by Saoirse Anton

You may have noticed something of a radio silence on this column for the past two months. I was off sick but now that I am stitched back together and back on my feet, I’m ready for some theatre. Are you?

I missed the boat on the September freshness, and am a bit early for January’s, but having taken a pause from everything (except crochet, there was a veritable mountain of crocheted items next to the couch as I kept myself occupied while off work), it feels like time for a fresh start. And what better way to enjoy that than with some exciting new theatre. It might be the month of All Souls’ Day, of lengthening nights and crisp falling leaves, but it’s also a time to look forward and so this month I suggest you hunt out some new writing and fresh work to keep the wintry days bright.

New Writing Week at the New Theatre

Coming up at the start of December, The New Theatre’s New Writing week promises a wealth of interesting work as always. This iteration’s offerings include Caitlin Magnal-Kearns’ Trifled, a darkly comic two-hander about sex work, mental illness and custard, Helen Casey’s Esmerelda, a play about motherhood, mothering and motherlessness, Collete Cullen’s Tender Mercies, a play inspired by a local newspaper headline, and Patrick O’Sullivan’s A Murder of Clouds, a story of four people gathered by chance.

Running at The New Theatre, Temple Bar from 5-8th December 2023

Sightless Cinema

Some of the best innovations in theatre I have seen in recent years have been in the field of accessibility, and Sightless Cinema’s creations are among them. A collaborative arts project for people with sight lost to devise and produce audio theatre, Sightless Cinema are bringing Blind Panic to the Dunamaise Arts Centre. So book yourself a ticket and experience something new in several audio plays, alongside Blind or What?, a live radio drama performed by a Sightless Cinema Network Cast of 26 people from three different counties, creating soundscapes that let you experience the everyday adventures of blind people making their way through the urban landscape.

At the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise on the 28th of November 2023

The Giggler Treatment

I had to include this one. One of my favourite childhood books, Roddy Doyle’s The Giggler Treatment, is being turned into a new musical by the Ark. Written and composed by Fionn Foley and directed by Sophie Motley, I can’t wait to see how this novel translates to the stage. As a Cream Cracker may have once said, if you buy a ticket to a play, you will be able to go and see the play. So head on over to the Ark and enjoy the story of Mr. Mack, Rover, and the Gigglers…just watch your step on the way!

Running at The Ark, Temple Bar from 1st December 2023 to 7th January 2024.

Yarn Storytelling Festival

With a jam packed programme of Irish and international storytellers, Wicklow’s Yarn Storytelling Festival promises performances and workshops bringing audiences a host of new stories throughout November. Storytelling may be an old tradition, but stories are refreshed and made new in the mouths of new tellers and the minds of new audiences.

Running in various venues in Wicklow from the 11th - 23rd November 2023

Lost Lear

I have seen more than my fair share of productions of King Lear over the years, but Lost Lear promises to be something quite different. Written and directed by Dan Colley, this interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic brings audiences into the world of Joy, a woman with dementia, who is being cared for through a method where people live inside an old memory. This thought-provoking exploration of the self is sure to be a fresh and memorable theatrical experience.

Currently on tour around Ireland

Whether it’s the familiar made new or something completely fresh and unknown, check out this month’s offerings at your local venue and take a chance on something different.