Theatre returns to the West Cork islands this summer with the West Cork Fit-Up Theatre Festival bringing drama offshore!
The Fit-Up Theatre festival brings the best of modern theatre to small venues on the islands, and the performances throughout July and August are always enjoyed by islanders and visitors alike.
The festival gives local audiences and visitors a great opportunity to see fantastic actors and productions in intimate West Cork venues.
The West Cork Fit-Up Festival, now in its twelfth year, will bring plays to Heir, Bere, Sherkin, and Whiddy islands in 2023, with comedy and thought-provoking drama on offer in an exciting and thought-provoking programme.
Tickets Available on the door – Cash only.
Please note: Doors open 30min before show start time.
Fit-Up Theatre Festival – Island dates 2023
Gombean
Set in a sleepy town in Sligo, Gombean, by Hawkswell Productions, introduces you to Grace O’Malley, but not as you know her!
The Warrior Queen is reincarnated as a coffee horsebox entrepreneur, high on debt and low on self-esteem.
When a blast from her past – wrestling rival Ruby Stephens – arrives in town, decades after making it big, Grace’s world is literally turned upside down.
But when a chance of winning a cash prize comes her way, so does a shot at an unforeseen redemption, as she contends to win back the title she lost at the U18’s Community Games in ’94.
Some dreams can’t be stomped on!
14th July, Whiddy Island | 15 July, Bere Island
King
Pat Kinevane
King invites audiences to spend an evening inside the mind of Luther – a man from Cork named after his Granny Bee Baw’s hero, Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
Uncomfortable with the outside world, Luther leaves his apartment only for essential journeys and for his job – he performs as an Elvis impersonator. The show explores themes of prejudice, privilege and resilience as Luther struggles to find the confidence to live his life to the fullest.
King is the fifth collaboration between Pat Kinevane and Fishamble, with Jim Culleton as director. The production was developed with the support of Nasc Network Commission and Georganne Aldrich Heller.
18th July, Whiddy Island | 21st July, Sherkin Island
Seán Moylan – Irish Revolutionary
Michael Patric
Hear the story of a man who sacrificed, suffered, and risked his life for his country.
Seán Moylan gave a detailed account of his memory of the Irish War of Independence to the Bureau of Military History which gives us a clear insight into the mind of a revolutionary leader.
It is precise, passionate, funny, and painful. This play is one man’s account of key events during this period. A man who sacrificed, suffered, and risked his life for his country.
This Blood in the Alley production is a tribute to him and to all who volunteered, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice, and to their families who bear it.
1st August, Whiddy Island | 5 August, Bere Island
The Ballad of Mossy Flood
Seamus O’Rourke
The Ballad of Mossy Flood might just save humanity from self-destruction.
Mossy Flood has a knack of going the long way around a story. In so doing, he makes us laugh and examine ourselves in a way we haven’t done before. He might be an unsociable odd-ball with a big thick head, but his wrestle with the everyday is pure gold. He will always land on his feet or at least somewhere near his feet… because he is Mossy Flood… and he’s from Longford.
‘The Ballad of Mossy Flood’ might just save humanity from self-destruction!
25th July, Heir Island | 28th July, Sherkin Island | 29th July, Bere Island
Performances will be in a large tent with open sides, so please dress for the Irish weather.
Special ferry trips are scheduled around these events to give mainland visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Fit-Up Festival on the islands. Why not call out for a great evening of entertainment?
The Fit-Up Theatre Festival is part of a packed Summer on the Islands programme which features events across West Cork’s seven inhabited islands. For full details of what’s on, venues, and ferry times, check out our events calendar.