Theatre News

Gala Welcomes The Beauty Queen of Leenane

The Gala Theatre Durham will welcome London Classic Theatre as they present the darkly comic tale, The Beauty Queen of Leenane by award winning writer, Martin McDonagh this September.

Set in the mountains of Connemara, County Galway, The Beauty Queen of Leenane tells the tale of Maureen Folan, a plain, lonely woman in her early forties, and Mag, her manipulative, ageing mother. When Mag interferes in Maureen’s first and possibly final chance of a loving relationship, a train of events set in motion that leads inexorably towards the play’s terrifying finale.

The multi award-winning play is a gripping blend of dark comedy, melodrama, horror and tragedy and has won several awards including the Critic’s Circle Award and a nomination for six Tony Awards after its transfer to Broadway.

In addition to the numerous nominations and awards for his playwriting, Martin McDonagh is also highly acclaimed for his film making. His 2006 film Six Shooter won an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film and his most recent film In Bruges, starring Colin Farrel and Ralph Fiennes, received several nominations including an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and scooped the BAFTA award in the same category.

The Beauty Queen of Leenane contains strong language with the recommended age 14+. It runs from Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 September at 7:30pm. Tickets are priced £13 (£12 concessions, £10 Gala Friends) and can be obtained by contacting the Gala Box Office on 0191 332 4041 or by visiting the website at galadurham.co.uk