Thomas Burns Scully News

September sees the return of Origin Theatre's extraordinary 1st Irish Festival, a movable theatrical feast ranked by many as one of the city's premiere theatre festivals. This year once again features 1st Irish's staple Next Generation series which includes the much anticipated Dorothy of Nowhere, written by newcomer Thomas Burns Scully.

A number of prominent theatre companies and artists from Ireland are taking part in this year's 9th annual Origin's 1st Irish Festival taking place from September 6 to October 3.

'On The Spot' is the only show in New York City that combines the dulcet tones of cabaret, with frantic hilarity of improv comedy. It has been in existence for over a year, and will soon celebrate the six-month anniversary of its open ended weekly run at the Broadway Comedy Club. It has an excellent critical reputation, being described as 'spot-on', 'fun-filled', 'top-notch' and 'laugh-out-loud'. As well as being 'a show that takes 'anything for a laugh' to new heights of bravery!' (Hi! Drama, Ludus NYC, Culture Catch) Audiences love it, and singers between shows love coming down between gigs to contribute to the fun. Guest artists have included Brian Falduto, better known as the hilarious young stylist 'Fancypants' in Richard Linklater's 'School of Rock', as well as Amanda Nicholas, one of the stars of cult Off-Broadway Sensation 'Bayside! The Musical!, and Billboard Top 40 singer Janine Berenson. It's clearly a show with staying power.

What do you get when you combine some of the best vocalists in New York with World-class improvisers? You get a brand new type of show, where a new musical is created each night ... 'On the Spot'.   

BritBits 9, Mind The Gap Theatre's ongoing series of short plays by, for or about the British returns to Videograf's private video studio in Chelsea for two performances that will be simultaneously live streamed on the web.