Roscommon Arts Centre presents DEAR FRANKIE and BALLAD

Five Lamps Theatre Company present ‘Dear Frankie', a new play about the life and times of Frankie Byrne, the iconic Radio Eireann agony aunt in Roscommon Arts Center next Wednesday 20th October. The play, starring the wonderful Nuala Hayes, celebrates her eclectic life, her infectious humour, her sparkling career carved from her own drive for a less humdrum life than 1950s Ireland expected her to live. ‘Dear Frankie' also follows her deep sorrows, the secret she hid from the public for so many years, her descent into alcoholism and her steely rise out of the dark to a contentment and acceptance.

There's a whole generation of Irish people who can hum the signature tune to Frankie Byrne's radio programme! They easily quote the opening lines.... "It may not be your problem today, but it could be someday..." Frankie Byrne's programme may have finished up nearly thirty years ago, but it is part of the soundtrack to Irish lives in that era. Frankie's sexy, gravelly voice was heard in most every kitchen at lunch-time, in a time when school-children and men came home to mammy for dinner in the middle of the day. Frankie's agony aunt programme The Women's Page, followed the news and many children recall being shushed as their parents listened in to the unfortunate individual's particular problem. Frankie Byrne carefully walked the line between giving as much practical advice as she could, yet maintaining a nationwide code of silence about certain matters. "Talk to your mother...." she urged. "Soon!". Book your tickets now at Roscommon Arts Centre's box office 090 6625824.

Padraic McIntyre features in ‘The Ballad of Pat McNab', a new play by world famous author and playwright Pat McCabe.

From Livin' Dred, the team that brought you the critically acclaimed ‘The Dead School' comes an equally compelling piece of theatre to Roscommon Arts Centre on Friday 29th October (and not as previously advertised). Mc Cabe's new play is immediate and yet could be set at any time-as his hero stumbles across a blasted landscape of exhilaration and psychological ruin, with a soundtrack that is oozing from the broken jukebox of his soul. With amazing performances from Aaron Monaghan and Padraic McIntyre this is a night of theatre not to be missed.

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