Set Theatre is set to celebrate stellar first year with birthday bash

By John Cleary

Over the past 12 months Langton’s Set Theatre in Kilkenny has quickly gone from being the city’s newest music venue to being one of the most talked about venues in the country.

Barely two months into its existence the budding theatre was crowned the IMRO ‘Live music venue of the year’ for Leinster, excluding the capital, a massive boost for the new venue.

Since its inception, Set has been host to a jam packed programme of music and theatre, the envy of more established venues across the island.

And to mark its first birthday next month, it will play host to a night of celebration featuring some of the friends who have made it such a memorable first year.

“The first year has exceeded our expectations to be fair,” Barry Ennis, venue manager, told the Advertiser this week.

“The theatre has been hugely well received by touring bands, with several quotes from various acts highlighting it as the best venue they have played in the country.

“From our end we have done really well with a strong programme that has been well received by punters and acts alike.

“Some of the highlights include hosting people like Josh Ritter and Bell X1 and Mick Flannery’s album launch. We were also privileged to host the recording of Mick Hanley’s ‘Past the Point of Rescue’ DVD, featuring Christy Moore and Mary Black, who joined him on stage in Set.”

Along the way Set played a starring role in three of Kilkenny’s famous festivals, the Rhythm and Roots, the Cat Laughs comedy festival and the Arts Festival.

“In the future we are looking forward to the return of Bell X1 in October, which is already sold out, and welcoming Paul Heaton, the lead singer from the Housemartins and the Beautiful South as well as looking forward to having back some of the acts that played before and welcoming many new ones.”

The birthday bash will take place in Set on Thursday, September 16, with live music from 9.30pm with special guests including Mick Flannery, Jerry Fish, RSAG, Our Little Secrets, Clive Barnes and more.

“It has been fantastic how well the people of Kilkenny have supported us and this special event is to say thank you for their support. Some of the acts who have played are coming back of their own volition as a mark of what they think of the venue.”

Langton’s are also hoping to open their latest bar, Bridie’s Bar and Grocery, beside Set Theatre, on the same night. The new bar is based on an old world concept with patrons reaching the bar through the grocery section.

Keep an eye on the Kilkenny Advertiser in the coming weeks for a chance to win free tickets to Set’s first birthday bash.

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