Roddy Doyle, John Duddy, and The National Theatre- The fun begins in 2013!

As the city marches onto the world stage for 2013 The Playhouse has worked tirelessly to ensure their opening season is packed full of memorable events, performances and showcases- and acclaimed novelist Roddy Doyle, Derry Boxer-turned-actor John Duddy, and The National Theatre are just the tip of the iceberg!

In a spectacular year that will see the city bursting with talent, culture and art, The Playhouse Spring 2013 brochure will be sure to pack a punch- and not just because John Duddy is coming to town! Two major Playhouse productions involving BAFTA award winning Film and TV director Kenny Glenaan and acclaimed Irish director Caitríona McLaughlin will premiere during the season. 2013 will begin with Kenny Glenaan directing a brand new play by multi award winning writer Seamas Keenan, ‘Over the Wire’ in January 2013. Best known for her work with The Atlantic and Rattlestick Theatres in New York and her time on secondment at the Royal Court, Donegal director Caitríona McLaughlin will then direct ‘On the Subject of Love- A Proposito Di Amore’ in February 2013.Written by historian, broadcaster and lecturer Ken McCormack, the play explores the unusual and intriguing story of The Earl Bishop (Frederick Augustus Hervey, 4th Earl of Bristol & Bishop of Derry) through his amorous liaisons. Audiences can then take their pick of a very special Valentine’s Club Cabaret Jazz Night, the return of The Playhouse Jammhouse with local music giants ‘Little Bear’ in February, and a sterling line up of productions throughout the season from the best local and national theatre companies, including Dyad Productions, Play on Words and London Irish/ Borderline Theatre. A special Frank McGuinness double hander will feature in March as Donegal’s Greasepaint theatre company bring Dolly West’s Kitchen’ to The Playhouse on Friday March. Newly established Shindig theatre company, set up by Gerry Dorrity and Jim Lecky, will be hot on their heals with ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’ that Saturday, March 23. Another highlight of the groundbreaking year involved work with London’s esteemed National Theatre in April, who will bring a workshop presentation of Rosemary Jenkinson’s new play, Bo Strategy, performed by local young actors. George Farquhar wrote his celebrated comedy The Beaux Strategem in 1707; three centuries later playwright Rosemary Jenkinson creates a new version, Bo Strategy, in collaboration with young people of Derry, in the Playhouse Theatre which is situated only a few strides from the home of Farquhar himself. In the same month local Derry’s former middleweight boxing champion John Duddy shows what he’s made of as he trades the ring for the stage for the Irish, UK and European Premiere of dark blue comedy ‘For Love’ by Laoisa Sexton. The play will come to The Playhouse fresh from a sold-out run in New York City at the 1st Irish Theater Festival, where it was chosen as “the Pick of the festival” by The Irish Echo. “What a season, and what a year we have ahead!” Niall McCaughan at The Playhouse said.“We have productions, performances and events that will keep everyone wanting more! This is our year to shine so we’re very proud to pay our part and bring the best of local talent and international names to our stage!”“We’re also delighted to be chosen as the main venue for the brand new ‘Humdinger’ Children’s Book Festival in March! The city wide festival will celebrate the best in children’s stories, characters and illustration and will showcase amazing writers, performers, musicians, and illustrators from Ireland and beyond, including Julia Donaldson and Roddy Doyle, who The Playhouse will be honoured to have on stage on Thursday March 7. More details are available at humdingerbookfestival.com. For more information and to get a copy of the new January- April 2013 brochure contact The Playhouse on (028)71268027 or download a copy at www.derryplayhouse.co.uk.