Let's hear it for the High Kings
By Conor Sharkey
NAMES such as Clancy, Furey and Dunphy will forever be associated with the finest balladry this country has ever produced.
For decades the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem endeared global audiences with their beer-soaked tales of drinking, fighting and women. Similarly, the Fureys gave the world some of the most beautiful airs these shores have ever known. Look no further than classics such as The Green Fields of France, Sweet Sixteen and the Red Rose Cafe for example.
Sadly, many of the old guard, particularly with...>>> more
Get up, stand up in Dicey Riley's
By Mickey Ferry
WHEN the teacher said to you, "I suppose you think you're a right comedian," did you ever feel compelled to nod in agreement? Did you ever watch the stand-ups on television and think that you could do better? Can you handle hecklers? Well, if the answer to all of the above is a resounding 'yes' then Dicey Riley's could be calling on you.
Dicey's is holding a one-off comedy night on Friday, March 26, and the organisers are presently looking for potential Billy Connellys and George Carlins to step up to the mic with about ten...>>> more
Actor Dan Gordon to judge Schools Drama Festival
STAR of stage and screen Dan Gordon will visit Strabane later this month as guest judge of the North West Schools Drama Festival.
Over two days, March 15 and 16, high schools and colleges from across the District and beyond will take to the Alley Theatre stage to compete for the much coveted Drama Festival crown.
Casting an eye over the budding actors and actresses will be star of the hit BBC Show 'Give My Head Peace', Dan Gordon.
Earlier this week, Dan said he was delighted to be involved in the project.
"I think this is a great idea for the...>>> more
The new electric ballroom set to dazzle at the Alley
THE Strabane Drama Festival, the North West's premier drama Festival, is set to welcome a fantastic new production of "The New Electric Ballroom", from the co-writer of international box office hit "Hunger" and performed by the prestigious Butt Drama Circle on March 24th.
"The New Electric Ballroom", written by the emerging Irish writer Enda Walsh, involves a trio of women, Breda, Clara and Ada, who live in a decaying house in an Irish port town. Think of Dickens's Miss Havisham, multiply her by two, maybe by three, and you'll get the idea....>>> more
Police raids, poteen and scary rats at the alley
By Michele Canning
AN Irish wake, filled with head banging poteen, a plague of scary rats and a comic police raid are just some of the scenes to expect when 'Open Stage' treads the boards of the Alley Theatre tonight in Strabane.
The dedicated cast of performers from Glenside Adult Training Centre and Rehab Care Resource Centre in Lifford have been locked into rehearsals for just three weeks preparing for their debut performance.
The play, directed by Stage Beyond's Patsy Devine, will also see actors from her Derry Theatre Company...>>> more
Strabane Unplugged continues to draw crowds
by Mickey Ferry
A CAPACITY crowd enjoyed one of the most memorable Strabane Unplugged sessions ever on Monday night. The monthly night of acoustic music from local artists and beyond is still showing signs of going from strength to strength since its inception in December 2004. Monday night was a special evening held in memory of local woman Susan Kane, herself a big supporter of Strabane Unplugged over the years.
As a special tribute to Susan, local guitarist Josh Clarke opened the evening with a guitar medley that included a superb...>>> more
Anticipation building at Chloe's school ahead of semi-finals
By Michele Canning
NERVES at St Eugene's High School in Castlederg have reached fever pitch as its most popular pupil vies for the winning prize in an All Ireland singing competition.
Classmates have her tunes loaded onto their iPods, the CD produced by the school is played in music class, and there are posters galore supporting Chloe in her bid for the title of the All Ireland Talent Show.
Music teacher Emer Loughran and caretaker Hugh Coyle, Chloe's uncle, are ensuring they get maximum publicity and principal Andy Tuck is trying to ensure...>>> more
Search is on for Rose of Tralee
The search is on to find an intelligent, talented, confident woman to represent County Tyrone in the Rose of Tralee 2010 competition.
Last year Ballygawley native Ciara O'Neill wowed the judges with a combination of all these traits and took the Tyrone Rose crown.
Although the 23 year old trainee solicitor didn't make it through to the live televised finals she still said it was a very memorable year for her.
When speaking on her experiences Ciara said, "I would definitely recommend the competition to Tyrone girls. I had an amazing experience...>>> more
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