Fabulous American comedy to open theatre’s autumn season

Coleraine’s Riverside Theatre kicks off its autumn season of shows and events in the next fortnight with a North Coast premiere – a professional production of one of the funniest American comedies ever written – Greater Tuna.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Aug 2014, 17:54 BST
Steven Millar, left and David McLaughlin who are starring in Riversides production of the comedy Greater Tuna, which opens on Thursday, August 21.Steven Millar, left and David McLaughlin who are starring in Riversides production of the comedy Greater Tuna, which opens on Thursday, August 21.
Steven Millar, left and David McLaughlin who are starring in Riversides production of the comedy Greater Tuna, which opens on Thursday, August 21.

The is an hilarious comedy about Texas’ third smallest town, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.

The eclectic band of citizens that make up this town are portrayed by only two performers, making this satire on life in rural America even more delightful as they depict all of the inhabitants of Tuna - men, women, children and animals.

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The show began as a simple party skit based on a political cartoon more than 25 years ago in Austin, Texas. Talented creators Joe Sears, Jaston Williams and Ed Howard were the imaginative authors that parlayed the sketch into a critically acclaimed production which has entertained audiences across the country ever since.

What’s particularly special about this show is the fact that two Northern Ireland actors, originally from the Coleraine area and now both living and working in London, are performing all 20 male and female characters of the play!

Steven Millar and David McLaughlin have both previously appeared in Riverside shows while at school and subsequent to training professionally at universities in England.

The show will be staged nightly at 8pm from Thursday to Saturday, August 21-23.

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Meanwhile, Riverside is delighted to welcome Fairhead Photographic Club to its foyer gallery for the next two months.

This exhibition by Fairhead Photographic Club comprises a selection of prints, both monochrome and colour, making up a distinctive body of work.

The club is attended by a strong group of enthusiastic amateur photographers from the complete novice through to more advanced members. Owing to its welcoming and friendly atmosphere membership is drawn from a wide geographical area with some members travelling considerable distances to take part in the various meetings throughout the year.

As with any group of photographers, this exhibition of their work represents a diversity of both subject matter and style. Members have tried to include a variety of subjects, presented for your enjoyment. They include portraits, landscapes, seascapes, urban decay and sport.

For further information on Riverside’s current late summer and autumn line-up, please log onto www.riversidetheatre.org.uk

Related topics:Riverside TheatreAmericanColeraineLondon