What a pleasure and privilege to have shared an evening with the staff and members of Luton Irish Forum in their gleaming new building.  A first class welcome, practical support and boundless enthusiasm for the project, all rooted in carefully prepared ground: a preliminary meeting, plenty of time to clarify each other's needs and constraints, officers easy to contact.  Thanks in particular to Nicola and Noelette.

Donal had delivered a warmly received 'taster' of the show, targeted at members with an existing interest in Irish writing - who became ambassadors for the project and set about communicating the production to their friends and contacts.  Word of mouth at its powerful best!

We played to a full hall. Some had come from beyond Northampton for the evening, others were quick to point out they were Italian, not Irish!  Others again were local people who had never before had any connection with the Forum, but whose verdict was  'I didn't know what to expect...More of the same please!'

Chairman Frank Horan has a vision for raising the profile of cultural activities within the Forum's span of work, and inspiring new events are scheduled for the coming months.  With their Journey to the Fifth Province under way we sense a future of arts, culture and immense vitality for the Forum and for the people of Luton no matter what their heritage.

'We have all had our spirits uplifted this evening...'  Frank Horan, Chairman, Luton Irish Forum

Yes, shortly before the show, a power failure plunged part of Southsea into darkness along with half of the hall at Portsmouth Irish Club!  Only half, mind you, so we were only half worried and decided to use the half hour of half light to have a snack. Charlie, the Club’s Steward, went into action on our behalf and thankfully all was back up and fully lit by scheduled start time.

A fantastic response from the Club members and officers who attended – the show was breaking new ground for them and, not surprisingly, the prospect had given them a few anxious moments. So rewarding then, to hear reports that people had really enjoyed it. Conversation lasted long after the show, with members of the audience offering help to dismantle the set, pack away lamps, and entering into deep discussion of our production design.

We picked up clear messages about a town in recession, about high unemployment and limited incomes. Seems the power of ‘Journey to the Fifth Province’ had reached the right place!

‘Beautiful, thought provoking. I want to study those poets now. It really awoke something deep inside me.’   R Callan

Just drawn breath from Wednesday and here we are, back on the rails, this time heading for our performance in Portsmouth. We undertook early on to make this tour as environmentally sustainable as we could – public transport wherever possible, pulling set, costume and props behind us in wheeled cases. Two thirds of the set travel in a pair of large tubes as something we fondly call The Gun Carriage, with the remainder slung from whoever’s shoulder is free at the time. London Underground staff tend to think we’re on a fishing trip…                                   Harps are a different matter though, and it’s understood that Steph and Harriet will need to drive to venues. We try to minimise their driving by juggling geography and bookings as best we can.

A fine example of creative collaboration in the Digbeth area of Birmingham delivered a top quality Fifth Province event last night.  Our performance at Birmingham Irish Centre was the product of extensive work, over several months, developing contacts with local organisations: Birmingham Irish Heritage Group, Irish in Birmingham (welfare), Birmingham St Patrick's Association, The rnr Organisation (arts and culture consultancy), South Birmingham College and last, though by no means least, The Old Crown Inn.

We were especially pleased to welcome in the audience Mike Kalowski-Naylor from Arts Council England (West Midlands Region), whose remit includes getting to see theatrical work in the region that has ACE funding support.  It was extremely valuable to speak with Mike and gratifying to hear him so enthused by our own work and complimentary about the production.

Audience numbers can always do with being higher, but our Birmingham performance was particularly warmly received and the feedback most encouraging.  The event, as a whole, was a powerful reminder of the strength that lies in collaborative ways of working.