Produced by Red Kettle Theatre Company in association with Garter Lane Arts Centre and back by popular demand, The Country Girls, iconic Irish novelist Edna O'Brien's début novel, received its world premiere as a stage play in Waterford in October 2011 and sold out completely on its three week run. First published in 1960, The Country Girls shocked the nation on its release, and was promptly banned amid outraged protests from the church and state due to its candid approach to the young female characters and sex.

 

The Country Girls tells the story of Kate and Baba, two girls who have spent their childhood together in rural Ireland. Leaving their sheltered convent school in search of life and love in the big city, they struggle to maintain their tumultuous relationship. Kate, dreamy and romantic, yearns for true love; while Baba wants to experience the life of a single girl. They set out to conquer the world together but as their lives take unexpected turns, including Kate's romantic encounter with Mr Gentleman, the girls must ultimately learn to find their own way.