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
Belfast performances
- Queens Drama Studio, Belfast 1st to 20th September
August – October 2008
- Newry Arts Centre 29/30 August
- Strule Arts Centre, Omagh 24/25 Septmber
- Ardhowen theatre, Enniskillen 26/27 September
- An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny 29/30 September
- Hawkswell Theatre, Sligo 1st /2nd October
- Alley Theatre, Strabaqne 3rd/4th October
- Burnavon Arts Centre, Cookstown 6/7 October
- Axis Arts Centre, Dublin 8/9 October
- Marketplace Theatre, Armagh 10/11 October
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