Balally Players

Summer Shakespeare

The Taming of the Shrew – late June / early July 2023

That famous line spoken by Katherine – and many more from The Taming of the Shrew – will be spoken under the midsummer sky this year in the Balally Players production of the comedy, one of the earliest written by Shakespeare.

The action hovers around the story of Katherine and Petruchio and reflects a topic openly and regularly talked about in Shakespeare's day – the nature and role of women. Four hundred years later, the topic lives on and continues to entertain audiences in this much-loved play, which was last presented by Balally Players in 2005. The dates and venue, for this production, will be posted here as soon as plans are finalised.

Preparations for the production are underway. If you are interested in becoming involved (on or off stage), see the Members' Area for more information.

 

40th Anniversary Production

dlr Mill Theatre – 7 to 11 February 2023

During February, in its 40th year, Balally Players opened its 2023 programme with a special Anniversary production of 'The Beauty Queen of Leenane' by Martin McDonagh.

Prior to his success with 'In Bruges' and the 'Banshees of Inisherin', this was McDonagh's debut play, the work that launched his career and electrified audiences. It introduced the world to McDonagh's darkly comic style, at times hilarious, at times vicious.

First produced by the Druid Theatre Company in 1996 'The Beauty Queen of Leenane' tells the story of spinster Maureen Folan, trapped in a dysfunctional relationship with her scheming and manipulative mother Mags, in a rundown cottage in the wilds of Connemara. Will Maureen's last chance at love have a happy ending? Not if Mags can help it.

With 'Banshees of Inisherin' hotly tipped for Oscar glory, Mill audiences had the opportunity to experience McDonagh's black humour in the flesh.

See the What's On page for more information.

 

Dundrum One Act Festival 2022

The Dundrum One Act Drama Festival returned to the dlr Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Dublin from Thursday to Saturday, 3 to 5 November 2022.

Three nights of superb live entertainment hosted by Balally Players.

Festival Director, Sean Murphy was assisted by Jean Monahan, Karen Carleton and Oran O'Rua.

Drama groups from across the country competed over the three nights of the festival. Each night the Festival Adjudicator Geoff O'Keeffe reviewed the plays and on the final night selected the winners.

The Dundrum One Act Drama Festival is part of the All Ireland One Act Drama circuit. The winners from local festivals, including Dundrum, aimed to qualify for the 2023 All Ireland Final.

 

Summer Shakespeare 2022

Killruddery Sylvan Theatre & St Enda's Park – 30 June to 9 July

The Balally Players outdoor productions of some of the most popular Shakespeare plays returned this year with performances of 'As You Like It'. The Forest of Arden was recreated in the gardens of Killruddery House and the Walled Gardens of St Enda's Park at the end of June and early July.

The play, directed by Karen Carleton, was performed first in Killruddery Sylvan Theatre, in the grounds of Kilruddery House, Southern Cross, Bray, Co Wicklow. The Kilruddery performances were on 30 June and 1 July 2022.

From Wed 6 to Sat 9 July 2022, the performances were in the Walled Gardens of St. Enda's Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16.

For more, including performance photographs, see the page for the play in the Productions section.

 

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