Playhouse Theatre Productions

The following constitutes a breakdown of inhouse productions based at The Playhouse Theatre. For further information on any of the productions listed below, please do not hesitate to contact us.

1999

ENERGY by Gary Mitchell
Directed by Joe Devlin
Produced by Jonathan Burgess

Set in the early eighties against the backdrop of the hunger strikes, Energy follows the fortunes of a wannabe punk band as they rehearse, bicker and try to get their act together for that all-important first gig.

2003

SPIKE DREAMS by Dave Duggan
Directed by Dave Duggan
Produced by Jonathan Burgess

A comedy-drama of a family in crisis. The local textile factory has closed. Tony, the father, Paula, the mother, Johnny and Lauren, the older children, are all redundant. Insecurity and panic set in, bur also excitement and opportunity. Everybody has plans, but no one is sure how they'll work out. Only Spike, the youngest, is sure. He is sure an asteroid is about to hit the planet!

2005

FLIGHT by Seamas Keenan
Directed by Lisa May
Produced by Jonathan Burgess

Imagine that Amelia Earhart and her co-pilot Fred Noonan did not, contrary to the popular story, disappear in 1937, but are living in anonymity in present day Derry, to escape from the perils of fame and notoriety. This plays charts an imaginary encounter between Amelia and three republican dissidents in the present day.

2006

THE WORTHLESS SOLDIER by Sam Starrett
Directed by James Lecky
Produced by Jonathan Burgess

Based upon the true story of Bernard McGeehan, an Irish soldier executed for desertion during the Great War, The Worthless Soldier charts the trial and the final hours before his execution. A harrowing and uncompromising story of military injustice and indifference - when soldiers were executed to enforce front line discipline and as stark examples to their comrades.

2007

HEROES WITH THEIR HANDS IN THE AIR by Fintan Brady.
Adapted from the book The Bloody Sunday Inquiry: The Families Speak Out edited by Eamonn McCann.

A powerful and honest portrait of loss and the search for justice, Heroes With Their Hands In The Air, tells the story of the Bloody Sunday Inquiry, the longest legal proceedings in British or Irish history. Based on interviews with relatives and survivors of Bloody Sunday the play charts the highs & lows of the family's years of campaigning, their pain, frustration, and persistency, & their experiences of the media spotlight.

‘An intimate and searingly honest account of families torn apart.' Belfast Telegraph

‘A remarkable example of modern Irish political theatre.' Derry Journal

‘Powerful play...the stories it tells are important and moving.' Irish Times

2009

WE CARRIED YOUR SECRETS by Teya Sepinuck
Directed by Teya Sepinuck
Produced by Nicky Harley

An emotional, groundbreaking, multi media performance piece, performed by ex combatants who were on the front lines during The Troubles, & family members of the next generation. All the performers told personal stories of The Troubles and portrayed their own journeys of reconciliation, reconnection and healing, thereby creating performances of raw depth, honesty and truth.

"Brilliant performance, hits deep, found it very emotional. As a victim of the troubles myself it was great to hear other stories and to hear people talk of their lives and feelings. I was in the Greysteel shooting in 93 and understood some of what was said and interested in the stories of those who I felt were part of it."

"Oh my God, how very, very powerful. Is this truth not already forgiveness in its most beautiful form. I wish you were in schools, youth groups and 100 other places! I am on a personal and professional journey and your truth has just reminded me of why I am on it. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

"It's hard to explain for me in English. It's a really strong story and you tell it in a really good way. I will never forget this. Keep up and be yourself. I'm speechless and that's not happened often. Sire Antonsen, 19 years, Norway"

"That was the most powerful, moving theatre experience of my life. It is the only time that have ever cried in the theatre. I don't know what else to say."

2010

STILL, THE BLACKBIRD SINGS - INCIDENTS IN EBRINGTON BARRACKS by Dave Duggan
Directed by Caitriona McLaughlin
Produced by Jonathan Burgess

"Why would an Irishman join the British Army?...Can there be poetry in the midst of war?"

Still, the Blackbird Sings - Incidents At Ebrington Barracks by Dave Duggan re-invents, in a contemporary style, dramatic events in the life of the poet-soldier Francis Ledwidge.

It finds him and his squad members in Ebrington Barracks asking the questions: "Why return to the front when we have already survived three campaigns?...Can we trick death again?...Should we desert?"

Often referred to as the "poet of the blackbirds", Ledwidge was an Irish patriot and Nationalist, killed in action on the opening day of the Third Battle of Ypres during World War I.

In this exhilarating, entertaining and engaging dramatisation, Ledwidge faces questions relevant to soldiers of this day.

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