Three generations of women: one extraordinary year of sex, birth, death and salsa classes.
A Gúna Nua / Civic Theatre Production
Amber has fierce bad indigestion and the Sambucas aren’t getting rid of it. Lorraine attacks a customer at work and her boss wants her to see a psychiatrist. Kay’s got an itch that Gem can’t scratch (but maybe Kermit can). Paul is just using Amber until he can get to Australia. The Hairy Man fancies Lorraine but fails to rise to the occasion, and Gem doesn’t like the neighbours coming in to ‘mind’ him. And if all that wasn’t bad enough, Little Gem makes his presence felt and…well…life is never the same again.
Little Gem, Elaine Murphy’s first full-length play, has swept the boards since its sell out run as part of the 2008 Dublin Fringe Festival. It was the surprise hit of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the first ever Irish production to receive the prestigious Carol Tambor Award. Now the Abbey is delighted to present this heart-warming tale of courage, comedy and romance on the Peacock stage, following its tour to New York in 2010.
‘gurgles and giggles with life…’ The Guardian
‘blazing authenticity – and with the performances to back it up…’ The Times
‘three stunning performances…’ The Scotsman
There will be a sign language interpreted performance for Little Gem on Saturday 20 February 2.30pm. Find out more about our assisted performances here.
Wednesday 20 January – Saturday 27 February
Preview Tuesday 19 January
Monday – Saturday evening 8pm, Saturday matinee 2.30pm
Tickets: €18 – €25
Book now or call 01 87 87 222
FROM THE BLOG
Irish artists take New York by storm
10 Jan 2010, in Behind the ScenesThe Abbey joins leading Irish performers and promoters in New York this January to present and promote some of our best work to an international audience.
Little Gem press release
17 Nov 2009, in Behind the Scenes 2 commentsAbbey Theatre delighted to present multi award-winning play, Little Gem, as first show of 2010
Wed 20 January – Sat 27 February 2010
Preview: Tue 19 JanuaryDecember 2009 – The Abbey Theatre is delighted to present the Gúna Nua/Civic Theatre production of LITTLE GEM, by play-writing newcomer ELAINE MURPHY, at the Peacock from 20 January until 27 February 2010. The first production of the new year, LITTLE GEM at the Abbey demonstrates the national theatre’s commitment to continue supporting and collaborating with the best of the country’s artistic talent.
By Popular Demand
16 Nov 2009, in Behind the Scenes 0 commentsThey’re back.
Assisted performances
25 Jun 2009, in Engage and LearnThe Abbey Theatre currently offers a range of services for deaf and disabled patrons including signed, audio described and captioned performances.
REVIEWS: WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
See all reviews‘Sarah Greene…Hilda Fay…Anita Reeves…are all terrific. We all, I fancy, left feeling just that little bit better about life.’
‘Little Gem will undoubtedly travel the English speaking world, and as it does so will proclaim Elaine Murphy one of the most promising new playwrights around’.
‘Murphy and her brilliant cast make us care about every breath these women take, and make you want to hug them.’
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REVIEWS: WHAT YOU SAID
I loved this play. It got the mix exactly right between comedy and sadness. We can all relate with one or all of the characters …
Trish Doyle, Beaumont, Dublin 27 Feb 2010, 02:31
it made me cry, laugh and ponder all within a spectacular few hours I recommend to people of all ages and gender A+++++++++++++++++++++++++
…Richie Byrne, Donaghmede 12 Feb 2010, 23:09
REVIEWS: WHAT THE CRITICS SAID
‘Sarah Greene…Hilda Fay…Anita Reeves…are all terrific. We all, I fancy, left feeling just that little bit better about life.’
Cast
Creative Team
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REVIEWS: WHAT YOU SAID
See all (8) reviews* * * * *
I loved this play. It got the mix exactly right between comedy and sadness. We can all relate with one or all of the characters depending on our age and circumstances. Best play I have seen in years.
Trish Doyle, Beaumont, Dublin 27 Feb 2010, 02:31
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it made me cry, laugh and ponder all within a spectacular few hours I recommend to people of all ages and gender A+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Richie Byrne, Donaghmede 12 Feb 2010, 23:09
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I cried...I laughed...I laughed so much I cried- a wonderful script and wonderful actors - thank you so much for the journey you took me!
Ruth, Dublin 22 Jan 2010, 01:28
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I had the privilege of bringing Little Gem to New York, as the winner of the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh award. New Yorkers loved it-- despite Elaine not changing word to suit an American audience. The emotions are universal and ever so authentic. Laughter and sniffles in equal measure at every performance!
I am now planning a trip to Dublin so I can see it yet again! A play to savor again and again.
Sincerely,
Carol Tambor
carol tambor, new york. new york 21 Jan 2010, 17:57
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I loved this play. If I could offer you five reasons to see the play, they are, in no particular order:
1. It will make you laugh long and hard because it’s a great script.
2. It will make you want to hug someone after, because it’s a story you’ll recognise
3. Anita Reeves as Kay
4. Sarah Greene as Amber
5. Hilda Fay as Lorraine
I’ll be back to see it. Genuinely. I’ll be bringing my parents. I’ll be going with my friends. Brilliant play for people who don’t normally go to the theatre. Give it a go, see for yourself!
Darragh, Dublin 21 Jan 2010, 02:32
I loved this play, i went from laughing out loud to wiping a tear from my eye! The characters are so real, you end up wanting to be part of their family!
Norma Quinsey, Wexford 20 Jan 2010, 12:30
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It’ll make you laugh and cry all at the same time… fantastic play with characters we can all relate to!
Clare Harney, Dublin 19 Jan 2010, 17:35
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the funniest i have seen in a long time
richard murphy, luskvillage 7 Jan 2010, 16:51
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