THE LOVE-STORY BEHIND THE WORLD’S BEST-LOVED HYMN
All-island theatre tour of new stage play
22 March – 1 April
An all-island tour of a brand-new stage play will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Amazing Grace. The world’s best-loved hymn was first performed on New Year’s Day in 1773 and went on to become one of the most recorded songs of all time .
Forever Mine is an original stage play and costume drama exploring the powerful story behind Amazing Graceincluding its connection with Ireland. This March, a cast of professional actors will bring the production to cathedrals, churches and theatres in all four provinces of Ireland
At its heart, Forever Mine is a love story charting the relationship between John Newton and his childhood sweetheart Mary (nicknamed Polly). Based on original letters, diaries and authentic historical writings, Forever Mine is a true story of separation and reunion, death and new life, love, loss and redemption. Although set in the 18th century, this moving narrative will resonate with modern audiences.
John Newton was shipwrecked on the shores of Lough Swilly, Co Donegal on 8 April 1748 at the pivotal point of his life which he later recalled as he penned the words of Amazing Grace (“the hour I first believed”). The tour finale will come home to Amazing Grace Country (Buncrana, Co Doneghal) on Saturday 1 April.
Forever Mine also looks honestly at John Newton’s role in the slave trade including his continued involvement for six years after his conversion experience in 1748. It traces his slow journey to repentance and his later work supporting the campaign for abolition as mentor to William Wilberforce. The play elevates lesser-known voices of the abolition movement such as former slave and writer Olaudah Equiano and the poet William Cowper.
Produced by Living Breath Productions, Forever Mine will visit venues in Kildare, Cork, Longford, Cavan, Sligo, Dublin, Down, Tyrone, Derry and Donegal, providing opportunities for audiences across Ireland to experience this powerful story for themselves.
For full details of the venues and booking information, visit www.amazinggrace.ie/forever-mine.
Meet the Cast
Leading a stellar cast of professional actors Ellis J Wells stars as John Newton. Ellis’ theatre credits include Col. Pickering in "Pygmalion" (Tour of Italy), Christopher Wren in "the Mousetrap" (New York, USA), Dr. Watson in "The Accidental Adventures of Sherlock Holmes", the title role in "Richard III" and "The Scarlet Pimpernel", Cardinal Richelieu in "The Three Musketeers" and Caliban in "The Tempest".
Forever Mine also stars Susie Garvey-Williams as Polly Newton. Susie, who grew up in “Amazing Grace Country”, was trained at SLP College in Leeds. Her most recent theatre credits include Viola/Sebastian in “12th Night Lite” – which received a 4-star review at Edinburgh Fringe 2022, as well as Jane Goodall in “STEM Theatre in a Box”, Jasmine in “Aladdin” and Kitty in “A Weaver’s Thread”.
Gideon Asuming will bring to life the abolitionist Olaudah Equiano as well as the lesser-known James Gronniosaw. Performing since 2010 Gideon has played multiple lead and supporting roles on stage and screen. His credits include “And There Was War”, “After the Storm” and “My Place” in addition to playing Jesus Christ in multiple Living Breath film productions.
Ryan Moss trained at the Academy of Performance Training and since then, has been lucky enough to appear in numerous theatrical productions. A passionate character actor, he is absolutely thrilled to be appearing in Forever Mine as William Cowper and William Wilberforce, allowing him to be a small part in keeping John Newton’s story alive. Previous credits include; Arthur Cabbage in “Your Country Needs You”, Colin Humperdinck in “Robin Hood”, Charlie Chaplin in “Tonight at the museum, Charlie Chaplin”, Raleigh in “Journeys end”, Ben in the “Dumb Waiter” and Joe Casey in “Our House”.