Exile
Exile began life as a short piece devloped by writer and actor Niamh Denyer whilst she was studying for a Masters in Acting. She was encouraged to develop it further and it was produced as part of the SWK festival at Southwark Playhouse where it rapidly sold out leading to an extra performance being added. The show is returning for a short run at the brilliant Lion and Unicorn Theatre this November.
Passing On nominated for Best New Play in Brighton Fringe
We are delighted to announce that Sean Denyer has been shortlisted for Best New Play in Brighton Fringe by New Writing South! GScene Magazine said of its Brighton Run,
“This is a very important piece of modern theatre, with the humanity of a loving relationship at its heart. It deserves to play to big audiences. Please go see it if you can.”
“This is a very important piece of modern theatre, with the humanity of a loving relationship at its heart. It deserves to play to big audiences. Please go see it if you can.”
Passing On, a powerful new play, is heading to Dublin and Brighton and Manchester
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Passing On, our newest production, is a new play by Sean Denyer which will be heading to the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival in Dublin and the Brighton Fringe Festival in May and the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival in July.
Brian and Tom, together for ten years, would like to have a child, to be as Tom says, ‘a proper family with two dads‘. When their friend, Jane, agrees to act as a surrogate, it seems they can really have it all. But after Tom is very reluctantly pressed into finding out about his biological parents, what he discovers will turn their dream of a family into their worst nightmare, threatening to destroy everything they have. ‘Passing On’, is a gripping new play by Sean Denyer and is being produced jointly by Acting Out and Blue Heart Theatre. Acting Out, Dublin’s LGBT theatre group recently won the 2017 National GALA Award for Irish Arts and Literature. It is Blue Heart Theatre’s second visit to Brighton following a successful run of, ‘Couples+Pairs’ at the festival last year. Writer Sean Denyer, who is also a Consultant in Public Health Medicine said, ‘Now gay couples can, thankfully, have most of the same choices as anyone else in terms of family formation, I wanted to explore this in the context of the rapidly advancing developments in genetics and screening. We can now find out more and more about our genetic make-up, but is this necessarily always a good thing? More and more people create their own ‘family’, but are there things about our biological families that we just can’t escape from?’ We are delighted that Howard Lodge, Artistic Director of Acting Out will be directing the play. Howard said, 'I'm really looking forward to directing this powerful and moving new play for Blue Heart, who have proven so adept at discovering and promoting new writing' Featuring a talented cast of Irish actors, this gripping and thought-provoking play will stimulate a lot of debate for audiences about genetics, ethics, surrogacy and the impact of nature and nurture. It places this in the context of a powerful and insightful examination of a close and loving relationship, tested to the limit by discoveries from the past. |
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The Tearing Up of Fergal & TimBlue Heart Theatre presents “The Tearing up of Fergal and Tim”, two men’s attempts to have a ‘civilised breakup’ after their long-term relationship ends, goes disastrously awry, when a dispute over the ownership of a book of poems, opens old wounds and escalates into a fullon battle of wills. Blue Heart goes to the first ever Limerick Fringe Festival at The Loft with, 'Couples+Pairs /2/' The second in their series of new plays by exciting new and emerging Irish writers. We have a twist with this version of the show as the audience will be helping us select the pieces we do! we will be keeping the live music though! just one show on Saturday 1st April at 5.30PM.
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Next Up for Blue Heart
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We are delighted to be bringing back, 'Mrs. Toomey's House which played to packed houses as part of this year's Phizzfest.
The stories of the rebels who fought for Irish Independence are known far and wide, yet there are many stories, particularly of the women who played a significant part, which are untold. Devised by the company using local archives as sources, 'Mrs Toomey’s House, is the story of an ordinary woman in an extraordinary situation. There are just two performances, on Friday 23rd September and Saturday 24th September at 8pm and 9pm at McGeoughs Bohemian Lounge in Phibsborough. |
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'Cock' by Mike Bartlett, at The New Theatre May 23rd-28th
When John takes a break from his boyfriend, he accidentally meets the girl of his dreams. Mike Bartlett’s award winning comic drama is a sharp, punchy exploration of the complexities of modern day relationships.
Mike Bartlett’s tart and witty story takes a playful, candid look at one man’s sexuality and the difficulties that arise when you realise you have a choice. This is the Irish premiere of a play which won the 2010 Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement. Bartlett has gone onto international success with his play, ‘King Charles III’ (also an Olivier award winner for Best New Play) in London and on Broadway. He recently wrote the massively popular BBC TV series, ‘Doctor Foster’.
Blue Heart are delighted to be working with director Geoff O’Keeffe on the show who said, said, ‘This is an intensely visceral and deeply probing examination of identity politics, where choice becomes a disabling force and where indecision cuts deeply and painfully. It is often hilarious, sometimes deeply sensual and always hugely satisfying. ‘Cock’ is a battlefield where the verbal punches leave the air charged with the detritus of love, loss and longing.’
Mike Bartlett’s tart and witty story takes a playful, candid look at one man’s sexuality and the difficulties that arise when you realise you have a choice. This is the Irish premiere of a play which won the 2010 Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement. Bartlett has gone onto international success with his play, ‘King Charles III’ (also an Olivier award winner for Best New Play) in London and on Broadway. He recently wrote the massively popular BBC TV series, ‘Doctor Foster’.
Blue Heart are delighted to be working with director Geoff O’Keeffe on the show who said, said, ‘This is an intensely visceral and deeply probing examination of identity politics, where choice becomes a disabling force and where indecision cuts deeply and painfully. It is often hilarious, sometimes deeply sensual and always hugely satisfying. ‘Cock’ is a battlefield where the verbal punches leave the air charged with the detritus of love, loss and longing.’
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We are delighted to be part of this year's Phizzfest with Mrs.Toomey's House which has been devised by the company.
The stories of the rebels who fought for Irish Independence are known far and wide, yet there are many stories untold. Mrs Toomey’s House, is the story of an ordinary woman in an extraordinary situation. There are just two performances, on Saturday 30th April at 8pm and 9pm at McGeoughs Bohemian Lounge in Phibsborough. Tickets €7 on the door! More details of Phizzfest by clicking the button below! |
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Fray- a work in progress by Margaret Perry at the Scene+Heard Festival 6.30 pm 3/4 March, Smock Alley Theatre.
"Remember what they used to say in school, Fray? Is binn béal ina thost. Basically, keep your mouth shut."
Fray's bumbling through her twenties just like everyone else. But one night, everything changes. Now the authorities are after Fray, and when even her best friend has turned her back on her, she needs a place to hide.
Fray is a work in progress showing of a new play by Margaret Perry, which is set in an Ireland of the chillingly near future, where prison sentences for women who have had illegal abortions are enforced.
This work-in-progress will be directed by Lee Wilson whose production of 'East of Berlin' at the Project Arts Centre, had sell out houses and fantastic reviews.
Book tickets at www.smockalley.com
Fray's bumbling through her twenties just like everyone else. But one night, everything changes. Now the authorities are after Fray, and when even her best friend has turned her back on her, she needs a place to hide.
Fray is a work in progress showing of a new play by Margaret Perry, which is set in an Ireland of the chillingly near future, where prison sentences for women who have had illegal abortions are enforced.
This work-in-progress will be directed by Lee Wilson whose production of 'East of Berlin' at the Project Arts Centre, had sell out houses and fantastic reviews.
Book tickets at www.smockalley.com
New trailer for Couples+Pairs
Couples+Pairs: Five short plays about love at the Theatre Upstairs, Eden Quay, Dublin, from February 5th-20th at 7pm, matinees on Weds 10th, Saturday 13th and Saturday 20th Feb at 1pm and Sunday 14th feb at 3pm. Tickets €12/10 at www.theatreupstairs.ie
Couple+Pairs from Blue Heart Theatre on Vimeo.
NEXT UP FOR BLUE HEART
Couples and Pairs: Five short plays about love
5-20th February Theatre Upstairs, Eden Quay
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Our first show of 2016 is Couples + Pairs an evening of five short plays by exciting new or emerging writers linked by a theme. Love. Searching for it, finding it, losing it.
There is comedy and sadness, lust and regret all knitted together by live music in the shape of brilliant American chanteuse Cal Folger Day who will sing well known, and some not-so, songs between the pieces which echo or amplify the stories told. Booking details to follow shortly but the show is on 5-14th February. Tie-Sat at 7pm with 1pm Matinees on Wed and Sat (excluding the 6th and 17th) and a special Valentine's Day show, at 3pm on Sunday 14th February. |
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Culture Night at A4 Sounds- a short comedy by Blue Heart Theatre
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We are delighted to be part of the Culture Night Programme on Friday 18th September at A4 Sounds with a new short comedy called First Impressions, Missed Connections by Blue Heart's Mike Kunze.
There’ll be opportunities to meet resident member artists and makers, and to get hands-on with mini-workshops in animation, electronics, screen-printing, darkroom techniques and more. In the event space downstairs, meanwhile, shadow puppet theatre, animation and short film screenings, theatre performance, and audio-visual and experimental electronic music performances will all take place. And it's all FREE! |
Tuesdays at Tescos by Emmanuel Darley
Selected for the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival!
This a touching one-person play about a person’s true identity. Every Tuesday, Pauline loyally spends the day with her father, tidies his home, does his ironing. Then they go to Tesco. Every Tuesday. All eyes are on Pauline when they go shopping. Before she became Pauline, her name was Paul. And to her Father, she remains Paul, despite all the appearances to the contrary.
Tuesdays at Tesco received it’s British premiere at the Assembly Hall during the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, in an English version by Mathew Hurt and Sarah Vermande, with Simon Callow as Pauline. It is this first English-version of the Emmanuel Darley’s Mardi à Monoprix, which I will be using. The play premiered in France in 2009 and went on to be nominated for a Molière, France’s national theatre awards.
Dublin - The Teachers Club
This a touching one-person play about a person’s true identity. Every Tuesday, Pauline loyally spends the day with her father, tidies his home, does his ironing. Then they go to Tesco. Every Tuesday. All eyes are on Pauline when they go shopping. Before she became Pauline, her name was Paul. And to her Father, she remains Paul, despite all the appearances to the contrary.
Tuesdays at Tesco received it’s British premiere at the Assembly Hall during the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, in an English version by Mathew Hurt and Sarah Vermande, with Simon Callow as Pauline. It is this first English-version of the Emmanuel Darley’s Mardi à Monoprix, which I will be using. The play premiered in France in 2009 and went on to be nominated for a Molière, France’s national theatre awards.
Dublin - The Teachers Club
- May 11th - 16th
Icarus By Margaret Perry
Icarus is falling, falling fast and hard for a girl called Bea - the greatest human to have ever lived. It all happens very quickly. Suddenly they’re splitting rent, grocery bills and pulling each other’s hairs out of the shower drain. Icarus has a secret she’d give anything to keep.
A modern re-imagining of a classic myth, Icarus is a funny and touching tale about fighting your fears and letting the people you love most see you at your worst.
Presented as part of the Theatre Shorts 2015 Programme of the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival
Dublin - The Teachers Club
A modern re-imagining of a classic myth, Icarus is a funny and touching tale about fighting your fears and letting the people you love most see you at your worst.
Presented as part of the Theatre Shorts 2015 Programme of the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival
Dublin - The Teachers Club
- May 11th - 16th
THE BALTIMORE WALTZ BY PAULA VOGEL
Selected as a "Don't Miss" by the Sunday Business Post!
"This is a wonderful production of Vogel's play, acted excellently, never over done, and giving the serious tones their space and due, while allowing us to laugh along the way, showing off some great comedy skills. Blue Heart Theatre call themselves an 'exciting new company' - which they are showing themselves to be - with collaborators from Ireland, the UK and the USA, wanting to present hidden gems. Well, they have presented one here, creating a little gem. "
- The Red Curtain Review
Reviews
In this bitter-sweet farce, Anna and her beloved brother Carl finally take a long-planned trip to Europe in search of a cure for her recently diagnosed terminal illness. But when they get there, nothing is as it seems.
Why is Carl always in his pyjamas? Who is the mysterious Third Man ? And why do none of their holiday snaps look anything like the places they visit? The Baltimore Waltz is both a heart-wrenching study of grief and loss, and a comically surreal farce, reflecting on the ambivalent response of the US government to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.
This tragi-comedy was American playwright Vogel's response to the death of her brother Carl, who died in 1988 from complications due to AIDS before the pair could embark on their long-anticipated road trip through Europe.
While The Baltimore Waltz has established itself as a modern American stage classic, it has never been performed in Ireland before. It won the Obie award for Best American Play in 1993, and Vogel went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for her later work How I Learned to Drive.
Past performances:
Sligo - The Factory Performance Space
Dublin - The New Theatre
"This is a wonderful production of Vogel's play, acted excellently, never over done, and giving the serious tones their space and due, while allowing us to laugh along the way, showing off some great comedy skills. Blue Heart Theatre call themselves an 'exciting new company' - which they are showing themselves to be - with collaborators from Ireland, the UK and the USA, wanting to present hidden gems. Well, they have presented one here, creating a little gem. "
- The Red Curtain Review
Reviews
In this bitter-sweet farce, Anna and her beloved brother Carl finally take a long-planned trip to Europe in search of a cure for her recently diagnosed terminal illness. But when they get there, nothing is as it seems.
Why is Carl always in his pyjamas? Who is the mysterious Third Man ? And why do none of their holiday snaps look anything like the places they visit? The Baltimore Waltz is both a heart-wrenching study of grief and loss, and a comically surreal farce, reflecting on the ambivalent response of the US government to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s.
This tragi-comedy was American playwright Vogel's response to the death of her brother Carl, who died in 1988 from complications due to AIDS before the pair could embark on their long-anticipated road trip through Europe.
While The Baltimore Waltz has established itself as a modern American stage classic, it has never been performed in Ireland before. It won the Obie award for Best American Play in 1993, and Vogel went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for her later work How I Learned to Drive.
Past performances:
Sligo - The Factory Performance Space
- Thursday, March 19th 2015
- Friday, March 20th 2015
Dublin - The New Theatre
- March 23rd - April 4 2015