Delighted to introduce you to our wonderful dance troupe from Caleigh's Choreography.

Their poignant movements depicting the loss of so many Armagh children on the day of the disaster. 

IMPACT in verse.

A dawn breaks bright and early, anticipation and joy.

The Sunday School excursion is here for every girl and boy.

Homes are full of laughter,excitement flows through veins,

Parents preparing their children for the Great Northern Railway trains.

For some a day of wonders,of bands and sand and sea

And picnics on a Promenade with friends and family.

All gather by the 'Methy church in Abbey Street to start

And march with band through our town to where the trains depart....Continues tomorrow

Hello supporters of ATG and Abbey Lane Theatre we are in need of 2 of the above WALL light fittings for the toilet cubicles in Abbey Lane.

If you have any unwanted and in good working order please email at info@armaghtheatregroup.com

Some internal work has started which means moving the present light wiring to a wall. Electrician starting Monday.

Thank you for any assistance,

I

Dear Madam/Sir

I would like to invite members of Armagh Theatre Group to Armagh City Library to help us to celebrate Book Week NI, 17^th-23^rd October 2022.

Book Week NI is a key event in our calendar for promoting all that libraries do and the services they provide. As part of this year’s initiative we will have a ‘Love Your Library Day’ on Wednesday 19^th October, where we hope to get members of the public tell us why they Love Armagh City Library; we will create a number of displays based on this. We would be delighted if you could contribute to this day by visiting the Library and letting us know why you Love Your Library.

If a visit on Wednesday 19^th October is not convenient for you, we would welcome your visit on any day throughout Book Week NI, 17^th – 23^rd October.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Cathy

Scenes from Abbey Lane's Open Mic September 22'

Most grateful for all who attended our Open Mic on such a wet and stormy night.It reinforces our belief that these social nights offer more than great entertainment. It's where people make friends,have a laugh,stimulate their brains, be surprised, be saddened and reflect on life. It's the unknown variety of performers and the chance to see local artisic talent getting a platform for that talent. Audiences leave uplifted and in a better mood and some lucky ones with raffle prizes! 

Our next Open Mic is on Friday 25th NOVEMBER ( Sorry none in October as date clashes with the Theatre Group's big production 'Impact' in MarketPlace Theatre, Armagh)

Bridie Donaghy singing Green glens of Antrim,Peter accompanying.

Local author Byddi Lee give us a taster from her next novel due shortly and eagerly awaited

.

Joe McCool along with his beautiful assistant Colin demonstrates why we have to ask why there is more than one Y in Bicycle.

Matthew Toner returns with another great poem. The Butcher Poet of Armagh!

As well as the above featured artists we welcomed a new poet Tracy Read with her touching piece The Boy Solider(Ukraine); Annie McLoughlin's poems Guilt Edge and Tea Picker; Peter Kelly's Rude Regional rhymes and singalong; Rachel Toner poem 'Out of Hours', Dymphna Ferron, saucy yarns; Mark Brownlee, Derwent Lake,Lough Neagh, Ulster and Armagh's antenna;Malachi Kelly story 'Leav'is the butts' and a look back at the ever popular Limericks from 2017 which got the biggest round of applause so we might resurrect....

The raffle for the directors chair was won by Joan McCool and other prize winners were Alice, Matthew and Rachel; Big go raibh maith agat to Byddi for organising the raffle tickets and Colin the 'door'.

Thanks to all the helpers clearing the floor in prep for Armagh Youth Theatre Group on SAT mornings and continued rehearsals for 'IMPACT'

Fond memories of this well known bard at our Open Mic in June 2018 in his 90th year  reciting 'The tragic tale of Tim McCann'.

Along with his daughter Stephanie he had the audience in the palm of his hand as the laughter echoed off the rafters.

We are very sorry to learn of his recent passing in August and send our condolences to Stephanie and all the family..

Donald's passing leaves the Co Armagh poetry scene all the poorer RIP.

Here Donald recites one of his extensive repertoire in Abbey Lane 2018.

Scenes from My Brilliant Divorce 

 The "World Tour" of ATG's production of My Brilliant Divorce continues with the cast and crew "jetting" off to Coalisland for a show in the Craic Theatre at the end of next week.

In preparation they are having a run-through on Monday 12th September at 7.30 in Abbey Lane.

They would really appreciate a bit of an audience that night so if you're free drop down (before 7.30)  enjoy the performance.and give them your support.

'Variety is the spice of life'. This phrase comes from William Cowper's poem, “The Task” (1785): “Variety is the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.” 

Our August Open Mic had buckets of variety from  ages10 to 70's.  From musicians to poets,singers,storytellers and an award winning written word artist. A prize giving raffle won by the ticket drawer (fix !)  +bring your own bottle. All this amounted to 2hrs of live entertainment  for a £5....now where else would you get it?

We had several newcomers performing and first off was Adrian Kissane with great renditions of folk/blues numbers 'Fish swim birds fly' & 'Must I hesitate'.  Leigha Duggan,age 10, was next to sing Counting Stars (OneRepublic) and her friend Aoife Hughes(11) gave us appropriately 'Little Girls' from the musical Annie: both wonderful performers who we are sure will be hearing about. Matthew Toner's poem 'Who are we' was delivered with maturity and timing, another first for Matthew.

It was good to seeTheo Stinson from Richhill  back with his rich baritone and great blues guitar playing. Mark Brownlee has developed into a fine poet and wordsmith and his contributions are eagerly awaited each month. What can I say about Dymphna Ferran that has not been said....Nothing! Brilliant D' as always.

Adrian Kissane

Mark Brownlee

The break was next and the draw for an authentic directors chair originally from a Leonardo D'Caprio set. Won by Aoife Hughes after she picked out her own ticket! Other winners on the night Matthew Toner and Theo Stinson. Thank you all for joining in.

Second half started with a poem 'I Iike you' from Malachi then Harry Perrin, now a firm favourite with Abbey Lane audiences sang Ned Sherrin's 'All these things' and BonJovi's 'Hold on to what youve go'.

Queen of the written word and multi award winning star Cathy Carson once again mesmerised us with another top class piece of writing. Always a privillage to have her visit Cathy's star just keeps rising. Another newcomer Bridie Donaghy sang 'Summertime' accompanied by Peter Kelly who also gave us 'Margaritaville' and a Bob Dylan classic.

Malachi read his story 'The Split' a family story of a relation missing Titanic's only voyage. Frances Lavery finished the night with Olivia Newton John's 'Let me be there' in memory of her recent passing.

And on a more personal note for Open Mic we dedicated the evening to the memory of Michael O'Callaghan, Baltarran Armagh who prior to lockdowns  often sang at our nights ;She's my girl she's my world' Michael passed away during the week but his memory will live on in Abbey Lane.

Dymphna Ferran with yarns aplenty.

Cathy Carson ; Saboteur award winner for Best Spoken Word Show 2022 . Thanks must also go to all who helped set up and on the night.

To Byddi, Sandra Tim and Eimear a very much deserved slap on the back (metaphorically speaking). Next OMN 30TH Sept...see you there!

A brave and daring attempt to conquer one of the biggest mountains on the African continent all to raise funds for our Abbey Lane Theatre extension starts in 2 weeks.

Marian Rafferty and companions are taking on this ardous task and ask you, if you can, to contribute to her target by clicking on the link below.

Marian is a member of the famous Rafferty family from Ballymacnab who have been actively supporting  the Group since the 1970's when her father Felim snr joined.  All the best Marian from all the members and supporters in your quest to the top!

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/armaghtreatregroup?utm_term=QjWMj3z22

With a terrific audience and participants from Portstewart to Cork this year's John Hewitt International Summer School/ATG Open Mic proved once again an event not to be missed. 

The popularity of  Abbey Lane Theatre grows with each year as more and more savour the unique atmosphere and friendly welcome experienced by all who cross over the threshold. 

Participants this year were Peter Kelly who started the night with his sing-a-long medley, Rachel Toner poet; Shaun Fitzpatrick guitar/ original songs;Tim Hanna story on The Twelfth in Armagh; Mark Brownlee, original poetry; ;Malachi Kelly ,Ner Cast a clout; The Delightful Dymphna, her own genre of yarns; Thomas Healy Irish poem and song:

Second half commenced with Harry Perrin on guitar/songs; Kate McLaughlin singing Noreen Bawn accompanied by Peter Kelly; We then had surprise gifts handed out to 4 lucky audience members of wine,meal for two,a vegetarian snack and prosecco. Annie Mc Laughlin orginal poetry;Harry sang again; Sinead Coxhill original poetry;

Thomas Healy poem; and Peter rounded of a eclectic nights entertainment  with his famous calypso medley which won world wide acclaim on YouTube during lockdown No 1 with his band The Straw Hats.(still available on YouTube) 

Thanks to Colin and Tim at the door, Eimear on the lights, Allan technical assistance, Paul and Amy @JHISS, Tim for preparing the theatre,and Malachi for the whole organisation. 

Annie McLaughlin, Armagh poet.

Harry Perrin from Rathfriland, singer musician

A great supporter of our Open Mic Nights,  Jim Docherty from Middletown sadly past away in 2021. Always attending OMNights with Jim was is partner Frances Lavery ( a great traditional singer of local songs). Frances attended June Open Mic and  has asked to mention forthcoming events.

To commerate Jim Doc's 1st anniversary a series of events are organised this month to raise funds for NI Chest Heart and Stroke & Southern Area Hospice.

This Saturday 16th 

Table Quiz in Commercial Bar, Middletown.

www.facebook.com/thecommercialbarmiddletown 

Saturday July 30th : Retro Disco in

Middletown Market House

www.facebook.com/southernareahospiceservices 

So if you are a quiz nut or a hip shaking Night fever lover get yourself to Middletown and support two vital charities.

Happier days, Jim and Frances.