Callings

Written By: Dominic Montague
Directed By: Paula McFetridge
Production Premiere: 15th February 2022

Charged with the iconic music of the era, and set amidst a storm of anti-gay headlines, Callings delves deep into the daily struggle for survival of the LGBTQI+ community and reflects on how even simple acts of connection can change the course of a life.

The play follows the lives of Bridget, Helen, Martin, Jason, and Tommy – five gay/lesbian people who sought sanctuary and community through CaraFriend – a phoneline and befriending service set up in the 1970’s to support our hidden LGBTQ+ communities’.

Callings explores how these bright and resilient individuals found themselves and each other during oppressive times. In an era when the government attempted to quash their right to love, this group’s sheer existence was an act of resistance and joy.

From rallying against the Save Ulster from Sodomy campaign to celebrating the right to exist won through the Dudgeon vs UK trial, Callings looks at the historical challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities, and celebrates just how far we’ve come.

Callings does well to never feel too worthy or too laboured. It celebrates rurality, villages and towns as much as the brighter lights of Belfast.

Alan In Belfast
It has moments of genuine pathos such as the first kiss between Cuchulain (aka ‘Tommy’, conveyed with sensitivity by the brilliant Simon Sweeney) and Jason (the equally good Christopher Grant). The story of Brigid, a young lesbian with a crush on Jamie Lee Curtis, who finds it tough to even articulate or say the ‘L-word’ is also very moving.

Jane Hardy - Irish News
Absolutely amazing! This is one of the most profound pieces I have seen in years!! Incredible!!

Audience Feedback
Female 26-50 BT10
What an important piece of queer theatre for the north. Unreal!

Audience Feedback
Male 18-25 BT65

CREATIVE TEAM

Cast:
Bridget - Vicky Allen

Martin - Chris Robinson

Helen - Michelle Wiggins (2024)
Paula Carson-Lewis (2022)

Tommy - Simon Sweeney

Jason (& Other Callers) -
Christopher Grant

Creative Team:

Production Manager – Rory Casey

Stage Manager - Caitlín Hunter

Costume Designer – Erin Charteris

Sound Designer – Katie Richardson

Lighting Designer – Conleth White

Costume Alterations – Mel Lyle

Set Builder – Jim Carson

Movement & Intimacy Director - Paula O’Reilly

Brand Design – Conor McClure

Comms and Marketing - Andrew Moore

Public Relations – Gary Kelly

Publicity Photography – Johnny Frazer

BSL Interpreter – Kristina Laverty

Producer – Andrew Hume

Assistant Producer – Lizzie Howard

Associate Producer - Colm G Doran

PAST PERFORMANCES

2nd – 6th October, The Lyric, Belfast
10th -11th October, MAC, Birmingham
16th – 17th October, Stanley Arts, Croydon
18th – 19th October, Chats Palace, Hackney
23rd October, Hawk’s Well, Sligo
24th October, The Market Place, Armagh
25th October, Riverbank Arts Centre, Kildare
26th October, Down Arts Cenre, Downpatrick
1st November, Black Mountain Shared Space
2nd November, Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda
3rd November, Garage Theatre, Monaghan
6th – 9th November, Project Arts Centre, Dublin
15th – 17th February, Lyric Theatre Belfast
18th February, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Derry~Londonderry
19th February, The Market Place Theatre, Armagh
22nd February, The Ardhowen, Enniskillen
23rd February, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh
24th February, Flemington Community Centre, Balbriggan
25th February, An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk
26th February, The Riverside, Coleraine