Birr Theatre Mar-June 2019

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MAR | APR MAY | JUN 2019

O F FA LY ’ S C E N T R E F O R T H E A R T S O F FA LY ’ S C E N T R E F O R T H E A R T S

BOOKINGS 057 9122911 | www.birrtheatre.com

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VISUAL ARTS ST BRENDAN’S COMMUNITY SCHOOL ANNUAL EXHIBITION We look forward to extending a huge welcome to the art students at St Brendan’s Community School for their annual exhibition. This exhibition showcases the wonderful work from our second level students – the visual artists of the future!

This exhibition runs until 7 April.

APR–MAY

BIRR FESTIVAL OF MUSIC PRESENT WHERE MUSIC MEETS ART Birr Festival of Music is holding their first dedicated exhibition of work inspired by the theme Where Music Meets Art. This is an exhibition to celebrate the unique interrelations between art and music in conjunction with the Birr Festival of Music 2019. The theme of the exhibition is of a classical nature and artists have been encouraged to keep in mind attributes of all things classical such as orchestra, opera, composers, instruments, musicians, singers and song etc.

This selected show will exhibit all media including painting, drawing, print, photography, sculpture etc, with representations of music and voice in any way shape or form.

The exhibition will be officially opened on Friday 12 April and runs until 19 May.

MAY–JUN

REDMONDS OF ROSCREA 50 SOMETHING – An Exhibition of Lifestyle Portraits The number 50 figures a lot in peoples lives, 50th birthday, anniversary, 50 years in business. The list goes on and on. More and more people are having their portrait made doing something they love; enjoying their hobbies, engaging in their lifestyle with family, friends or by themselves. These portraits in years to come will be a treasure trove for future generations who will be delighted their forebearers left these heirlooms for them to enjoy.

To book your lifestyle portrait contact Redmonds on 0505 21936, email info@redmondphotography.com or visit www.redmondphotography.com The exhibition runs until end of June.

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A MIXTURE OF ALL THE GREAT VOICES OF THE 20TH CENTURY ***** The Guardian

WHAT A VOICE...THINK FRANK SINATRA, SCOTT WALKER, JAQUES BREL...YES WE’RE TALKING THAT GOOD! Rock & Reel Magazine – London

SATURDAY 2 MARCH Jack Lukeman is one of Ireland’s most respected and best-loved performers.

He has had several platinum selling albums and has won many awards from The Edinburgh Fringe Spotlight “Best Music Award” to the Hollywood Fringe “Judges Choice” in the USA. He has been touring continually with artists such as Imelda May, Jools Holland, The Proclaimers and Neil Sedaka promoting his latest album of original self penned songs Magic Days. Jack Lukeman performs his Magic Days show, combining critical songs from his most recent album such as The King of Soho, Deeper Down the Rabbit Hole and The Sunset is Blue on Mars alongside favourites from the artist back catalogue. Magic Days is an unforgettable live show that lifts the spirits and warms the soul.

8pm • €25/€23

Film@BirrTheatre

JUST TO BE SURE (Otez-moi d’un Doute)

Director: Carine Tardieu France, 2017 | (French) 100 mins | Cert: CLUB

TUESDAY 5 MARCH Starring: Francois Damiens, Cecile De France, Guy Marchand, Andre Wilms, Alice de Lencquesaing

*IMDb rating 6.7 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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When Erwin (Francois Damiens), a bomb disposal expert in his mid-forties, accidentally discovers that his father is not his biological father his world is turned upside down. As well as tracing his dad he has to juggle his daughter’s unplanned pregnancy and his aspiring relationship with the sparky local veterinarian Anna (Cecile De France), whom, it turns out may or may not be his sister! With strong performances from all the cast this is a joyful tale with some moments that touch on the farcical and others that are genuinely touching. Director Carine Tardieu delivers a warm poignant human comedy about the challenges of being a parent and having one!

Presented with the support of the French Embassy and the Institut Français.

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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 ENGINEERS IRELAND & SCIENCE TO LIFE

with Scientific Sue

WEDNESDAY 6 MARCH This highly creative and exciting engineering show explores some of the amazing scientific discoveries and engineering feats endeavoured by some of our hugely talented Irish scientists over a period of 350 years. Creating a cloud in a bottle, exploring colour changing vegetables, making ice cream in a baggie and sending rockets sky high are just a few of the creative demonstrations that will be used

by Sue on her historical scientific journey to fire the spirit of discovery within whilst creating lots of excitement and opportunities to think like a scientist. Which gases are explosive and which gas helps to put out fires? Why do we call purple cabbages red? Why do we need to push the bicycle to help young ones learn to ride? Can we make marshmallows grow? Who was the first person to walk on the moon and which Irish scientists and engineers helped him to achieve global fame? These are just some of the questions Scientific Sue will attempt to answer with the help of lots of volunteers!

FREE – Booking Essential – 9.45am, 11am, 12.45pm

DAVID McSAVAGE National Treasure FRIDAY 8 MARCH David McSavage is a self-proclaimed National Treasure! It has been said he is to comedy what the Abbey is to Theatre, maybe because he believes he’s more important than he is, or that the majority of the country doesn’t care about him. But unlike the Abbey Theatre, David’s best days aren’t behind him. His intention for this new show which he has yet to write is for you the audience member to think “wow! that was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen! It was so original, courageous, and yet very flawed. I would really like to be his friend”. A regular guest on TV and radio shows in Ireland for many years, David has also appeared at all the major comedy festivals including the Edinburgh Festival and internationally in Australia, Germany, Japan and Scandinavia. He has featured in the film Calvary by John Michael McDonagh starring Brendan Gleeson. His other recent films include Traders, Gold and Our Robot Overlords. The Savage Eye (RTÉ), has been critically acclaimed was nominated for an IFTA Award for Best Entertainment Series and Best Director.

8pm • €16/€12.50

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BIRR STAGE GUILD PRESENTS

An original musical written and directed by Michael Donegan.

Musical Director: Enda O’Connor

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

WEDNESDAY 13 – THURSDAY 14 MARCH Following its sold out run in October 2018 Joey Telescope returns for just two nights. This highly innovative and original theatre piece tells of the present-day activities of a teenage boy, who, through his obsession with his enchanted telescope accesses, not just the night sky above, but also sees into the past. He connects with the story of Birr Workhouse and its inmates and discovers a plot to destroy the present historic building by some greedy developers who wish to use the site for their own ends. This performance deals with the social and scientific history of 19th century Birr, with particular reference to the local Workhouse through drama, music and movement. Book early and don’t miss out a second time!

8pm • €16/€14

*IMDb rating 7.3 8pm • €5/€3

Film@BirrTheatre

DOGMAN

Director: Matteo Garrone Italy, France, 2018 | (Italian) 102 mins | Cert: 15A

TUESDAY 19 MARCH Starring: Marcello Fonte, Edoardo Pesce, Nunzia Schiano

s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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Marcello is a gentle dog-groomer who runs his own parlour in a run-down seaside town in Campania, Italy. He is part of a closeknit neighbourhood, which leads a relatively peaceful existence, except when terrorised by violent former boxer Simone. Believing that he can befriend and pacify this local thug, Marcello gets caught up in a world of petty crime and drugs, a mistake that will have far-reaching consequences for him. Acclaimed Italian director Matteo Garrone (Gomorrah, Tale of Tales) returns with this latest film – a powerful atmospheric, gripping drama, which won the Best Actor Prize at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.

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KENNY IS BRILLIANT IN THIS ROLE Irish Examiner

Crowman performed by jon kenny SATURDAY 23 MARCH Set in a sparsely decorated kitchen, this intimate one-man show starring JON KENNY (D’Unbelievables) feels like a window into the soul of a lonely bachelor, Dan. A crow-hating man who noisily tries to shoo the blighted birds away, Dan measures out his life by the amount of funerals he has to attend every week. They are social occasions with the added bonus of refreshments. Dan, who vacillates between high comedy by mimicking TV celebrity chefs; and pathetic admissions, including attending Mass just to connect with another human by shaking hands, is a master at distraction. But one day, upon hearing a death announcement on the radio, his world is shattered. Kenny is brilliant in the role, conveying the gamut of emotions. Katie Holly’s script is strong, conjuring up a life of quiet desperation. (Review by Collette Sheridan, Irish Examiner, June 2018) 8pm • €21

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The Great Singalong songBook series

We’ll Meet Again The story of

VERA LYNN SUNDAY 24 MARCH Following sold-out concerts across Ireland (including two sell-outs at Dublin’s National Concert Hall) We’ll Meet Again: the Story of Vera Lynn – starring LINDA KENNY (soprano) and DAMIAN SMITH (baritone), actor ALF McCARTHY and our fabulous band (MD Alan Carney) – comes to Birr in a brand new afternoon concert series. To mark her 102nd birthday, the concert is a dramatic retelling of the life and times of Vera Lynn and gives the audience an opportunity to sing along to some of her most loved songs. So dust off those vocal chords as this delicious programme is jam-packed with nostalgic hits like We’ll Meet Again, Among My Souvenirs, Auf Wiederseh’n Sweetheart, The White Cliffs of Dover, Lili Marlene and many many more. Written and directed by Cathal MacCabe and presented by the Great Singalong Songbook team who have been thrilling audiences with their themed, singalong concerts in Cork’s Everyman Theatre for a staggering 16 years!

Tea, coffee and biscuits available at the interval!

3.30pm • €19 (includes tea/coffee/biscuits at interval)

Film@BirrTheatre

COLD WAR (Zimna Wojna)

Director: Pawel Pawlikowski Poland, UK, France, 2018 (Polish, French, German, Russian, Italian, Crotian) 88 mins | Cert: 15A

TUESDAY 26 MARCH Starring: Joanna Kulig, Tomasz Kot, Borys Szyc, Cedric Kahn

*IMDb rating 7.7 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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Poland 1949: talented musician Wiktor is part of a group visiting remote villages to select young people for a show of authentic traditional Polish song and dance. During the auditions Wiktor meets the beautiful and mysterious Zula, and soon the two start a passionate love affair. Over the next 15 years their romance faces many obstacles, yet they are always drawn back together.

Based on the relationship of his own parents, this new film from Pawel Pawlikowski, the director of the Academy Award-winning Ida, is a passionate, music-filled love story set in a Cold War-era Europe. Shot in stunning black and white, Cold War deservedly won the Best Director Prize at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

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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 FOURTH WALL LAOIS THEATRE GROUP PRESENT

John B Keane’s

Sive directed by David Corri

SATURDAY 30 MARCH Nana and Mena bicker and provoke one another in the small smoky cottage where they live with Sive and Mena’s husband, Mike. While Nana dotes on her orphaned granddaughter, Sive, Mena plots to marry the young girl off to an old local farmer for the promise of land and a chance to escape from poverty. Written in the mid 1950’s, Sive has become an Irish classic and one of the nation’s best loved plays. It is a story about a battle of generations, a country in flux, exploitation, greed, love and tragedy all told with John B’s lyrical dialogue and great Irish humour. Fourth Wall Laois Theatre Group’s production of Sive brings a contemporary credibility to J.B. Keane’s timeless tale of young love, materialism, family life, and women’s place in the world. Though set in the sixties, this carefully casted drama demonstrates that these enduring themes and contrasting emotions are as relevant today. Direction by David Corri is faithful to the tragic-comedy elements of the play and employs the rural background of the talented actors to fashion an authentic and memorable production.

8pm • €15/€12

Film@BirrTheatre

ROSIE

Director: Paddy Breathnach Ireland, 2018 | (English) 86 mins | Cert: 12A

TUESDAY 2 APRIL Starring: Sarah Greene, Moe Dunford, Natalia Kostrzewa

*IMDb rating 6.0 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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From the pen of Roddy Doyle and directed by Paddy Breathnach (Viva), Rosie is the story of a family without a home. Rosie (Sarah Greene) a mother of four, alongside her partner John Paul, do everything in their power to protect their children and maintain their dignity as the Irish housing crisis threatens their family’s safety and unity. With grace and tenderness, Rosie balances the care of her four children alongside the increasingly futile and frustrating search for a new home. Set over an intense 36 hours, Rosie struggles to hold her family close, as she perseveres against a crisis not of her making.

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PwC Panto

SLEEPING BEAUTY

FRIDAY 5 – SATURDAY 6 APRIL PwC Panto returns to Birr, after a successful London run with this much loved panto.

This year’s production, Sleeping Beauty, sees Princess Aurora put under a wicked spell by Insomnia, the most evil fairy in all the land. Come along to cheer, sing, hiss and boo as Prince George and his faithful sidekick, Derek the Dragon, battle evil spirits as they come to the rescue. But the course of true love never runs smooth.

Will our Prince save the day? Or will our Princess have to take matters into her own hands? Come along and see for yourself! Sleeping Beauty is brought to life by around 200 PwC staff and pantomime alumni, both on stage and behind the scenes. This is the 33rd annual charitable pantomime production presented by PwC as part of its Community Affairs Programme.

Friday 5 April: 12.30pm (schools show only); 7pm • Saturday 6 April: 3pm €15/€9 or €27.50 (1 adult & 2 kids)

BI RR COMHALTAS ANNUAL CONCERT SUNDAY 7 APRIL 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 (unallocated seating, but book in advance to guarantee your ticket)

Film@BirrTheatre

THE HEIRESSES (Las Herederas)

Director: Marcelo Martinessi Paraguay, Germany, Uruguay, Brazil, Norway, France, 2018 | (Spanish, Guarani) 95 mins | Cert: 12A

TUESDAY 9 APRIL Starring: Ana Brun, Margarita Irun, Ana Ivanova, Nilda Gonzalez

*IMDb rating 6.9 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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Chela and Chiquita – both originating from wealthy Paraguayan families – have been a couple for over 30 years. But over time their financial situation has deteriorated and they are now forced to sell some of their inherited possessions. When Chiquita is imprisoned on fraud charges, the introverted Chela must adapt, a process that leads her on a journey of self-discovery. This impressive first feature from South American director Marcelo Martinessi is a smart and understated drama, providing both a character study of an older woman’s re-emergence from seclusion and a unique exploration of class and privilege in Paraguay.

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AXIS BALLYMUN

THURSDAY 11 APRIL

BY CLARE MONNELLY

Charlie is a kleptomaniac – the doctor told her. Reckons it stems from childhood trauma. But she has the robbin’ completely under control these days. For real.

She has a bit of a mouth on her, but she’s only trying to be funny, give everyone a laugh, not cause trouble, like. Not today, of all days. She loves that little boy more than she ever thought it was possible to love another human. There’s a lot riding on these 24 hours, and if she keeps her head down, she’ll get him back.

Everyone has a story to tell... but there’s a time and a place. This is neither. Follow Charlie, the queen of self-sabotage as she tries desperately – for once in her life – to keep her mouth shut long enough to make it count. Commissioned and produced by Axis in Ballymun, Charlie’s a Clepto has been nominated for multiple awards (Best New Play and Best Actress, Irish Times Theatre Awards 2018 and Stewart Parker Trust Award 2018). Directed by Aaron Monaghan and designed by Suzie Cummins. This tour is funded by the Arts Council.

8pm • €16/14 1 ACT • STRONG LANGUAGE • ADULT THEME

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SPEAKOUT DRAMA LESSONS PRESENT

SINGING • DANCING • ACTING MONDAY 15 – WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL Join SONYA CUDDY from Speak Out Drama Lessons as we delve into the songs of Queen, as featured in Bohemian Rhapsody!

Masterclasses in dance and song.

We Will Rock You, get you going ga-ga for Radio Ga-Ga and find out Who Wants to Live Forever as we weave through the story of Queen. Great fun for the Easter break!

10am–2pm Daily • Ages 4-15 • €65 (10% off for siblings) (Max 60 – Places limited.)

MONDAY 15 – THURSDAY 18 APRIL Four days of singing, action and music making, led by the amazing choral director Anne McCambridge from Belfast, joined by Laura Sheils and Pascal Kennedy from Birr. Anne and her team return with a new and wonderful music project for all boys and girls who love music and singing, age 9-12 years (4th–6th class).

The children will give a performance as part of Birr Festival of Music on bank holiday Monday 6th May, 3pm.

9.30am–3pm daily.

Completed enrolment form with €15 registration fee to Birr Theatre & Arts Centre by Friday 22nd March. Forms available from the theatre and at www.birrtheatre.com.

COMMUNITY SING NIGHT WEDNESDAY 17 APRIL For EVERYONE who likes to sing, age 18-100! Enjoy an exhilarating evening of singing together, with one of Ireland's most sought after choral directors Anne McCambridge. Returning by popular demand, the amazing Anne will have you harmonising beautiful melodies before the evening is out. NO previous experience necessary, all are welcome to come and join in! Just have fun!

7.30–9pm at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre. Book in advance. FREE EVENT.

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Film@BirrTheatre

C’EST LA VIE! (Le Sens de la fête)

Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano France, 2017 | (French, Tamil) 117 mins | Cert: 15

TUESDAY 16 APRIL Starring: Jean-Pierre Bacri, Gilles Lellouche, Jean-Paul Rouve, Eye Haidara

*IMDb rating 6.9 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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Max is a veteran wedding planner who is thinking about selling his business. For now, however, there’s something more pressing to worry about: organising a lavish wedding in a 17th century chateau. It’s no small task: there’s dozens of people to manage, unreliable electricity, a last-minute musician change, and an increasingly demanding groom. Soon, things start going very wrong indeed. Can Max and his team sort everything out without the guests noticing? The latest film from Untouchable directors Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano is a gloriously manic French comedy. It hits the ground running and barely takes a breath as wedding disaster after disaster unfolds. With larger-than-life characters and laugh-out-loud set pieces, C’est La Vie! is a delight.

AIDAN’S ART ACADEMY

TUESDAY 23 – WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL Aidan’s Art Academy Workshops are based on a range of art disciplines. Activities are designed to develop motor skills, creativity, problem solving and confidence. The aim is to have as much fun as possible while learning to create beautiful and unique artworks. This year’s Easter activities include mixed media mosaic, watercolour designs, Easter themed crafts and more. As always we will have our drawing inspiration box including all the favourites: Minecraft, Unicorns, Lego, Pokemon, Angry Birds, fairies, animals to name but a few.

Spaces limited, book now to avoid disappointment.

Visit our facebook page: Aidan’s Art Academy for more info.

10am–2.30pm • €50 (discounts for siblings) Ages 6-12 • Max 25 Book: 087 137 5415 or email: aidansartacademy@gmail.com

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JOXER DALY Performed by Phelim Drew

FRIDAY 26 APRIL Sean O’Casey’s playful scrounger from the classic, Juno and The Paycock, takes centre stage in this intriguing new play from the pen of Eddie Naughton (Inishfallen Fare The Well). With events that were to alter the course of Irish history as a backdrop, Joxer Daly Esq. charts an everyman journey from respectable member of The Foresters Association to a vagabond scraping by with only his wit to use as collateral. From the 1913 Lock Out to the Rising – and the events of O’Casey’s classic The Plough and the Stars – to the birth of a new divided nationalism, in Juno and The Paycock, we see it all through the eyes of a survivor like no other. Joxer Daly is an ordinary person trying to navigate the difficult waters of what was Dublin in the period leading up to the birth of a Republic. Brilliantly performed by Phelim Drew, Joxer’s love of language, humour, literature and song, together with a drinker’s purple recollection, makes this a performance like no other. Entertaining and funny, Joxer Daly Esq. is a thought provoking gander at one of Irish Literature’s most loveable chancers!

8pm • €18/€16 • Running time: 70 mins. No interval.

Film@BirrTheatre

SHOPLIFTERS TUESDAY 30 APRIL

Director: Hirokazu Koreeda Japan, 2018 | (Japanese) 121 mins | Cert: 15A

Starring: Kirin Kiki, Lily Franky, Moemi Katayama

*IMDb rating 8.1 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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Winner of the Palme d’Or at Cannes 2018, Hirokazu Kore-eda’s new film Shoplifters is a subtle and moving drama about the forces holding a struggling family together. Osamu (Lily Franky), his wife Nobuyu (Sakura Andô) and grandma Hatsue (Kirin Kiki) head the Shibatas, a family living just above the poverty line. When Osamu and his son Shota (Kairi Jyo) take in what appears to be an abandoned little girl, Yuri (Miyu Sasaki), the seams of this brittle and unconventional family begin to unravel.

Shoplifters is a brilliant and nuanced moral inquiry. Tender, compassionate but also enduringly humorous, Kore-eda unfolds a drama which is profoundly moving while in the process conspicuously revealing a Japan rarely seen.

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Film@BirrTheatre

THE WORKSHOP (L’atelier)

Director: Laurent Cantet France 2017 | (French) 113 minutes | Cert: 15A

TUESDAY 7 MAY Starring: Marina Foïs, Matthieu Lucci, Florian Beaujean

*IMDb rating 6.6 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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From Laurent Cantet, writer-director of Palme d’Or-winner The Class, and writer Robin Campillo (120 Beats Per Minute) comes The Workshop, a riveting contemporary drama that blends social commentary with a complex study of the modern world.

Set in La Ciotat, France, the film centres around Antoine (Matthieu Lucci), a teenager who attends a summer writing class. Antoine is tasked with writing a crime thriller with the help of celebrated novelist Olivia Dejazet (Marina Foïs, Polisse) on the basis that the final piece is connected with the town’s industrial past.

Olivia is captivated by Antoine’s anxious and aggressive behaviour. This is reflected in his prose, which becomes more violent and disturbing in its depiction of political radicalism – a provocative streak Olivia is at once troubled and fascinated by.

Film@BirrTheatre, ACCESS>CINEMA and the IFI to coincide with Bealtaine Festival present

Bealtaine Film TUESDAY 14 MAY

We are delighted to be part of the national tour of film for older people as part of the Annual National Bealtaine Festival. At time of print, the film title was not yet finalised. Please mark the date in your diary. See our website, social media and local press for details.

8pm • FREE

DENI BONET

BOUND TO BE ONE OF THE STANDOUT RECORDS OF THE YEAR Paste Magazine

SATURDAY 18 MAY Deni Bonet is a US born singer/songwriter, electric violinist, and multi-instrumentalist. Deni performed and recorded with Mundy, Cyndi Lauper, R.E.M., Sarah McLachlan and many others. She has performed at Carnegie Hall, The Great Wall of China and the White House for President Obama.

For the past several years, Deni has toured the US and Europe, and has become an in-demand act, headlining various festivals, performing arts centres and international venues. Her music has been featured on HBO, NBC, several film and modern dance projects. She was recently honoured to be awarded a grant through the Arts Envoy Program of the US Government to spend a month on a residency in Africa teaching violin, songwriting and rock’n’roll at a music college in Zanzibar. Deni Bonet has released several CDs including last year’s critically-acclaimed Bright Shiny Objects on Zip Records/Sony-RED. www.denibonet.com Support: Jacob Noyce 8pm • €15

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The Great Singalong songBook series

I Love You Because The story of

JIM REEVES SUNDAY 19 MAY I Love You Because traces the intimate story of Jim Reeves, Gentleman Jim, from his early days to the smooth-voiced singer who sold millions of records all around the world. Featuring all the great Reeve’s hits (I Won’t Forget You, Four Walls, He’ll Have to Go, I Love You Because, Distant Drums and much more). Starring Linda Kenny, Damian Smith, our Great Singalong Songbook band (MD Alan Carney), Alf McCarthy (MC) and the legendary Mr Art Supple of the Victor Showband. Written and directed by Cathal MacCabe. Complimentary tea/coffee and biscuits at the interval. A Sunday afternoon of singing you simply cannot afford to miss!

3.30pm • €19 (includes tea/coffee/biscuits at interval)

Film@BirrTheatre

1945

Director: Ferenc Török Hungary, 2017 | (Hungarian, Russian) 91 minutes | Cert: CLUB

TUESDAY 21 MAY Starring: Péter Rudolf, Bence Tasnádi, Tamás Szabó Kimmel, Dóra Sztarenki

*IMDb rating 7.2 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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12 August 1945. The inhabitants of a village in rural Sovietoccupied Hungary are preparing for the town clerk’s son’s wedding, when two Orthodox Jewish men arrive at the railway station with two large trunks. As they silently make their way to town, a growing panic spreads amongst some of the more prominent townsfolk... Ferenc Török’s striking monochrome drama – reminiscent of Fred Zinnemann’s masterful High Noon, no less – is a tense, chilling, beautifully nuanced take on a difficult, transitional period in Hungarian history. A fresh, intelligent cinematic approach to a difficult topic that takes on a transitional time in Hungarian history with subtlety and nuance. Alissa Simon, Variety

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Midlands Drama School Kilcormac Branch

FRIDAY 24 – SATURDAY 25 MAY Midland Drama School is back with another exciting production packed with complicated choreography and well known songs from the West End and Broadway stages featuring students from 7–16 years. Juniors will feature Give Us a Laugh while the Seniors show will feature scenes from the popular Mary Poppins musical which will heighten your experience and make you want to dance in your seats!!

Guaranteed fun for all the family, not to be missed!

Friday 24 May, 7.30pm • Saturday 25 May, 2pm & 7.30pm • €12

A Musical Celebration with the

oxmantown singers

SUNDAY 26 MAY Join the Oxmantown Singers in a celebration of music, with selections from choral, classical, musical theatre, and contemporary genres, as well as some old favourites.

The Oxmantown Singers, under director Pascal Kennedy, present a wonderful programme of joyful and uplifting music, showcasing their talent from primary school age through to young adults. Families advised to book early!

3.30pm • €12/€9

Film@BirrTheatre

RETURN OF THE HERO (Le retour du héros)

Director: Laurent Tirard France, Belgium, 2018 | (French) 90 mins | Cert: 12A

TUESDAY 28 MAY Starring: Jean Dujardin, Mélanie Laurent, Noémie Merlant

*IMDb rating 6.4 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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France 1809: the handsome philanderer Captain Neuville is called to the front, leaving his future bride Pauline heartbroken.

When Pauline doesn’t hear from Neuville for months, her health begins to fail. Her sister Elizabeth hatches a plan to write fake letters to Pauline from Neuville. Three years later the reappearance of the missing soldier causes chaos as he sets out to exploit the fictitious war hero status Elizabeth has created for him! Starring Academy Award winner Jean Dujardin (The Artist) and award winner Mélanie Laurent (Inglorious Basterds), Return of the Hero, the latest period comedy from director Laurent Tirard (Molière), is a charming, playful delight!

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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 Director: Gustav Möller Denmark, 2018 | (Danish) 85 minutes | Cert:15

Film@BirrTheatre

THE GUILTY TUESDAY 4 JUNE Starring: Jakob Cedergren, Jessica Dinnage, Johan Olsen

*IMDb rating 7.6 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

Demoted to deskwork and awaiting a disciplinary hearing, Agent Asger is working the night shift in an emergency call room. When he receives a call from a woman who has been abducted his resolve and arrogance are tested as it becomes a race against time to locate her. Taking place in real time and in a single location nothing is quite as it seems in this claustrophobic thriller. Using sound as the primary storytelling tool and with a powerful central performance from Jakob Cedergren, The Guilty is a visceral viewing experience.

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TIM EDEY

BBC Radio Two’s Musician of the Year (BBC R2 FOLK AWARDS) Multiple Award Winner, Virtuoso Guitarist & Accordionist.

ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST MELODEON PLAYERS Mike Harding

SATURDAY 8 JUNE A multi-instrumentalist and singer, he has toured the world and recorded with most of the major names in Celtic/Contemporary roots music including; The Chieftains, Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Altan, Michael McGoldrick, Seamus Begley, Mary Black, Frankie Gavin to name but a few... Now a name on the world stage in his own right, Tim is rated by many to be one of the world’s finest ever melodeon and guitar players in the folk and contemporary scene today! Originally from Broadstairs in Kent and of Irish descent, he now resides in Donegal where he is based with his family, and from where he tours all over the world. Tim’s live solo shows are a stunning mix of world music inspired instrumental virtuosity and passion with a strong Celtic theme, to audience – chorus lines, and above all a highly entertaining night of musical genius.

8pm • €16 (€10 U.13s)

MUSICAL GENIUS DOESN’T REALLY COVER IT. PROBABLY ONE OF THE FINEST MUSICIANS ON THE ACOUSTIC MUSIC SCENE TODAY, A JOY TO WORK WITH!!!

Richard Lindsay, Ullapool Guitar Festival

STUNNING Aled Jones, BBC Radio Two

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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

MUSIC NETWORK

Lyngo Theatre

Jack

and the

k l a t s n a e B

A show by Marcello Chiarenza Adapted by Patrick Lynch Music by Carlo Cialdo Capelli Design assistant Elena Marini

WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE Fee Fi Fo Fum! It’s a giant of a show, we’d love you to come!

This classic fairytale now gets the Lyngo treatment so expect lots of surprises and beautiful images as Patrick Lynch (from Cbeebies) tells the gripping story of Jack who sells his cow for 5 magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds. It’s a show for the over 4’s (and their giants) with something for everyone – enormous shoes, tiny houses, showers of silver and gold and a big, leafy explosion!

11am • €10 (school group rate: €8 – teachers free) • Age 4+ • Running time: 60 mins

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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

FRIDAY 14 JUNE

A NEW ONE MAN SHOW

Everyone has a soundtrack to their lives. In this new show I take the audience on a journey from when I was 10 until about 45 using ten songs which are integral to the most tragic, joyful and comic moments of that period. When I caused chaos at my school Feis Ceoil (Irish Music Festival) by singing a very inappropriate song in front of the Bishop of Derry!; When I lost my virginity aged 15 to the local bank manager’s wife; and was interrupted by the IRA when I broke into Hammersmith police station through a skylight wearing a red velvet suit; How I went on an acid trip and had a fight with some garden gnomes! How I found my black brother after 35 years.

These are only some of the true-life stories in a 65 minute show.

8pm • €14

Dates for your diary...

Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival Friday 2 - Friday 9 August www.BirrVintageWeek.com

OFFline Film Festival Wed 9 - Sun 13 October www.OfflineFilmFestival.com

Hullabaloo!

Offaly’s Children’s Arts Festival Wed 30 October - Sat 2 November www.HullabalooFestival.com

Scripts Ireland’s Playwriting Festival Thurs 28 November - Sun 1 December www.ScriptsIreland.com

Defending the Caveman Saturday 5 October

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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.

PRIVACY POLICY We values our customer and staff data and will endeavour to keep this data safe at all times. We will never sell, share or use your personal information other than as described in our Privacy Policy. We operate in line with the EU GDPR (May 2018) data protection guidelines. You can opt out of receiving marketing information from us at any time. See our web-site for full details.

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.

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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

FRIENDS OF BIRR THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE NAME:

ADDRESS:

MOBILE:

E-MAIL:

Please add me to the email newsletter

€60 enclosed

Please add me to text reminder service

€120 enclosed

www.birrtheatre.com • 057 9122911

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DESIGN AND PRINT: BROSNA PRESS 090 6454327

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