Edna O'Brien's wonderful, wild and moving novel shocked the nation on its publication in 1960. Adapted for the stage by the author, "The Country Girls", the play, is a highly theatrical and free-flowing telling of this classic coming of age story. "A real triumph". ("Sunday Independent"). "Joyously vivid performances". ("Sunday Independent"). "Will both satisfy fans and engage newcomers..."The Country Girls" is a world apart but provides a welcome peek at the past". ("Sunday Times"). "This is a great play by a great writer". (WLRfm). ""The Country Girls" captures Edna O'Brien's celebration of youthful innocence and her lamentation that with such innocence and idealism coexists an extraordinary vulnerability. O'Brien's adaptation transforms the novel dynamically. The play ...is physical, sensual and original". ("Irish Theatre Magazine"). "The Country Girls" premiered at the Garter Lane Theatre, Waterford, in October 2011, in produced by Red Kettle Theatre Company, in association with the Garter Lane Arts Centre, Waterford, Ireland.