Journey to the Fifth Province comes home with celebration performance

Did you know that Crawley’s community has played a leading role in a theatre show that’s gone from strength to strength touring the UK?
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Nov 2015, 16:46 BST
Journey to the Fifth Province. Picture by WilliamWalsh.euJourney to the Fifth Province. Picture by WilliamWalsh.eu
Journey to the Fifth Province. Picture by WilliamWalsh.eu

Now, coming full circle, the acclaimed and much loved Journey to the Fifth Province will play at The Hawth Studio at 7.45pm on Saturday, November 14.

This funny, moving and thought-provoking entertainment is a fusion of theatre, music and storytelling.

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The occasion will be special because it will complete a story – and a journey – that began in Crawley in 2004.

Journey to the Fifth Province is a highly original show that draws on work by great Irish writers down the ages.

Acclaimed actor Dónal Cox (ex-Abbey Theatre, RTÉ, BBC) brings to life a host of characters and stories while Harriet Earis (twice Harper of All Britain) provides thrilling live Celtic harp accompaniment. An early version of the show, called Come Sit By My Fire, started life at the first ever Crawley Fleadh in 2004. A capacity audience in the Friary Hall responded with enthusiasm and heart-felt applause. A senior Irish gentleman’s summing-up inspired Dónal to develop the show: “We should have more of this!”

Since those small beginnings the show has toured to 30 destinations – theatres, arts centres and community venues, UK Irish festivals and book festivals.

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Under the banner of Fifth Province Productions it has gained recognition from Arts Council England, major sponsors and the Irish Embassy.

The Hawth’s celebration performance is presented as a Crawley Fleadh event sponsored by the Celtic and Irish Cultural Society.

Producer Liz Newbery said: “This has been a challenging and hugely rewarding project.

“Bringing the show to Crawley now is a way of saying thank you to local people for their part in its creation. We’re looking forward to a really special evening.”

Tickets cost £10 (£7 Hawth Friends).

Call 01293 553636 or visit www.hawth.co.uk.

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