SHOW… Katrina Woods
FOLLOWING on from the success of ‘Dirty Flirty Thirty’, which received 4 star reviews and sell out shows, and ‘Skintown’, Purple Penguin Productions present the premiere of ‘Belfast Boy’ which is written and directed by Enniskillen-born, Kat Woods.
Convent (Mount Lourdes) educated, Kat admits she is ‘somewhat a late bloomer when it comes to the theatre industry’.
“I went back to study drama at the age of 25, and it has been the best decision I have ever made.”
“You have just got to be brave enough to go for it, but, when you see a play that you have created come to life, well, that is the greatest feeling in the world.”
‘Belfast Boy’ can be seen at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival between Thursday, 31st July- Monday 25th August.
It’s a true story, which, Kate feels, will re-evaluate the Irish, gay theatre scene. It explores a different way of life to that which has previously been depicted on stage. a one-man show based on the true events of Martin Hall’s life.
Kat’s interested in ‘the fringe’ started via a friend, Alex Horne, a fringe comedian who is married to Rachel Gibson from Lisnaskea.
“I and went to the MAC to see his fringe theatre production. I really enjoyed it.”
As for the themes/messages she likes to incorporate in her plays, Kat says her main aim is to give people that are a minority in the community a voice.
But, she admits to feeling petrified when, ‘Dirty Flirty Thirty’ was presented it in Enniskillen.
“I just did not know how it was going to turn out, but Terry Mc Cartney had faith in me (he asked me to bring the play home) and, indeed the night was a huge success.
“The show sold out and received a standing ovation.”
At the moment, she is writing a mockumentary (like ‘The Office’) based on her experiences working in restaurants over the past 20 years.
But, she needs a money backer for this so she can get it on the telly!