The Unreal Housewives of Derry: Ride Again Delivers a Major Success at the Millennium Forum

Greater Shantallow Community Arts is celebrating the remarkable success of The Unreal Housewives of Derry: Ride Again following two hugely popular performances at the Millennium Forum on 12 and 13 June.

Bringing together a talented cast of local performers, an experienced creative team and the support of businesses and organisations from across the city, the production delivered an unforgettable weekend of comedy, drama and distinctly Derry humour to packed audiences.

Produced by Oliver Green, directed by Brian Hasson and written by Rosie Patton, The Unreal Housewives of Derry: Ride Again built upon the success of the original production and demonstrated the growing appetite for locally produced theatre that places community voices and talent centre stage.

The production was further supported by videographer and editor Aodhán Roberts, whose visual storytelling was a central structural element of the performance, with his video work integrated throughout the live show.

Audience members filled the Millennium Forum across both performances, responding with laughter, applause and overwhelming enthusiasm for a show that celebrated friendship, resilience and the colourful personalities that have made the Housewives such beloved characters. The production featured a cast of nine local women performers whose energy, commitment and stage presence helped bring the story to life.

The success of the production was the result of months of preparation involving cast, crew, volunteers, sponsors and community partners. Filming and production activities took place across a range of local venues and businesses, highlighting the strong sense of collaboration that exists within Derry's arts and business communities.

Oliver Green, Producer of The Unreal Housewives of Derry: Ride Again and Artistic Director of Greater Shantallow Community Arts, praised everyone involved in bringing the production to the stage.

"The response from audiences has been incredible. To see so many people come together to support local theatre at the Millennium Forum was something very special. This production represents everything community arts should be - ambitious, inclusive, entertaining and rooted in the people and stories of our city. We are immensely grateful to every cast member, volunteer, sponsor, supporter and audience member who helped make this production such a success."

Special recognition was paid to writer Rosie Patton, director Brian Hasson, the cast, production team, volunteers and sponsors whose dedication helped transform the project from script to stage. The production also benefited from the support of numerous local organisations and businesses who contributed facilities, locations and resources throughout the creative process.

The overwhelming audience response across the two-night run further reinforces the importance of investing in community arts and creating opportunities for local performers, writers and creatives to showcase their talents on major stages.

As the curtain closes on another successful chapter for The Unreal Housewives of Derry, Greater Shantallow Community Arts extends its sincere thanks to everyone who attended, supported and championed the production. Their continued encouragement ensures that local creativity can continue to thrive and reach new audiences across the city and beyond.

For one memorable weekend, the Millennium Forum belonged to the Housewives - and Derry showed up in force.