Kings of the Kilburn High Road

The renowned play "The Kings of the Kilburn High Road" by Irish playwright Jimmy Murphy comes to the Mullingar Arts Centre for two nights, Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21.Presented by the award winning Droichead Nua Players, Kings of the Kilburn High Road tells the tale of six young who men leave their homes in the West of Ireland in the mid seventies with dreams of making their fortunes in London and returning home as Kings.Twenty five years later and, in a coffin, one of the group, Jackie Flavin finally makes it home. On that day, the remainder of the group, now a lot older than they were, get together to wake Jackie and to reflect on their own lives, the loss of their dreams and their place in a society that no longer needs them. Or does it? Secrets are revealed and lies are uncovered.Droichead Nua Players was formed in 2003 by John Bowdren, a native of Newbridge in Co. Kildare. John and some close friends who had a great love of drama and were interested in playing the All Ireland Festival circuit and theatres and various venues throughout Ireland came together and formed Droichead Nua Players.In 2005, the group reached the All Ireland Final in Tralee with the Kings of the Kilburn High Road, having won 8 out of 8 qualifying Festivals and numerous awards for acting, set design and production.The group were placed third in the final and the late great Mike Joe O'Connell was awarded best actor award. Now in 2011, the group decided to re stage this play as a tribute to Mike Joe O'Connell who passed away in 2009. Two of the original cast John Bowdren and Kevin Lawlor Fitzpatrick return and are joined by John Maguire, Des Garrett and Larry McNally. This production has received many awards on the Festival circuit including best actor, best supporting actor, best set, best director and best comic performance. It has also qualified for the Confined All Ireland Finals 2011.Tickets available now from the Mullingar Arts Centre box office on 044 9347777 or from reception on Mount Street.