Presented by The Actors Circle, London (Premiere)

Monday, 9th May - Saturday, 14th May (by William Sutcliffe, Director: Mark Pollard) The Project Theatre at 8.15pm. Tickets 14/10 euro

'New Boy' is a sparkling coming of age comedy-drama set in the 1980's - "stand up virgin schoolboys" as it were! The story centres on gawky seventeen year old Mark who is anxious to get his sex life jump-started. When the 'new boy' Barry (the face of an angel, the body of a god - and the name of a plasterer) begins classes at Mark's all boys school, the two quickly become fast friends. This new relationship allows Mark the opportunity to experience his hormonal aspirations vicariously through Barry's exploits as Barry has no problems seducing members of the opposite sex - be it the students of the neighbouring girls school, or members of the faculty! Through it all, the two boys develop a very close bond that could ultimately change the course of their lives.

"New Boy" is based on the international best selling novel by William Sutcliffe (previous work includes the equally popular "Are You Experienced?") and adapted for the stage by the BBC's Russell Labey. The play has already had successful runs in London, Edinburgh and off-Broadway. This production will be the Irish premiere and follows The Actors' Circle's popular production of "Personals" at last year's Festival. That production received the highest audience response rate of all the productions at last year's Festival ( almost double that of any other production) and subsequently enjoyed a sell out season at London's Landor Theatre.

About The Company

The Actors Circle was formed in 2003 by Mark Pollard, whose West End credits include The Mousetrap, Joseph, Starlight Express and Singin' In The Rain and since then has produced three London productions as well as their work in Dublin. Later this year they will premiere new comedy "Back To Your Roots", about an Irish born hairdresser, at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Dublin born actor/director Mark Pollard attended the press launch for this year's Festival and said "We are delighted to be returning to the festival and in particular delighted to be given the opportunity to work at The Project Arts Centre. "New Boy" is a terrific coming of age comedy drama which should have a very wide audience appeal. Basically it's a play for ANYONE who's ever been 17. Set in the 1980's it also features some great 80's music and some not so great but hilarious 80's fashion and haircuts. We have a terrific cast in place including Claire McCarthy and Imogen Rand who proved so popular with last year's audiences."

Cast & Crew

Mark: James Milton
Barry: Marcus O'Donovan
Dan: ?
Mrs Mumford: Clare Kissane
Louise: Claire-Elizabeth McCarthy
Girl at Disco & Girl at Call Centre: Imogen Rands

Director: Mark Pollard
Producer: Claire-Elizabeth McCarthy
Assistant Producer: Imogen Rands
Stage Manager: Marina Hadji-Panayi
Publicity & Programme Design: Gareth Hulance

Show Reviews

"The much anticipated production from the Actors Circle London, brought London gay theatre back to the Project Arts Centre thirty seasons after the controversial production by Gay Sweatshop that saw Dublin Corporation threaten the Centre with closure in 1976. Thirty seasons later and with the support of Dublin City Council this Russell Labey play fully engaged and entertained the audience. It is a play with many comic lines, and deals with some serious issues like stereotyping and the difficulties handling coming out in adolescence. The production values were very high and the interpolation of classic 80s hits were a camp and innovative addition that really helped to move along the pace. There were some outstanding performances. James Milton (Mark) was a powerhouse of energy, angst, naivety, emotion, confusion with hilarious impact at times. His performance was the lynchpin of this strong production. The object of his confused desire was a laid back Barry (Marcus O'Donovan) whose secure personality and striking looks raised the hormone and testosterone levels amongst the student and teacher population. Though the boys were a bit beefy to pass as adolescents, their uninhibited playing brought a sense of the time and period to the play. One of the finest performances I have seen in the festival is Claire Kissane's Mrs. Mumford, the frustrated French teacher (who runs off with Barry). Her opening monologue was sensational and her entire performance belied her petite stature in its power. Claire Elizabeth McCarthy, Imogen Rands and Daniel Fine (as Mark's gay brother) more than held their own amidst such a talented bunch. The production directed by Mark Pollard was slick, pacey, and laced with added atmospheric extras. Plaudits also go to stage manager Marina Hadji Panayi for the ambitious lighting plot (which worked), and created lots of interesting locations on the excellent set. "The New Boy" was a good example of a company who got a lot out of a play that is somewhat flawed in its structure, particularly the lack of an ending, and the thin line between objecting to being gay and advertising the justification for the objection. But then that's all a production company can do with a play and in that it was quite a success." - Gordon Farrell, Scene City - June 2005