Courthouse Arts Centre Theatre Page

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 Spring 2010 Calendar of Events, click here!

Mephisto Theatre Company presents The World's Wife Saturday March 6th, 8.30pm Tickets 15/14 conc/13 Friends With Caroline Lynch, Zita Monahan and Emma O’ Grady 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. Dragging overlooked characters from the past into modern contexts, The World’s Wife is an accessible, fun-filled frolic through the dark world of the forgotten female. Using Mephisto’s trademark visceral style the show features characters such as Mrs. Freud, Medusa, Queen Kong and Mrs. Darwin herself. The silent wives are about to speak and their stories are not to be missed. It combines a powerful text with strong theatricality and has consistently delighted and moved its audiences. A beauty from start to finish. "She (Duffy) reveals the foibles of the great, the ghastly and the ordinary bloke and the sufferings of those closest to them. The result is a melange of history lesson, fairy-tale and modern-day domestic tragedy, with the occasional joke thrown in for good measure. Duffy's poetics are flawless - she never misses a beat, her pace is exhilarating, and her language is original and exciting." – Scotsman. Established in December 2006 by graduates of the MA in Drama and Theatre Studies & MA in Writing programmes at NUI, Galway, Mephisto Theatre Company is a Galway-based collective of theatre artists committed to bringing unfamiliar work and innovative productions to the Irish stage. Mephisto draws on globally diverse traditions of text, performance and culture. The group makes collaborative work that challenges conventions of presentation and welcomes a broad audience. Reviews of The World's Wife: “fine acerbic feminist work* and at times the clever use of verse was hypnotic.” – Munster Express.* “a humorous and uplifting* celebration of femininity” – Irish Theatre Magazine.* “the production has it all: humour, horror and pathos thanks to an exuberant ensemble cast* who don’t miss any of Duffy’s deft beats” – 5 STARS, Metro.* www.mephistotheatre.org TELEPHONE BOOKINGS: 0402-38529 or e-mail us at bookings@tinahely-courthouse.ie TOP

"Jon Kenny drips country. If you hung him out to dry what you’d find if you looked in the puddle below would be a reflection of rural Ireland over the past few decade, warts and all" - Donegal News *An evening of hilarious stand-up comedy from the d'Unbelievably* talented... JON KENNY - LIVE! Saturday March 27th, 8.30pm Tickets 20, 18 conc/Friends This show heralds a return for Jon to the type of work that made his reputation as one of the most talented comedians in Ireland. Jon uses the changing face of contemporary Ireland as the scaffold on which to build his hilarious observations and characters. Running through such contrasting experiences as supporting Munster rugby to visiting a health spa, Kenny takes no prisoners and delights in emphasizing the humour in everyday life. ‘This was not your typical stand-up comedic act looking for cheap laughs out of cheap shots at anybody in particular. This show, all two hours of it, was his take on life, his life and judging by the warm response of the audience, one that resonated with many others... This was Jon Kenny at his best. His performance was brilliant because it was without frills, props or gimmicks. Connaught Tribune October 30 2009 ‘He has an uncanny eye for the most absurd elements of life as we know it while at the same time lampooning the idiocies spawned by recently discovered (and just as quickly lost) affluence’ Hotpress, March 11 2009 TELEPHONE BOOKINGS: 0402-38529 or e-mail us at bookings@tinahely-courthouse.ie** TOP
PAST PLAYS AND PERFORMANCES:

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