As October Cools, the Arts Calendar Heats Up

As the nights shorten and the chill sets in, the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre and Newry Town Hall are turning up the heat on their varied programme of theatre, arts and events.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said, “As we move into the autumn, I am pleased to see the arts provision continuing to provide a wide variety of entertainment. The sheer number and type of events that are taking place means that there is definitely something for everyone and I would encourage you to come and see for yourself.”

Kicking off the programme on Wednesday 3 October in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre is the story of one of the great sporting achievements of all time. Glasgow Celtic’s 1967 European Cup win is told in a two man play by Patrick Prior, produced by Isosceles Theatre Company.

Portraying two fans and a host of other characters—team players, crowds, commentators and managers - Pat Abernathy and Dave Marsden recreate the epic campaign that saw Jock Stein’s young side sweep aside the best that Europe had to offer. ‘On the Way to Lisbon’ is a masterpiece of storytelling.

If you thought that burial and death were sombre subjects, think again. ‘Three’s a Shroud’, written by Stephen Large and directed by Martin Lynch, tells the surreal story of rival Catholic and Protestant undertakers who are ‘stealing’ each other’s customers. Throw a cut price alternative interdenominational service, provided by a young Polish woman, and enjoy the mayhem that ensues. Find out what happens next on Monday 8 October in Newry Town Hall.

If more serious theatre is what you’re looking for, then look no further than ‘It Only Takes a Minute’, a new one woman show focusing on a girl with Asperger’s which is on at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre on Friday 19 October.

Anna Kyle, one of Northern Ireland’s emerging disabled actors, takes the audience on a journey as she plays Michele, who learns of her diagnosis and gains comfort from her confidants, mentors, and best friends. Through the piece, Michelle learns about herself and the world around her—all to the accompaniment of the music from ‘Take That’.

The month is rounded off with Newry Musical Society’s ‘Through the Decades’—a journey from the swinging 60s to today from 25-27 October at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, and a comic look at life in a hospital ward with Conal Gallen’s ‘Off Your Trolley’ on Saturday, 27 October, takes place at Newry Town Hall.

For those interested in art, two exhibitions—Calligraphy by Cecilia Brannigan and Light 2000’s Trees of Kilbroney Forest—are still welcoming visitors. There’s certainly a lot to see and take part in this October.

Tickets for all events are available at the Box Office, contact 028 3031 3180