After revealing the 2018 programme for the Abbey and Peacock Stages last month, today the Directors of the Abbey Theatre announce ‘Out of the Abbey’ – a programme of touring shows and offsite productions for 2018.
Graham McLaren and Neil Murray, Directors of the Abbey Theatre said: ‘We have a responsibility to make our work geographically accessible, to as wide an audience as possible. This year we will be getting out of the building in a variety of ways, to bring sell-out shows to audiences in Dublin, Belfast, London, Limerick, Galway and Cork. Whether it’s a large-scale production in another theatre, or an intimate experience at your local pub, now is your chance to see brilliant plays from your national theatre across the country.’
Jimmy’s Hall
‘…lively and vivacious…highly infectious’ – Sunday Business Post
It was a must see show of last summer, now Jimmy’s Hall is back bursting with music, dance, poetry and song and will open in the Lime Tree Theatre in Limerick before travelling to Dublin and on to the Town Hall Theatre, Galway and Cork Opera House. It tells the true story of Leitrim farmer James Gralton, the only Irishman deported from his own country for his political beliefs. (On sale now)
Not a Funny Word
‘…a ferocious, brave performance’ – Irish Examiner
With the referendum on the horizon, a national conversation about reproductive rights has begun. In a deeply personal and bravely funny testimony, actor, comedian and activist Tara Flynn shares her account of having to travel out of Ireland for an abortion. Not a Funny Word directed by Phillip McMahon with original music by Alma Kelliher was presented as a work in progress at the Abbey Theatre in 2017. This March it plays at The Complex in Smithfield as part of Where We Live, presented by THISISPOPBABY with St Patrick’s Festival 2018. (On sale now)
Two Pints
‘An absolute gem’ –The Sunday Times
The hilarious and provocative Two Pints started as a conversation on Facebook. Now it’s a play. And the Abbey Theatre will continue the national tour of this intimate theatre experience in autumn 2018. Appearing in pubs across the country, two men meet for a pint musing on the events of the day and their lives. Two Pints distils the essence of Roddy Doyle’s comic genius. (Dates and venues to be announced)
The Plough and the Stars
‘A blistering contemporary production’ – The New York Times
Seen by over 50,000 people in 2016, Sean Holmes’ refreshed, high-energy restaging of The Plough and the Stars opens in the Lyric Hammersmith in London, before returning to Dublin for a run at the Gaiety Theatre. Set amidst the tumult of the Easter Rising, Sean O’Casey’s The Plough and the Stars is the story of ordinary lives ripped apart by the idealism of the time. (On sale now)
See abbeytheatre.ie/abbey-2018-touring-partnerships/ for more details. Further details and Abbey Theatre touring productions are expected to be announced over the coming months