Barnstorm’s world premiere at the Watergate in Kilkenny

Barnstorm Theatre Company in Kilkenny City will launch its latest world-premiere at the Watergate Theatre this week.

Noah Barleywater Runs Away is the world premiere of a truly exciting theatre piece which has been adapted by internationally renowned playwright Mike Kenny from John Boyne’s novel of the same name.

The production boasts a stellar cast of Áine Collier, Andy Doyle, Dylan Kennedy, Meabh Quinn and Jack Mett and is directed by Philip Hardy.

ALERT: Expect delays on national road in Kilkenny until Wednesday

The book explores the world of childhood and the adventures that we can all have there. Noah is running away from his problems, or at least that’s what he thinks, the day he takes the untrodden path through the forest.

When he comes across a very unusual toyshop and meets the even more unusual toymaker, he’s not sure what to expect. But the toymaker has a story to tell, a story full of adventure, and wonder and broken promises. And Noah travels with him on a journey that will change his life for ever.

Rich storytelling

Director Philip Hardy said that the process of bringing this enchanting story to the stage has been both exciting and challenging.

“It’s been an exciting and challenging process to bring the show to the stage. From John Boyne’s rich storytelling and the genius of playwright Mike Kenny it always promised to be a special production from Barnstorm. And we are delighted to be able to present the world premiere of a new show for young audiences at the Watergate Theatre in Kilkenny,” he said.

This is a thought-provoking fable for our modern world from the author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, John Boyne and adapted by internationally renowned playwright Mike Kenny.

John Boyne’s 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has sold more than 11 million copies worldwide and been adapted for cinema, theatre, ballet, and opera.

Top playwright

Mike Kenny is one of the UK’s leading writers, specialising in young people’s theatre. He is the recipient of numerous awards, was included in the Independent on Sunday’s list of Top Ten Living UK playwrights and his plays are performed regularly all over the world. Over the past few years, he has written several original plays for Barnstorm including The Ice Child
and The Messenger, and is very pleased to return with Noah Barleywater runs away.

School performances for this magical play are from Monday 16 to Friday 20 October with a family show on Thursday evening 19 October.
To get your tickets, call the Watergate Theatre (056 7761674) or book online at watergatetheatre.com