Poet Colin Hassard......returns! OMNight 28th Sept

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Created: 02 September 2018

Headlining this September's Open Mic in Abbey Lane Theatre we have the return of COLIN HASSARD with his new 'on tour of N.Ireland' show. This will be the only Co. Armagh appearance (that I know of) by Colin as he presents his new material through Performance poetry and music. So a great treat for our followers and a great coup by Armagh Theatre Group's hard working committee. Also on the night we will be featuring a new writing talent from the MR Music School in Armagh to end the evening and in between our wonderfully talented contributors!  So get there early as this Open MIc is shaping up to be another cracker!

links to Colin's poetry; My First Words http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVBuaiYD9mM&t=1s

Titanicland  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kH8CerD5Mpw  

Remember folks, NO 'Open Mic' tonight!

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Created: 31 August 2018

Remember folks there will be no Open Mic this Friday 31st August... (TONIGHT)!

Apologies to all our faithful followers but the need to re-charge the batteries  becomes essential at this time of year.

So  our next date is SEPTEMBER 28TH when we have Poet Colin Hassard appearing as part of his Northern Ireland tour of his Spoken word/ music album. Colin is recent runner up in Seamus Heaney Award with his poem 'A storm will come' and featured on Radio Ulster this week. This will be the only Co Armagh venue Colin will perform his work....definately a date for your diaries.

Also the usual stories, poetry, songs, yarns , music, prizes, competitions,nibbles, wine,and the odd TEA. FOR £5!

None tonight folks.......next date September 28th!

'Cheatin Heart' back for final show Sept 7th

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Created: 28 August 2018

Public demand has resulted in a final performance of Maggie Shevlin- Elmore's fabulous radio drama 'Cheatin Heart' which will be on stage in the Abbey Lane Theatre Friday 7th September at 8pm. Played to a packed audience in July this rehearsed reading proved a great success and has helped encourage the author to develope it into a full stage production. To reserve the final few seats email Tim  @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Patsy Cline music features throughout the show!

Spotlight Drama & Dance Studio back with 'Country Music' show

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Created: 20 August 2018

THIS SUNDAY 26th a Country Music extravaganza by Spotlight Studios troupe will grace the stage and courtyard of Abbey Lane Theatre at 7pm. Following on from their sellout production of 'The Wizard of Oz' in July the talented cast show of their singing and dancing prowess in this tribute to the ever popular Country&Western music scene.

Tickets for show on sale @ Abbey Lane Theatre tonight Mon, Thurs and Fri between 6pm and 8PM  £10 LIMITED SEATING

Phoenix Players to stage 'Little Women The Musical'

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Created: 09 August 2018

Our friend and life long member David O'Toole has invited our members to come alone to this production by the Portadown based drama group 'Phoenix Players' between 30th August and 2nd Sept  staged in the Town Hall Portadown. Tickets can be reserved by ringing Vanessa on 079 1265 1662 £10 or if you are in Portadown from Mackles shop. BREAK A LEG DAVID!

Another great Open Mic caps off John Hewitt Summer School

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Created: 28 July 2018

With punters sitting on the stairway and by the open doorways, Abbey Lane was bursting at the seams last night for this John Hewitt International Summer School Open Mic Night special. The later start time of 9pm allowed our regulars to get seated before the students arrived down from Marketplace Theatre and we weren't disappointed. We are constantly surprised by the writing talent and entertainers we have in our mist which reinforces the need for an outlet such as Armagh Theatre Group and Abbey Lane Theatre.

Yvonne Boyle' Coleraine poet.

Last nights' stars were; Marguerite singing 'My Father's house':Tim with his second World Cup story (from Donegal):Michael Callaghan, song; Malachi, poem The Grave problem; Thomas playing guitar/singing; Trish Bennett poetic teenage memories and some more mature: Dennis McArdle singing 'Clady's sour milk cart';Richard O'Leary's story of his Chinese adventures: Peter singing/guitar 'Orange Maid of Sligo' and Croppy Boy' Yvonne Boyle poetry inc 'My beautiful hands'; Kate McGrail singing ; Thomas on Flute and poetry; Peter with 'That's Amore'; Kate with 'Boys from the Co Armagh'; Byddi Lee story 'Cooking a chicken in Paris' Gaynor Kane poetry of her Superhero Nephew, and Michael Callaghan sang us out with 'Eileen good night'

Kate Mc Grail sings 'The Boy's from the Co Armagh'

Our Limerick Laughs competition won by Byddi Lee while ridiculing a ''difficult first line''; Thanks to Tim, Bridie, Yvonne,Aisling/ Roisin, and an email entry from Patrica Gibson which came second .....last!

Special thanks and acknowledgement of the kind words from Karen Mooney, poet, on her welcome and hospitality she has received from the Armagh people during the John Hewitt week. NB, Karen.

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