Earlier today here on HarpinOnRugby we had a post on Leinster's selections at 10, 12 & 13 written by a prop named Joe.
Now we have a post about an upcoming play by Gemma Doorly and starring Fair City's Maclean Burke which is ABOUT a prop named Joe. Coincidence? You decide.
Anyway...finally "Alone It Stands" no longer stands alone as "the" Irish rugby theatre production.
Here's more about the play - make it along if you can, it also helps out a worthy cause! JLP
The biggest rugby event of 2014 is set to kick off in Smock Alley Theatre next week (Oct 27th - Nov 1st) and fans of the legendary Joe Kavanagh, the greatest tight head prop in world rugby, are advised to line out early to ensure they bag the hottest tickets in town!
‘Joe Prop’ is the story of 12 year old Joe Kavanagh, a boy with a dream - a dream big enough to overcome any obstacle.
Medication for a childhood illness has left him overweight and a target for school bullies who among other things have dedicated a Facebook page to him called 'Fat Joe Kavanagh'. However, Joe finds solace on the school rugby team as a prop in the scrum.
As part of its hotly anticipated nationwide tour, tickets for Joe Prop are on sale TODAY
All tickets are priced at €15, with 10% of all ticket sales donated to Barnardos children’s charity to help fund their work with vulnerable children and families.
We are offering a special group rate of €10 to any members of a Rugby Club!
Medication for a childhood illness has left him overweight and a target for school bullies who among other things have dedicated a Facebook page to him called 'Fat Joe Kavanagh'. However, Joe finds solace on the school rugby team as a prop in the scrum.
The play is set in Joe's bedroom. A place far away from bullies, and illness where he gets to be the greatest Tight Head Prop in world rugby and captain of a winning Irish Rugby World Cup team. The only witness to Joe’s dreams is his best friend and confidante - a bear simply known as ‘Teddy’.
The show stars Fair City's Maclean Burke in a performance described by the Irish Independent as “moving and hugely energetic”. It features voice over cameos from a host of rugby personalities including Ryle Nugent and lots of surprises!
Maclean Burke, who plays the eponymous hero said,
‘I was immediately connected to both Joe and his story. The comedy, the tragedy and uplifting power that is Joe’s ability to overcome any obstacle is heart-warming and draws you in and never let’s go until the final scene. I’m a big kid at heart and who doesn’t want to captain Ireland to a rugby world cup. I just feel so privileged to play this character and there’s a little bit of me in him. I think everyone can relate to him.’
Writer of the play Gemma Doorly said:
‘Joe Prop is the ultimate underdog story about a little boy’s determination to beat the odds and achieve his dream. I was inspired to write the play by the experience of a friend of mine who was bullied as a child but found solace in rugby. I am lucky to have my own dream team working on this play with actor Maclean Burke and director Karl Shiels. All three of us are like big kids when it comes to ‘Joe Prop’, but this is definitely a show for the kid in everybody – young and old’.
Gemma continued, ‘Myself and Maclean have had the opportunity to see the amazing work Barnardos does and so we are delighted to support them on the ‘Joe Prop’ nationwide tour.’
Nationwide Tour Dates
October 27th - November 1st Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin 2
December 6th Riverside Theatre Coleraine, Derry
December 10th - 12th Axis Theatre Ballymun, Dublin
January 24th Roscommon Arts Centre, Roscommon
February 21st Ramor Theatre, Cavan
February 28th Birr Theatre and Arts Centre, Offaly
About Joe Prop:
Website: www.joeprop.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joeprop
Twitter: @joeproptheatre
About Maclean Burke:
Maclean is best known for playing Damien Halpin in Ireland’s top rated soap Fair City.
He has appeared in two defining movies of the last two decades: ‘In The Name of The Father' and 'Saving Private Ryan’. With his boundless energy and infectious personality, Maclean has been a popular choice for various celebrity reality shows. Titles include ‘Celebrity You’re a Star’ (RTE), ‘No Frontiers’ (RTE) and ‘Lord of the Rings’ (RTE).
About Gemma Doorly:
Gemma is best known for playing Sarah O'Leary in RTE soap Fair City for ten years. Writer of W.A.G which had its nationwide tour in 2012-2013. Other plays - 'The Robb'd That Smiles' 2004 Focus Theatre Dublin & Old Museum Arts Centre Belfast. Nominated for best new play Dublin Fringe 2004. 'The Fireman & The Nurse' Dalkey Writer's Week & Farmleigh House (Actors in Their own Write) 2011. 'Snake Oil' (Director) Theatre Upstairs, Adapatation of 'The Gift of The Magi' part of Yule Tide Tales Theatre Upstairs. Writer and Director of short films 'Goodbye' and 'The Baby Brother'
About Barnardos
Barnardos supports children whose well-being is under threat, by working with them, their families and communities and by campaigning for the rights of children. Barnardos was established in Ireland in 1962 and is Ireland’s leading independent children’s charity. www.barnardos.ie
