Poets, musicians and storytellers flock to Abbey Lane

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Created: 30 April 2019

April's Open Mic Night was populated with great poets, storytellers , musicians and singers at the top of their game. A poignant poem  'The Message' from David Braziel and an English lesson from Finnish standup comedian Mana Mahfoozi completed another entertaining night for the packed crowd in Abbey Lane Theatre.

Try it....you'll not be disappointed. Next one  MAY 31ST.

For a listen to David's poem go to his Facebook page scroll to 'The Message' written after the killing of writer/journalist Lyra McKee.

For an English lesson go to youtube Mana Mahfoozi 'the shit'

Some of those who braved the stage last Friday night after our guests, the McGrath Brothers from Donaghmore were. Mark Brownlee, Rachel Toner,Cathy Carson, Sue Divin, Dymphna Ferran,Kate McLaughlin, Jimmy Rafferty and finishing with the McGraths singalong melody. Cost at door?....£5!

McGrath Bros' Donaghmore guests@ April's OMN

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Created: 20 April 2019

April at Abbey Lane, means music and song from the McGrath brothers of Donaghmore who  guest this month's Open Mic Night. This will be the second visit to Abbey Lane of these fine musicians and they say they cant wait to feel the warm welcome  our audiences are famous for.

We will also feature one of our favourite performance poets Cathy Carson who has left us  open jawed at here previous visits to Abbey Lane.  Worth getting here next Friday to see and hear a poet who tackles issues on life others are afraid to touch. Dont Miss!

Remember £5 at door give you an opportunity to entertain/recite/sing/read or play an instrument for 5mins AND gets you free nibbles,wine/soft drinks. Doors Open 8pm and we start 8.30pm BYOB and a friend or come yourself...... for a great night !

Play reading makes an 'IMPACT!'

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Created: 11 April 2019

A very positive first reading of Armagh Theatre Group's play 'Impact!' (Armagh's Rail Disaster) was held last night in Abbey Lane.

The feed back from all who attended was greatly appreciated by the co writers Byddi Lee, Tim Hanna and Malachi Kelly. Future readings and casting will be announced shortly. Big thanks for all who called in last night and made it a successful evening. In years to come hundreds will say they were there!

Abbey Lane Theatre holds 'New play' reading.

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Created: 08 April 2019

Wednesday in Abbey Lane Theatre@ 7.30pm. ATG are breaking new ground with an original play titled 'Impact! (Armagh Rail Disaster). This exciting new project depicts the tragic events of 130 years ago when 89 died and hundreds were injured on the railway line near Killuney.

Armagh Theatre Group have commissioned this two act play with the assistance of local author Byddi Lee. We will be holding its first reading this WEDNESDAY in ABBEY LANE THEATRE @ 7.30pm

If you are interested in taking part in the reading or helping with the production come along.  Cast will contain  Women 4 ,men 10  + few crowd extras.

March's Open Mic full house for poet/writerTrish Bennett

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Created: 31 March 2019

A great 'turn out' for our guest artist Trish Bennett and all our contributors made for another wonderful night in Abbey Lane.

Many thanks to Trish travelling all the way from Co.Fermanagh/Leitrim border to give Armagh a taste of her undoubted talents in the ''oul' poetry and storytelling game''. Other contributors to thank on the night Peter Kelly with his 1st anniversary  tribute to Una Boylan recalling some of the pieces she performed at our 'Poem and Pints nights' of the 70' and 80's. Una is still sorely missed. Tim Hanna presented work 'Zero some game' from Byddi Lee's writing classes as did Malachi with 'Return journey'. Joe Mc Ginley poem 'Do I really need to know!' had the crowd agreeing on its sentiment that social media just gives TOO MUCH information.

Ann Gilmartin's story of the Unhappy King was listened to attentively as was Maria Mc Gilly's take on British politics and B...xit. Andrew McMurdie sang 'Mr Tambourine Man' and was encouraged to sing again with 'You are my Sunshine' too rapturous applause. His new CD will be launched in May.

Dymphna as usual brought the proceeding to new levels with her funny poem '50 shades of Grey'. Mark Brownlee poem 'Dream Man'  a humurous take on the perfect partner and Michael O'Callaghan regaled us with 'She's my girl she's my world'.

The VERY  popular competition 'Family and Local Sayings' was well received dispite organized hacklers demanding the return of 'Limerick Laugh's'  Surprise gifts were presented on the audience's Ayes or Nays...the ayes have it!

Best sayings of the night...Braziel family input ''If you'd open your eyes as wide as your mouth...'' ''if his brains were elastic they would stretch round a sparrows knee cap'' '' it will happen when there's two moons in the sky and one in the dungel'' advice ''if you fall don't wait to get up'' and ''I'm going up the stairs to throw my head down for half an hour''...afternoon nap!  NEXT OPEN MIC 26TH APRIL. See you there! Thanks to all who  helped on the night and Felim for photos.

Scenes from rehearsals of 'Shining City' on next week 4th/6thApril

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Created: 28 March 2019

Conor McPherson's 'Shining City' @ Abbey Lane April 4th/6thConor McPherson's 'Shining City' @ Abbey Lane April 4th/6th

Felim Rafferty as Ian (an inexperienced Therpist and ex Priest) and Malcolm Dawson as (John) his first client.

 Felim (Ian) is confronted by his mott (Neasa )Marie- Claire Guy. Also cast is Thomas P Healy (Laurence, the third edge of the love triangle)

Home and Family sayings; Remembered

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Created: 27 March 2019

We all have listened to parents and grandparents describing or explaining things and situations in colourful and humorous ways. Now with the influence of texting and social media these sayings are in danger of disappearing. So we are starting a revival at the OPEN MIC NIGHT's and from Fri a super prize for the best old saying is on offer.

My own Mother often said ''I'm going upstairs to throw my head down for half an hour'' We all knew what she meant (an afternoon nap) but taking it literally paints a whole different picture. Get thinking and raise your hand to tell us your family sayings this Friday 29th 8pm Abbey Lane Theatre.....Guest poet Trish Bennett who I'm sure will have some of her own.

Conor McPherson's 'Shining City' @ Abbey Lane April 4th/6th

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Created: 20 March 2019

Armagh Theatre Group stage

'Shining City' in Abbey Lane Theatre

Armagh Theatre Group’s Spring Production is 'Shining City' by Conor McPherson coming to Abbey Lane Theatre, Armagh on Thursday 4th Friday 5th & Saturday 6th April 2019 at 8pm.

Many will remember ATG’s production of Conor McPherson’s The Weir where ghosts were never far from the rural pub regulars. This production of McPherson’s Shining City is no exception as it reflects with subtlety and compassion on the guilt, anxiety and restlessness of two haunted Dubliners, lonely men seeking emotional and spiritual connections. Ian (Felim Rafferty) a fledgling Therapist and former priest, welcomes his first client, John (Malcolm Dawson), to his far from salubrious consulting rooms where both their inner demons are gradually unleashed. Ian’s confrontation with his girlfriend Neasa (Marie Clare Guy) and his later encounter with the younger Laurence, (Thomas Healy), only add to his internal turmoil.

Producer Margaret Marjoram has, as always, assembled a stellar cast, and has created a compelling drama which has been staged with a delicate balance of humour and melancholy. Definitely not to be missed.

The play contains adult themes and strong language.

Tickets £12 (Including glass of wine) are ONLY available from MUSIC WORLD, ABBEY LANE,ARMAGH. Tel028 3752 7883

Abbey Lane welcomes writer and poet Trish Bennett to OMN 29th March

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Created: 09 March 2019

     A real coop for Abbey Lane's  Open Mic fans and set to appear as our guest on what's looked on as an inauspicious date in cross border history. 29th March 2019. But whatever type of border she traverses she'll feel right at home regaling us with her witty stories and poetry. Another DON'T MISS evening.

   Trish Bennett hails from County Leitrim. She’s got the breeze of Thur (the mountain, not the God) in her blood.  She crossed the border to study over twenty years ago, and was charmed into staying by a Belfast biker.  They have settled themselves into a small cabin by the lake in Fermanagh, and try to keep the noise down in their bee loud glade. 

Bennett writes about the shenanigans of her family, and other creatures. Sometimes she rants.  She has won or been placed in nine poetry competitions in the past few years, is widely published in print and online, and has read on the wireless.

Bennett loves nothing more than to connect with folk through her words. She’s working on her first anthology.

Servant to a menagerie of creatures, some human. Poet. Storyteller. All round eejet. Winner of Leitrim Guardian 2017 & 2018 Literary Award for Poetry.

Awards

The Leitrim Guardian 2017 & 2018 Literary Award for Poetry.
Shortlisted North West Words / Donegal Creameries Poetry 2017
Bursary for the John Hewitt International Summer School (2016).
Long listed in the Over the Edge New Writer of the Year award 2013

'Dirty Words' then Poems then Jokes and Ukuleles

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Created: 01 March 2019

The main attraction of Abbey Lane's Open Mic Night's is not the hospitality or the atmosphere or the ridiculous entrance fee of £5 (and free wine) BUT the sheer eclectic mix that can be experienced on one evening. Last Friday was such an evening, with 2 bands 2 celebrated poets, accordian player, story tellers, birthday celebrations and an Septuagenarian comedienne from Dungannon.

Guest artists 'Dirty Words' fronted by Colin Hassard (poet) were Seonaid Murray (sax) Ashley Manners acoustic  guitar played from their new cd 'age of microwave dinner'. Tim confessed to aged criminalization in his story and Anne recited a beautiful poem. Second half started with the memorable Cathy Carson and her riviting story 'Ready' , Fionnuala with her caring poem,Mickey on accordian and some beautiful slow airs,back for a solo run Colin Hassard with new poems never before heard....brilliant. David Brazil (renowned poet and back for a welcome visit) regaled us with his incise and humorous verse. Next up Armagh Ukelele Jam (who can be heard in Dobbin Centre every Wed evening praticing) had us all singing along. Then we ended the evening with Dymphna and some jookes that cant be repeated here. Great night and great audience. Next Open MIC March 29th.......dont miss!