Beckett Festival up and running

The Happy Days International Beckett festival kicked off last night in Enniskillen as the literary, musical and theatrical stars descended upon the Island town. The festivities began at Portora Royal School at 5.30pm before making its way over to the official festival centre at the Enniskillen Castle. Here they were treated to a reading from a Beckett text by Adrian Dunbar, who launched the official Beckett chess set. Members of the party were then asked to make their way at 9pm up to St Michael’s church for a performance from Llyr Williams as part of the classical Beckett entertainment for the festival.
Already as part of the Enniskillen showpiece there have been performances of the Beckett play “All that fall” in St Macartan’s Hall and an evening conversation with critically acclaimed author Edna O’Brien. She talked of her passion for Beckett’s writing, their friendship and much more. Crowds in Blakes of the Hollow were treated to comedy talents of Josh Howie, who captivated his audience with his bleak outlook on life and harsh examination of the human condition.
Some on Today’s (Friday) highlights include a preview of Headline act “Krapp’s last tape” in the Ardhowen Theatre at 8.30pm, author Will Self in Mount Lourdes at 4pm and renowned Irish fiddler Tommy Peoples performing in the McArthur Hall at 8.30pm. For more information visit www.happy-days-enniskillen.com