Newtownstewart prepares for landmark 32nd annual drama festival

EXCITEMENT is building in Newtownstewart as the town prepares to host the 32nd Newtownstewart Drama Festival, running from February 27 to March 7 at St Eugene’s Hall.

The much-loved cultural event promises nine nights of theatre, creativity and community spirit, drawing performers and audiences from across Ireland.

Festival director, Fintan Gallagher, said the event is part of a nationwide network of festivals operating under the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI), where groups compete for places in prestigious national finals.

This year, the ADCI Open Finals will be staged in Dublin, while the Confined Finals will take place in Carrickmore, the first time the town has hosted them since 1995.

“There are around 36 competing festivals across Ireland, so it is very important to continue holding drama festivals like ours,” Fintan said.

The organising committee includes chairperson Briege McSorley, secretary Chris Jones and president Frank Bolton.

The festival was founded more than three decades ago by the late Frank McGillion and Michael Cassidy. Frank, a long-time drama enthusiast who travelled widely with the Lifford Players, is remembered as a driving force behind establishing the festival.

“Frank was a huge influence in getting the festival started,” Fintan said.

“Although he passed away a few years ago, his legacy lives on and is a big reason why so many of us remain involved today.”

Nine nights of drama

This year’s programme features a wide range of productions, with many written by renowned Irish playwrights:

February 27 - Armagh Theatre Group presents Toxic Relationships

February 28 - Newpoint Players perform The Dead, adapted by Sean Treanor from a short story by James Joyce

March 1 - Belvoir Players stage Bouncers by John Godber

March 2 - Slemish Players present Sylvia by A. R. Gurney

March 3 - Enniskillen Drama Group perform Doubt by John Patrick Shanley

March 4 - Festival break for Bingo night

March 5 - Pomeroy Players stage Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel — a text currently on the GCSE curriculum

March 6 - Bunclody Drama Group present Da by Hugh Leonard

March 7 - Cian Machua close the festival with Greta Garbo Came to Donegal by Frank McGuinness

Each night’s performance will be followed by adjudication from respected theatre expert Michael Poyner, who will offer detailed analysis and feedback to both performers and audiences.

Organisers emphasise that the festival’s primary aim is to sustain theatre in rural communities.

Like many arts initiatives, the event receives no public funding and relies heavily on sponsorship and support from local businesses. A Grand Annual Draw, with a first prize of £500, helps cover running costs.

“The arts are genuinely underfunded, and smaller towns often don’t get the same opportunities,” Fintan said.

“Many festivals struggled after COVID, and some are still struggling.”

Despite these challenges, the Newtownstewart festival has remained strong for more than three decades, supported by loyal audiences, many of whom have attended since the beginning. Organisers hope to attract younger people in the years ahead, encouraging them to experience live theatre rather than staying home with online entertainment.

Community involvement

The festival continues to play an important role in local life, particularly through its engagement with young people.

Model Primary School and St Patrick’s Primary School will again take part in workshops during the week, introducing pupils to drama and performance.

Visitors regularly travel from across the region, including Derry and Strabane, with many praising the warm hospitality of the town.

Although the Strabane Drama Festival is not taking place this year due to venue difficulties, organisers say community support for the Newtownstewart event remains strong.

Tickets are available by contacting the box office on 07706 106216 or can be purchased at the door each night.

A full season ticket costs £50, while a four-night ticket is priced at £25. Special arrangements are also available for GCSE students wishing to attend Dancing at Lughnasa as part of their studies.

Celebrating its 32nd year, organisers say they are proud of the festival’s longevity and are looking forward to another successful run.

“We are delighted to reach our 32nd year,” Fintan said.

“There will be a great buzz in the town, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone.”