Catherine McGinty, 21 Mar
For the first time in what Anne Marie Gallagher poetically described as
its “new life” a truly local play is being staged in Derry’s iconic St
Columb’s Hall.
The Hall’s Project Director was referring to The Derry Yank, Derry
author, Eamonn Lynch’s first play - curtains up on Friday, May 31 and
Saturday, June 1.
The cast and crew of 'The Derry Yank' at the play's first read through
in St Columb's Hall.
The play stars talented Derry thespians, Maeve Connolly, Gerry Doherty
and Pat Lynch. It is directed by Michael Poynor, former Chief Executive
of the city’s Millennium Forum and Head of Culture and Arts at Queen’s
University, Belfast.
Speaking to Derry News, Anne Marie tantalisingly revealed The Derry
Yank centred on Martin Duffy’s return from New York after an absence of
45 years.
“Martin wants to see his old friend Kieran and to deal with some issues
from the past, and that’s where it all kicks off,” said Anne Marie.
“Since St Columb’s Hall Trust was established in 2019 to regenerate the
Hall, we have been trying to bring a wide range of events to the venue.
“Whilst the Hall has always been somewhere dramas would have been
staged and playwrights welcomed, the thing that is really appealing to
me about The Derry Yank is that this is a local, first-time
playwright. He scripted this himself, scripted all of the dialogue,
everything to do with it and was really being ambitious.
“This is the first time in the Hall’s new life that we have been able
to stage a locally created play here so it is really, really exciting
for us. It is a big undertaking for Eamonn and for us here in the Hall
but we are thrilled about it. I think The Derry Yank is definitely
going to bring some much-needed humour to its audiences.
“Sometimes things can be very depressing, so I think, in the midst of
all of that, some good news and a bit of humour will be just the tonic
we need. I can’t wait to see it.”
Anne Marie was confident The Derry Yank audiences would love the actors
and characters Eamonn had brought to the play.
“Even from what I have seen so far, I think the play, although it does
have serious moments, is definitely going to be a good night’s craic,
much needed amongst all the current bad news,” she said.
“Rehearsals started in the Hall last week. The Director, Michael
Poynor, was here with the cast and stage crew for the read through.
There was a brilliant chemistry between all of the actors.
“Michael is a very, very experienced director. He has done an enormous
amount of work with his own company. I think the whole project, The
Derry Yank being staged here in St Columb’s Hall is really exciting for
us and for Eamonn as well. Hopefully audiences will love it.
“People here will ‘get’ The Derry Yank. The characters and the
references will really resonate with people from the city. It’s going
to be brilliant.
“We have obviously done a couple of concert events in the Hall and we
have done comedy, but this type of dramatic theatre production is
totally new for us.
“The Derry Yank will be the first time the first time we have gone down
that road and, when you see all the plans, it is a completely new way
of looking at the Hall. I know the lighting strategy they have is
really dynamic and people will see the space in a different way. That’s
what we want all the time.”
As well as The Derry Yank, events in St Columb’s Hall are continuing
apace.
Anne Marie said: “The Open Democracy project is ongoing and we are
planning different concerts. We are currently working with Long Tower
and Christ Church on a fundraising concert they are putting on here on
March 24, with Margaret Keys and The Priests.
“We also have the big return of the Derry Feis, which we are extremely
excited about and then we have Celtronic back here for the first time
since before covid. They have Annie Mac, formerly of BBC Radio One
coming over, so that is going to be great.
“In addition, we are looking forward to the Luke Combs Tribute Band and
the Seeger Sessions Revival, the Jazz Festival and the Yes Festival in
June, which is going to be absolutely magnificent. It is a massive
European festival which is coming to the city that is going to anchor
itself in St Columb’s Hall.
“The Tickets for The Derry Yank can be bought online at:
www.stcolumbshall.com or in person from Christopher in Ferry Clever in
Bishop Street or Jenni in Little Acorns Bookstore in Great James
Street. Tickets cost £18 or concession £16.”