About Us

Armagh Theatre Group was founded in 1965 with the specific aim of producing good theatre for the citizens of Armagh and to enriching the life of ALL in the community.

The Group's first production in the spring of 1966 was Our Town by Thornton Wilder, directed by Seamus Mallon (MP) and this was followed by The Crucible by Arthur Miller. A wide variety of plays followed of which many were highly acclaimed. The Group has competed in Drama Festivals all over Ireland with great success.

 Adam's Children written and produced by Seamus Mallon won the Premier Award at the All Ireland One Act Festival in Naas in 1970. *The Shadow Box (1982) *The Factory Girls (1989) * reached the Ulster Amateur drama Finals.

. Annual popular pantos from the 70’s up to 2000’s helped finance our activities as well as introducing local children to a taste of the Stage.

 Abbey Lane Theatre was built in 1991 through self- funding finance and has been Armagh Theatre Group’s home right in the heart of the ecclesiastical City ever since.(see google maps)

In proceeding years Abbey Lane Theatre has been enhanced with a Green room and storage extension, new lighting system (Arts Council grant), carpeting, new seating and improved lighting dock. Plans are afoot (2023) to add disabled toilets and wheelchair access.

Along with offering works of local and international playwrights by our talented acting troupe we run Armagh Youth Drama Group each Sat morning and host a monthly Open Mic (last Fri of month). Regular drama/ writing workshops are facilitated throughout the year.

The opening of the Marketplace Theatre in 2000 signalled the start of a strong  collaboration between us. Their inaugural production was ATG’s The Risen People (2000) directed by Margery Quinn. This was followed by The Silver Tassie (2001) directed by Conor O’Malley. See our link to Past Productions for all our plays from 1966 to 2023 on www.armaghtheatregroup.com .

During the Covid pandemic and ensuing lockdowns we continued to entertain our loyal audiences by writing original plays to be performed live on Zoom as we were all social distancing. ‘Zoomeo &Juliet’- ‘Social Bubble Toil & Trouble’ and ‘Six Angry Women’. The first, if not the only, amature group to achieve this. Check out Youtube for a viewing.

Our doors are open to various local community groups as a safe and affordable space to meet or rehearse and perform.

New members are always welcome and anyone interested in getting involved,  please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your details. Thank you.

It is recognised throughout the world that 'the Arts' , is in all its forms, great therapy for the human race. Audiences and participants alike benefit in the experience. It enhances wellbeing, confidence and sense of purpose to life, and those of us lucky enough to indulge and partake help to spread those feelings. But it's when 'life' becomes so stressful and those avenues are blocked for whatever reason then other forms of help are needed. Here are some of those local organisations who can do just that.

LIFELINE 08088088000 if you or someone you know is in distress or despair call free* local 24hrs/7days/52weeks. Calls to Lifeline are answered by local ,qualified counsellors, providing immediate assistance and support. Action Mental Health 028 3839 2314 or Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 They can help with trauma, self-harm, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. When the 'laugh' is out of life and you need someone to talk to, ring.

CLICK HERE OR ON THE PHOTO FOR LOCATION ON GOOGLE MAPS...