Stefan Dunbar
Ennsikillen born actor Stefan Dunbar returns to his roots this week in the production of Patrick McCabe’s ‘Frank Pig Says Hello’ in the Ardhowen Theatre on Thursday 18th September. Atomic pay tribute to iconic 80’s band Blondie on Friday 19th and young Irish folk sensation George Murphy performs on Saturday 20th September.
FRANK PIG SAYS HELLO
Presented by An Grianán Theatre, ‘Frank Pig Says Hello’ is the stage version of Pat McCabe’s highly acclaimed novel ‘The Butcher Boy’ which was short-listed for the Booker Prize. Set in 1960s rural Ireland, it is a poignant and provocative journey into the heart and mind of Francie Brady, a young man driven beyond the boundaries of his mental and emotional health. Over 30 characters are played by two versatile actors, Patrick McBrearty and Stefan Dunbar.
Stefan began acting at the Ardhowen Theatre in productions such as ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’, ‘Beauty Queen of Leenane’ and ‘The Playboy of the Western World’. After performing as the lead in ‘The Pajama Game’ (a cross-community production), Stefan was offered a scholarship to attend Walnuthill School for the Arts in Boston USA. There he began studying acting where he excelled and was able to further his training in London, recently graduating from the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Patrick has been involved in semi-professional, amateur and professional productions all over Ireland since 2004. Performances include Puck in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and Gar Private in ‘Philadelphia Here I Come’ for which he won 5 best actor awards. He studied performing arts at the North West Regional College in Derry before going on to Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. In 2013 whilst in his final year of training, he was cast in a feature film called ‘Still Waters’ starring John Hannah. He has also written and performed his one-man show ‘The Just Jack Depression’.
The production’s Director, David Grant, has enjoyed a varied career in theatre throughout Ireland as director, critic and teacher. He has been Managing Editor of Theatre Ireland magazine, Programme Director of the Dublin Theatre Festival, Artistic Director of the Lyric Theatre, Belfast and currently lectures in drama at Queen’s University, Belfast.
Pat McCabe is known for his starkly humorous and dark tales of Irish rural life and ‘Frank Pig Says Hello’ promises to be a powerfully evocative and rewarding theatre experience on Thursday 18th September at 8pm. Patrons should note this performance contains some strong language and is considered suitable for 13+ years.
ATOMIC
This live 5 piece tribute to one of the greatest pop/new wave bands of all time faithfully recreates the sound of Debbie Harry and Blondie and brings all the excitement, energy and power of the band onstage for new and old fans alike.
Fronted by Debbie Harry lookalike Orlagh O’Neill, expect to hear anything from Sunday Girl to Heart of Glass through Union City Blue and so many more… Atomic’s show includes all the Blondie hits and more as well as many crowd pleasing covers to get everyone in the mood to rock!! Atomic have already played at Farmleigh House in The Phoenix Park in Dublin, and are performing in venues such as The Village in Dublin, Theatre Royal in Waterford and The Waterside Theatre in Derry. They are now bringing the show to the Ardhowen Theatre on Friday 19th September at 8pm for their first visit. You won’t find a better Blondie tribute anywhere.
GEORGE MURPHY
George Murphy exploded onto the music scene in Ireland after his memorable appearances on RTE television show ‘You’re a Star’. His debut album ‘Dreamed a Dream’ reached No.1 in the Irish charts on its way to triple platinum sales. Often compared to Luke Kelly, George has shared a stage with The Dubliners, Phil Coulter, The Fureys, Aslan and Paddy Casey among others.
Phil Coulter described George Murphy as “The Most Exciting Vocal Find in Ireland” and he was credited by the late great Ronnie Drew as having a “A Voice Beyond His Years”. Expect to hear Folk songs made famous by the likes of The Dubliners, Peggy Seeger and Ewan McColl at this his first appearance on the Ardhowen stage on Saturday 20th September at 8pm.
THE BJORN IDENTITY
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of ‘Waterloo’, The Björn Identity ®, one of the finest tribute shows in Ireland, recreates an authentic live Abba show performing the ultimate catalogue of the sensational Swedish Super group’s most memorable hits including; Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Thank You For The Music, SÖS, Chiquitita, Knowing Me Knowing You and many more.
Boasting live musicians and singers and stunning replica costumes with all the glitz of the 70s, this two hour show on Friday 26th September at 8pm, brings the ABBA experience back to life! Karen (Agnetha) and Diana (Frida) produce wonderful, meticulously studied harmonies; combined with a stunning visual likeness and subtle choreography, re-capturing a performance as close to the real thing as possible.
A particular highlight of the show is the replication of ABBA’s 1979 tour where they include a performance of ‘I have a Dream’ accompanied by pupils from a local school choir. Performing on stage with the group at Ardhowen Theatre will be Jones Memorial Primary School. This is a wonderful evening for audiences of all ages to discover and re-live the magic of the ABBA.
CONAL GALLEN – LAUGH AND A HALF
Due to the phenomenal success of Conal’s comedy play ‘A Bit On The Side’, he has been doing a very limited number of one-man stand-up shows and Ardhowen Theatre is delighted to welcome back Fermanagh’s favourite comedian. Don’t miss out on this rare chance to see Conal back in his one man stand up show and see why he really is Ireland’s funniest man! Conal Gallen presents Laugh And A Half at Ardhowen Theatre on Saturday 27th September at 8pm.
FUTURE EVENTS
Fermanagh Live presents Barry Douglas, world famous pianist, composer and conductor on Monday 29th September, followed by ‘Swinging Through The Shows And Films’ on Thursday 2nd October, ‘Padraig Potts’ Guide To Walking’ on Friday 3rd October and ‘Altan’ on Saturday 4th October. Details of the full FLive programme can be found at www.flive.org.uk and tickets for all events can be purchased via the Ardhowen Theatre. Due to phenomenal demand Nathan Carter will perform an extra night at Ardhowen on Thursday 16th October.
Book tickets for your favourite shows by calling the Box Office or visit the theatre website at www.ardhowentheatre.com. You can keep up to date with all the latest news on Facebook or sign up for the theatre e-Newsletter.