A special evening in the Theatre Royal to celebrate Waterford's most renowned playwright

“A talent on the rise” is how RTE described Jim Nolan when the state broadcaster reviewed ‘The Gods Are Angry Miss Kerr’ in 1985.

Fast forward forty years to May 2025 when Bowler Hat Theatre Company will host a very special evening at Theatre Royal to honour this critically acclaimed work from Waterford’s most renowned playwright.

“An Evening with Jim Nolan” will be hosted by well known Waterford actor Carrie Crowley who will invite the audience to ‘eavesdrop’ on an intimate chat with the notoriously private and immensely proud Deise man.

This reflection of Jim Nolan’s debut, full length play will provide theatregoers with a unique “behind the scenes” peak into the creation of the work that led to a lifelong successful writing and directing career.

The play made its debut on the Theatre Royal stage, as Red Kettle Theatre Company’s inaugural production on May 2nd, 1985. Jim has carefully selected some of his favourite scenes from the play which will be performed on the night by an ensemble of talented local actors & directed by Waterford’s Liam Meagher and Andrew Holden.

Set in the summer of 1956, ‘The Gods are Angry, Miss Kerr’ focuses on the lives and dreams of Jute Factory workers in Waterford and recalls the industrial decline of the city following the factory's closure. The play delves into the characters' search for meaning and purpose in their lives, particularly in the face of hardship and uncertainty.

In celebrating this crucial milestone in the career of the writer, Jim’s longtime friend Carrie Crowley will look for the inside track on questions he has so skilfully avoided over the years such as “Does he still like it?, what would he change about it now? and where does it rank in his body of work?”

To hear the answers to these questions and experience a taste of quality, local live theatre, book tickets now at www.theatreroyal.ie for what promises to be a magical night at the Royal.

‘An Evening with Jim Nolan’ celebrating the 40th anniversary of ‘The Gods are Angry, Miss Kerr’ will take place at 7.30pm, Thursday May 29th, 2025, Theatre Royal Waterford.

Profits from the night will go to the Ted & Mary O’Regan Arts Bursary, specifically for new young Waterford Writers.

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