Tiny non-profit arts organisation Fifth Province Productions has punched above its weight and secured sponsorship from construction giant J Murphy & Sons Ltd to bring a unique professional ‘poetry-theatre’ performance to Newcastle. Giving the North East its first chance to enjoy the work, the company will perform original and acclaimed touring show, ‘Journey to the Fifth Province’, at the Lit & Phil on Friday 25 October, 7.30pm.
‘Journey to the Fifth Province’ is inspired by the special place of story and poetry in Irish tradition. Performed by actor Dónal Cox (Abbey Theatre Dublin) and Celtic harper Steph West (Harper of All Britain 2009), the show touches everyone with its humour, emotion and unusual take on life. Described by audiences as ‘a spellbinding storyteller’ Dónal draws on his own recollections and on work by Ireland’s great writers and poets, bringing to life a host of characters and stories, with thrilling music to accompany the journey.
The production has had outstanding feedback from arts and cultural organisations, and from audiences across the UK, whether or not of Irish background. The show is especially resonant for older people and for their families over the age of 11. The Embassy of Ireland acknowledges its value for the generations of Irish people who have uprooted to the UK in reconnecting them with their cultural roots.
– ‘Outstanding… it took my breath away!’ Bridie B, Manchester
– ‘Cox is a spellbinding storyteller’ The Pickled Egg (Ilkley LitFest blog)
– ‘Remarkable and entertaining… truly enriching’ Patrick Lennon, The Irish Times, International Edition
Producer Liz Newbery says “As a Community Interest Company we’re always looking for opportunities to make our work available to new audiences for the arts. It’s a great pleasure to bring it to Newcastle in association with Tyneside Irish Cultural Society, during the Festival. We’re particularly grateful to J. Murphy & Sons Ltd for taking a bold step into sponsoring the arts at a time when support is increasingly hard to find. Their far-sighted sponsorship means that our small organisation can offer this very special piece of work to people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to it.”
Performance details:
7.30pm Fri 25 Oct, The Lit & Phil, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE
Tickets: £8, Tyneside Irish Festival helpline 07975 808490 or book here
More info & a video trailer visit www.fifthprovinceproductions.org.uk
Contact details:
Liz Newbery 020 8540 2118 or 07759 662747 also Dónal Cox 07729 991622
