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