In the midst of plenty National tour

After premiering last June to sold-out crowds at the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, ‘In the Midst of Plenty,’ an acclaimed new folk musical set in the time of the Great Hunger, is embarking on a 15-venue tour across Ireland beginning May 25th. The complete tour schedule can be found at www.inthemidstofplenty.com.

The folk musical, written by California-based singer-songwriter Amy Day and directed by Anne-Marie O’Sullivan of Enchanted Croi Theatre, is set against the backdrop of the plot to assassinate Denis Mahon, the landlord of the Strokestown estate in 1847. Exploring themes of Irish womanhood, family, community, and rebellion, the production peels back the curtain of antiquity surrounding the Great Hunger, and presents an achingly beautiful story of love and survival in all of its bare, heartfelt authenticity. The show features 10 of Ireland’s best-loved actors and a live four-piece folk band.

The show’s writer, Amy Day, was inspired to write the piece after visiting the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park in 2019. Anne-Marie O’Sullivan, the show’s artistic director, draws inspiration for sets, costumes, and the development of the show’s characters from the riches of the Strokestown archive, which contains many of the documents that form the foundation of the show. The show’s feature depicts an artistic interpretation of the Cloonahee Petition, one of the most treasured artifacts on display at the National Famine Museum.

Described by National Famine Way director Caroilin Callery as “singularly the best Famine-related piece I have ever seen,” the show is touring Ireland with the support of the National Famine Way, the Irish Heritage Trust, Creative Ireland, Roscommon County Council, Slieve Bawn Community Benefit Fund, and the Ireland Funds. The show can be seen on the following dates:

Mullingar Arts Centre: May 25-26
Town Hall Theatre, Cavan: May 28
Backstage Theatre, Longford: May 31
Town Hall Theatre, Galway: June 7-8
Town Hall Theatre, Westport: June 13-14
Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo: June 16
Balor Theatre, Ballybofey: June 17
Abbey Theatre, Ballyshannon: June 18
Waterside Theatre, Derry/Londonderry: June 20
Roscommon Arts Centre: June 23-24
VISUAL Carlow: July 1
St. Michael’s Hall, Ballyduff: July 5
EXCEL Tipperary: July 8
O’Reilly Theatre, Dublin: July 14