Lunchtime theatre in Kilkenny continues to be a huge success

Barnstorm’s offering of lunchtime theatre has become a highlight on Kilkenny’s social calendar.

There is something almost decadent about popping out for a delicious light lunch and a short play in the middle of the day and all within the space of an hour.

Last week Rosey Hayes and Mags Whitely took to the stage at The Barn on John’s Quay and delivered a highly entertaining production of Jane Shephard’s play, Commencing. The lunchtime theatre series is a resounding success with full houses for several of the shows.

The play explores the concept of expectations and how assumptions can often cause confusion and comedy. Relationships and sexuality are also to the fore as the characters discover that maybe self love is the key to finding real and lasting love.

In the play, we meet Kelli, who is desperately seeking love and is set up on a blind date with a lesbian called Arlin, who is not the date she was expecting. Kelli, through her encounter with Arlin begins to realise what she thinks she is and what she actually is may not be the same thing.

Both actors are well known in acting circles in Kilkenny and have treaded the boards on numerous occasions. Commencing was directed by artistic director of Barnstorm Theatre Company, Philip Hardy and was also produced to celebrate Pride Month.