CLING TO THE DREAM OF TOMORROW.
Returning to Irish Stages May/June 2027
A beloved new Irish folk musical seen by more than 4000 people across Ireland
In the Midst of Plenty is a powerful original folk musical by writer/composer-lyricist Amy Day that illuminates the rarely told stories of Ireland’s rural communities during the Great Hunger. Centering the voices of ordinary people, especially mothers and families, it follows the migration of 1,490 emigrants from Strokestown, County Roscommon, at the height of the Famine, and the subsequent tenant uprising against the estate’s landlord in 1847. Premiering in 2022 and touring 14 venues across Ireland in 2023, the show was produced by Roscommon-based Enchanted Croi Theatre, and reached more than 4,000 audience members nationwide. The summer tour was made possible by support from the Roscommon County Council, Creative Ireland, the Ireland Funds, the National Famine Way, the Irish Heritage Trust, the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park, and private donation.
Enchanted Croi Theatre is now preparing to bring the show back to Irish stages in Spring/Summer 2027 in conjunction with the Global Irish Famine Way International Conference and Walk of Remembrance.
“Two days later and I am still remembering this unbelievable work of art. The songs, the acting, the story. Truly unforgettable."
Dee, Audience Member
"The enjoyment of the audience was palpable and there was nothing halfhearted about the standing ovation. It may become a masterpiece of our time."
Peter, Audience Member
"A powerful, engaging, and insightful show that captures the imagination from start to finish . . . everyone should see it."
Mags, Audience Member
"The musical was stunning, brought tears to my eyes. The performances were faultless. The musical magical. This needs to be performed worldwide for the Irish community"
Paula, Audience Member
How far would you go to protect the people you love the most?
The year is 1847 and Ireland is under British rule. The potato crop has failed for several years, and millions across Ireland face hunger and displacement. Bridget Connor, a brave and resourceful mother of four living among the Irish rural poor, takes the fate of her family into her own hands upon receiving word that Parliament in London is shutting down the local public works projects that have kept her community alive. As the powerful local landlord hatches a scheme to clear two thirds of the inhabitants of his estate -- many via emigration aboard so-called coffin ships -- Bridget must decide who she is willing to betray in order to keep her family together in Ireland.
Rooted in Irish History
In the Midst of Plenty has its roots in the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park in County Roscommon, Ireland. The musical was inspired by the writer’s visit to the museum in 2019, and the show tells the real-life story of the plot to assassinate the Estate’s landlord in 1847. Drawing heavily from the Strokestown Famine Archive preserved at Strokestown Park, the show brings to life the lived history of the Estate tenants who endured the Great Hunger. It was written in close collaboration with leading Famine historians, including Dr Ciarán Reilly of Maynooth University. Strokestown Park is home to the trailhead of the National Famine Way, the route that 1,490 Strokestown tenants walked to Dublin before boarding ships to Liverpool and then Canada. Their story is the story that In the Midst of Plenty tells. The show’s first developmental run took place at the National Famine Museum at Strokestown Park in 2022, with support from the Irish Heritage Trust, National Famine Museum, National Famine Way, and the Roscommon County Council.
Listen to the Soundtrack
Recorded live on stage at the O'Reilly Theatre, Dublin, July 14, 2023
The Midst History Podcast Ep. 1 is here!
2023 Summer Tour
Image gallery from the Enchanted Croi Theatre production of 'In the Midst of Plenty,' Summer 2023.
Artistic direction by Anne-Marie O'Sullivan
Photography by Sean Casey
Behind the scenes
A glimpse at the adventures of our cast and crew as we toured 'In the Midst of Plenty' to every corner of Ireland in Summer 2023. We travel to beautiful landmarks, joyfully celebrate life milestones, share meals, and spend time together backstage -- and watch through to the end to see some of our incredible audiences and their reactions to the show.
