Welcome to Mary Rochford's Website

 

Mary Rochford was born and grew up in Dublin. She has spent most of her adult life in Birmingham, England, where she read English and History at the University of Birmingham. She obtained a Masters in Literary Studies at Birmingham City University and has worked as a lecturer in Further Education. Her collection of short stories, Gilded Shadows, was longlisted for the  Frank O'Connor International Short Story Award and won Birmingham City Library Readers' Book for Birmingham Award.

 

Mary has read extracts from her books at libraries and other venues throughout The Midlands, London, New York, Wales and Yorkshire. Kieran Graham, composer/guitarist, has written theme music for both Gilded Shadows and Niamh Takes Ulysses Home and has accompanied Mary’s readings at ArtsFest, England’s largest arts festival, held in Birmingham each September.

 

*****

LATEST NEWS

 

Having enjoyed  great success at Artsfest Mary's TRILOGY, ALL'S FAIR..., BREAKING FREE AND THE DANCER IS THE DANCE is currently in rehearsal for performances on 3rd and 4th May 2013 at The Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote Street, Birmingham

 

RECENT NEWS

 

Mary’s new play THE DANCER IS THE DANCE a sassy comedy will be performed at The Ron Barber Studio, Crescent Theatre, Sheepcote Street on SATURDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2012 AT 4.00PM.  Salsa score composed by Kieran Graham

Check out Mary’s guest-blogs:

July 2012:

TO AUSCHWITZ OR NOT TO AUSCHWITZ -  Football and the Death Camps -   http://pdbrazill.blogspot.com/2012/06/guest-blog-to-auschwitz-or-not-to.html .

June 2012:

FLAMING MADNESS - The Progress of the Olympic Torch - http://colin-graham.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/guest-blogger-mary-rochford-on-olympic.html

November 2011

THE DANCER IS THE DANCE run through at the Blue Orange Theatre to critical acclaim, from producers actors and directors.

 

For Earlier News click on the 'News' link at the top of the page or click here

birmingham award
Receiving the Award from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham
birmingham award

Receiving the Award from the Lord Mayor of Birmingham

 

STOP PRESS!  STOP PRESS! 

 

REVIEWS OF THE DANCER IS  THE DANCE:

"A hot summers night in Bearwood and the regulars at the local Salsa night are out to have a good time and lose themselves in the dance.  But what are they really searching for?  Art, culture or love, perhaps?  Or simply passion for life itself?  Mary Rochford produces a sizzling scorcher of a play, packed with witty lines, memorable characters, and never shying away from the big questions.  Along with the superb acting, dancing and original score, The Dancer is the Dance is a triumph!" ***** (Five stars)
Sajida Holmes, Freelance Journalist

 

 'A fabulous success.'  

Bernie Cassidy

 

'Excellent, very witty and poignant.'

 Allison Tilson

 

'Another full house and another great play.  Kieran Graham's music was excellent too.  Very enjoyable.'

Anne Van der Salm