'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.

                                                                            DAIRY DATE FOR THIS WEDNESDAY.!  

This year's JHISS launch is in MarketPlace Theatre Armagh at 11.30am on Wednesday 8th June.

Members and friends of Armagh Theatre Group are all very welcome to attend for the famous photo shoot in the new foyer.

See you there!

The John Hewitt International Summer School of Literature and the Arts Festival

25th – 30th July 2022

Finding the nation:
redefining home and country for a shared future 

We are proud to announce the launch of our new venture Armagh Youth Theatre Group. All budding actors between ages 12-18 are encouraged to send us an expression of interest to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for registration  and further information on programme details. LIMITED NUMBERS for initial call up so if you are keen get on the ball!

Below we have attached an invite for an Art Exhibition opening in The Armagh County Museum on Friday 29^th April at 7pm.

You may be wondering why this should be significant and the reason why is because this is an exhibition which features a lovely collection of drawings, paintings and sculpture by a number of celebrated Armagh and Ulster artists that have lined the walls of James & Mary Lamb’s 1 Hartford Place home over the years. There are also a few works by their son Paddy and their granddaughter, Claire (both resident in Canada) and other pieces associated from their travels to Canada.

James & Mary’s contribution to ATG over the years is immense and they would be delighted to see familiar faces on the night. Paddy will give a short intro on the night and the exhibition will run until June 5^th. If you would like to attend the opening please RSVP as per the email address on the attached invite.

Have you got your tickets yet? The last few for Saturday night's performance (5thMarch) are up for grabs as of today 25th Feb. So if you move quickly using the Eventbrite link below you will experience a moving, heartfelt and tender performance by Cathy Carson. 

Depicting  her character Danielle's life story from a child living with violience on her streets and in her home. To a young woman homeless on the streets of Belfast, who despite adversity, succeeds with the kindness of  a few to gain a vital foot hole and build a secure life. 

Cathy Carson is one of the most talented from our new wave of Spoken word performers coming to the fore in the last few years. A great friend of ATG, her choice of Abbey Lane Theatre to open her tour of 'Becoming Marvellous' is an honour....Don't Miss! 

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/becoming-marvellous-tickets-260986035257