Prolific fiction writer Chris Wright to read at Open Mic Night

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Created: 20 May 2019

Chris Wright is from Bangor, Northern Ireland. His short fiction has featured in several publications such as Parentheses International Literary Arts Journal, The Wellington Street Review, Brave Voices Magazine, The Bangor Literary Journal, and Sirens Call. Recently, his work has been long-listed for Reflex Fiction’s International Flash Fiction Competition and has been performed on national radio and at the St Patrick’s Festival in Armagh. Chris is a Politics Graduate of Queens University, Belfast and is currently working on his second novel.

 May 31st, last Friday. Doors open 8.00pm, BYO, £5 for 5mins on stage or just experience the tremendous talent that's at our doorstep. Writers, poets, singers, musicians and some downright lairs. Nibbles and refreshments served.

'IMPACT' - Armagh Train Disaster (and new On line ticketing)

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Created: 09 May 2019

A night of historical drama depicting the tragic events of the Armagh Train Disaster which resulted in at least 89 deaths and over 400 injuries.

The popular Sunday school excursion to Warrenpoint seaside begins with a band parade, from the Methodist church in Abbey Street, through the town to the Railway Station.

It was a sunny morning on the 12th of June 1889 when some 1200 excited children and adults thronged the station platforms in anticipation of a day by the sea.

 Please note our new On Line ticketing system and the link to Eventbrite. Click 

https://tinyurl.com/impact-Armagh

for the link to the Eventbrite tickets..

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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