The Abbey Theatre Announces Avolon Winter Season 2018

Today the Abbey Theatre announces the full programme for the Avolon Winter Season 2018, comprising five productions across both the Abbey and Peacock Stages.

A highlight of this year's Dublin Fringe Festival, Shame will return to the Peacock Stage. By Pom Boyd and Seán Millar, Shame is a sacred punk theatrical ritual combining theatre, performance and original songs.

Another hit of this year's Dublin Fringe Festival, Tiny Dancer is a DJ set for kids by Donal Dineen. For ages 8 and under, kids are invited to the Peacock Stage for a special musical rollercoaster ride, featuring dance tunes from every era and every corner of the globe.

12 Christmas Poems promises an evening of readings of Christmas poetry by Gavin Kostick and some seasonal music to bring us to a festive mood. Gavin will be joined on stage by Morgan Cooke, Janet Moran and Danielle Galligan.

Four of Ireland's leading actors, Garret Lombard, Aaron Monaghan, Rory Nolan and Marty Rea, will perform Thirst (and other bits of Flann) on the Peacock Stage. Drawing on some of Flann O'Brien's most recognisable and admired works of fiction, together with his witheringly funny play, Thirst (and other bits of Flann) showcases O'Brien's incisive humour and linguistic dexterity.

As previously announced, the Abbey Stage will play host to Come From Away, a joyous new musical that shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, Canada during the wake of 9/11. As it continues sold-out, record-breaking engagements on Broadway, across the USA and in Canada, Come From Away lands in Dublin for its long-awaited European premiere, ahead of its West End transfer.

Running from December 2018 to January 2019, this season of work is presented by Avolon, the international aircraft leasing company, based in Dublin.

Neil Murray, Director of the Abbey Theatre, commented: 'We are delighted to be announcing such an exciting, eclectic winter programme across both stages at the Abbey Theatre. From a disco for children to the work of the great Flann O'Brien, from the Christmas musings of Gavin Kostick and friends, to a Fringe punk hit, topped off with an award-winning Broadway musical, there's a very good excuse for everyone to visit the Abbey this winter. We are hugely grateful to our friends at Avolon, without whose support, this season would not have been possible.'

Dómhnal Slattery, Chief Executive Officer at Avolon, added: 'We are proud to sponsor the Winter Season at the Abbey Theatre and bring the European premiere of Come from Away to the Abbey Stage. As a small island nation, Ireland is recognised not just for its thriving economy, but also too, for its vibrant arts scene. The Abbey Theatre has served as an important springboard for writers, actors and producers. We believe it is incumbent upon us as a large corporate to lend our support to this important community. Personally, I am looking forward to spending time at the Abbey this winter with my family and friends for what I know will be an exceptional season.'

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