Pumpgirl

By Abbie Spallen

Directed by
- Andrew Flynn

Cast:
- Samantha Heaney
- Stuart Graham
- Maggie Hayes

A turbo-charged race through diesel fumes and country music of the borderlands of South Armagh. The Pumpgirl, rebel racer Hammy and his wife Sinead are all on a course for a dramatic collision, but will they survive the impact?

The play, written by Newry playwright Abbie Spallen, is set in a petrol station just north of the Border, located on the wrong side of the fluctuating exchange rate. The business is on its last legs: battered, faded signs grace the stage – desperate attempts at enticing customers with cheap two –litre bottles of cola. Pumpgirl is one of the people who work in the petrol station.

There’s one in every town and they call her the Pumpgirl. She works in the garage, changes the oil and thinks she’s one of the lads. She’s sweet on “No-Helmet” Hammy, but he loves no-one but himself. He’s out all night with his racing boys, whilst wife Sinead’s off on a joyride of her own.

Pumpgirl was originally produced by the Bush Theatre, London and received its premiere at the Edinburgh Festival in 2006. it was produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York in 2007 to rave reviews. This is Irish premiere production of the play.

“Abbie Spallen comes out all guns blazing, with writing so sparky and intricately observed, it seems as if it might spontaneously combust”
**** The Guardian

“A fiercely observed, unflinching play , emphasising the staggering force of good storytelling”
NY Times

Contains strong language and sexual content – not suitable for under 16’s.

Tour and Performance dates

August – October 2008

• Strule Arts Centre,
  Omagh
  Booking: 028 - 8224 7831
  24/25 Septmber
  
  
• Ardhowen theatre,
  Enniskillen
  Booking: 028 - 6632 5440
  26/27 September
  
  
• An Grianán Theatre,
  Letterkenny
  Booking: 074 - 9120777
  29/30 September
  
  
• Hawkswell Theatre,
  Sligo
  Booking: 071 - 916 1526
  1st /2nd October
  
  
• Alley Theatre,
  Strabane
  Booking: 028 - 7138 4444
  3rd/4th October
  
  
• Burnavon Arts Centre,
  Cookstown
  Booking: 028 - 8676 9949
  6/7 October
  
  
• Axis Arts Centre,
  Dublin
  Booking: 01 - 883 2100
  8/9 October
  
  
• Marketplace Theatre,
  Armagh
  028 - 3752 1821
  10/11 October