Backstage Theatre Online Bookclub with Dani Gill

What to Expect

Backstage Theatre’s Online Bookclub is hosted by writer and curator Dani Gill and runs on Zoom, so you take part from home. Each session picks up one title and talks it through for an hour. The reading list mixes Irish and international writing by prize-winning authors, and participants get a vote on possible titles through the registration form rather than having the list handed down.

One session in the run brings the author of that month’s book into the call to discuss the work directly with the group. Anyone who sticks with the series to the end gets a custom bookmark. It is presented by Backstage in partnership with the LIVE Network, the group of venues that co-programme this kind of participation strand across several counties.

Three meetings remain in the current run: Wednesday 23 September, Wednesday 21 October and Wednesday 18 November 2026, each from 8:00 PM.

Good to Know

• Next meeting Wednesday 23 September 2026, 8:00 PM.
• Further sessions on Wednesday 21 October and Wednesday 18 November 2026.
• Runs on Zoom. There is no in-person element, so you can join from anywhere.
• Completely free. Registration is by Google Form linked from the Backstage event page, or through the Book Now button. No ticket purchase.
• Hosted by writer and curator Dani Gill.
• Presented by Backstage Theatre with the LIVE Network.
• Register in advance so the reading list and the Zoom link reach you before the session.
• Box office queries on 043 33 47888, Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Getting There

This one needs no travel. The book club meets on Zoom and the link is sent to registered participants ahead of each session, so all you need is a device with a camera and microphone and a reasonable broadband connection.

If you want to combine it with a visit to the venue that runs it, Backstage Theatre is at Farneyhoogan on the eastern edge of Longford town, sharing a campus with Templemichael College and beside Longford Rugby Club. Leave the N4 at the Longford exit and follow the signs for the theatre. There is free parking on site, Longford railway station is about two kilometres away on the Dublin Connolly to Sligo line, and Bus Eireann and Local Link services stop in the town centre.