PATRICK Mason may be putting it up to the Government to take responsibility for the National Theatre or get rid of it, but the work continues. On June 12th, A Woman Of No Importance by Oscar Wilde opens at the Abbey, directed by Ben Barnes and designed by Joe Vanek. Then from July 31st, Brian Friel's much loved Translations comes to the Abbey stage, directed by Robin Lefevre and designed by Julian Mc Gowan.

At the Peacock, the National Theatre co produces John Crowley's Double Helix with Kilkenny's Bickerstaffe. Today Bertie Ahern launches the Society's Outreach season of plays, which runs from Wednesday, and includes work by community groups including the Shankill Road Community Theatre Company and Sheriff Street's Balcony Belles, as well as a series of workshops on community theatre.