Hilarious production ‘I Shall Wear Purple’ comes to Newry
One of Northern Ireland’s leading theatre companies, c21, takes its latest production, ‘I Shall Wear Purple’ to Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry on Tuesday 5 March, following a hugely successful opening night at the Grand Opera House in Belfast.
Youth and experience collide in a scintillating, hilarious clash of culture in this new black comedy.
As Olivia and Thomas find themselves in Malinderry Care Home for very different reasons; one tries everything to escape while the other never wants to leave.
I Shall Wear Purple is the fifth collaboration between writer, Rosemary Jenkinson and c21 Theatre Company; this fantastic show is directed by co-founder of c21, Stephen Kelly, produced by Tom Rowntree-Finlay and stars the renowned Stella McCusker as the headstrong and compassionate Olivia, alongside Patrick McBrearty as footloose dreamer Thomas.
After suffering a heart attack, Olivia is persuaded to move into a care home despite feeling much younger than her years.
Here she strikes up an unlikely, tongue and cheek friendship with struggling art therapist, Thomas, who needs the care home to keep his head above water financially and out of trouble.
Facing this chapter of their lives with each other for support Olivia and Thomas navigates a number of real-life problems facing many in Northern Ireland today.
Following the opening night at the Baby Grand, director and co-founder of c21, Stephen Kelly, said, “The opening night at the Baby Grand was a huge success. Seeing the audience’s reaction made the hard work over the last few weeks and months all worthwhile.
“It was great to see the audience resonate with the struggles of Olivia and Thomas and take away a powerful message that age really is just a number and life is for living.
“Given her links with local theatre in Northern Ireland, we are thrilled to have Stella McCusker as part of our production.
“For those that remember her appearance in ‘Lovejoy’ and more recently ‘Game of Thrones’ this really is quite a coup. Likewise, Patrick McBrearty will add much value and distinction to the production with his charm and presence on stage. We are only too delighted to have them both star in I Shall Wear Purple,” he added.
The production includes the following performances:
Date |
Location |
Contact |
26th February – 2nd March |
Grand Opera House, Belfast |
028 9024 1919 |
Tuesday 5th March |
Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry |
028 3031 3180 |
Friday 8th March |
The Alley Theatre, Strabane |
028 7138 4444 |
Saturday 9th March |
Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick |
028 4461 0747 |
Sunday 10th March |
Cushendall Golf Club, Cushendall |
Pay at Door |
Wednesday 13th March |
The Marketplace Theatre, Armagh |
028 3752 1821 |
Friday 15th March |
The Old Courthouse, Antrim |
02894 428 331 |
Tickets are on sale from each venue and make sure to like c21 Theatre Company on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for exclusive updates and show information.
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