Georgian's have a ball at Open Mic

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!)

NJ McClean to appear at October OMN ON 25TH

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Created: 11 October 2019

Along side NJ McClean we have a growing band of contributors to fill our evening with poetry, stories, ballads, music and writings in our intimate, friendly venue , Abbey Lane Theatre. Also we have Diane Gowing,writer and poet who will read her poem 'Padraig Pearse' inspired by her screen play 'Countess' based on Countess Markievicz. So already a brilliant night shaping up for the 25th. Doors open 8pm- £5 at door , a glass of wine and refreshments free. Bring your own tipple  and enjoy the ''best wee Open Mic in Co Armagh''

Bumper Sept Open Mic Night at Abbey Lane

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Created: 28 September 2019

Probably the busiest night of all Open Mic Nights to date, Abbey Lane audience were entertained by top class artists,musicians and writers. Poetry, music and singing that could grace larger venues was on show throughout the evening. Stories,comedy, memoirs and sketches filled the night for three hours as up to 17 different contributors took to the stage. Well done every body, all of you amazing.

Those entertainers Tim Hanna (Donegal Campers  or Autumn or Summer), new face Jim Doherty, Middletown sang (Belfast) Roy Uprichard from Holywood, Camino de Santiago writer...{find on Kindle} Theo Sinton (Blues singer/guitar) Cathy Carson Belfast writer/performer (Jammie Dodgers* provide for all) Eoin McLoughlin Benburb (Stand-up and very short poem) Thomas Healy (Tracy Chapman cover on guitar) Maria McGilly (poem Mr Fox).

We called a break then and set up for our guest artists Seonaid Murray(Sax) and Colin Hassard (poetry/guitar). This combo really worked along with individual pieces from both...Great hearing the Saxaphone played by such an accomplished musician and Mr Hassard the wordsmith supreme once again delighted us.

 Further contributions were from Dymphna Ferran Dungannon, (jokes and poetry!)John Mc Allister (poems and prose), Frances Lavery,new face from Middletown  sang (Tynan), Mark Brownlee, Portadown (poetry), Kieran Quigley singer ( Jonny Cash ) and Theo Sinton back with more bluey numbers before...

  New group 'Orchard Ukes' comprising of Ryan Began, bass; Pauline McDonald and Elma Mc Eneaney on Ululele and vocals;Rocky on Ukulele and Shane McDonald on percussion performed their first public outing in Abbey lane after forming a few weeks ago. They had the crowd singing along from the start and made a great sound. 'Orchard Ukes' will be in the Golf Club (Armagh) rehearsing from 2nd Oct 8pm each fortnight if you wish to take up the Ukulele come along.

The competition for 2 people to see Japan v Ireland was won on a tie break question by Ryan Began from Orchard Ukes after a dispute over the shortest Anthem. Ryan and a friend were able to realise this great prize by tuning into RTE2/UTV at 7.30am on Sat.....No dispute over the result!

Next Open Mic is on October 25th but keep it quiet......it's our wee secret.   Thanks to all the helpers on the night without youse where would we be.

National Poetry Day in Armagh City Library Oct 3rd

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Created: 23 September 2019

THE CITY CHAPTER in association with John Hewitt Society & Arts Council NI invite you to celebrate

with two acclaimed poets Gail McConnell & Noel Monaghan in Armagh City Library 7.30pm Adm FREE