THEATRE Signs of Diva fever in Ballina

Signs of Diva fever in Ballina


The internationally acclaimed UK-based Graeae Theatre Company will stage ‘Signs of Diva’ at Ballina Arts Centre on Saturday, February 22, at 8pm.
Presented in partnership with Arts & Disability Ireland, ‘Signs of a Diva’ follows the adventures of mousey old Sue (Caroline Parker), the undertaker from Bingley Bridge. No one knows she’s a diva fanatic, until one day she is offered a cabaret spot at Harry’s Place. Overnight, Tammy Frascati is born and Sue finds herself hurtling to stardom and Las Vegas, signing the songs of her favourite divas, Billie Holiday, Dusty Springfield, Ella Fitzgerald and Gloria Gaynor.  
But, as success beckons a handsome stranger pierces Sue’s heart. What does she do? Can she have both?
The show is a one-woman tour-de-force with Caroline Parker, known as ‘Britain’s favourite deaf diva’ at the helm. All performances include signed songs, captioned text and audio description. The show is full of classic songs by all the divas, given a fresh twist for those who can’t hear who may be discovering the songs for the first time, and also for those who can hear, but who will see them in a new light. A most see for all diva fans!
PΡdraig Naughton of Arts & Disability Ireland says, “I’ve always dreamed of seeing internationally acclaimed work by artists with disabilities in theatres and arts centres throughout Ireland. This tour of ‘Signs of a Diva’ is the start of Arts & Disability Ireland’s regular presentation of high-quality innovative performing arts to audiences nationally.

Tickets (€15/€12 each) for ‘Signs of Diva’ in Ballina Arts Centre are available from www.ballinaartscentre.com or 096 73593.