Upcoming dates for your diaries

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Created: 21 July 2018

John Hewitt International Summer School starts  23rd July on all week.

OpenMIc Night Abbey Lane part of the JHISS     27th 9pm Abbey Lane Theatre

August 10th Blues Festival Film 'The Blues Brothers' Abbey Lane Theatre

August 11th ....--   ---  --       ---   The Mighty Quinn playing live@ Abbey Lane. 8PM

August 26th Spotlight Dance&Drama School 'Country music Show' 7pm

No Open Mic in August.

Sept 7th Fri second performance of 'Cheatin Heart' in Abbey Lane.

Sept 13 Thurs Abbey Lane Writers course. Six 2hrs classes over Sept Oct Nov

facilitated by Byddi Lee, author of 'From March to November' Limited places.

If interested in all aspects of writing and wish to join  send details to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Armagh Theatre Group promoting live  Arts in Armagh since 1966.

John Hewitt Summer School coming to Open Mic 27th July

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Created: 07 July 2018

For the thrid year our Open Mic Night has been incorporated into the John Hewitt International Summer School programme. This has proved to be a great success with many students enjoying the chance to 'let their hair down' and recite their new or past work in a relaxed friendly atmosphere. As usual we move the start time to 9PM to facilate those attending the final Market Place Theatre event. Come along, get a glass of wine and give us 5 mins of your time to entertain. BYOBottle, nibbles provided, lights, stage and possible stardom!

This month's Limerick Laughs compo first line ''During this baking hot July''

27th July, 9pm till late, Abbey Lane Theatre, Abbey Lane. Armagh.... entry £5

'Cheatin Heart' resounding success in Abbey Lane

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Created: 07 July 2018

First performed over 30 years ago this Radio play script by Maggie Shevlin- Elmore lost none of its punch, vitality and humour in this production by Armagh Theatre Group. Staying true to the script and in the presence of Maggie herself the cast gave up a polished performance in this rehearsed reading to ANOTHER packed Abbey Lane audience. ATG are honoured to be allowed  to perform 'Cheatin Heart' for only the second time since its Radio 4 premier staring Maggie as 'Geraldine' and Stephen Rea as' Dan'. Here are some photos of the night.

Donald McKenna, CoArmagh bard comes to Abbey Lane

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Created: 02 July 2018

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

Laughs aplenty at hot June's Open Mic

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Created: 02 July 2018

''Unreal!''  That was the verdict of the comedian Mark Shields (Coalisland) after experiencing his first Abbey Lane Open Mic. It was also the verdict of the big crowd who enjoyed Marks' take on life, especially in a Tyrone shirt. You can take the man out of Tyrone but.... His critical eye exposed traits of himself, family, neighbours, fellow 'islanders and Strabane! All very funny and probably not true at all. Hope to see you back Mark. Damien Mallon, poet,singer read from his collection 'Off the trees'. Beautiful depiction of life in and around Keady, of young love and cowboys and indians  That's were a lot of cowboys are from Damien! And from the same neck of the woods Donald McKenna, bard extraordinaire had the audience entralled with his ode to 'The tragic tale of Tim McCann' .Kate McGrail introduced us to technological problems and 'commercial breaks' during here great story of her family's trip to see Pope John Paul in 1979. I'll approach committee to install wifi Kate before next time. No such problems with her rendition of Spancil Hill. As a daughter of the famous Harry, the apple didn't fall far from the tree. Thanks to; new comer Malachy Trainor  with poem 'To be performed' orginal work, Bridie Heaney with F Ledwidge's 'June'. Dymphna Ferran's 'Royal wedding', Tim Hanna's dreamteam of NIre taking on Russia  in the World Cup and Malachi 's poem ''Im sure I didn't''. Singers Margueirite with 'Limerick your a lady',Michael Callaghan singing Elvis's 'falling in love with you' and Ann Marie McCourt with 'Streets of London' or Paris!

  Too all our contributors in the Limerick Laughs competition Goretti, Tim, Byddi, Donald,Kate, Joe,Pat,Dymphna, Paddy, Bridie and all others unmentioned THANK YOU! We finished up with the conclusion of Ann Gilmartin's storytelling tale of 'Our Friend with the black mask'  Definitely a NI Screen movie there Ann to follow on from 'Game of Tyrones' sorry Thrones. Thats thon Mark Shiels AGAIN!

Radio play 'Cheatin Heart' goes on 6th July Abbey Lane

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Created: 28 June 2018

On the Friday 6th July in Abbey Lane ATG will present Maggie Shevlin-Elmore's 'Cheatin Heart' as we introduce our loyal followers and supporters to Radio Drama, on stage.

Set in 1980's Belfast 'Cheatin Heart' depicts the married life of Geraldine (Maria McGilly) and Dan (Des Crilly), his constant straying and her struggles to have a baby.  Maura (Bridie Heaney) a schoolfriend of Geraldine's, meets Dan in London by chance and falls into his web...or does she jump?

Introducing Lily Conway as young Geraldine, Emily Conway as young Maura , Rory Lamb as young Dan and Byddi Lee in  cameo roles as Waitress/Announcer.. Foley artist  (sounds/music) is Jordan Trotter. This is a joint production by Trotter and Kelly on behalf of ArmaghTheatre Group.

Patsy Cline sings throughout...worth the money alone!

Tables and chairs layout,pay at door £10, complementary glass of vino Bring Your Own Bottle,free raffle!!!

Doors open 7.30pm show starts 8pm.

 HOUSE NOW FULL!  3rd July. Apologies, if cancellations a reserve list will be available by leaving your details on  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Audience's show their appreciation to Wizard cast!

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Created: 24 June 2018

Armagh Stars of tomorrow....no not tomorrow  Stars of today!

More from Wizard of Oz

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Created: 24 June 2018

Tin Man enters under the Rainbow

Wizard of Oz casts his spell on Abbey Lane

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Created: 24 June 2018

Four packed houses as Spotlight Studios presents Wizard of Oz in Abbey Lane Theatre over the weekend. See here a transformed forecourt as the audience are kept outside till a Munchkin peers over the 'City Gates' and invites the eager crowds to enter. Shows by 2 dozen 5-7yr olds and 20+ from 8 -young teens strutted their stuff on our stage. Drama in Armagh has just got a big transfusion of new blood for a bright future.

Limerick Laughs this month's first line is

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Created: 16 June 2018

First line....... 'There was a wee woman called June'

5 lines , first two and last rhyme, middle two rhyme with each other.

Really really good prizes this month HONEST. Everyone will get a chance to win if they have a Limerick!