Plenty of homegrown talent for new season at Everyman

The autum/winter programme at the Everyman Theatre is being billed as one of its best and most varied, ranging from a new play about Jack Lynch to the world premiere of Autumn Royal — the first full stage play by celebrated author Kevin Barry.

The programme was launched last night in the Victorian theatre’s refurbished bar by Everyman executive director Sean Kelly.

“These are exciting times at the Everyman. Our audiences continue to grow and, I believe, the quality of the work presented on our stage is getting stronger every season. This is one of the best, and most varied seasons of work that the Everyman has ever announced. I couldn’t be more proud of it,” Mr Kelly said.

The forthcoming line-up includes the return of Druid, with their anniversary production of Martin McDonagh’s The Beauty Queen of Leenane and an exciting new production of Disco Pigs.

Artistic director Julie Kelleher said the Everyman was honoured to be presenting the world premiere of Mr Barry’s play.

Directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, it’s described as a dark comedy set on the northside of Cork City.

Several of his short stories have been adapted for the stage, but this is his first original play.

Johnny McEvoy: Included in the line-up for the new season.

The Everyman is supporting the best local theatre talent with the return of the ever-lovable, and heart-warming Fred & Alice.

For all lovers of GAA and history, top of the list should be Declan Hassett’s new play Jack, which chronicles the life and times of one of Cork’s finest, former taoiseach Jack Lynch. Also one to look out for is the inaugural Cork Comedy Festival next week and the debut album launch of rising star Jack O’Rourke.

Other hot ticket acts include new shows from Keith Barry and Des Bishop; a night with Doug Allan, cinematographer on David Attenborough’s Planet Earth.

The programme also features the return of the wonderful Eilish O’Carroll with Live, Love, Laugh; The Johnny Cash Roadshow; Two And A Half Tenors; and the ever popular Sunday Songbook series in October and at Christmas.

There’s something for everyone from the Bootleg Beach Boys to A Celebration of Christie Hennessy: from Dirty Dancing and Boogie Nights to Johnny McEvoy and Isla Grant, and it wouldn’t be a bumper autumn season without the return of the Guinness Jazz Festival.

For more details on the Everyman autumn/winter programme or for details on booking visit www.everymancork.com