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DRAMA
Tues 4 & Wed 5 May 2010 at 8pm
Johnny Patterson, the Singing Irish Clown
by Little John Nee
Barabbas in association with the George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow
Tickets: €15/€12
Friends: Personal 3 for 2, Couples 4 for 2, Business 6 for 3
Pre-Show Cream Tea & show only €20, early booking essential! ONLY AVAILABLE ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Winner Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards Best Supporting Actor – Bryan Burroughs
Nominated Best Designer: Sound – Roger Gregg
Suitable ages 12+. Contains some strong language.
“When I walk on I must be just right, happiness depends on it, lives are destroyed by the accumulation of small disappointments gathering momentum. They want Johnny Patterson to transport them away from their troubles…I must be just right.”
Above: Little John Nee, Roger Gregg and Bryan Burroughs star in Johnny Patterson the Singing Irish Clown
Barabbas presents “Johnny Patterson, The Singing Irish Clown” written by Little John Nee, directed by Raymond Keane.
This powerful new show is an homage to the forgotten genius and extraordinary life of circus performer Johnny Patterson from Co. Clare, known as “The Singing Irish Clown.” Although his story may have been forgotten many of his hit songs can still be heard today such as ‘The Garden Where the Praties Grow,’, ‘Goodbye Johnny Dear’ or ‘The Stone Outside Dan Murphy’s Door’.
Starting life as a humble drummer-boy, Johnny Patterson’s unique talents saw him head-hunted from a regional touring circus by the world famous Cooper and Bailey. He “said goodbye to his beloved wife and family and headed for Amerikay” where he went on to become one of the highest paid entertainers of his time and amassed huge wealth through royalties from his hit songs.
With Little John Nee’s characteristically easy mix of humour, poignancy and lyricism, this beautiful new show throws light on the captivating magic and the harsh reality of a life devoted to performance and entertainment.
Pre-show cream tea
Customers will sit down to a delicious array of freshly baked treats and fancies, such as Victoria sponge cake, lemon cake, carrot cake, chocolate brownies, petit fours, scones with jam and cream, delicate finger sandwiches and plenty more besides.
Prebooking essential as places are limited and the food is being baked fresh to order. Our caterer can provide gluten free options so please let us know of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Tea will be served Wednesday night only from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, with the performance starting at 8pm.
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REVIEWS
'Spellbinding tale of a folk hero's life...a thoroughly engaging, sprightly and poignant piece of theatre.'
Sunday Business Post
'Little John Nee, who wrote the lively and poetic script, plays Patterson wonderfully, giving this all-but-forgotten figure real depth, personality and a roguish charm.' Metro
'Barabbas brings a new energy to their clowning interests with this historical biography of Ireland's most famous clown' Irish Times
'Mesmerising. Enchanting. Magical. Touching. Ingenius. Innovative. Quirky. Endearing. Experimental. Different and highly imaginative. All words that appropriately describe Barabbas' latest theatrical offering.' Irish Theatre Magazine