Half-hanged men and West End stars in new Playhouse programme!

West End star Peter Corry, John 'Half Hanged' McNaghten, and legendary American songwriter Stephen Foster are just a few of the characters and stars making appearances on The Playhouse stage this autumn!
An action packed season of theatre shows, comedy, music and cutting edge conferences has been announced, from a unique celebration of Jane Austen's most celebrated female characters to a special gothic comedy about 1850's America.

The brochure will open with The Playhouse's famed annual Big Tickle Comedy Festival, with some of the UK and Ireland's top comedians making an appearance, including Colin Murphy (Friday September 9), Jake O' Kane (Saturday September 3) and David O' Doherty (Friday September 2), to name just a few.
Two Playhouse productions bringing to life the tale of two local legends will open at the award winning theatre in October and November. The life and music of the 'father of American popular song' Stephen Foster will run at The Playhouse from Wednesday 12th October to Saturday 15th October before touring Northern Ireland and Donegal. Written by Peter McDonald, 'Kind Hearts and Gentle People- the life of Stephen Collins Foster' is a fascinating look at a songwriter who has become the stuff of legend in America, but whose roots begin in Ulster.
In November the local legand of John 'Half Hanged' McNaghten will be skillfully retold by acclaimed local playwright Stan McGowan. ‘The Wood of The Crows' (Tuesday 15 to Saturday 20 November) deals with the tragic events that led to the death of the young Prehen heiress Mary Ann Knox, by the hand of her much older lover John MacNaghten in the year 1761.

Another highlight of the September to December programme is a very special production of off-Broadway smash hit 'The Last Five Years', starring West End heavyweight Peter Corry from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 September. The music charts the five year relationship of a husband and wife, and includes a score sung by the best in show business.

First class performances from local and national theatre companies are also on the bill, including Bruiser Theatre Company ('Cooking with Elvis', Thursday October 20), award wining ensemble Penny Dreadful ('Etherdome', Saturday September 17) and AJTC (Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', Tuesday November 22). Dyad Productions will also bring Jane Austen's most celebrated female characters to life in a original one women show on Thursday November 10.

"It's only fitting on the centenary of the fabulous Playhouse building that we round off 2011 with a steller three months of theatre, music comedy. We're really proud of the great range of events we have lined up for our patrons!" Niall McCaughan, general manager at The Playhouse, said.

"We also have several Halloween treats lined up, including a return of the ever popular 'Halloween Ghost Stories' by the Playhouse yarn-spinners (Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October at The Playhouse, and Saturday 29 October at The Beech Hill Hotel), Centre Stage Theatre Company's production of 'All Souls' Night' by Joseph Tomelty (Saturday 29 October) and a very special Halloween bOUNCE dj night on Halloween night (Monday 31st October)."

Click below to download the new brochure

For more information about the new brochure or any of the conferences, workshops or classes on offer at The Playhouse contact (028)71268027.