MAR | APR MAY | JUN 2018
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Welcome
of ming you this season to a programme Hello Spring! We look forward to welco , ngton Harri Paul like music headlines music, theatre, film and comedy. With s Private urgo’ Morp el Micha with e theatr r; Jack L, Rob Strong and Don Bake ren’s theatre The Willow Wood and Tom Peaceful and Hugh Leonard’s Da; child & n in Birr with Birr Festival of Music Thumb; the start of the Festival seaso and Davis Steve ts gues two very famous Voice and Scripts; all topped off with be Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Ken Doherty this season promises to ration to be completed by mid-April and We expect Phase 2 of our façade resto t of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, rtmen acknowledge support from the Depa nce 2016–2018. Thank you for your patie Arts & Culture Capital Grant Scheme while this work is being carried out. Venue Manager
Emma Nee Haslam
VISUAL ARTS BETWEEN THE HAWTHORNS
MID-APRIL – MAY
MID-MARCH – APRIL
PAT BYRNE Pat Byrne’s practice explores superstitions and folklore as he takes mythological humanoids and fairies and attempts to portray them in a more realistic and contemporary fashion through oil paintings, wanting to render them as somebody who could possibly pass us by on the street. Superstitions have always held a core place in Irish culture but as time progresses the mischievous and malevolent spirits that once occupied the spoken word and imagination are being forgotten only to be seen as figures of parody. The lack of faith in this world is something that has left these figures of folklore on the mythological dole queue simply living out a life of ennui.
10th ANNUAL STUDENT EXHIBITION
ST BRENDAN’S COMMUNITY SCHOOL We are absolutely thrilled to welcome back the students of St Brendan’s Community School for their annual exhibition. Now firmly planted in our visual arts programme, this exhibition showcases the fantastic work from our second level students – the visual artists of the future. The exhibition will run until the end of May.
THE DEEP
JUNE – MID JULY
CASSANDRA DORER Human beings have always had an intimate relationship with the sea, a relationship that has become ever more damaging to the wild life and ecology of the ocean. As an Island we are surrounded by water and as I live near to the sea, I am increasingly aware of the amount of beach pollution that washes up on the shore, particularly the amount of plastics and other harmful materials that end up in the ocean. On a wider scale we affect the rapidly altering climate conditions that massively impact on the ecology of our planet and its wildlife. In this body of work I use materials that I have collected from the beach, including organic materials, plastic, fishing wire, strands of rope combined with oil paint on canvas. The exhibition runs until mid July.
FEB
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THE FLORIDA PROJECT
Director: Sean Baker USA, 2017 (English) 115 minutes | Cert: 15A
TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY Starring: Willem Dafoe, Brooklyn Prince, Bria Vinaite, Valeria Cotto
*IMDb rating 8.1 8pm €5 (Friends €3) s See 5 Film get 6th
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Six-year-old Moonie (Brooklynn Prince) lives with her mother Halley (Bria Vinaite) in a Florida motel. Along with her friends, Moonie spends the summer exploring the urban wilderness and getting into every sort of mischief. Halley, meanwhile, desperately tries to make ends meet. Kind but stern manager Bobby (Willem Dafoe) tries to keep his patience as rent goes unpaid and the hyperactive kids run wild. In his follow-up to the acclaimed Tangerine, director Sean Baker cements his reputation as one of the great chroniclers of forgotten America. The Florida Project is a deeply sympathetic portrait of one small, neglected community. It’s the wildly energetic kids who really allow this remarkable film to soar, however – few films about childhood have ever felt this authentic.
FRIDAY 2 MARCH Dirt Birds internet sensation are landing in Offaly for one night only! Don’t miss this hilarious, laugh a minute comedy show. Catch Dublin northsiders Carmel and Debs as they chat about life, love and the ever changing size of Kim Kardashian’s arse! Southside sickeners Eleanor and Emer will be competing about everything whilst pretending their lives are sooo amazing and of course the not so beautiful beauty bloggers Dee and Andrea will be giving their latest beauty ‘tips from da town’. A brilliant girls night out! 8pm • €18/€16
SINEAD CULBERT & SUE COLLINS HAVE STRUCK GOLD WITH THEIR HILARIOUS DIRT BIRDS SKETCHES The Independent
FAMILY FILM
Mary Poppins SATURDAY 3 MARCH Starring: Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke (1964)
Join us for a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious afternoon of magic and song as the world’s most famous nanny employs music and adventure to help two children become closer to their father. Sing-a-long with the family to favourites like A Spoonful of Sugar, Let’s go Fly a Kite and lots more. 3pm • €5 (1 adult/2 kids €12) This screening is a fundraiser in aid of Friends of the Coombe a registered charity established in 1982 to assist the development of the Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital and support its vital research programmes. The hospital is one of the largest and most comprehensive providers of women and infant healthcare in Europe and, as a national referral hospital, takes care of patients from right across the country. This screening is a part of a larger fundraising project whose aim is to renovate three en-suite rooms to create a family-friendly home away from home that will afford bereaved parents both comfort and dignity. www.friendsofthecoombe.ie
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BACK TO BURGUNDY (Ce qui nous lie)
Director: Cedric Klapischt France, 2017 (French) 113 minutes | Cert: CLUB
TUESDAY 6 MARCH Starring: Pio Marmaï, Ana Girardot, François Civil
Jean left his family and his native Burgundy ten years ago to tour the world. When learning of his father’s imminent death, he returns to his childhood home. There he reconnects with his sister Juliette and 8pm €5 (Friends €3) his brother Jérémie. Their father dies just before the beginning of grape picking time. Over the period of a year, according to the s See 5 Film rhythm of the seasons that follow one after the other, these three get 6th young adults will rediscover or reinvent their fraternal relationship, FREE blossoming and maturing at the same time as the wine they make.
*IMDb rating 7.0
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THURSDAY 8 MARCH
THE SHOW IS GREAT, MY BROTHER WOULD BE PROUD Tommy Cash
Direct from Cambridge, Ohio, The No 1 Johnny Cash Show across the USA The Man In Black returns to Ireland for a nationwide tour, after sensational reaction and a completely sold out tour last February. Featuring Terry Lee Goffee and his band, this is one show you won’t want to miss. He sings like Johnny and he looks like Johnny and he performs just like the great man, with energy, charisma and vitality! He regularly performs in theatres all over the USA to great acclaim. Johnny’s siblings, Tommy Cash and Joanne Cash Yeats, have joined him on stage to sing Johnny’s songs during his tours. 8pm • €22/€20
IT'S A WONDERFUL SHOW, I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE, YOU DON’T IMPERSONATE MY BROTHER, YOU PAY TRIBUTE WITH HONOUR & TERRY DOES THIS IN SPADES Joanne Cash Yates
MAR
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BOW PRODUCTIONS
THE
VAGINA MONOLOGUES By Eve Ensler
FRIDAY 9 MARCH Bow Productions are an innovative new theatre company for whom The Vagina Monologues is their first production. The creative team of passionate theatre makers Reidin Dunne and Michelle Reade has gathered talented actresses from all over Ireland to perform this modern classic. Not for the faint hearted The Vagina Monologues is an exploration of womanhood in a modern context. This offering by Bow Productions will focus on the changing nature of Irish Womanhood; it is funny, brave and outrageous but also deeply human. In this, the 20th anniversary year of the play, director and writer Reidin Dunne has written new monologues which reflect the situation of Irish women. As we reflect on Joanne Hayes and Ann Lovett and look ahead towards the referendum Irish womanhood is being sharply examined. This production of the Vagina Monologues is a tool for that examination, and although hard hitting tears of joy and laughter as well as grief are to be expected. 8pm • €15
Film@BirrTheatre
THE DEATH OF STALIN
Director: Armando Iannucci France/UK, 2018 (English) 106 minutes | Cert: 15A
TUESDAY 13 MARCH Starring: Jason Isaacs, Andrea Riseborough, Olga Kurylenko, Paddy Considine, Michael Palin
*IMDb rating 7.7 8pm €5 (Friends €3) s See 5 Film get 6th
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It’s 1953, and Joseph Stalin rules over the Soviet Union with an iron fist...until one morning he’s discovered unconscious. With the dictator at death’s door, his deputies including Nikita Khrushchev (Steve Buscemi), Lavrentiy Beria (Simon Russell Beale) and Georgy Malenkov (Jeffrey Tambor) begin jostling for power. Meanwhile, they find themselves dealing with Stalin’s demanding son and daughter, planning a grand funeral, and keeping the country in order...In his return to the big screen, Armando Iannucci – creator of Veep and The Thick of It – brilliantly blends farce and drama in this hilarious yet probing historical satire. Loaded with inspired comic moments and thrilling political chaos, The Death of Stalin also proves a provocative portrait of a society under a cruel regime.
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Witty, hilarious, glaringly honest, dark, powerful and striking – the one-woman play Janey Dillis is all of these things and more Sandra Quinn Online Review
Wonderful performance. Spectacular. Funny and tragic. Dave Condon Tipperary Mid West Radio
Janey Di llis C A L L B A C K T H E AT R E
Queen of the Wild Interior
FRIDAY 16 MARCH PERFORMED BY: CORA FENTON • WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY: JOHN SHEEHY
“It’s all fun and games until someone loses a toe to frostbite”. What would happen if you woke up one morning, found yourself in the middle of a snow storm and you have no power, no heat, no phone, no food? Welcome to the world of Janey Dillis. Janey hasn’t left her house in 25 years. No one has set foot inside her house in 20 years which up till now has been just the way she likes it. As her situation escalates, Janey is forced to question her way of life and deals with her predicament through her wild imagination. She is prone to fantastical flights of fantasy that reveal much of her inner self and the wider world that has caused her to become trapped. 8pm • €15/€13
BI RR COMHALTAS ANNUAL CONCERT SUNDAY 18 MARCH The annual Birr Comhaltas concert is not to be missed by music lovers. Come along for a toe-tapping night of live traditional music, song, dance and stories presented by visiting and local artists. 8pm • €10
MAR
*IMDb rating 7.1 8pm €5 (Friends €3) s See 5 Film get 6th
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Director: Rungano Nyoni UK, France, Zambia, 2017 (French/English) 93 minutes | Cert: 12A
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I AM NOT A WITCH TUESDAY 20 MARCH
Starring: Margaret Mulubwa, Henry Phiri, Nancy Mulilo, John Tembo
After a minor incident in her village, 9-year-old orphan Shula is exiled to a witch camp where she is told that if she tries to escape she will be transformed into a white goat. This impressive debut from Zambian-born female writer-director Rungano Nyoni satirises the clash between modernity and superstition in a small African community.
FULL OF WARMTH AS WELL AS GRIEF, CONVEYING VIVIDLY HOW PRECIOUS IT IS TO BE ALIVE… The Sunday Times (UK)
HEART-WARMING AS WELL AS WRENCHING. A TIMELY REMINDER OF THE HEROIC SACRIFICES Edinburgh Evening News (UK) ★★★★★
THURSDAY 22 MARCH Following on from the worldwide success of Michael Morpurgo’s best selling book, film and stage play War Horse, Simon Reade adapts and directs a stage version of Morpurgo’s award-winning book, Private Peaceful. Private Peaceful is a timely reminder of the heroic sacrifices that were made by those involved in World War I. The story charts the life of a young soldier, Tommo Peaceful, a private played by Shane O’Regan, in this new Irish production of the play, who faces the firing squad for cowardice. O’Regan’s talents have seen him taking the role of Shaggy Callaghan in Conall Morrison’s Borstal Boy and most recently he played the lead role of Mark Renton in Reality:Check Productions critically acclaimed run of the stage adaptation of Trainspotting. The play highlights the dreadful horrors of war while celebrating the joyfulness of life, both which are clearly bound together in this not-to-be-missed, magnificent one-man theatre production. 10.30am & 1pm • €15 (teachers free with groups)
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TEACH NA COILLE ENTERPRISES
FAMILYE
The
THEATR
Willow
DEVISED BY JULIE TIERNAN
SATURDAY 24 MARCH
Wood
Let your children (aged 3 – 5) step into the magical world of the Willow Wood and travel an interactive journey of storytelling, musical play, song and exploration. Original music and song in both English and Irish, this show is sure to delight adults and children alike. Julie will be joined by Ceol Connected’sThomas Johnston. Places are limited, booking is essential • Running time: 45 mins approx 2pm • €5 (1 adult/2 kids €12)
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GOLDSTONE TUESDAY 27 MARCH
Director: Ivan Sen Australia, 2016 (English) 110 minutes | Cert: CLUB
Starring: Aaron Pedersen, Alex Russell, Pei Pei Cheng, David Gulpilil, David Wenham, Jacki Weaver
*IMDb rating 6.3 8pm €5 (Friends €3) s See 5 Film get 6th
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Rugged, Indigenous Australian detective Jay Swan is arrested for drunk-driving by rookie local policeman Josh on the desolate road into the mining town of Goldstone. Jay is investigating the disappearance of a Chinese migrant worker, and while Josh is initially reluctant to help on the case, when it becomes apparent that something more sinister is happening in the area, the two men must overcome their differences and work together. Australian director Ivan Sen’s followup to 2013’s Mystery Road is a complex, stylish and tense western that explores Australia’s history, whilst dealing with key contemporary issues. Like its predecessor, Goldstone is intelligent and thought-provoking cinema.
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IN BETWEEN (Bar Bahar) TUESDAY 10 APRIL
Director: Maysaloun Hamoud Israel, France, 2016 (Arabic/Hebrew) 103 minutes | Cert: CLUB
Starring: Mouna Hawa, Shaden Kanboura, Sana Jammalieh
*IMDb rating 7.4 8pm €5 (Friends €3) s See 5 Film get 6th
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Layla, Salma, and Nour – three Palestinian women with Israeli citizenship – share an apartment in the vibrant centre of Tel Aviv. Despite being “independent”, each of them struggles with the restrictions imposed on their lives by a blinkered society. Maysaloun Hamoud’s remarkable feature debut, explores the challenges facing young Arab-Israeli women who must negotiate being “in between” cultures and traditions.
APR
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BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
WHAT A VOICE… WHAT A PERFORMER! The Los Angeles Times
JACK L’S VOICE IS AN IRRESISTIBLE FORCE OF NATURE The Irish Times
FRIDAY 13 APRIL Our national treasure, the great Jack Lukeman (Jack L) returns by popular demand with his award-winning show Magic Days. Jack’s most recent bestselling album of original material Magic Days has been described as his “best work ever” by Hot Press and The Irish Times amongst others, and was album of the month on RTÉ Radio 1. Jack spent much of 2017 touring throughout Europe with such luminaries as Jools Holland, Imelda May, Neil Sedaka and Aerosmith. Jack’s latest show is spectacular with some great characters including “The King of Soho” (the first single from the album) and many more intriguing creations from his vivid imagination. And none more vivid than himself! 8pm • €22/€20 Film@BirrTheatre
THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos UK/Ireland, 2017 (English) 121 minutes | Cert: CLUB
TUESDAY 17 APRIL Starring: Nicole Kidman, Alicia Silverstne, Colin Farrell, Barry Keoghan, Raffey Cassidy
*IMDb rating 7.7 8pm €5 (Friends €3) s See 5 Film get 6th
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Dr Steven Murphy (Colin Farrell) has a successful career and comfortable family life. He has taken Martin (Barry Keoghan), the son of one of his late patients, under his wing. When Steven introduces Martin to his wife (Nicole Kidman) and two children, the young man seems to fit right in. But there’s something not quite right about Martin, and Steven’s life begins slowly falling apart when his son is struck with a mysterious illness. The Lobster director Yorgos Lanthimos returns with a characteristically strange revenge tale – a surreal thriller with hints of dark comedy and a truly unsettling mood. Farrell and Kidman fit snugly into Lanthimos’ weird world. The real star, though, is young Barry Keoghan (Love / Hate, Dunkirk) who puts in a truly revelatory performance.
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F O U R T H W A L L L A O I S T H E AT R E G R O U P
Da A Comedy by Hugh Leonard
SATURDAY 21 APRIL Da is a very funny, but rather tender play set in Dublin after the burial of Charlie’s father. His savaging “best friend” Oliver calls by, prompting the appearance of Da. Charlie retraces the key events of his life. As young Charlie he recalls his foster-mother Ma and battles with his first boss Drumm. Da frustrates young Charlie’s first sexual encounter with Mary Tate and ham-fistedly explains to the younger Charlie the whereabouts of his mother. Da defers to Mrs Prynne, his employer, to the disgust of Charlie. All characters have their faults but are undeniably human and identifiably Irish. The comedy is laced with pathos. Leonard peppers the dialogue with memorable one-liners on emotional injury, love, and marriage. 8pm • €14/€12
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CALL ME BY YOUR NAME TUESDAY 24 APRIL
Director: Luca Guadagnino Italy/US/Brazil/France, 2018 (English, Italian, French) 130 minutes | Cert: 15A
Starring: Harris Dickinson, Madeline Weinstein, Kate Hodge
*IMDb rating 8.4 8pm €5 (Friends €3) s See 5 Film get 6th
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It’s 1983, and 17-year-old Elio (Timothée Chalamet) is living in picturesque northern Italy with his family. It’s a carefree life of great food, classical music and casual summer romances. Everything changes with the arrival of Oliver (Armie Hammer), a summer intern for Elio’s father. The handsome American strikes up an immediate bond with Elio, and the pair soon find themselves growing closer and closer together. Based on the novel by André Aciman, Call Me By Your Name is destined to be ranked among the great modern screen romances. With a stunning Italian backdrop and electrifying chemistry between the two lead actors, the lovingly crafted new film from Luca Guadagnino (I Am Love) is a sensual cinematic treat.
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GERALD PEREGRINE PLAYS THE CELLO AS IF BORN TO IT The Irish Times
ELIZABETH COONEY violin GERALD PEREGRINE cello
Masterworks for Violin & Cello Duo PROGRAMME: Sebastian Lee Duet No.3, Op. 125 Ravel Duo for violin and cello. Beethoven Duo in C major Piazzolla Café 1930. Breval Duet No. 3 in D major. Martinu Duo H137 Benedict Shlepper-Connolly A New Sea Handel/Halvorsen Passacaglia
THURSDAY 26 APRIL Join two of Ireland’s premier string players for an exciting evening of virtuosity! Come hear dazzling works by composers such as Ravel, Handel, Martinu, Vivaldi and Piazzolla, among others. This is a rare opportunity to hear these wonderful works performed live. Elizabeth Cooney is an Irish violinist, performing internationally and based in London. She performs as soloist, chamber musician and in orchestras, invited to guest lead the WNO orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, ECO and Aurora as well as touring throughout the world. As soloist, Elizabeth has recorded for BBC Radio 3, and toured with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland; with the Liszt Chamber Orchestra of Hungary; Slovenian Philharmonic (at Victoria Hall in Geneva as laureate of the Sion-Valais International Competition for Violin, Switzerland). She has performed at the Wigmore Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, Weill Hall at Carnegie in NYC. Gerald Peregrine is an established soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, who regularly performs in Ireland, Europe, the Americas and Asia. He has a diverse range of musical interests, and has gained much critical acclaim as a soloist and chamber musician. Gerald is a member of Ensemble Avalon and Trio Festivale, and co-leader of the Wexford Festival Opera Orchestra since 2006. He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Great Hall Beijing, Cadogan Hall (BBC proms), Tchaikovsky Hall. He has recorded for RTÉ lyric fm label and was featured soloist on the soundtrack for John Boorman’s latest film, Queen and Country. He has featured reqularly on Irish radio and TV over the years, and has broadcast several chamber music recitals for BBC and RTÉ. His work has also been broadcast on Sky TV and BBC 1. 8pm • €16/€14
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MACRA NA FEIRME
ONE ACT DRAMA ALL-IRELAND FINAL SATURDAY 28 & SUNDAY 29 APRIL Offaly Macra Na Feirme are delighted to play host to this years All-Ireland One Act Drama Final where 6 teams will take to the stage to compete for this very prestigious title within Macra. This competition introduces members to the exciting world of drama and theatre, and helps to develop dramatic skills as well as developing creativity in production, stage setting and stage management. Throughout the early spring clubs from across the country will host county rounds and regional rounds of this competition before the best of the best converge on the lovely surrounds of Birr Theatre and Arts Centre for the centre piece performance at the end of April. 7.30pm • €12 (€10 OAPs/Students/Macra Members (with membership card)
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LOVELESS (Nelyubov) TUESDAY 1 MAY
Director: Andrey Zvyagintsev Russia, France, 2018 (Russian) 127 minutes | Cert: CLUB
Starring: Maryaha Spivak, Aleksey Rozin, Varvara Shmykova
*IMDb rating 7.9 8pm €5 (Friends €3) s See 5 Film get 6th
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The latest from Andrey Zvyagintsev (Leviathan) profiles a family torn apart by a vicious divorce, in which the parents are more interested in starting their lives over with new partners than tending to their 12-year-old son. Among the snowy highrises of modern Moscow lives stocky salesman Boris and Zhenya, a youthful salon owner. Having migrated to shiny new partners, the couple’s relationship is coming to a bitter end and the fate of their 12-year-old son Alyosha is the last thing on their minds. When Alyosha goes missing without a trace, his parents can barely grieve in unison. – Toronto International Film Festival
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Director: Sally Potter UK, 2017 (English) 71 minutes | Cert: CLUB
THE PARTY TUESDAY 8 MAY
Starring: Patricia Clarkson, Bruno Ganz, Cherry Jones, Emily Mortimer, Cillian Murphy, Kirsten Scott Thomas, Timothy Spall.
*IMDb rating 7.0 8pm €5 (Friends €3) s See 5 Film get 6th
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Janet has just been appointed minister in the shadow cabinet – the crowning achievement of her political career. She and her husband Bill plan to celebrate this with a few close friends. The guests arrive at their home in London but the party takes an unexpected turn for the worse when Bill suddenly makes two explosive revelations that shock Janet and everyone present to the core. Love, friendships, political convictions and a whole way of life are now called into question. Underneath their cultivated liberal left-wing surface people are seething. Their dispute leads to the big guns being brought out – even in a literal sense. British director and screenwriter Sally Potter has invited a stellar cast to join her party. Beginning as a subtly witty comedy replete with sharp-tongued dialogue, the film later veers off into tragedy. When life can no longer be controlled by reason, people will fight tooth and nail to protect their seemingly stable existence. – Berlin International Film Festival 2017
THE DON BAKER & ROB STRONG BAND
Celebrating 50 years on the road in Ireland! FRIDAY 11 MAY Two of Ireland’s best ever Rock/Blues musicians have recently recorded an album and will tour Ireland with a 5-piece band in 2018. Don Baker is a prolific singer/ songwriter/musician with two Number One hits – Winner in You and Inner City. Bono has described The Don as ‘The Best Harmonica Player in the World’. As an actor Don starred in In the Name of the Father and in Fair City. Rob Strong, from Derry, on bass guitar and lead vocals, is another of Ireland’s living legends, who also has been performing for more than five decades! Rob still has that unique and sensational voice that saw him pull in huge crowds with one of the top showbands in the ‘60s The Plattermen, and his own band The Rockets in the 1970s. He also plays bass and sings, with his son, Andrew Strong, lead singer of The Commitments, when they tour in Germany, Denmark and Sweden. The two Irish legends this year celebrate an amazing FIFTY years on the road in Ireland. 8pm • €21
MAY
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Film@BirrTheatre, ACCESS>CINEMA and the IFI to coincide with Bealtaine Festival present
Bealtaine Film TUESDAY 15 MAY Every year Birr Theatre is delighted to be part of the national tour of film for older people as we participate in the Annual National Bealtaine Festival. At time of print the film title was not available. Please mark the date in your diary and see our website, social media and local press for details. 8pm • €5 (Friends: €3)
FRIDAY 18 – SATURDAY 19 MAY Following the huge success of last year’s production, Midland Drama School is back, staging their very own Snow White. A classic fairytale, with a twist, Snow White will have you both dancing and laughing in your seats! Will the Evil Queen be the fairest of them all? Will Simon ever marry his true love? And will Nanny Nick Nack ever manage to keep her head on her shoulders? A show not to be missed, fun for all the family. Friday 18 May, 7.30pm • Saturday 19 May, 2pm & 7.30pm €12 (high demand – early booking is advisable).
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1994 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST WINNER
PAUL HARRINGTON FRIDAY 25 MAY Rock ‘n’ Roll Kid, Eurovision Song Contest 1994 winner, Paul Harrington is no stranger to the stages in Ireland. We’re delighted to welcome him to Birr for what promises to be a very special concert. Paul Harrington has performed for The Rolling Stones, Prince and U2. It was in the 1990s that he connected with Michael Flatley and became principal singer in his most recent dance extravaganza Celtic Tiger. This saw Paul performing in arenas across Europe and North America, including Wembley, and the most famous venue in the world Madison Square Gardens. Paul has just released his first documentary, Irish Eurovision Winners featuring all of the winning performances by Irish entrants with exclusive interviews with the performers and some of the writers of the winning songs. After various career twists and turns Paul is now back doing what he loves best, interpreting great songs and performing them with a passion. He is not just a gifted vocalist and pianist but also a born entertainer. Paul is touring this year to promote his first solo album in eight years, Lights of Home. 8pm • €22/€20
MAY
S I G N U P T O D AY F O R O U R E - N E W S L E T T E R
SummerStiwmine g O F F A LY C O U N T Y C O U N C I L P R E S E N T
CHOIR DIRECTOR: ANDRIUS KOZLOVSKIS
THURSDAY 31 MAY
Offaly County Council Choir will be joined by Council Choirs from Kildare and Meath for a charity night of choral music and song. Enjoy a fusion of classical and pop music by a variety of choirs and performers. Proceeds to Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support and Jigsaw Young People’s Health in Mind. 7pm • €10
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057 9122911 AN IDEAL GIFT – ANY TIME OF YEAR
B U Y O N L I N E W W W. B I R R T H E AT R E . C O M
TUESDAY 5 JUNE For one night only enjoy two champions play, perform trick shots and chat about their life as sporting legends! Six time World Champion STEVE DAVIS’s career achievements include three Masters and a record six UK Championship titles and much more. A household name, Davis won his last world title in 1989, and captured his last major title when he won the 1997 Masters at the age of 39, but he continued to play snooker at a high level into his 50s. He won the World Seniors Championship in 2013. Davis retired from professional snooker in 2016. Outside snooker, Davis has competed in pool tournaments and televised poker events, is a keen amateur chess player, and has published several books on snooker. He has appeared on a number of popular British TV shows, including I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2013. As an amateur, KEN DOHERTY won the Irish Amateur Championship twice, the World Under-21 Amateur Championship and the World Amateur Championship. Turning professional in 1990, Doherty has won a total of 6 ranking tournaments including the 1997 World Snooker Championship where he defeated Stephen Hendry to inflict Hendry’s first loss in a world final. This made him the first, and so far one of only two players to have been world amateur and professional champion (along with Stuart Bingham). In other triple crown events, he is a three-time UK Championship runner-up and a two-time Masters runner-up. An intelligent tactician and prolific break-builder, Doherty has compiled more than 300 century breaks in professional competition. Since 2009, he has combined his playing career with commentating and punditry work. 6.30pm Meet & Greet • 8pm Match starts €40 – including professional photograph * Selfie free zone – photographer will be on site
JUN
S I G N U P T O D AY F O R O U R E - N E W S L E T T E R
A SHOW BY: MARCELLO CHIARENZA ADAPTED & PERFORMED BY: PATRICK LYNCH ORIGINAL MUSIC BY: CARLO CIALDO CAPELLI ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: GIANNI BISSACA DESIGN ASSISTANT: ELENA MARINI
IDHEOAOLL SC
TOUR
Tom T humb LY N G O T H E A T R E P R E S E N T S
THURSDAY 14 JUNE
One night tiny Tom overhears Mum and Dad talking – there’s nothing left to eat so they are going to leave him and his six brothers in the forest! Outwitting his parents and the ogre Tom shows everybody that even though he is small he is still mighty as he protects his brothers, finds the treasure and makes sure they’ll never be hungry again. Performed entirely on and under a kitchen table this wee wonder of a show is full of Lyngo magic with feathery spinning birds, a flying house and a portable forest. Cbeebies Patrick Lynch, who has been performing it for more than a decade, brings this classic story to life in a playful and fascinating show. 11am • €10 (school group rate: €8 per child – Teachers Free) • Age 4 years +
B U Y O N L I N E W W W. B I R R T H E AT R E . C O M
BOOKING YOUR TICKETS Tickets are non-refundable and must be paid for at time of booking. Please have your credit/debit card ready. All ticket prices include €1 transaction fee. Box Office: Open Monday to Friday: 1–5.30pm 057 9122911
BOOK ONLINE: WWW.BIRRTHEATRE.COM
THURSDAY 14 – SUNDAY 17 JUNE Established in 2013, SCRIPTS IRELAND’S PLAYWRITING FESTIVAL creates unique opportunities for playwrights, aspiring and established, to have their work developed and produced. The picturesque town of Birr, Co. Offaly, a haven of Georgian elegance and boutique chic, plays host to an ensemble of playwrights, producers, actors and directors, all discussing, presenting and producing riveting new works for stage. This innovative playwriting festival features a host of exciting events for lovers of theatre – those who want to create, perform, engage and watch live new theatre in beautiful surroundings. PROFESSIONAL THEATRE, CHILDREN’S THEATRE, WORKSHOPS, POP UP PLAYS & OPEN MIC. Programme out in early May.
A weekend of theatre awaits you! Full information:
www.ScriptsIreland.com
BOOKING Tickets are non-refundable and must be paid for at time of booking. Please have your credit/debit card ready. All ticket prices include €1 transaction fee. Box Office: Open Monday – Friday: 1 – 5.30pm 057 9122911 Online: www.birrtheatre.com where you can select your seat (no additional charges). Cheques payable to Birr Stage Guild CLG. In the final hour before a show only tickets for that performance can be processed. To comply with fire regulations children (even babies) must have a ticket. CONCESSIONS We offer concession rates, where possible, to students, under 18’s, senior citizens, unemployed and disabled. Current I.D. is essential to avail of these concessions. GROUP RATES Group rates are available. Please enquire at Box Office. LATECOMERS All performances start at 8pm (unless otherwise stated). Doors open 30 minutes before performance. Performances will start on time – please don’t be late! Latecomers will not be admitted until there is a suitable break, which in some cases may be the interval. DISABLED ACCESS Birr Theatre and Arts Centre is accessible for wheelchair users. We also have a house wheelchair for your use. This can be booked for a performance or the chair can be used to bring you from your car to your seat (please note: there are two steps to the front row seats). Please make your requirements known at the time of booking. It is advisable to book in advance. CHILDREN Children must be accompanied by an adult at all performances. FOOD & DRINK Wine, beer, coffee and soft drinks will be available during the interval. No food and drink permitted in the auditorium. PARKING There is ample street parking. However we remind you we are located in a residential area and ask you to be conscious not to block private entrances. MAILING LIST Join our mailing list now by emailing info@birrtheatre.com or leave your details at reception. Ensure to leave your mobile number for regular text reminders. FURTHER INFORMATION Birr Theatre & Arts Centre Oxmantown Hall, Birr, Co Offaly Box Office: 057 9122911 Email: info@birrtheatre.com Web: www.birrtheatre.com Venue Manager: Emma Nee Haslam
Comhairle Chontae Uíbh Fhailí Offaly County Council
This project is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and Pobal through the Community Services Programme.
Information correct at time of print. Sometimes changes are unavoidable and we apologise for same. Call Box Office or check local press for further details.
BECOME OUR FRIEND! Become our Friend and enjoy a host of exclusive benefits and savings while supporting our artistic objectives as we continue to provide a diverse programme of events throughout the year. Circle Friends (€60 per person) Priority booking for all performances Friends rate on selected events Regular e-mail bulletins €3 for Film@BirrTheatre Invitation to exhibition openings Entry into our season draw for 2 tickets to an event of your choice Dress Circle Friends (€120 per person) All the above benefits, plus 2 tickets at Friends rate on selected events Complimentary tickets to Music Network performances 2 free tickets per year to be used on selected shows 10% off any art purchased Standing order payment option available
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www.birrtheatre.com • 057 9122911
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