Local Playwright and Director's Showcase with c21 Theatre Company

In October 2023, c21 Theatre Company and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, called upon early career Playwrights and Directors, to apply for a bursary to write or direct a new play under the expert mentorship of Dramaturg, Hanna Slattne and c21’s Creative Director, Stephen Kelly. In December 2023, local Playwrights, Colm McCready and Johanna Gallagher, and Directors, Seon Simpson and Daryl Blair, were selected to take part in a 4-month development process. Following an intensive “writers toolbox” weekend, research and development and rehearsal period, an enhanced rehearsed reading of the two newly written plays, will take place at The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey on 26th and 27th April.

Friday 26th April 7pm will have a BSL Interpreter present.
Age Guidance: 16 years+

About the performances:

Queen of the Bees
Ellie is left holding the reins of the family beekeeping business after losing her brother. Taking refuge in nature and in the companionship of the bees, a strange request to buy some of her bees provokes her to face the full force of her grief. A life affirming story of the resilience of nature and the fragility of healing.

Writer: Johanna Gallagher
Directed by: Seon Simpson
Cast: Cat Barter

Mary Whitehouse is Mother
Bob, an out of work performer with a questionable reputation is debuting his comeback act, a drag 'her-story' celebration of Mary Whitehouse, the Queen of Clean and mother of the gays (allegedly!). Everything seems to be running smoothly for Bob…until the real Mary Whitehouse rocks up to reintroduce herself to a new generation.

Mary Whitehouse is Mother explores “mother” as LGBTQ+ slang, the monsters we apply it to, and the danger of moral panics.

Writer: Colm McCready
Director: Daryl Blair
Cast: Chris Robinson & Mary McGurk

This programme has been generously supported by Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.