The Saw Doctors anthem ‘Green and Red of Mayo’ hit number one on the Spotify charts this summer, providing the backdrop for a new musical theatre show in Galway titled Shamtown, according to project creator Ollie Jennings.
The production weaves together stories, memories, and songs from the late 1980s and early 1990s in Tuam, the hometown of The Saw Doctors. Jennings, who serves as the band’s manager and founded the Galway Arts Festival, stated that the script captures how the group captured the nation’s heart with hits like “N17” and “Red Cortina.”
From Tuam Roots to the Galway Stage
Named after the local slang word for Tuam, Shamtown explores small-town Ireland during a period when the local band scene thrived before economic pressures hit. Jennings noted that the closure of the Tuam Sugar Factory and the subsequent emigration of young people formed a social history backdrop for the production, interspersed with the band’s catalog.
Did you know? Shamtown culminates in the band’s historic homecoming performance at the 1991 West’s Awake festival in Tuam Stadium, according to production details provided by Ollie Jennings.
During a pilot run of the musical, audiences heard renditions of “To Win Just Once,” “Same Oul’ Town,” “Clare Island,” and “I Useta Lover.” The production also incorporates music from Blade X members Paul Cunniffe and Padraig Stevens. Jennings developed the script alongside theatre director Andrew Flynn and musical director Carl Kennedy, after gathering anecdotes from individuals who experienced the arts scene in Tuam and Galway City.
Cast, Crew, and Funding Support
The cast features eight actors and three musicians, including Saw Doctors drummer Rickie O’Neill, actors Jarlath Tivnan and Midie Corcoran, and singers Eilish McCarthy, Eoin Mullins, and Emily Donoghue. Development for the project received grant backing from the Galway City Council Arts Office, the Town Hall Theatre Patron scheme, and an Agility Award from The Arts Council awarded to Jennings.
Shamtown is scheduled to open at the Mick Lally Theatre on Druid Lane in Galway City this November. Due to high public demand, the run expanded to 18 scheduled performances, with all dates currently sold out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration behind Shamtown?
According to Ollie Jennings, the musical is inspired by the social history of Tuam and Galway City during the late 1980s and early 1990s, drawing on local memories, the closure of the Tuam Sugar Factory, and the music of The Saw Doctors.
Where is the show taking place?
The production runs at the Mick Lally Theatre on Druid Lane in Galway City, opening in November with 18 scheduled performances.
Who is involved in the production?
The project was written by Ollie Jennings, directed by Andrew Flynn, with Carl Kennedy as musical director. The cast includes Saw Doctors drummer Rickie O’Neill alongside actors and singers Jarlath Tivnan, Midie Corcoran, Eilish McCarthy, Eoin Mullins, and Emily Donoghue.
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