In the clammy heat of an early Armagh summer, with temperatures in their mid 20's the open doors of Abbey Lane Theatre allowed the sweet sound of famous Scottish airs to float into the City's skies as Kirsty McMullen gave a wonderful rendition of famous tunes from across the Irish Sea. Robbie Burns songs like' My luve is like a Red Red Rose', 'Auld lang Syne' along with 'Scotland the Brave' had the audience foot tapping and singing along. To Charles Neville (Ulster Scots Community Network Development Officer) who gave us an insight into the Network's achievements and aims and Kirsty (Enagh Rural Development Association Markethill) a big thank you. We also had our Limerick Laughs competition which was won, on countback, by Dymphna who was delighted with her first prize. These great efforts will be on our Open Mic Night section of the website. Next months subject will be 'Politicians ' and I'm sure we have some lovely things to say about that lot! Remember you too could win some brilliant prizes on the night. To all  who came along and those who took part on the night a BIG THANK YOU.They are, Bridie (original poem), Paddy ( song/guitar) : Limerick Laughs competition featuring Bridie, Aisling, Felim Jnr, Dymphna x2, Malachi, John and William. We continued our night with Ann's (Cuban poem)Thomas (song/guitar), Dymphna ( ,Gammy Knee' org poem), Malachi (story), Felim( poem) Joan (song) Paddy, Thomas, Malachi and finished with Claudia singing Cathy's Song. Great night once again, next OMG JUNE 30TH. 

Wonderful pictures from ' Slices of Life' production with thanks to Mary McKenna .

Helena Rafferty and Dessie Crilly.

EmilyJane Conway and Kevin McEneaneny

Marcella and Connell McBride

Aileen Conway

Some brilliant moments of Drama from Armagh Theatre Group captured by Conor at our 'Slices of Life' production directed by Kevin McEneaney in Abbey Lane Theatre.

More images to follow.......well done everybody!

We had a great response to our first Limerick Laughs competition during the OMNight  Friday last. Well done to all who participated either in writing their own or reading from originals supplied by management. During the voting procedure which was hotly contested, there was evidence of VEVO (vote early vote often) syndrome and GM (Gerry Meandering) similar to Gerrymandering only some of the audience moved around to vote for every entrant. In the end we got the same split decision as with Stormont elections, no clear winner and a three way tie had to be declared to keep the peace. Those at the top of the pile Dymphna Ferran, Josh Trotter and our own Heaney poet Bridie. See our Open Mic Night section for these wonderful pieces of poetry. Thanks and congratulations to all the other contributors on the night, Malachi (original poem) Adam (Epic stories, jokes and big, big lies), Dymphna (Original humorous rhymes) Limericks round1, Tim (real estate advice of the last century) Peter (troubadour),Limericks R2, Kevin (Lovers soliloquy) Ann (storytelling) Malachi ( poetic advice to ABC councils)Limericks final including rows & ructions, Josh and Adam (peoples opera),Peter (singsong), and finally Dymphna( The tie). Next OMN on 26th May and our Limericks subjects will be 'Teachers' or 'Veggies'. REMEMBER THE GREAT PRIZES ON OFFER!

A rehearsed reading of 'The Good Humour Club' was performed in our theatre on Thursday night last to a packed house of loyal supporters and friends gathered to witness this unique event. Set in a meeting room above 'The Hole in the Wall' pub of the 17th century, the experienced cast (representing centuries of dramatic knowhow), regaled us with witticisms and language of the period with consummate ease. Congratulations to the facilitators Wheelworks & Dept for Communities who partnered this production.

Some of the brave souls from Armagh Theatre Group, lead by the ever colourful Peter Kelly, took 'Dean Swift' on a tour of Armagh City during this years' St Patrick's Day Parade.

The first recipient of Armagh Theatre Group's Fiona Hughes Memorial Cup for most promising newcomer in this year's Portadown Drama Festival was Elizabeth Weir from 'Rosemary Players' Belfast for her portrayal of Maeve in 'Blue Stockings' by Jessica Swale. Congratulations Elizabeth, may this mark the start of a wonderful acting career. A fitting holder of what will surely become a prized acknowledgement of young talent within amateur drama circles.

Fiona Hughes RIP 2016

Superbly hosted by our new Chairperson, Hilary Good, as her first duty in this prestige position, the recent finale of our 'Original writings' from the joint CAP/ATG course went down a storm in Abbey Lane Theatre .To all the participants including Pat Prunty and John McDonald for our musical interludes a big THANK YOU. They were Wilma Campbell, Shelia Dynes, Alison Flanagan, Dymphna Ferran , Ann Gilmartin, Bridie Heaney, Tim Hanna,Malachi Kelly, Peter Kelly, Ellen McKenna, Kevin McEneaney, Patricia Prunty, Felim Rafferty and Terry Saunders. Not forgetting Aisling(lights and sound) Una(raffle) Colin Hassard  (facilitor poetry) Chelley Mclear (CAP co-ordinator) and all who stayed back to clean up.xx

Actor, Comedian and better half of the famous Grimes/McKee duo (so he says) visited Abbey Lane Theatre to share his stage and film experiences with members of Armagh Theatre Group this week. After a brisk Canadian Army warm up we all collapsed into a circle of seats for a Q&A session which couldn't even be stopped for a cuppa!. Questions were short but the answers meandered into wonderful humorous memories of an actor who 'range' ranges far and wide. Another memorable night for the 'Group' who greatly appreciates Conor's  generous offer and time spent with us.

The 'Group' participated in a cross community event last Thursday held in the Market Place Theatre. This was the final part of a three evening cross cultural series discussing the 'decades of centenaries' and their affects on such organisations as UVF, Irish Volunteers, GAA and the Orange Order, with particular reference to Armagh . Our readings covered from 1912 and the Covenant through W W1, Easter Rising and the Treaty. interspersed with music from Eoin Kelly and the Pruntys and the Aghavilly Accordian Band.  A very informative night  with great entertainment attended by members of West Armagh Consortium and Hartford Community Development and Cultural Ass who jointly organised the events.