MAY UPDATE
The 2011/2012 season is well underway and we have resumed our monthy meetings - we are always keen to welcome new members to our ranks, and you will be made more than welcome should you wish to act, produce, direct or help out in a more backstage capacity!! No experience is necessary. Why not come along, make some new friends and enjoy the craic?!
We meet on the first Wednesday of the month (September – June) in our premises in Portadown for our monthly meeting – keep an eye to this page for updates on “Whats On”!
AGM NEXT MEETING: Wednesday 20th June at 8pm. Note change of date.
FORTHCOMING PRODUCTIONS FOR 2012
The Summer production will be ‘Kindly Keep it Covered’ by Dave Freeburn and directed by Susan Gates. This will tour various venues and will be part of Summer Theatre in both Portrush (1st-4th Aug) and Newcastle (August 18th).
Ticket information will appear here at a later date.
Portadown Pantomime celebrates 30 years in January 2013 and a return to traditional pantomime is promised to mark to the occasion – exciting news will appear here soon.
The Gateway’s Spring production was slightly later this year due to the dates of Portadown Festival. Millie O’Kasilli produced the extremely funny ‘Married Bliss’ by Sam Cree which was staged in Portadown Town Hall Theatre May 11th and 12th.
Three generations of the Ramsay family in Married Bliss?
CHRISTMAS PLAY 2011
Ruth makes her point to Tom in a scene from ‘Round and Round the Garden.’
Bob Anderson produced this year’s Christmas production which was the Alan Ayckbourn comedy ‘Round and Round the Garden’ in Portadown Town Hall Friday 9th and Saturday 10th December.
Local farmer McGonigle spies Vanessa through the caravan window!
SUMMER THEATRE 2011
Sam Cree’s hilarious ‘Widows’ Paradise’ was the group’s summer theatre production and following a successful week in Portrush toured various venues across the province and finished with two very successful show in Portadown Town Hall on October 28th and 29th.
In attempt to get away from men Rachel decides to hide in the cupboard in a scene from Widows’ Paradise.
Set in the sixties the action of the play takes place in a caravan in Portrush. Widower Harry Bradshaw, his brother-in-law Ernie and son Alan are enjoying a quiet weekend fishing break when their peace is shattered by the arrival of five women who are on an ‘escape from men’ holiday. Add to this cocktail, the long estranged husband of one of the women and a rampant farmer and the action rattles along with all the great ‘Cree’ ingredients of an hilarious Ulster comedy and some unexpected romance.
Blithe Spirt – a fine festive production
Divided loyalties?
Mrs Margaret Burke made her debut as a producer with the Gateway Theatre with this year’s Christmas production the ever popular Noel Coward’s ‘Bithe Spirit.’ The performances were in Portadown Town Hall on Friday 11th December and Saturday 12th December and were a fitting close to a busy 2009 for the Gateway Theatre Group.
HOLIDAY SNAP – SUMMER PRODUCTION 2009
Mrs Partridge keeps abreast of the situation much to the concern of Henry and Piers.
JUNIORS
The Junior Gateway meets every Wednesday in Portadown Town Hall at 7.30pm, they have broken up for the summer and will return in September. The junior section unfortunately cannot accept any additional members at the minute, and in fact has a waiting list.
Sleeping Beauty
Our 27th annual pantomime came to a close on Saturday 30th January, 2011. This successful show was well received by everyone and plans are already underway for next year’s production.
TICKET HOTLINE - To book tickets for any Gateway productions or to be added to the mailing list please telephone our
Hotline Number 028 38351313 leaving your details, address and contact telephone number.Please feel free to post a comment if you would like further information on who we are, what we do, and where and when we do it! We would love to hear from you! See the “about” page for a listing of our office bearers and contacts.
Have went with my mother who is now 95 to see, Hoilday Snap last year also last night to see Stop it Nurse and we throughly enjoyed them both. You have put a lot of hard work and time into these.Looking at the back of your programme there is quite a lot of plays that we have not seen, for examnple The Odd Couple Play or Pull The Other One. If they were on in Portadown or Lisburn Area we would go and see them. Keep up the good work. Will certainly go and see you all again.
just been to see Widows Paradise at Portrush with five members of my family We must congratulate you and your company on a great production Mr Dawsons potrayal of Ernie was hilarious looking forward to your next show Good Luck Maureen Alexander,Ballymena
Many thanks, always great to receive positive feedback.
Just been to see “Windows Paradise” in the summer with my mother whos 86 and loved it. I myself love going to the Gateway stage Productions even at 52 I still get enjoyment. we try to go nearly every year to Portrush as a highlight to watch these productions. Sam cree is a great writer.
I thought that the cast was lovely and that farmer McGonigle was played very well buy the actor playing him (Even for a small Part,would like to see more….) Also the newcomer was fantastic whom played the young girl and the stage setup was breath taking. Millie O’Kasili did a very good job at directing. Will be looking forward to next year. keep up the good work.