Kate the Navvy - 'the Molly Malone of Louth'
Comedy play tells story of forgotten Drogheda street character
This is a man’s world: always has been. Or has it…?
1854: Christopher McGrath has fallen to his death working on the building of the Boyne Viaduct Bridge, leaving his wife, Catherine, alone to fend for herself. What’s a poor woman to do…?
…Put on his clothes, of course, and take up his place in the world!
Kate McGrath was a navvy by name and navvy by nature:
Navvy, hawker, drunkard, comedienne, trailblazer, and tale-teller.
An Irish woman well beyond her time, she loved, and laughed, and lived a fascinating and colourful existence, packing several lifetimes of adventures into her 60 years as one of Ireland’s most infamous residents.
In this original play, 'The Star of Chester’s Lane' devised by the company, Quintessence Theatre use their dazzling physical ensemble theatre techniques to reimagine bustling 19th century Ireland and the remarkable true story of one of the country’s forgotten street characters, Kate the Navvy: the Molly Malone of Louth.
The Drogheda Arts Festival 2018 Commission, The Star of Chester’s Lane is an original comedy that breathes bawdy new life into Irish history and uproariously celebrates the great tradition of the storyteller … and sure what more do we need now than a good laugh?!
Cast
Ceara Carney
Fiona Keenan O’Brien
Anthony Kinahan Crew
Director - Anna Simpson
Assistant Director/Producer - Leah Rossiter
Executive Producer - Paul Hayes
Lighting Designer - Colin Doran
Tour Dates:
13th November - An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk, Louth
15th November - Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, Meath
17th November - Ballina Arts Centre, Mayo
18th November - Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Donegal
25th November - Cavan Town Hall, Cavan
27th November - National Opera House, Wexford
2nd December - Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda, Louth
4th December - Garage Theatre, Monaghan