City of Derry Drama Festival

The 32nd festival was officially opened by the deputy Mayor Councillor Kevin Campbell who spoke of the Council’s long association with the festival and the importance of community drama activities in the lead up to the City of Culture celebrations.

Festival director Gerry McLaughlin is delighted with the standard of the productions, “The calibre of work on stage is very high. The audiences have thoroughly enjoyed the opening plays and have been very enthusiastic in their response. Bookings are heavy for the rest of the run and we still have some excellent entertainment to come!”

There is a change in tonight’s publicised programme. Backburners Drama Circle have withdrawn as their leading man had the misfortune to literally break his leg but Mercury Players from Dundalk will present “Proof” by David Auburn instead. This is a mystery play which looks at how genius and madness often go hand in hand.

On Thursday there is farce in Bernard Farrell’s “Stella by Starlight” and great comedy on Friday with “the Importance of being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde.

The Festival finishes on Saturday night with a gentle heart warming love story called “The Good Father “ from last years Festival winners Droichead Nua.

The festival is supported by Derry City Council and local businesses.

Tickets are available for the Box Office on 028 7131 400. Full programme details are on the Festival website www.cityofdramafestival.org