The Star of Chester’s Lane

Droichead Arts Centre are delighted to bring back The Star of Chester's Lane following its recent sell out performance at Drogheda Arts Festival to celebrate National Heritage Week 2018.

1854, Drogheda: Mr McGrath has fallen to his death working on the building of the Boyne Viaduct, leaving his wife, Catherine, alone to fend for herself.

What’s a poor woman to do…?

…Put on his clothes, of course, and take up his place in the world!

Kate McGrath was a navvy by name and navvy by nature: Navvy, hawker, drunkard, comedienne, trailblazer, and tale-teller. A woman well beyond her time, she loved and laughed and lived a fascinating and colourful existence, managing to pack several lifetimes into her 60 years as one of Drogheda’s most infamous residents.

The world premiere of The Star of Chester's Lane sees Quintessence Theatre use their dazzling physical ensemble theatre techniques to reimagine bustling 19th century Drogheda and the remarkable true story of one of the town’s best loved historical street characters, Kate the Navvy.

‘Brave, daring and innovative…has a virtuoso flair and arresting boldness. A substantial piece of theatre’ – Northern Standard, October 2017