We are delighted to present the three stunning productions we are hosting for StormFest 2025 this August!
Tickets available HERE
9th & 10th August:
The Bear that Wasn’t
Teater Patrasket – Denmark
When the wild geese fly south and the leaves fall from the trees, the bear knows that now is the time to find a cave and go into the den. And that’s exactly what he does, year after year. But then one winter people come to the forest and build, with cranes and machines, right on top of the cave where the Bear lies and sleeps. And in the spring when the bear wakes up, he discovers that he is in a factory where no one believes that he is a bear…
Age: 5+
Duration: 40 min
12th & 13th August:
Geppetto
Amadan Ensemble (NI)
In his forgotten repair shop Geppetto spends his days half-heartedly fixing broken things, living a life empty of happiness and joy. One night a mysterious and magical visitor comes to Geppetto’s shop and completely turns his life upside down; a lamp causes havoc, a radio bursts into song, and a hoover is determined to cause trouble. Together they go on a journey filled with fun and laughter and Geppetto’s new friend leads him into a world full of hope before giving him one last gift… one story’s end is just another story’s beginning.
Age: 6+
Duration: 40 min.
15th & 16th August:
The Land of a Hundred Little Hills
Ceol Connected – Ireland
Inspired by Patrick Kavanagh’s A Christmas Childhood poem, this is a touching story about a young boy whose life was full of wonder, fantastical adventures with his friends, and a deep connection with nature and the world around him. When he grew up and moved away, he lost his wonder.
Can his childhood book of memories help him to rediscover it?
Can he reconnect with the magic of childhood once again?
Using a combination of live music, puppetry and animation The Land of a Hundred Little Hills is a joyful, moving, and action-packed musical tale.
Age: 6+
Duration: 45 min.
Barnstorm Theatre’s StormFest is funded by @artscouncilireland and presented in collaboration with @kilkennyartsfestival
Tickets available HERE
A truly innovative and exciting theatre project born of Kilkenny and exploring the life of a Kilkenny teenager and her friends on the cusp of adulthood. This street theatre experience brings the audience on a journey into the world of this group of friends on the day before one of them leaves for Berlin.
Anna Ní Dhúil is a non-binary Irish writer/director who has been making work professionally since 2021. Since graduating from a BA in Drama and English in 2021, they have been awarded places on the BBC Writersroom Programme, Screen Ireland’s Spotlight Scheme, and the Liverpool Everyman’s Playwrights’ Programme.
When: 14 & 15 August 2025
12pm – 2pm – 4pm
Age: 13+
Duration: 45 min.
Starting from 3 John’s Quay R95 T382
Tickets available here from the 18th July!
Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Barnstorm will offer A FREE Dose of Drama on 3 John’s Quay with taster workshops for young people to experience the fun of all things theatre
Come and join Barnstorm Youth Theatre for a free, fun-filled workshop, where you can unleash your creativity, build confidence and dive into the world of acting and storytelling. Learn from professionals with over 30 years’ experience.
Barnstorm Youth Theatre are holding 2 free exciting and engaging introductory workshops for theatre! The workshops are perfect for children and young people, who are interested in exploring their creativity, building confidence and learning new skills in acting, performance and storytelling.
Through a variety of fun and interactive activities, participants will have the opportunity to develop their voice, movement and imagination and to work collaboratively with their peers, to create original scenes and characters. The workshops provide a supportive environment, where everyone can feel comfortable expressing themselves and trying new things.
Bookings and more information through:
info@barnstorm.ie
(0) 56 7751266
No equipment required
Mon 7 – Fri 11 July 2025
Join us at Barnstorm Theatre Company for a summer filled with creativity, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
Barnstorm Theatre Company has been a cornerstone of Kilkenny’s arts scene, nurturing young talent and producing exceptional theatre for over three decades.
In our week-long drama camp, young people will be immersed in the world of theatre, learning and developing skills in performance and theatre-making, building confidence, making friends, and having lots of fun!
Hosted by our brilliant facilitators and some very exciting Special Guest Facilitators, this promises to be a summer camp you won’t forget.
Mon 7 – Fri 11 July 2025
10am – 4pm
Age 8 – 11 yrs
Age 12 – 15 yrs
Just €150 10% concessions for siblings
To celebrate Creative February, Barnstorm’s Participation and Education Officer, Jo Hennessy, collaborated with three schools—Kennedy College New Ross, Presentation Primary School Castlecomer, and Glengoole—as part of the Creative Associates Scheme. Jo has been actively involved with her partner schools, including learning how to make St. Brigid’s Crosses with fifth and sixth-class students, leading drama workshops for junior and senior infants, and exploring the concept of creativity with secondary school students.
“Creative February is a chance to celebrate all kinds of creativity, whether it’s existing projects or trying something new with your students,” says Jo Hennessy.
Creative February is an initiative established by the Arts Council to promote the arts and creativity in schools across Ireland. This celebration aims to highlight the wonderful projects happening in schools and emphasise the importance of creativity. Schools can access free online resources on the Arts Council’s website, where teachers can find everything from free drama games to guides on how to make a podcast.
Philip Hardy spoke with Nickey Brennan on Kilkenny Radio and the Observer about his life in theatre and the upcoming production of The Quiet Land ..
Barnstorms’ Adult Theatre Club is starting again in 2024 with a one-year part-time programme, Theatre Production Skills.
An exciting opportunity to join a vibrant and dynamic programme of both training and performances. The 2024 Adult Theatre Club will act as an introduction to local adults who wish to explore, investigate and create theatre as a hobby. In the past, club members have experienced training in everything from improvisation, basic acting and stagecraft to theatre directing and scriptwriting. In the past, club members have experienced training in everything from improvisation, basic acting and stagecraft to theatre directing and scriptwriting. The ATC was first introduced in 2007 in answer to many requests from adults in the region who wanted to know more about theatre and how to make a performance. With a maximum of 14 members each year the alumni from successive groups formed the Barn Owl Players, a vibrant local amateur theatre company that still creates its own unique blend of theatre and theatrical happenings from Tennessee Williams, to John B Keane and from One-Act Festivals to full length plays.
“The Adult Theatre Club is an ideal way of introducing anyone new to acting and theatre in a fun environment; as well as offering local actors a means of honing their skills.” says Participation & Education Officer Jo Hennessy. “No experience is necessary just a keen interest, an open mind and a willingness to try new things” she says.
If you are interested fill in an online Registration Form by Friday 5 January. You can also contact Jo, 056 7751266 or jo@barnstorm.ie, to get a Registration Form
The first session is on the 11 January 2024 and every Thursday evening thereafter from 7.00 to 9.00pm at 3 Johns Quay, Kilkenny R95 T382. Booking is essential, as places are limited