Backstage Theatre Online Bookclub

What to Expect

Backstage Theatre in Longford runs a free online book club that meets monthly on Wednesday evenings at 8pm, presented through the LIVE Network and hosted by writer and curator Dani Gill. The series began on 1 July 2026 and runs to 18 November 2026, with the remaining sessions falling on 23 September, 21 October and 18 November. Participants join from home, so it is open to readers anywhere in the county rather than only to people who can get to the theatre on Farneyhoogan.

The reading list mixes Irish and international titles by prize-winning authors, and authors take part in the discussion across the series, so some sessions are a conversation with the writer rather than only among readers. Registration includes a vote on which titles the group will read, which means the list is shaped by the people taking part rather than handed down. Anyone who completes the series receives a custom bookmark. Sign-up is through a Google Form linked from the Book Now button on the Backstage Theatre event page, and there is no charge at any stage. It is one of the few standing free adult community activities in the Backstage programme, which is otherwise built around ticketed theatre, music and comedy.

Good to Know

• Remaining 2026 dates: Wednesday 23 September, Wednesday 21 October and Wednesday 18 November
• Time: 8pm, running about an hour
• Format: online, join from home; no travel required
• Price: free, registration through the sign-up form on the Backstage Theatre event page
• Registered members vote on the book titles and receive a bookmark on completing the series

Getting There

No travel is needed, as the book club runs online. Backstage Theatre itself is at Farneyhoogan on the edge of Longford town, signposted from the N4 and N63, with free parking on site if you are attending one of the theatre’s in-person shows.