Seasonal Greetings from all at Armagh Theatre Group

Details

Created: 09 December 2019

To all our loyal supporters and friends may we wish you a peaceful, joyous and dramatic Christmas and hoping 2020

is not just a sign for good vision but a year when we open our eyes to all life's blessings. Happy New Year!

Armagh Theatre Group Productions 1998-2016

Details

Created: 09 December 2019

Sorry You were Out - by kind permission of David Braziel

Details

Created: 02 December 2019

                                                                '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. 

Georgian's have a ball at Open Mic

Details

Created: 02 December 2019

You would have been forgiven in thinking you had stepped back in time as you entered Abbey Lane last Friday. Dozens of elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen gathered to experience the first Georgian Dressed Open Mic Night as part of the Georgian Festival weekend in Armagh.

Our entertainment began on a youthful high as Mariann Mc Bride sang beautifully and then Lochlan McBride played Bach on the organ. A first for OMN and hopefully the start of many appearances to come from these talented siblings.

Byddi Lee written word on the dangers of double chocolate,Peter Kelly sang 'Arthur McBride' as a Christmas song with the aid of a real McBride.Pat Fairon recited Goldsmith (the most popular poet of Georgian Ireland), Alex King on 5 string banjo, Laurane Veron sang 'Amazing Grace' in her strong french accent and David Braziel christening his new work 'Sorry you were out' for its first airing . (this will be on our website shortly for you to experience, with kind permission from David.

Joe McCool poem and tin whistle,Tim Hanna, Bridie Heaney and Wilma Campbell 'Georgian Election',Malachi Kelly with a Georgian vision of 'Armagh and whatabout your Da' and followed by 'The boys from Co Armagh'. Dymphna Ferron more uncensored humour and verse, Ann Gilmartin story of the moonless dark winter on the Norfolk Broads;Claudia Clendenning singing Opera; a return of Peter on guitar and finally;

The Best dressed competition. The ladies section was won through a show of hands then a toss of a coin eventually by Laurane.  The Gents seen Malachi knocked into second place by some blatant gerrymandering which enabled Mervyn Dickson to squeeze home.

Well done to all participants and an audience who wholeheartedly got into the swing of Georgian fancy dress.

No Open Mic in December so next January 31st 2020!!!! Festive greeting to all and a happy Near Ear.

Georgian Fancy Dress Open Mic Fri 29th Nov

Details

Created: 16 November 2019

Go back in time for a few hours on the 29th Nov and be entertained in Georgian style at our world famous Open Mic Night.

Guests and contributors are encouraged to dress up. Don a wig, plaster on make up and lipstick. Pull on a pair of knee length stockings over your shapely calfs

and wiggle your toes into raised buckled shoes. Ladies can do something similar!.

Prizes for the best dressed Lady and Gentleman and a guarenteed great night's entertainment with complementary glass of punch/wine/coffee/tea and nibbles.

This is the last Open Mic for 2019 so a big crowd is expected - doors open before 8pm and show starts 8.30pm to finish.

Sadly we give notice of Jackie Murphy's sudden passing

Details

Created: 06 November 2019

The Committee and members of Armagh Theatre Group are saddened to hear of the death of Jackie Murphy, our long time friend and Committee member. He was the spark that lit up so many of our productions with his technical skills and unique turn of phrase. We extend our deepest sympathy to Ann and to the family circle. .Jackie’s funeral service will take place tomorrow (Thur 6^th ) in St Malachys Church 11am

1. Rennie (Chairperson). M. Kelly (Secretary)

Jackie and Ann in happier times.

Our autumn production 'Bookworms' now unfortunately cancelled

Details

Created: 05 November 2019

With regret Armagh Theatre Group have had to cancel the production of 'Bookworms' this November 21-23 in Market Place Theatre due to unforseen circumstances. We would like to apologise to all our faithful followers who have purchased tickets or were planning to attend on any of the evenings.

Those who have tickets can receive a refund from Market Place Theatre box office. Please call  028 3752 1821 for further information.

We will be continuing with our programme of events in Abbey Lane and next up is the fancy dress Georgian Festival Open Mic Night on the 29th. Tickets available from  'Visitarmagh' web site and go to Georgian Festival events for tickets via -ticketsolve- or at the door on the night. Competition prizes for best dressed PLUS all or usual freebees- AND STILL only £5 !

Class and quality always shines through - October Open Mic

Details

Created: 29 October 2019

Once again a big crowd attended the Open Mic this October in Abbey Lane Theatre. Their anticipation of a great night's entertainment was more than satisfied as guest artists and contributors were in top form.

NJ McClean singer/songwriter started the evening with wonderful self penned songs accompanied by great guitar playing. Our second guest, the 16yr old poet from Portadown Anesu Mtowa, had the audience spell bound with her poetry highlighting her experiences as a young black girl growing up in Co Armagh. Her views on what Lifes' minorities have to face each day, through discrimination and hardships to survive, were clearly narrated. Both these artists deserve exposure and support for their talents.

From teenagers to nonagerians we were entertain with poetry, singing,storytelling,comedy and the written word. Donald McKenna celebrated is 90th year with a poem about reaching such a great age. Abbey Lane was in  stitches as  his wit and wordsmith skills are as sharp as ever. Diane Wynne's  poem 'Padraig Pearse';

Roy Uprichard opn the Camino de Santiago; Theo Sinson on guitar and singing Blues; Dymphna Ferran on jokes and her toyboy Fireman; Cathy Carson's written word stories 14th hour and Toast; teenager Sophie Ross with her orginal song 'Joy and Sorrow' on guitar; Kieran Quigley solo singing; Pat Farron remembered poems from his primary school days with John Vallely teacher ' what ever you say say nothing', Malachi's poem 'Women talk' on mental health and Peter Kelly finished the night with the old local halloween song 'My Aunt Jane'

Thank you to everyone who helped in any way to make this another memorable night. Our next night is the Georgian Festival Open Mic on 29th when we'll dress up in costume and wind back time  to 18th century. Prizes for best dressed audience participation on the night + all the usual extras. Seating will be at a premium and can be got via ABC council Gerogian Festival ticket events or at the door £5- 8pm start----GET THERE POST HASTE !

Anesu Mtowa, brilliant young poet appearing this Fri OMN

Details

Created: 21 October 2019

Anesu Mtowa is a 16yr old poet born in N.Ireland to a South African mother. Her poetry focuses heavily on the complex identity and unique perspective of someone born to a different nationality and culture to their parent. Feminity, race and hertiage are topics that she explores through her writing

.  It's a great boost to Abbey Lane to have Anesu's appear on our stage. Her undoubted young talent will see her go far in the writing world.  So once again treat yourselves to an evening of  vibriant poetry, amazing songwriting and wonderful stories  'At the best Open Mic in Armagh' Abbey Lane Theatre 8pm Friday 25th.

Set Dancing returns to Dobbin Community Centre

Details

Created: 16 October 2019

Set Dancing is recognised as a  great way to socialise and keep your body fit - but also exercise your mind. You can do all three every TUESDAY NIGHT 7.30-9pm in Dobbin Community Centre Armagh for a mere £5. Beginners and experienced dancers are very welcome to come along and try this fun way to tighten up all your 'bits and bobs', learn new moves and have a laugh. Gerry, our instructor, will be delighted to see you and walk you through the steps with the help of the class.

So you take the first steps to DOBBIN STREET COMMUNITY CENTRE, ARMAGH and we'll show you the rest------ For all- from teenagers up,

(and MEN especially welcome!)