Slemish Players set to shine at Ulster Drama Festival with The Night Alive

Slemish Players recently performing The Night Alive at The Braid, Ballymena

Ballymena’s acclaimed amateur dramatics group, the Slemish Players, are taking their award-winning production of The Night Alive to the prestigious Ulster Drama Festival this Friday, 9 May, at The Courtyard Theatre in Newtownabbey. Curtain rises at 8pm.

Fresh off a triumphant run in their hometown at The Braid in Ballymena, the group are aiming for further acclaim as they compete at the Ulster Finals. Their moving rendition of Conor McPherson’s acclaimed drama has already earned widespread recognition on the festival circuit.

The road to the Ulster Finals included a standout performance at the 84th Ballymoney Drama Festival on 3 March, where the Slemish Players received an impressive eight awards, including the coveted Committee Cup for Overall Winner.

Adjudicators and audience members alike were moved by the cast’s emotional and nuanced interpretation of McPherson’s powerful work. The performance was described as “memorable”, delivering a strong impression on the festival’s opening night at Ballymoney Town Hall.

A Respected Play Reimagined

First performed in 2013, The Night Alive won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play in 2013–14. Set in Dublin, the story follows Tommy, a middle-aged man living in a dishevelled bedsit in his uncle’s house. Alongside his friend Doc, Tommy scrapes together a living doing odd jobs.

When he rescues Aimee from a violent incident and brings her into his home, a fragile sense of connection and hope begins to form—only to be disrupted by the arrival of Aimee’s dangerous ex-boyfriend, Kenneth.

The play explores universal themes of redemption, loneliness, and human resilience. With McPherson’s signature blend of dark humour and emotional depth, The Night Alive has been hailed as “raw and beautiful” and “spellbinding” by critics.

From Ballymena to the Big Stage

The Slemish Players are no strangers to success. Based in Ballymena, the group perform one play each year, traditionally starting with a staging at Cushendall Golf Club before embarking on a competitive festival run.

Over the years, they have accumulated numerous accolades, and in 2003 reached the Ulster Finals with their production of The Chastitute by John B. Keane.

Their current production of The Night Alive has even received a nod from Liam Neeson (video below), who began his acting journey with Slemish Players.

A spokesperson for the group commented:

“We’re delighted to once again walk the boards with our award-winning performance of The Night Alive at the Ulster Drama Festival.

“The local actors earned widespread praise for their ‘memorable’ portrayal on the festival’s opening night,” they added.

Final Performance – One Night Only

This Friday marks the final opportunity to see this highly praised production, as the Slemish Players take their final bow in Newtownabbey.

With a run time of approximately 1 hour 40 minutes (excluding interval) and recommended for ages 16+ due to strong language and adult themes, the show promises a gripping night of theatre.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased through The Courtyard Theatre website.

Buy Tickets