Shimna

Theatre Group

Theatre trips are organised by Marian McGreevy about once a month and are mainly to the Lyric Theatre, Belfast as we have a special community rate ticket.

The Lyric Theatre night is normally Tuesday. Our group gets special rates.

A coach is provided from Newcastle leaving from outside Lidl (6pm sharp). It stops off at the Today shop in Dundrum (6.10pm) and the bus stop in Clough (6.15pm).

Payment is by cash on the night. Please bring the correct change.

Any queries please text or email Marian McGreevy

Theatre Visits

Agreement - Tuesday 3 April 2023
Perhaps like some members I was a bit unsure about Agreement.
Well the experience on Tuesday night was superb.
This is a gripping new play examining the build-up to the Good Friday Agreement.
It was written by Owen McCafferty.
The performance and production of this play was excellent.
30 of us who attended were really impressed.

Tartuffe - Tuesday 25 April 2023
More than 30 members attended a performance of Tartuffe at the Lyric Theatre. This 17th century play by Moliere has been rewritten by Frank McGuinness and was performed by the Abbey Theatre, Dublin. The themes of greed and hypocrisy are as relevant today as they were when the play was first presented. Tartuffe, while pretending to be pious, is a fraud and a hypocrite and, as the play progresses, we follow his gradual downfall. Although the themes are serious there was a light humour running through the performance. The acting throughout was excellent. The soundtrack, set and costume design was imaginative and creative. We all agreed that it was a very enjoyable night out.

The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh - Tuesday 6 June 2023
The Beauty Queen of Leenane tells the darkly comic tale of Maureen Folan, a woman in her early forties who lives alone, and Mag her manipulative ageing mother. Mag's interference in Maureen's first and potentially last loving relationship sets in motion a train of events that is as gothically funny as it is horrific.
(Lyric Theatre summary)

Burnt Out by Gary Mitchell - Tuesday 25 October 2023
30 members attended The Lyric Theatre to watch Burnt Out, a dark psychological thriller, written by Gary Mitchell.
This was a black comedy and also an incredible piece of theatre.

Little Women - Tuesday 27 February 2024
40 members attended the Lyric Theatre performance of 'Little Women'. This was our first theatre outing of 2024 and we all agreed it was a superb production. 'Little Women' is a classic retelling of the story which remains true to the original novel. Although the plot centres on the March sisters, the supporting characters were equally strong. The set was beautiful, allowing a smooth transition between scenes. The standing ovation that the cast received from the audience was very well deserved. All in all a very pleasant night out.

POSSIBLE THEATRE VISITS

The next production at the Lyric Theatre will not have concession rates for evening performances.
However if a minimum of 10 people book we can have concession rates for matinees.

Saturday 27th April
Lyric Theatre at 2.30pm
Project Children by Belfast Playwright Fionnuala Kennedy
This documents the work of The Mulcahys, Co Cork natives and police officers in NYPD, who set up a programme for bringing 23,000 Catholic and Protestant children from Ireland to America for over 40 years from 1975.
The tickets are £15. No coach will be provided but there are plenty of public transport options.
Arrangements : Meet at The Lyric Theatre

Tuesday 4th June
The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh
Lyric Theatre
Step into the captivating world of The Pillowman, an extraordinary stage play by award-winning playwright Martin McDonagh that plunges deep into the mysterious realms of oppression and artistic expression. Within the confines of a totalitarian state, a writer finds himself ensnared in a gripping interrogation, his short stories echoing the unsettling reality of ongoing child murders in his town. The stage is set with a chilling atmosphere, marked by an ominous proclamation.
From the ingenious mind of Martin McDonagh, celebrated for masterpieces like The Banshees of Inisherin, emerges a horror comedy that dissects the profound role of the artist in society. Widely hailed as one of the greatest plays of the past 25 years, The Pillowman compels us to contemplate the true cost of our cherished freedom of expression. The show will have you laughing and trembling in equal measure, delivering a funny and terrifying experience that will linger in your memory long after the curtain falls. (Lyric Theatre summary)

If you are interested in these productions please advise Marian as soon as possible so that she can make bookings if there is enough interest