathy Carson, spolken word poet; Tim Hanna, short Radio play script( with Felim Rafferty and Malachi -sound affects. We had the poetry competition presentation (see previous post) and the all important raffle during the break.

Second half commenced with our special guest Colin Hassard and performed a great set for a trilled audience. Always hard to follow but April Flynn, short monologue was perfect. Next Terry Colon singer and all round geg;Fionnuala Cassidy, poetry; Jay Rafferty, poetry; Adam Trotter , monologue; Frances Lavery, singer; Rachel Toner, poetry; Steven Butler, guitar solo; John McAndrew 30 word poem on war; and finally (no show without Punch) Dymphna and her 30 word poem on Changed times before she finished the night with her famous yarns.

Next Open Mic 28 th April 8pm £5 in , BYOB, 5 min slots available and first timers very, very welcome. Limited seating.

In the great tradition of Co Armagh bards Donald McKenna is up there with the best. Here he regales us with his poem 'The Tragic tale of Tim McCann'  at June's Open Mic Night in Abbey Lane Theatre while the summer heat soared to 30o

As we are gripped in the usual winter flu epidemic this poem, from our Open Mic' in November seems appropriate and hopefully will bring a smile to the reader's face.

THE MAN THAT NEVER COMPLAINS

My ears are really throbbing and my chest is feeling tight

My head is splitting apart and i'm really off me bite

I feel i'm coming down with a ferocious Manflu

That would floor the very best of us but i'm not complaining to you

I don't take potions and pills OR sympathy as I suffer

For the man that suffers in silence cannot be called a bluffer

No I'm not complaining of the pains and aches I have

Or the congested chest and phlegm,

you know the sick green gunge that refuses

To be washed down the drain.

I'm keeping it to myself, the obvious symptoms that pertain

Like the loss of manly strength while in my bed I remain

i'll not be bothering my GP, nor even receptionists at the clinic

Though I'm suffering, there's worse of than me. I'm dammed if I'll be called a cynic

And as the world 'casts a cold eye' while my temperature soars and wanes

Will that Horseman pass me by'?

The man that NEVER complains.

M.Kelly

Our invited Guest couple for March are Carol and David Cooke fro Newcastle- upon-Tyne.

Carol has written books poetry, articles for national and regional newspapers, plays and website content. She also acts, directs and plays music with a couple of bands. But what she really enjoy is hearing people’s stories, especially women’s, which are always surprising, and often funny. She listens, writes, edits a bit, and makes art from regional experience. 

David is a well known north-east writer, actor and director in amateur and professional productions. He has written several musicals, including the award winning ‘Dance to Your Daddy’, and has written and published articles for national newspapers. He is currently working on his second novel. 

Along with our loyal and growing band of singer,musicians, poets and storytellers this is GUARANTEED to be a great nights entertainment. MARCH 28TH ABBEY LANE THEATRE, ARMAGH- 8PM 

Well we got this decade's Open Mic's of to a brilliant start. A full house for Liz Weir's first visit to Abbey Lane and Armagh Theatre Group coincided with first visits by fellow storyteller Joseph Heywood; Thomas Mallon musician /singer;  and 'Pat the Novice' yarns of dying priest and philosophy. 

The night started with a communal  tongue-in-cheek singalong to acknowledge the exit of Britain from EU influence from 11pm that night.  We quickly moved on and introduced Liz Weir as our special guest for January.  A consummate professional, Liz had the audience on her side straight away and regailed us with wonderful stories of Marriage and hard drinking witches in London and  Romance between Fermanagh's kingdom and English aristocrats.

The Open Mic started with  the talented Sophie Ross from Keady with an orginal song written by her that day. Not titled before performing the crowd when asked  afterwards favoured 'Sometimes' ...brilliant singer who should go far. Next up Mark Brownlee ;poems inspired from songs, Jimmy Rafferty; 'Barred of Armagh' which mentioned  40yrs of recent local history, Thomas Healy on tin whistle and Cornet (but not at the same time); Laurane sang Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond beautifully, Joe McCool with a passing joke;Joseph Heywood's story The Coyote and the stars;Theo Sinton from Magherlin, on guitar singing Murl Haggard's 'Today I started loving you again' and  wise words in 'Faster horse, younger women,older whiskey, more money' ;Malachi with his  'Fund me a lift' poetic plea for MOT. Thomas Mallon from Keady singing/guitar cover Lion's roar (First Aid Kit) class act; 'Pat the Novice' from Crossmaglen,the dying priest story; At this point Liz was up again with Valentine story, Robbie Burns and her Witches story. Dymphna quickly brought the night back from its heights with her inimitable humour, Tim went shopping with his poem; Damien Mallon sang Nell Flattery's drake;Sophie was back by popular demand and sang 'Rocky Racoon' to rapturous appluse. and our night ended with a poem from Rachel Toner on relationships. A wonderful night which also incuded Mick Mc Connell's AldiLidi song.

Thanks to Liz Weir and Joseph coming all the way from Cushendall  and to all who  performed. Thanks to Allan on sound/lights and projections; to the ladies at the door,serving drinks  and cleaning up  and to Tim for keeping them under control. But mostly to our wonderful supporters who make the evening what it is...the BEST Open Mic in Armagh.

                                                                'SORRY YOU WERE OUT'  By David Braziel

                                                            (A first reading by David at Open Mic Night Abbey Lane Theatre Armagh 29/11/19)

Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2019 17:32:12 +0000 From: Fred Austin <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; To: David Braziel <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Subject: Delivery Mr Braziel, We attempted to deliver a parcel today but you were out. Our driver left the small crate containing a live game bird in the shed at the rear of your property and the accompanying ornamental fruit tree is behind your wheelie bin. Thank you for using Acme Delivery Services.

Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2019 18:04:10 +0000 From: Fred Austin <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; To: David Braziel <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Subject: Delivery Mr Braziel, We attempted delivery of a parcel today but you were out. Our driver noticed that yesterday’s crate was still in your shed and he was concerned for the bird’s welfare so reclaimed it and took it with the two additional ornamental birds in todays delivery to leave with your neighbour at number 27. Your fruit tree is still behind the wheelie bin. Thank you for using Acme Delivery Services.

Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2019 17:09:43 +0000 From: Fred Austin <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; To: David Braziel <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Subject: Delivery Mr Braziel, We attempted delivery of a parcel today but you were out. Noticing that the delivery contained more live birds our driver took them to your neighbour at number 27 who was reluctant to accept them saying that: 1. You had still not collected the previous deliveries and 2. She was not fond of chickens and these three smelled strongly of garlic. She was eventually persuaded to take delivery of the birds but we urge you to collect them as soon as possible. Your fruit tree is now in your wheelie bin. Thank you for using Acme Delivery Services.

Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2019 17:49:31 +0000 From: Fred Austin <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; To: David Braziel <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Subject: Delivery Mr Braziel We attempted delivery of a parcel today but you were out. I am told that your neighbour at number 27, possibly alerted by the calling from todays package, refused to open her door and was, in the drivers words, "literally spitting feathers" when he did manage to speak to her. We left this latest parcel containing four more birds with your neighbour at number 31. If you are speaking to your neighbour from number 27 could you tell her that the large bottle of carpet and upholstery cleaner she ordered for next day delivery are at number 31 and also that our driver was upset by her tone and her questioning of his parentage. The driver has requested a transfer to a different route and a new driver will now be serving your area. Thank you for using Acme Delivery Services

. Date: Fri, 6 Dec 2019 18:21:50 +0000 From: Fred Austin <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; To: David Braziel <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Subject: Delivery Mr Braziel, I am pleased to inform you that today’s package was successfully delivered. This was fortunate because both of your neighbours were very clear with our driver that having finally got rid of the previous packages they would only accept future deliveries over, and I quote, their "dead bodies". The new driver has raised a complaint that he sustained a number of minor injuries to his hand from several sharp beaks while putting five jewellery boxes through your letterbox. He also added that given the subsequent commotion coming from inside your hallway he could not guarantee what state the parcels would be in when you arrive home. I refer you to our dangerous pets policy attached. Thank you for using Acme Delivery Services.

Date: Sat, 7 Dec 2019 16:55:17 +0000 From: Fred Austin <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; To: David Braziel <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Subject: Excess Charge Due Dear Mr Braziel I am writing to inform you of an excess charge on your account due to todays delivery. Since you were not at home to pay the additional charge our driver returned the crate to our warehouse. The delivery was described on the manifest as containing six live geese on departure but on arrival it was found to also included three dozen eggs. We have had an interesting discussion in the office about whether this would constitute additional weight but it certainly adds additional volume so the penalty charge is due. No further deliveries will be made to your house until your account is settled.

Date: Sun, 8 Dec 2019 12:00:00 +0000 From: Fred Austin <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; To: All Customers Subject: Possible Delivery Delays Dear Customer We are writing to all of our customers today to inform you of possible delays in our delivery schedule. During an incident at our depot this morning seven members of our sorting team each suffered a broken arm while trying to prevent the escape of a group of large, aquatic birds. Due to the damage caused and the ensuing chaos in the warehouse we were unable to determine who the intended recipient of these birds was (although we think we can guess). The police have been informed since the birds are a protected species belonging to the crown estate so should never have been put in the postal system in the first place. The warehouse will be closed for several days while we regroup and recover. In compensation for any inconvenience caused we are entering all customers into a prize draw with the chance to win one of six traditionally stuffed, oven-ready geese - a perfect roast for your Christmas table.

Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2019 10:14:03 +0000 From: Fred Austin <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; To: All Customers Subject: Recent News Dear Customer I’m sure you have all been following the news over the past five days about the spate of kidnappings across the country involving very specific numbers of dairy workers, ballerinas, peers of the realm, musicians and drummers. You may also be aware of the dawn raid on our warehouse this morning which, we are pleased to say, resulted in the safe discovery of all 50 of the kidnap victims who were unharmed but naturally very distressed. We would like to make it clear that Acme Delivery Services had no involvement in this crime and are unable to explain how they all came to be in our warehouse, which has been closed since the swan incident. We are, of course, helping the police with their enquiries. Given recent events we find ourselves unable to handle the stress of running a Christmas delivery service so today will be our final day of deliveries and you will receive no more emails from us. if you were expecting a parcel but were not at home today to receive it, try looking behind your wheelie bin.