A major new folk musical tells the stories of friendship, betrayal, eviction and emigration from Roscommon’s Strokestown Estate during the time of The Great Famine.

This unmissable production detailing life in Roscommon during The Great Hunger is set amidst the real-life plot to murder Strokestown landlord Denis Mahon. A new original script is augmented by an original contemporary folk music score with images of original Famine documentation and artifacts imaginatively woven into its set and costumes.

Written by playwright/composer-lyricist Amy Day the show is performed by a cast of professional actors led by Julie Sharkey, Martin Gilligan, and Fia Rua. An original score of contemporary acoustic folk music is performed by a live folk band which includes renowned trad fiddler Neil FitzGibbon and acclaimed folk artist Gráinne Hunt.

It comes to The Balor as part of a 2023 national tour following it’s recent debut to sell out crowds and glowing reviews in both Strokestown Park and the Roscommon Arts Centre.

In The Midst Of Plenty is produced by Enchanted Croí Theatre under the Artistic Direction of Anne-Marie O’Sullivan. The production is supported by the National Famine Way and was developed with funding from the Roscommon County Council Local Live Performance Scheme and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

What People Are Saying:

An amazing piece. . . Real and gritty, moments of love, moments of pain, moments of parenting, moments of laughter, moments of revenge and moments of heartbreak. . . Every last member of the audience rose to their feet spontaneously at the end. ~ Caroilín Callery, Director, National Famine Way

This musical was stunning, brought tears to my eyes. The performances were faultless, the musical magical. ~ Paula (audience member)

Wonderfully moving, tragic, emotive, heart-rending and the songs perfectly reflective of the on-stage action. Cannot praise highly enough! ~ Kate (audience member)

It will evolve into something the whole world knows. ~ Olwyn (audience member)

A powerful, engaging, and insightful show that captures the imagination from start to finish. The music, acting, staging, and performances were wonderful. . . Everyone should see it! ~ Mags (audience member)

It may become a masterpiece of our time. ~ Peter (audience member)

Fantastic musicians, actors, a haunting experience and one I will never forget. ~ Sarah (audience member)