New storage area utilised

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Created: 12 June 2023

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. 

1000 up on Facebook!!!!!

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Created: 10 June 2023

887 likes • 1K followers We.ve reached the 1000th follower on Facebook!

AYTG present 'Treading the Boards'

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Created: 10 June 2023

Bleak Expectations starts this Thursday

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Created: 07 June 2023

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}

Our poetry competition topics for June

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Created: 01 June 2023

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 *Original unpublished work.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).

Great variety of talent at our Open Mic

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Created: 28 May 2023

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

May's 30-3-30 Poetry Competition winners

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Created: 28 May 2023

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’” 

******************************  

• 1) HOME ;   by Mollie Maguire

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 is Open Mic Night! Guest Sinead McKenna

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Created: 24 May 2023

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.

May's special guest - Sinead McKenna

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Created: 17 May 2023

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.

Open Mic guest artist for March 31st announced

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Created: 18 March 2023

After 4 years in excile Abbey Lane welcome the return of Colin Hassard , Banbridge's world famous musical poet.

Our scene of a packed Abbey Lane Theatre from 2019 will remind you how popular Colin is with our audience. Now an established international author with is debut poetry collection  'Age of the Microwave Dinner' in 2021 Colin now ranks as the 16th most famous person from Banbridge.

With the results of this month's 30/3/30 poetry competition, raffle, BYOB and a host of talented participants  + OUR GUEST all for £5....get there early.     STILL TIME TO ENTER 30/3/30 competition...deadline 24th March email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. See all the details on this website or FB Armagh Theatre Groupatg.