A controversial new drama is coming to Down Arts Centre.
On Friday 9 November at 8pm, Paisley & Me, come see the new play about one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic, charismatic and controversial figures… the Reverend Ian Paisley. It will be followed on Saturday 10 November by a song-writing workshop with Anthony Toner at 3pm and The Lagan Sessions live music at 8pm.
Green Shoot Productions is delighted to introduce the second play in its ground-breaking Ulster Trilogy, Paisley & Me by Belfast-born, Emmy Award-winning writer Ron Hutchinson, produced by Martin Lynch and starring Dan Gordon.
Paisley & Me is a play that examines closely one of Northern Ireland’s most fascinating political figures and his lasting impact on the Protestant community. A hugely divisive figure in Northern Ireland, the Ian Paisley has split political parties, churches and families. This play focuses in on one such family. From the Divis Street riots in 1964 to Ian Paisley’s final momentous act of entering a power-sharing government with his sworn enemy, Sinn Fein, this powerful new drama explores what it is to be Protestant in Northern Ireland today.
The controversial new drama opened at the Grand Opera House in Belfast and is the most hotly anticipated ticket at this year’s Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s. Ian Paisley himself mentioned the show in his Friday column in the News Letter, joking that he might need some of the nine fruits of the Spirit (goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, etc) if he were to go and see the play when it opened.
Star Dan Gordonsaid” “I was worried about portraying such a well known figure but it’s good to see that Paisley has a sense of humour about it, even referring to me as Red Hand Luke in his column. I reckon he would enjoy the show, even if he thinks I don’t wear a Cossack hat as well as him”.
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Saturday 10 November brings a well known musician and some new faces to DAC.
What better way to spend an afternoon, than in the company of Anthony Toner? Anthony has built a strong reputation for the connections he makes with audiences through his songs, his warm, intimate vocal style, his between-song story-telling and his peerless guitar playing. Response to his latest album, Light Below The Door, has been overwhelmingly positive. He’s a road veteran of countless live bands, and has enjoyed the spotlight with his own songs but on Saturday Anthony will share his experience, knowledge and skills in song-writing with you. Come along
to the workshop and let Anthony help you write your timeless classic.
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The Lagan Sessions is an exciting new evening hosting the very best of acoustic music in a quiet listening atmosphere at the Pavilion Bar in Belfast. The Sessions have recently taken to the road, and we’re delighted to be welcoming them to DAC at 8pm on Saturday 10 November, when the line up will include Steve Amos, Lazy Flies, Michelle Owens and David McCann.
