Since Armagh Theatre Group started the regular monthly Open Mic's hundreds of budding, nervous artists have
stepped up on the stage to entertained us.
What makes those few steps less daunting is the encouragement given by our welcoming audiences. This is what
our guest artist for June 23' experienced when he first visited Abbey Lane in 2019.
A singer and poet from early years Theo Sinton only found the time to pick up a guitar recently. Farming and family commitments came first but his love of singing brought him opportunities with Banbridge Musical Society affording him to 'scratch that itch'
Now in retirement Theo persues his love of poetry, composing and singing with gusto and recent play time on local radio has boosted his fame. Another Open Mic secret is out folks Theo is going big!
But before his world tour is organised we have him this month in an extended slot allowing him to delve into his songs and poetry
in greater depth and once again entertain us in the only way Theo can.
A prime example of never too late- so dont you be late for Theo; 30th June 8pm Abbey Lane Theatre, in the heart of historical Armagh City. BT617DW. Doors open 7.45 £5 BYOB.
After the 'Moving of the stones' ceremony last month the derelict area at the back of Abbey Lane Theatre has been transformed into a storage corridor for our stage flats . Four tonnes of stone used to level the ground were bucketed in by enthusiatic members of both ATG and AYTG.
Great help was also given by the Lennon family, Desart Lane of which we are indebted to.Thanks to Gerard and Finn for the muscle and the finasl layer of stones. And a big thank you to Ruairi McElmeel for carrying in most of the flats.
This small development frees up necessary space needed in our 'Green room' to allow facilities for our cast members .
A long road starts with little steps.
Here are some before and after shots.
887 likes • 1K followers We.ve reached the 1000th follower on Facebook!
Scenes from our rehearsals of 'Bleak Expectations' for which performances start 8th and 9th / 15th and 16th June 23' Abbey Lane Theatre ARMAGH.
Most performances are sold out so hurry for the last few seats to see this hilarious farce by Mark Evans in arrangement with NICK HERN BOOKSLtd {TICKETS via EVENTBRITE}
This month's three topics for our 30-3-30 competition are
1) 'I wish' 2) Mental health 3) Nostalgic Memories (30 words;3 topics; £30 winner prize)
Submisssions to be in by Friday June 23rd midnight. Results announced at our Open Mic on 30th in Abbey Lane Theatre, Armagh.
Contact details in body of email. Titled poem in attachment with no personal details. Title of work not included in 30 words. Word doc etc no PDF’s
RULES: Judge’s decisions are final. Winner takes all. £30 star prize and Highly commendable certificates for runners up.
*One poem per submission on one subject. Submitting for each topic is allowed on separate attachments.
*Original unpublished work. Format open.
*Winner announced at next Open Mic (last Friday of month), also 2 Highly Commended certificates presented.
*Reading by author on the night, when possible, and cash prize presented.
*Winning work showcased on our website (copyright remains with the author).
Our guest artist Sinead McKenna got the night off to a brilliant start showing all of her musical and singing talents to another packed Abbey Lane last Friday.
Such a hard act to follow but Sandra McDonnell-Hill leapt at the opportunity to point out the irritating
lean towards pomposity some 'famous' poets persist on expressing through their work. Well said Sandra.
Once again we had a wonderful mix of acts throughout the evening poets, storytellers, musicians, singers comics and 'poems and poise' presented by Thomas Healy at the evenings end.
They were Jacqui Ruddell,Mark Brownlee, Matthew Toner, John Henderson and Jay Rafferty all poets. Peter McAnespie,Steven Butler, Theo Sinton all singer songwriter musicians. John McAndrew storyteller, Matt McCullough stand-up comic and lastly possibly a new genre Thomas with his drawings and odes.
Along with our fabulous raffle and poetry competition presentation a great night was had and all for £5! Next month's ,June 30th and a new guest artist awaits.
Comic Matt McCullough
We are delighted to announce the results of our In House poetry competition for May.
Winner of the prize money was Jay Rafferty and Highhly Commended Jacqui Ruddell. Absent for the presentation and also
recipients of certificates Mollie Maguire and Stephen McStravick. Many congratulations to all who participated
June's 3 topics are; 1) 'I Wish' 2) Mental Health 3) Nostalgic Memories.
All the usual rules apply, 30 words, 3 topic and £30 prize money. Send entrants to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your titled submissions on attachments. Pick one topic or all three and submissions must be in by Friday 23rd June midnight.
All finalists work posted on our website and Social media pages remains the writers property.
Snobbery by Jay Rafferty
A stain glass snout snorts
wet over the town. Contemptuous,
holier than thou, a pedigree of mortar
and sandstone. Like its clear glassed
siblings weren’t hewn in the same quarry.
******************
Hello by Jacqui Ruddell
“Hello mum,
It’s late, I cannot sleep,
My heart feels numb
I’ve tried counting sheep
Now you are gone
I message your phone;
‘Wish you knew
I sorely miss you’”
******************************
Just Getting Home
Aroma of Sunday roast fills the air.
Laughter bellowing throughout the house.
Witnessing smiles released from faces.
Rapidly wrapped in loving arms.
Scrumptious flavours enrapture my taste buds.
I’m home.
********************************
GOOD AND EVIL. by Stephen McStravick
LOCK UP YOUR CHILDREN
IT’S EVIL WITH A “ D”
DEVIL’S MUSIC.
COTTON BLACK POOR BLUES
JUMPED THE FIELDS AND CAME TO TOWN.
THE RIGHTEOUS WHITE ARE ALL SHOOK UP
AHUH-HUH !
This Friday 8pm Abbey Lane Theatre Armagh City guest artist the multi talented fiddler Sinead McKenna. Doors open 7.45pm £5 BYOB. A warm welcome awaits all performers. An event for all the community.
One of Augher's most talented daughters is Sinead McKenna. This renowned singer-songwriter, trad musician and champion fiddle player is our guest artist for this month's Open Mic on the 26th.
Sinead was one of a few dozen exceedingly-talented Irish musicians and dancers chosen to fly to Dubai to represent the Emerald Isle at the World Expo recently.
The launch of her album is due in the coming days and if you are lucky enough to get in to Abbey Lane you can hear those songs and tunes played live. This young lady's talents are not to be missed and Armagh Theatre Group are chuffed Sinead has accepted our invite as Guest Artist for May's Open Mic Night.