Courthouse Arts Centre Theatre Page

Delia Murphy: The Queen of Connemara was a theatre/music/lecture piece we presented for the Bealtaine Festival in May 2010. Delia's niece, Carmen Cullen, added theatricality as well as family insight to the life of one of Ireland's most important figures of song, with music by Gerry Anderson and Maureen O'Donovan.

Mephisto Theatre Company from Galway visited Tinahely in March 2010 with The World's Wife: female figures from the worlds of myths, fairy-tales and history finally get a word in with this playful stage show based on the poetry collection of the same name from
UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

One of Ireland's most loved comedians Jon Kenny brought his hilarious new show to the Courthouse in April 2010, and a packed house were literally holding their sides at his take on modern Irish life. His first visit to Tinahely, but hopefully not his last! www.jonkenny.com

Mend and Make-Do Theatre Company presented a new play by John McKenna, "We Once Sang Like Other Men" in October 2009. A moving, funny and thought-provoking piece with great performances, during which the audience were treated to insights and perspectives on life, religion, spirituality and the cult of personality from one of Ireland's most daring writers.

Joan Davis is a choreographer of note, who brought Maya Lila (Sanskrit for "illusion" and "play") to the Courthouse in June 2009. A unique experience that brought together diverse strands of dance, movement, sound and music, as well as sensory engagement, the eclectic experience was unusual and stimulating, and perhaps unexpectedly humourous too. www.gorsehill.net

May 2009 saw a return to the Courthouse of the inimitable Kevin McAleer who once again brought us his zany humour and off-the-wall look at life, often from the perspective of being naked in a tree. Kevin's website click here

As part of an acclaimed national tour sponsored by the Arts Council, Gare St Lazare Players presented their adaptation of Melville's classic narrative "Moby Dick" at the Courthouse in April 2009. Directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett and performed by the incomparable Conor Lovett, this theatrical tour-de-force brought to vivid life the tale of a man fated to spend his life in grim pursuit of the malevolent white whale.

February 2009: Tinahely Variety Group presented "The Cavalcaders": Set in rural Ireland, Billy Roche's haunting and deeply touching play is a wistful recollection of the lives, loves and songs of a barbershop quartet, The Cavalcaders. However, hidden behind the harmony and lurking in the shadows, lay the sins of betrayal and guilt.

In January 2009 Wonderland Productions presented Clodagh Walsh in the one-woman tour de force "Life: Shop til you Drop!" by Alice Coghlan. A cautionary tale, or more likely, a wickedly fun spoof on our love of going life shopping. The audience enjoyed a great night out and a great start to the new year.

In November 2008 Croft Productions in association with David Donegan presented On Raglan Road by Tom O'Brien. The play explores Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh’s obsession with his muse and inspiration, Hilda Moriarty. The play also details Kavanagh’s rivalry with another Irish writer of the time, Brendan Behan who himself died in 1964.

In May 2008 we welcomed back Maggie Gallagher, former productions manager at the Courthouse, in a starring role in Cultural Connections presentation of the stage play "El Capitane Colorado". The company recently toured this production, which explores the Irish angle to the founding of the city of Tucson, Arizona, to the USA.

Nunkie Productions in the shape of Robert Lloyd Parry returned to the Courthouse in April 2008 with another presentation of vintage horror and macabre storytelling, this time bringing MR James' "Oh Whistle and I'll Come to You My Lad" to eerie life. Robert is our favourite scary uncle! www.nunkie.co.uk

Award-winning comedian Ardal O'Hanlon is probably best known as Father Dougal Maguire, but he brought tears to our eyes with his witty, insightful and sometimes off-the-wall takes on everyday life and very hairy men.
Visit Ardal's official website here.

John McKenna recently sold out the Olympia with his Holocaust-inspired play "Who By Fire". This talented writer made a return visit to the Courthouse with his latest play "The Corner Boys" presented by Water to Wine Theatre Company in February 2008. A warm, insightful and challenging piece of theatre.

For three sold-out nights in February 2008, the Courthouse presented the Tinahely Variety Group in Dermot Bolger's gritty drama "One Last White Horse". It was a new departure for this talented group of local actors and their director Pat Dixon, and they did a fantastic job. They now bring the show on the road, hoping for success at the All-Ireland One-Act Drama Festival circuit. We wish them the best of luck.

We kicked off 2008 on a high with a presentation of Donal O'Kelly's acclaimed music-theatre piece "Running Beast". Based on the Flight of the Earls, Donal along with composer Michael Holohan and an extremely talented group of ten musicians brought the dramatic life story of Hugh O'Neill to life. We always love to welcome Donal O'Kelly to the Courthouse, and already look forward to his next visit!

Playwright/actor Richard Lynch brought his acclaimed comic piece to the Courthouse in November 2007: PJ Mulpeter hails from somewhere in the Midlands. Having laboured for fifty years, he casts a backward glance over his career with a pick and shovel, combining humour, pathos, love, loss and regret.

In October Tinahely's local Variety Group presented two one-act plays: "The Shadow of the Glen" and "Bar and Ger". The group have won many awards and appear in festivals around the country. We always enjoy the opportunity to host their diverse talents on the Courthouse stage.

Writer and performer Michael Harding visited the Courthouse in September with his play "Jonathan Swift: Talking Through His Hat", an intriguing and entertaining portrayal of The Dean as he discusses a dinner party that went wrong, and reflects on his friendship with the famous musician Turlough O’Carolan. A gripping performance was followed by an engaging Q&A with the audience.

In May 2007 we were once again host to the Bealtaine Festival, celebrating creativity in older people. This year brought a special treat in the form of Fishamble Theatre Company's unforgettable performance of "Forgiven" by Pat Kinevane. A breathtaking production that kept the audience rivetted, Pat engaged in a lively Questions and Answers session afterwards.

Red Dog Productions from the UK brought us the moving play "Skin Tight" by Gary Henderson in May 2007. Intense and engrossing performances brought to life the story of a pair of lovers, facing final separation, and sharing their intimate secrets and passions, their joys and losses.

Robert Lloyd Parry brought his acclaimed one-man show "A Pleasing Terror" to Tinahely in March 2007. Fans of classic horror were thrilled by his engrossing delivery, by flickering candlelight. Robert brings his show back to Ireland soon, performing at Andrews Lane Studio in Dublin in April.

Kevin McAleer returned to Tinahely, taking the long way round via Edinburgh, Melbourne and Montreal, in February 07 with his latest one-man show. The writing has been compared to Beckett and Flann O'Brien, while the style and delivery are uniquely McAleer at his vintage best.

Acclaimed playwright Billy Roche brought us a staged reading from his new short story collection Tales from Rainwater Pond in January 2007. Billy is not just a talented writer of gripping, funny and poignant stories, but a master storyteller. He really brought his characters to life for a rapt audience. We look forward to seeing him here again.

London Classic Theatre Company returned to the Courthouse in November 2006 with their opulent production of Marivaux's farce The Double Inconstancy, a classic French romp brought magically to life with lavish scenery, fabulous costumes and the company's inimitable dash and style.

Fiona York appeared in Rose , by Martin Sherman, at the Courthouse in October 2006. The play is both a sharply drawn portrait of a feisty Jewish woman and a moving reminder of some of the events that shaped the last century. Fiona York's career has spanned over forty years in film, television, radio and theatre.

Mend and Make-Do Theatre Company in John McKenna's play My Father's Life (Sept 2006). A return visit to the Courthouse for the company, in a poignant new played based on the 19th-century English poet John Clare who shot briefly to fame as a “peasant poet” after his first collection of verse was published in 1820.

We were fortunate to have Come Good Rain, written and performed by George Seremba, at the Courthouse in March 2006. A moving and inspirational autobiographical account of Seremba's journey from survival to triumph over the oppressive political regimes of Uganda in the 70’s, the play integrated African song and folklore as well as live percussion. Seremba depicted the vibrancy and wonder of youth, his deep love for Africa, and how as a student and political activist, he suffered torture and near death. It was an unforgettable night of theatre.

Eddie Naessens - "Little Terror" (Fenruary 2006). Described as one of the most charming and genial Irish acts to emerge in the past few years, Eddie Naessens has impressed audiences in New York, Sydney, Edinburgh, and London with his originality and engaging warmth. He was similarly well-received here in Tinahely, where he brought the house down with his introspective and insightful brand of comedy. www.eddienaessens.com

The Rare Oul Times, written by Ken McElroy, came to Tinahely in January 2006. The action takes place in John Ryan's famous Bailey Pub in Duke Street, Dublin, where the audience are on-lookers as two of Irelands most outrageous and notorious drinkers and literary figures, Brendan Behan and Patrick Kavanagh, discuss their successes, failures and love lives to date in 1950's Dublin. A fantastic night's entertainment left the Courthouse audience wanting more. www.rareoultimes.co.uk

Ha Ha Ha by Sam Dowling was presented at the Courthouse in November 2005 as part of a tour by UK-based 1157 Performance Group. Based on the lives and loves of Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh and Noel Coward, this energetic piece incorporated live performance, film projections, recorded sound and slapstick humour, presenting the audience with a unique and highly theatrical experience!

Breathless by John McKenna, a poignant and sometimes blackly comic look at the lives (and afterlives) of four missing women, was performed by Mend & Make-Do Theatre Company, from Co. Kildare, in October 2005.

The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler, presented by Playtime Productions and directed by Jayne O'Sullivan, played to an enthusiastic (and not just female!) Courthouse audience on September 3rd, 2005.


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Although not designed as a traditional theatre space, the Courthouse Centre has successfully hosted a number of professional touring productions. Information for touring theatre companies - click here.

To download a printable version of our April-August 2010 Calendar of Events, click here!


Curious Tale Theatre Company Dominic Thorpe Niamh Jackman Emma Hill Jonathon Dickson in a special collaborative residency for the month of August Admission free Experimental theatre company meets envelope-pushing performance and visual artists! A collaborative artists' residency project to include special events for the public, and workshops. www.curioustail.com TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES: 0402-38529 or e-mail us at bookings@tinahely-courthouse.ie For the month of August 2010, the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely will be devoted to a collaborative artists’ residency bringing together fresh talent from the worlds of theatre, performance art, visual art and music in the South Wicklow area. This is an artist-led project initiated by Curious Tail Theatre Company, a group formed in 2008 by Wicklow-based theatre-maker Maggie Gallagher, with support from Wicklow County Arts Office. The company emphasises group creativity, and seeks to explore and break down the boundaries between artist, performer and audience. Dominic Thorpe is a performance artist based in Dublin. In 2009 he was awarded an artist’s residency by Wicklow County Council, during which he lived on a farm in South Wicklow and spent time with the agricultural community in this region. The Courthouse hosted a performance art piece, Hands Were In The Life Area, in December 2009 which brought together the themes of rural isolation, the loss of agricultural traditions and the pressures faced by the farming industry, in a piece that contained visceral and shocking actions and haunting multimedia imagery and sound. Niamh Jackman, a visual artist based in Arklow and Dublin, has also participated in our visual arts strand, with a 2006 installation entitled Hanging Books which incorporated a large-scale textile sculpture that dominated the space in a new and exciting way. Niamh explores the relationship between random and deliberate mark-making, and her work makes a visual connection between drawing and sculpture. Jonathon Dickson’s practice is divided between visual arts and music. His work as a guitarist and as a painter is occupied with the space between conscious effort and the sense of being lost in the creative process. Emma Hill is a knitwear designer and craftsperson based in Aughrim, Co. Wicklow, and she has worked on many projects in collaboration with community and theatre groups, exploring mixed media with an emphasis on the process and the value that emerges when the artist and non-artist converge. For this project, Curious Tail and the collaborating artists will work also with members of the public to exploit the Courthouse as a creative space with deep roots in the community, and to create an experience that is visually, aurally and texturally engaging and challenging. The Courthouse Arts Centre has given the venue over to the project for the entire month. Special events and workshop to be announced. Visitors welcome at all times during opening hours. The Courthouse Arts Centre is committed to supporting artists and audiences in this region, and we seek to provide assistance to practitioners in all disciplines to develop their skills and reach new audiences. We feel this residency is a good embodiment of our role as a cultural resource organisation for this region, providing a mechanism of connection for artists who can become isolated and whose artistic processes can become disjointed given the current funding scenario which primarily provides for one-off, short-term projects. We take seriously our ability to help make connections and provide strong infrastructure and frameworks for cultural practitioners in our catchment area of South Wicklow and parts of Wexford, Carlow, Kildare and Dublin. We also welcome the opportunity to provide new cultural experiences for an underserved, rural population. TOP
Announcing a new theatre company, and a new play Agus Amocht Theatre Company present the stage premiere of "DWYER'S" Friday and Saturday September 24th and 25th, 8.30pm This new play by a local writer explores how pub culture in rural Ireland plays a vital role for some members of society, and how alcohol abuse can affect our decision-making. Set in the 1980s, the play focuses on a collection of characters and how their lives intertwine around the local pub. We are proud to present a new voice in local theatre for our shortened autumn-winter season. TELEPHONE BOOKINGS: 0402-38529 or e-mail us at bookings@tinahely-courthouse.ie TOP

PAST PLAYS AND PERFORMANCES:

		Delia Murphy: The Queen of Connemara was a theatre/music/lecture piece we presented for the Bealtaine Festival in May 2010. Delia's niece, Carmen Cullen, added theatricality as well as family insight to the life of one of Ireland's most important figures of song, with music by Gerry Anderson and Maureen O'Donovan.

Mephisto Theatre Company from Galway visited Tinahely in March 2010 with The World's Wife: female figures from the worlds of myths, fairy-tales and history finally get a word in with this playful stage show based on the poetry collection of the same name from UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

		One of Ireland's most loved comedians Jon Kenny brought his hilarious new show to the Courthouse in April 2010, and a packed house were literally holding their sides at his take on modern Irish life. His first visit to Tinahely, but hopefully not his last! www.jonkenny.com

Mend and Make-Do Theatre Company presented a new play by John McKenna, "We Once Sang Like Other Men" in October 2009. A moving, funny and thought-provoking piece with great performances, during which the audience were treated to insights and perspectives on life, religion, spirituality and the cult of personality from one of Ireland's most daring writers.

		Joan Davis is a choreographer of note, who brought Maya Lila (Sanskrit for "illusion" and "play") to the Courthouse in June 2009. A unique experience that brought together diverse strands of dance, movement, sound and music, as well as sensory engagement, the eclectic experience was unusual and stimulating, and perhaps unexpectedly humourous too. www.gorsehill.net

May 2009 saw a return to the Courthouse of the inimitable Kevin McAleer who once again brought us his zany humour and off-the-wall look at life, often from the perspective of being naked in a tree. Kevin's website click here

		As part of an acclaimed national tour sponsored by the Arts Council, Gare St Lazare Players presented their adaptation of Melville's classic narrative "Moby Dick" at the Courthouse in April 2009. Directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett and performed by the incomparable Conor Lovett, this theatrical tour-de-force brought to vivid life the tale of a man fated to spend his life in grim pursuit of the malevolent white whale.

February 2009: Tinahely Variety Group presented "The Cavalcaders": Set in rural Ireland, Billy Roche's haunting and deeply touching play is a wistful recollection of the lives, loves and songs of a barbershop quartet, The Cavalcaders. However, hidden behind the harmony and lurking in the shadows, lay the sins of betrayal and guilt.

		In January 2009 Wonderland Productions presented Clodagh Walsh in the one-woman tour de force "Life: Shop til you Drop!" by Alice Coghlan. A cautionary tale, or more likely, a wickedly fun spoof on our love of going life shopping. The audience enjoyed a great night out and a great start to the new year.

In November 2008 Croft Productions in association with David Donegan presented On Raglan Road by Tom O'Brien. The play explores Irish poet Patrick Kavanagh’s obsession with his muse and inspiration, Hilda Moriarty. The play also details Kavanagh’s rivalry with another Irish writer of the time, Brendan Behan who himself died in 1964.

		In May 2008 we welcomed back Maggie Gallagher, former productions manager at the Courthouse, in a starring role in Cultural Connections presentation of the stage play "El Capitane Colorado". The company recently toured this production, which explores the Irish angle to the founding of the city of Tucson, Arizona, to the USA.
Nunkie Productions in the shape of Robert Lloyd Parry returned to the Courthouse in April 2008 with another presentation of vintage horror and macabre storytelling, this time bringing MR James' "Oh Whistle and I'll Come to You My Lad" to eerie life. Robert is our favourite scary uncle! www.nunkie.co.uk
		Award-winning comedian Ardal O'Hanlon is probably best known as Father Dougal Maguire, but he brought tears to our eyes with his witty, insightful and sometimes off-the-wall takes on everyday life and very hairy men. Visit Ardal's official website here.

John McKenna recently sold out the Olympia with his Holocaust-inspired play "Who By Fire". This talented writer made a return visit to the Courthouse with his latest play "The Corner Boys" presented by Water to Wine Theatre Company in February 2008. A warm, insightful and challenging piece of theatre.

		For three sold-out nights in February 2008, the Courthouse presented the Tinahely Variety Group in Dermot Bolger's gritty drama "One Last White Horse". It was a new departure for this talented group of local actors and their director Pat Dixon, and they did a fantastic job. They now bring the show on the road, hoping for success at the All-Ireland One-Act Drama Festival circuit. We wish them the best of luck.

We kicked off 2008 on a high with a presentation of Donal O'Kelly's acclaimed music-theatre piece "Running Beast". Based on the Flight of the Earls, Donal along with composer Michael Holohan and an extremely talented group of ten musicians brought the dramatic life story of Hugh O'Neill to life. We always love to welcome Donal O'Kelly to the Courthouse, and already look forward to his next visit!

		Playwright/actor Richard Lynch brought his acclaimed comic piece to the Courthouse in November 2007: PJ Mulpeter hails from somewhere in the Midlands. Having laboured for fifty years, he casts a backward glance over his career with a pick and shovel, combining humour, pathos, love, loss and regret.

In October Tinahely's local Variety Group presented two one-act plays: "The Shadow of the Glen" and "Bar and Ger". The group have won many awards and appear in festivals around the country. We always enjoy the opportunity to host their diverse talents on the Courthouse stage.

		Writer and performer Michael Harding visited the Courthouse in September with his play "Jonathan Swift: Talking Through His Hat", an intriguing and entertaining portrayal of The Dean as he discusses a dinner party that went wrong, and reflects on his friendship with the famous musician Turlough O’Carolan. A gripping performance was followed by an engaging Q&A with the audience.


In May 2007 we were once again host to the Bealtaine Festival, celebrating creativity in older people. This year brought a special treat in the form of Fishamble Theatre Company's unforgettable performance of "Forgiven" by Pat Kinevane. A breathtaking production that kept the audience rivetted, Pat engaged in a lively Questions and Answers session afterwards.

		Red Dog Productions from the UK brought us the moving play "Skin Tight" by Gary Henderson in May 2007. Intense and engrossing performances brought to life the story of a pair of lovers, facing final separation, and sharing their intimate secrets and passions, their joys and losses.

Robert Lloyd Parry brought his acclaimed one-man show "A Pleasing Terror" to Tinahely in March 2007. Fans of classic horror were thrilled by his engrossing delivery, by flickering candlelight. Robert brings his show back to Ireland soon, performing at Andrews Lane Studio in Dublin in April.

		Kevin McAleer returned to Tinahely, taking the long way round via Edinburgh, Melbourne and Montreal, in February 07 with his latest one-man show. The writing has been compared to Beckett and Flann O'Brien, while the style and delivery are uniquely McAleer at his vintage best.

Acclaimed playwright Billy Roche brought us a staged reading from his new short story collection Tales from Rainwater Pond in January 2007. Billy is not just a talented writer of gripping, funny and poignant stories, but a master storyteller. He really brought his characters to life for a rapt audience. We look forward to seeing him here again.

		London Classic Theatre Company returned to the Courthouse in November 2006 with their opulent production of Marivaux's farce The Double Inconstancy, a classic French romp brought magically to life with lavish scenery, fabulous costumes and the company's inimitable dash and style.

Fiona York appeared in Rose , by Martin Sherman, at the Courthouse in October 2006. The play is both a sharply drawn portrait of a feisty Jewish woman and a moving reminder of some of the events that shaped the last century. Fiona York's career has spanned over forty years in film, television, radio and theatre.

		Mend and Make-Do Theatre Company in John McKenna's play My Father's Life (Sept 2006). A return visit to the Courthouse for the company, in a poignant new played based on the 19th-century English poet John Clare who shot briefly to fame as a “peasant poet” after his first collection of verse was published in 1820.

We were fortunate to have Come Good Rain, written and performed by George Seremba, at the Courthouse in March 2006. A moving and inspirational autobiographical account of Seremba's journey from survival to triumph over the oppressive political regimes of Uganda in the 70’s, the play integrated African song and folklore as well as live percussion. Seremba depicted the vibrancy and wonder of youth, his deep love for Africa, and how as a student and political activist, he suffered torture and near death. It was an unforgettable night of theatre.

		Eddie Naessens - "Little Terror" (Fenruary 2006). Described as one of the most charming and genial Irish acts to emerge in the past few years, Eddie Naessens has impressed audiences in New York, Sydney, Edinburgh, and London with his originality and engaging warmth. He was similarly well-received here in Tinahely, where he brought the house down with his introspective and insightful brand of comedy. www.eddienaessens.com

The Rare Oul Times, written by Ken McElroy, came to Tinahely in January 2006. The action takes place in John Ryan's famous Bailey Pub in Duke Street, Dublin, where the audience are on-lookers as two of Irelands most outrageous and notorious drinkers and literary figures, Brendan Behan and Patrick Kavanagh, discuss their successes, failures and love lives to date in 1950's Dublin. A fantastic night's entertainment left the Courthouse audience wanting more. www.rareoultimes.co.uk

		Ha Ha Ha by Sam Dowling was presented at the Courthouse in November 2005 as part of a tour by UK-based 1157 Performance Group. Based on the lives and loves of Laurence Olivier, Vivien Leigh and Noel Coward, this energetic piece incorporated live performance, film projections, recorded sound and slapstick humour, presenting the audience with a unique and highly theatrical experience!

Breathless by John McKenna, a poignant and sometimes blackly comic look at the lives (and afterlives) of four missing women, was performed by Mend & Make-Do Theatre Company, from Co. Kildare, in October 2005.

		The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler, presented by Playtime Productions and directed by Jayne O'Sullivan, played to an enthusiastic (and not just female!) Courthouse audience on September 3rd, 2005.

THEATRE COMPANIES: If you are organising a tour of Ireland the Courthouse Arts Centre would very much like to be included in your circuit, technical considerations allowing. Contact Shelley Hayes at the Courthouse Arts Centre. Visit the contact page for details. TOP