Upcoming Productions
A Handful Of Stars by Billy Roche
2024 marks the 35th anniversary of the first professional production of A Handful Of Stars, the first play in Billy Roche’s famous Wexford trilogy. The play explores how thwarted ambitions can both destroy dreams and shape character in small town Ireland. It was described at the time by The Guardian as ‘one of the year’s great theatre events.’ Three and a half decades later, Four Rivers, in partnership with Wexford Arts Centre, is delighted to have had an opportunity to revisit this powerful work.
Audiences and critics alike gave this new production the thumbs up as evidenced by its sell-out run in Wexford and Dun Laoghaire. Reviewer Jackie Hayden said ‘To judge by the standing ovation from the full house at the end, this was another triumphant night for Roche, for Four Rivers and for Wexford Arts Centre which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.’
Directed by Conall Morrison and designed by Liam Doona, with lighting by Paul Keogan and costumes by Jeni Roddy, A Handful Of Stars will surely go down as one of the theatrical highlights of the year.
Castel Gandolfo by Jim Nolan
Last November, a reading of Jim Nolan’s new play, Castel Gandolfo was held at the National Opera House. The work has gone through several drafts and the reading was held to identify any areas that need further tweaking ahead of the production of the play in 2024. Ben Barnes will direct with designs by Dermot Quinn (set), John Comiskey (lighting), Jeni Roddy (costume) and Jamie Beamish (sound). Both Jim Nolan and Ben Barnes were in attendance at the reading and the reading cast were – Anna Healy, Brian Doherty, Anthony Brophy, Catherine Walker and Elishka Lane. Rehearsals have begun and the play will take the stage at Garter Lane, Waterford later this year. Cast details will be announced shortly.
