The countdown is underway for the Newry Drama Festival
The 72nd Newry Drama Festival was launched in The Flagstaff Lodge last Monday evening.
In her opening remarks, chairperson Kate Carragher welcomed all guests present and said she was confident this year’s festival would uphold the high standards of festivals past.
She noted that two of the plays in this year’s programme have already won at other festivals, which indicates the quality of performances audiences can look forward to, she said.
She thanked all those who offered financial support; the patrons, sponsors and private donors and particularly the festival’s main sponsors, The Canal Court Hotel.
Ms Carragher acknowledged the work of the Drama Festival committee, saying: “My sincere thanks to our brilliant committee and to our volunteers, a small but dedicated and hardworking band who ensure that all aspects of the festival run to plan.”
She also noted the sad loss of the president of the festival, Charlie Smyth, in November 2025.
“Charlie was the heart of the community of Newry and district and served in many public roles,” she said.
“He regarded the drama festival as an important community event and we are forever grateful to him for his vast contribution. May he rest in peace.”
Ms Carragher further remarked that “as the building projects involving the Town Hall and the Arts Centre finally look as they will be commencing, all groups involved in the Arts in Newry continue to face uncertainty around finding alternative venues.
"I hope these groups, including our own festival, weather the storm and find suitable performance facilities until the work is completed and we can return to our own Town Hall.”
Newry Drama Festival runs in Newry Town Hall from Monday, March 23 until Saturday, March 28.
The adjudicator is Mr Tony Finnegan.
The plays are as follows:
Monday, March 23
Sylvia, by AR Gurney - Slemish Players
Tuesday, March 24
The Dead, by James Joyce, adapted by Sean Treanor - Newpoint Players
Wednesday, March 25
Death Trap, by Ira Levin - Holywood Players
Thursday, March 26
Heaven, by Eugene & Brien - Balally Players
Friday, March 27
Hansard, by Simon Woods - Rosemary Drama Group
Saturday, March 28
Da, by Hugh Leonard - Bunclody/Kilmyshall
Season tickets and tickets for nightly performances can be purchased online at gr8events.ie or by email to treasurer Orla O’Shea at [email protected]
Nightly tickets can also be purchased in the Town Hall. Doors open each evening at 7pm.