Attention, theatre lovers. I have some very exciting news to share. Barnstorm Theatre, as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival, is set to premiere my brand new play, The Last Trip to Tipp (TLTTT). This is one of a triptych of performances in Bench Tales, which offers a fresh and engaging approach to live theatre. Each play in the Bench Tales trilogy unfolds around a distinct park bench, strategically placed in different parts of the city. These actively involve the audience, equipped with earphones and binoculars, attendees can observe the action from a distance, creating a unique blend of intimacy and detachment.
TLTTT is Directed by John Morton an actor, writer and director hailing from Kilkenny, Ireland. Film and television acting work includes the lead role in the award winning feature film Locus Of Control, Wolfwalkers, Where The Wild Things Go, Love/Hate, and Tobias And The Tree. He is the writer of the TV series Dead Still.
I’m in great company, playing alongside two wonderfully written pieces: Pink Makes the Boys Wink by Julie Sharkey and There is Always Tomorrow by Joe Bergin.
A big shout out to the whole team at Barnstorm, Directors Ellie Pearson, Sally Stevens, John Morton, Artistic Producer Philip Hardy, Producer Anja Terpstra, Production Manager Vincent Dempsey and Administrator & Assistant Mags Whitely. And massive thanks to Jason Butler and Ken Bourke for the deeply insightful notes!
The Last Trip to Tipp
It’s 1994. Lorraine, Emma and Mairead are three friends heading in very different directions. Well not literally. Right now they are all on their way to Féile – and with a line up like Crowded House, Primal Scream, The Prodigy, Elvis Costello, The Cranberries, Björk, and Blur, the craic will surely be fierce. With one tiny tent and a fine slab of Lindon Village cans, they wait on a lift from their flaky friend, Suzanne – who’s late as usual.
It’s been three years since these three former best friends graduated from St Canice’s Secondary School. Back in those days, they were inseparable, three big fish in a tiny pond. However since that time, a lot has changed. Lorraine has moved to Dublin to do an impressive internship for a PR firm. She lives with her rich, older boyfriend in a flat in Ranelagh – or so she lets on. “Notions” isn’t even the word.
Meanwhile rocker Emma has been enjoying the life, studies and sexual experimentation of UCC. She might have even found the one. But for the love of god, don’t tell her mam. And Mairead? Poor, reserved Mairead has been left behind to look after her mother, putting off college for one year, then another, and now another.
This road trip – this pilgrimage of partying – starts off at their favourite bench with laughter, music and merriment – three old friends catching up over illegal, on-street drinking. However, when Suzanne fails to show, tensions begin to rise and a few ill-timed home truths crack open old wounds. Will their friendship survive the Last Trip to Tipp?
Get Your Tickets
The Last Trip to Tipp will be showcased as part of the Kilkenny Arts Festival from the 14th to the 20th of August. To secure your tickets, please visit www.kilkennyarts.ie.
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