MAR | APR MAY | JUN 2016
O F FA LY ’ S C E N T R E F O R T H E A R T S
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Welcome! Expert care made personal
! Join us this season at Birr Theatre & We are ready for you Spring/Summer 2016 events. DUKE SPECIAL is back for ng exciti Arts Centre for a whole host of very r BAKER also returns while jazz singe another magical night of music. DON OY McEV Y MAR and Y . JOHN KENN SUSANNAH DE WRIXON joins us in June KER and after a sell-out performance HMA MATC THE play, their with here will be nd! There’s plenty for the kids too as dema lar THE SIX MARYS is back by popu PWC PLAYERS. Not only that, but we also we are delighted to welcome back the season for you to savour. There really have a jam-packed 1916 commemoration rd to welcoming you soon. is something for everyone! We look forwa
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VISUAL ARTS EMMA CAMPBELL THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT
Main St. Birr. t: 057-9120189
MARCH Internationally acclaimed, Kildare artist, Emma Campbell brings her unique work to Birr this February and March. This stunning exhibition features some of Emma’s most recent works from her Butterfly Effect range of paintings. Inspired by the colour of nature and beauty of a simple idea, her work is transformed by the use of intense pigment, movement and depth which she captures in an abstract twist. Her main theme, The Butterfly Effect, uses contrasting ideas in nature from the colour and grace a Butterfly portrays to the metamorphis and ever changing growth within. She illustrates this in her work trying to capture each painting with a sense of emotion through her use of colour. Each piece contains individual character making every painting unique and one of a kind. The exhibition runs to the middle of March.
FAITHFUL RISING ILLUSTRATIONS EXHIBITION MARCH – APRIL This amazing exhibition consists of 8 illustrations that feature in the upcoming documentary Faithful Rising. The panels were hand drawn by Irish Graphic Artist Eoin Work in Progress Coveney who began collaborating with local film producers Miriam Smyth and Gary Hoctor in mid-2015. The panels reflect key scenes from the lives of Éamonn Bulfin and Peadar Bracken as uncovered by the films’ producers. (see Faithful Rising documentary for more details). This exhibition will run 21 March – 3 April in advance of the screening of Faithful Rising on Friday 29 April.
BIRR COMMUNITY SCHOOL 8th ANNUAL STUDENT ART EXHIBITION APRIL – MAY Birr Theatre & Arts Centre extends a huge welcome to Birr Community School for their 8th Annual Student Art Exhibition. This is a huge opportunity for young artists to experience the exhibition process and for the public to see the wonderful and varied work produced by second level students. The exhibition will officially open on Thursday 14 April at 7pm and run until the end of May.
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QUEEN OF IRELAND
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Dir: Conor Horgan Ireland 2015 | (English) 86 mins | Cert: 15A
IN THE COURTYARD (Dans La Cours)
TUESDAY 1 MARCH Created by Rory O’Neill, Panti is a drag queen, an accidental activist and in her own words ‘a court jester, whose role is to say the un-sayable’. Over the last few years Rory has become a figurehead for LGBT rights in Ireland and since the recent scandal around Pantigate, his fight for equality and against *IMDb rating 7.6 8pm €5, Friends €3 homophobia has become recognised across the world. The Queen of Ireland is a documentary film that follows Rory’s journey from the small Mayo town of Ballinrobe to striding the s See 5 Film world stage. The film takes us behind the scenes with his alter h 6t t ge ego Panti in the year she became the symbol of Ireland’s E E R F march towards marriage equality. Directed by Conor Horgan (One Hundred Mornings) the film builds up a multi-faceted Collect your loyalty picture of a complex and compelling character through behind card at Box Office the scenes footage and interviews.
Dir: Pierre Salvadori France 2013 | (French) 97 mins | Cert: Club
TUESDAY 8 MARCH Starring: Gustave Kervern, Feodor Atkine, Catherine Deneuve
Antoine (Gustave Kervern) is a forty-something rock singer with insomnia and stage fright. After deciding that a music career is *IMDb rating 6.3 too stressful, he decides to look for another job. Despite Antoine 8pm €5, Friends €3 having no relevant experience, retired resident Serge (Feodor Atkine) is persuaded by his wife Mathilde (Catherine Deneuve) s to employ him as the caretaker for their quiet Parisian apartment See 5 Film h 6t get building. As Antoine gets to grips with the quirky characters FREE inhabiting the apartments, it quickly becomes obvious that he is unable to handle his new responsibilities. But when Mathilde’s mental state comes into question, she finds a friend and confidante in Antoine. Salvadori and his actors skillfully use humour here to sensitively explore some serious themes, including mental health and loneliness.
Presented with the support of the French Embassy and the Institut Français
D COMEDY EVENTS IRELAN
STEPS ENGINEERS IRELAND FOR ENGINEERS WEEK
Who Wants to be a
Super Hero
THURSDAY 3 MARCH
Just what exactly do scientists and engineers do? How do planes fly? How can we see through the dust in space? How engineers make playgrounds safer to play in? How are they saving the planet? Meet six real-life young scientists and engineers. Each one has made a sixtysecond video about their job and what they enjoy the most about it. These are interspersed with discussion from a live presenter and interactive demonstrations involving volunteers from the audience. 9.45am/11.15am/12.45pm (Duration: 50 mins) • FREE • Online Booking Essential Please follow the link on www.birrtheatre.com to book your ticket
A Night of
TV Comedy Stars
SATURDAY 12 MARCH
Three of Ireland’s finest comedians come together for one brilliant show. Pat McDonnell Star of Channel 4’s Father Ted (Eoin McLove), RTÉ’s The Savage Eye, and Sky 1’s Moone Boy. Tom O’Mahony Ex-MMA fighter who for many years has been a regular and highly lauded stand-up fixture at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. More recently, he has gained much notoriety for his role as Tarquin, the intolerable toff in the RTÉ television series Damo & Ivor. Edwin Sammon a Birr native, Edwin has played every major club and festival in Ireland as well as headlining the Stand Comedy Clubs in the U.K. He is a Tedfest Golden Toilet Duck Award ’11 winner. Currently starring as Fr. Gabriel O’Shea in RTÉ’s latest sitcom Bridget and Eamon. This will be a night of comedy gold! 8pm • €16 (Friends: priority)
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OXMANTOWN SINGERS
THE SECOND MOTHER (Que Horas Ela Volta?)
Dir: Anna Muylaert Brazil 2014 | (Portuguese) 112 mins | Cert: Club
TUESDAY 29 MARCH Starring: Regina Casé, Antonio Abujamra, Helena Albergaria
JUNIOR ENSEMBLE WITH SOLO SENIORS
SUNDAY 13 MARCH Join us for a delightful afternoon of song with the Oxmantown Singers junior ensemble including solo performances from senior members. Under the guidance of Deirdre Hanniffy. Accompanied by Marie Power. 4.30pm • €10/€8
When Val (Regina Casé) left her home to work thousands of miles away as a live-in housekeeper for Fabinho (Michel Joelsas) *IMDb rating 7.1 in Sao Paulo, she carried the guilt of leaving her young daughter 8pm €5, Friends €3 Jessica behind with relatives. Now, 13 years later, Jessica (Camila Márdila) shows up in Sao Paulo, and her presence throws into s disarray the unspoken class barriers within Fabinho’s home. See 5 Film h get 6t
Chicago Critics Film Festival 2014
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“This is the sort of savvy, socially conscious crowdpleaser that occupies a rare middle ground between genteel and intellectual world cinema.” Geoff Berkshire, Variety
BI RR COMHALTAS ANNUAL CONCERT SUNDAY 20 MARCH The annual Birr Comhaltas concert is not to be missed by music lovers. Come along for a toe-tapping night of live music featuring local and national talent. 8pm • €15/€12 (Friends: €12)
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TANGERINES (Mandariinid) TUESDAY 22 MARCH
Dir: Zaza Urushadze Estonia/Georgia 2013 (Estonian/Russian) 89 mins | Cert: CLUB
Starring: Lembit Ulfsak, Elmo Nüganen, Giorgi Nakashidze
Set during the brutal 1992 Georgian-Abkhazian conflict, Zaza Urushadze’s anti-war story roots inself in the neutral viewpoint of elderly Estonian farmer Ivo (Lembit Ulfsak). *IMDb rating 8.4 After a shootout between Georgian soldiers and Checen 8pm €5, Friends €3 mercenaries near the local tangerine orchard, Ivo finds himself nursing two wounded men from opposite sides in his small house. As both men get better and Ivo s See 5 Film get 6th remains stoically neutral, refusing to allow bloodshed under his FREE own roof, the stage is set for a brilliant examination of Collect your loyalty card at Box Office conflict and humanity. Strong performances and an atmospheric soundtrack add to this simple yet tense and emotionallypowerful piece.
Baker Rose DON BAKER AND CLARA ROSE SATURDAY 2 APRIL DON BAKER Legendary Irish singer, songwriter, guitarist and harmonica player has teamed up with emerging unique vocalist and songwriter, CLARA ROSE to create an unforgettable show featuring their own music and collaborations from their new album, Baker Rose. The musician affectionately known as ‘The Don’ became a professional musician in 1973. His recent role in popular Irish soap Fair City has made Baker into a household name. Clara Rose has been writing and performing her original music for 10 years which lead her to feature as an artist on Don’s most recent album, My Songs, My Friends (2013). This collaboration of kindred spirits produces a gorgeous exponent of the blues and roots genres. 8pm • €18/16 (Friends: €16)
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THEEB
Dir: Naji Abu Nowar Arabic 2014 | (Arabic) 100 mins | Cert: Club
TUESDAY 5 APRIL Starring: Jacir Eid Al-Hwietat, Hussein Salameh Al-Sweilhiyeen
Young Theeb lives with his tribe in a forgotten corner of the Ottoman Empire. Having recently lost his father, Theeb is being raised by his brother Hussein, who tries to teach him the Bedouin way of life. But the boy is more interested in mischief. Their *IMDb rating 7.4 lives are interrupted when a British Army Officer arrives on a 8pm €5, Friends €3 mysterious mission. Not wanting to dishonour his late father’s reputation, Hussein agrees to s escort the officer to a well. Fearful of See 5 Film h 6t t ge separation, Theeb follows Hussein. FREE Since the outbreak of the First World War, this harsh terrain has become Collect your loyalty the hunting ground of Ottoman card at Box Office mercenaries, Arab revolutionaries and outcast Bedouin raiders. If Theeb (meaning ‘wolf’ in Arabic) is to survive, he must quickly learn about adulthood, trust and betrayal, and live up to the name his father gave him.
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TAXI TEHRAN
Dir: Jafar Panahi Iran 2015 | (Farsi) 81 mins | Cert: CLUB
TUESDAY 12 APRIL Starring: Jafar Panahi
Winner of the Golden Bear at this year’s Berlinale, Panahi’s latest is perhaps his most playful film yet. Riffing on the narrative structure pioneered in Kiarostami’s 10, it’s mostly *IMDb rating 7.5 set and entirely shot from inside a car: a taxi of sorts, with 8pm €5, Friends €3 Panahi playing himself as an affable amateur cabbie. After giving rides around Tehran to a motley array of passengers – s from a rabid reactionary and a liberal teacher to a man selling See 5 Film h 6t get pirate DVDs and women heading to a shrine – he finally collects FREE his niece, a sassy youngster making a little movie herself for school. Cue a discussion of how film should represent reality Collect your loyalty (or not!): a subject clearly close to Panahi’s heart, given his card at Box Office standing with the Iranian authorities. Despite its concern with ethics, aesthetics and politics, the film oozes disarming charm and mischievous wit, slyly reminding us that cinema, for better or worse, always trades in illusion. Geoff Andrew, BFI London Film Festival 2015
Singapore Film Festival 2014
PWC PLAYERS PRESENT
FRIDAY 8 & SATURDAY 9 APRIL After a two year gap, 2016 sees the return of the PwC Players to Birr with Jack & the Beanstalk, following its winter run in London and Birmingham. Jack and the Beanstalk tells the classic story of a young man who becomes a hero to save his family, his young love, and his family’s cow. The village of Dinglebottom is being terrorised by an evil Giant and his vile henchmen, and Jack needs our help! Come along to cheer, sing, hiss and boo as our unlikely hero and his band of helpers climb the beanstalk and find themselves in a winter wonderland. Can our hero rescue the Princess? Can he save Dinglebottom from the Giant? Can polar bears and penguins really dance? Friday 12.45pm & 7pm; Saturday 3pm €13/€8.50 (1 adult/2 kids €25)
SATURDAY 16 APRIL It's 1936, DeValera commemorates the heroes of 1916 with pomp and ceremony. But some are forgotten. Disillusioned by her sister’s omission, Josie O’Farrell is compelled to tell her story. Easter Monday 1916, a determined young Josie and her sister Gillian join the march at Liberty Hall and find their way into the GPO for an adventure that changes their lives forever. Sisters of the Rising is a funny and poignant story and a testament to the many forgotten women who fought for Irish independence. Written by Offaly playwright and actor Christiane O’Mahony. Supported by Offaly 2016 8pm • €16/€14
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MIA MADRE (My Mother)
Dir: Nanni Moretti Italy 2015 | (Italian) 105 mins | Cert: TBC
TUESDAY 19 APRIL Starring: Margherita Buy, John Turturro, Giulia Lazzarni
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“Sumptuous, symphonic pop anthem, courtesy of dreadlocked Irishman who sounds like The Flaming Lips crossed with Rufus Wainwright” Q
Duke Special
Margherita (Margherita Buy), a director, is halfway through shooting a social-realist film about protesting factory workers. Divorced from the father of her teenage daughter and somewhat *IMDb rating 7.0 distracted by managing the actors on her film set – she's 8pm €5, Friends €3 romantically entangled with one, and acting as a quasi-mother to another (played by John Turturro) – she is nevertheless a s model of composure. See 5 Film h 6t get But then her elderly mother Ada (Guilia Lazzarini) goes into FREE hospital, and the normally calm and efficient Margherita struggles to cope with the reality and import of the situation. Instead, her Collect your loyalty brother Giovanni (Moretti) picks up card at Box Office the slack, as Margherita veers towards breakdown. Garnering great reviews from its screenings in Competition at Cannes in May, this vastly witty, eloquent and self-reflexive film explores familial loss, ageing, gender roles and the process of filmmaking. ICO Screening Days
SUNDAY 17 APRIL
Duke Special is returning to Ireland in 2016 in a series of solo shows. Don’t forget the sensational night of music we had in Birr back in 2007 when he last performed here! This will be a magical show exploring forgotten old dusty manuscripts along with songs from his most recent and well-received album, Look out machines!, not to mention many of the usual live favourites… Many people are aware of Duke’s platinum album Songs From The Deep Forest, and the hit song Freewheel, but many may be surprised by the cultural breadth of his other work. His creative talents have seen him involved in projects as diverse as writing the theme tune for the Irish Sesame Street to writing the music for and appearing in Deborah Warner’s critically acclaimed 2009 production of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children at London’s National Theatre. He has presented a documentary on the life of ’50s megastar Ruby Murray, has been commissioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to write a series of original songs based on photographs for their exhibition of the photographers Stieglitz, Steichen, and Strand. He has performed with orchestras such as the Ulster and RTE Concert orchestras and has finished an unfinished musical by Kurt Weill based on Huckleberry Finn. Recently he joined forces with stand-up comedian Andrew Doyle and together they brought a brand new musical adaptation of Gulliver’s Travels to the Lyric Theatre in his native Belfast, a production created by the team behind the West End smash hit Once the Musical! Always looking for new and interesting collaborations and projects to get his teeth into, Duke Special really is an artist who never stops. www.dukespecial.com “Magically uplifting” Evening Standard “Duke is in a world of his own” Independent “This is music of magic and soul” The Telegraph 8pm • €18.50
*IMDb rating 7.0 8pm €5, Friends €3
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MY SKINNY SISTER (Min Lilla Syster)
Dir: Sanna Lenken Sweden/Germany 2015 | (Swedish) 95 mins | Cert: Club
TUESDAY 26 APRIL Starring: Amy Diamond, Annika Hallin, Henrik Norlén
Katja is a talented figure skater and is always busy with school or training. At home she receives almost all of her parents’ attention. Her younger sister Stella barely gets a look in. Stella admires her sister and tries hard to emulate her. The two girls get on well as a rule, but Katja hardly has any time and can sometimes be unexpectedly distant and mean. Stella is the first to realise that something is wrong with her sister and discovers that she is suffering from a severe eating disorder that could kill her. Stella wants to tell their parents but Katja forces her to swear not to. This is far too big a burden of responsibility for a girl of her age. Will Katja’s illness drive the family to the brink of despair or ultimately bring them closer together? Galway Film Fleadh 2015
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FAITHFUL RISING FRIDAY 29 APRIL This landmark documentary, presented by Tullamore-born historian Dr. Paul Rouse (UCD), tells the stories of two Offaly men who took part in The 1916 Rising, Peadar Bracken from Tullamore and Éamonn Bulfin from Birr. Faithful Rising uses previously unseen family archive material, mixed with vibrant graphic novel style illustrations to bring their stories to life. Expert historians and descendants of Bulfin and Bracken also contribute to make this compelling viewing. One of the key commemorative events in Offaly marking the centenary of The Rising, the screening will be preceded by a drinks reception and followed by what is sure to be a riveting Q&A. Directed by Miriam Smyth and Gary Hoctor. 8pm • €12 • Drinks Reception 7.30pm Supported by Offaly 2016
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Musicians of the Future Gala Concert SUNDAY 1 MAY A unique opportunity to hear some of the finest young musicians of the future perform a repertoire of solo instrument and song! Now in it’s third year, Birr Theatre & Arts Centre has again sought submissions from musicians and singers with a midlands connection, who are pursuing a professional performance career in classical instrument or voice. Tonight's concert presents those chosen from many applicants, one of whom will receive the Trench Award for 2016. The late Julia & Patrick Trench were noted for their musical evenings at Sopwell Hall, Ballingarry. Patrick played flute, harp and organ, Julia played piano and organ. The beautiful Trench Harp was gifted to Triona Marshall, from Portlaoise, who performs regularly with the National Concert Orchestra and has toured worldwide with The Chieftans. Julia Trench was one of the many generous benefactors involved in the establishment of Birr Theatre & Arts Centre in the mid 1990s. 7.30pm • €16/14 (Friends: €14) Official Accompanist: Mairead Hurley
Coordinator: Maureen de Forge
Please note the earlier time of 7.30pm
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2015 Trench Award winner, Carolyn Holt and runner-up, Gavin Brennan with the 2015 selection panel, Fergus Sheil, John Molloy and Enda O’Connor
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Dir: Ramin Bahrani USA 2014 | (English) 110 mins | Cert: 15A
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99 HOMES
Dir: Dome Karukoski
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Finland/Iceland 2014 THE GRUMP (Mielensäpahoittaja) (English/Finnish/Russian) 104 mins | Cert: TBC
TUESDAY, 3 MAY
TUESDAY 10 MAY
Starring: Michael Shannon, Andrew Garfield, Laura Dern
Starring: Starring: Antti Litja, Mari Perankoski / Likka Forss
99 Homes is a searing, impeccably acted indictment of capitalism, especially as it functions in present-day American real estate. The film focuses on Florida construction worker Dennis Nash *IMDb rating 7.2 (Andrew Garfield), who has fallen irretrievably behind on his 8pm €5, Friends €3 mortgage payments due to lack of work. Desperate to keep the home he shares with his mother and son, his last-ditch attempt s See 5 Film with the court system fails, and the family is tossed out by a fastget 6th talking bank representative named Rick Carver (Michael Shannon) FREE and a cadre of cops and hirelings. In a surprising turn of events, Nash soon finds himself accepting a job Collect your loyalty as one of Carver’s flunkies and thus enters a card at Box Office morass of moral ambiguity. Bahrani, whose films consistently focus on the plight of the “have-nots”, here creates a timely and gripping modern reimagining of the Faustian bargain, demonstrating the lengths someone will go to in order to become a “have”. Rod Armstrong, Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2014
The Grump (Antti Litja) is a stubborn, sour-faced old farmer with a rose-tinted view of the past. After a bad fall, he is forced to move from his family farm to the city home of his career-focussed daughter-in-law. Struggling to exist in this *IMDb rating 7.0 8pm €5, Friends €3 new world, the old man seems to do nothing but clash with everyone around him. Based on the popular novel by s See 5 Film get 6th Finnish author Tuomas Kyrö, The Grump is a charming and comedic FREE culture-clash satire from up-andCollect your loyalty coming director Dome Karukoski card at Box Office (Lapland Odyssey).
EDWIN SAMMON Vs CANCER “
Sharply Written, Brilliantly Performed. Totally Dublin.
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SATURDAY 14 MAY
THE MATCHMAKER Performed by Mary McEvoy and Jon Kenny • Directed by Michael Scott Based on the novella “Letters of a County Matchmaker” by JOHN B. KEANE
SATURDAY 7 MAY The production stars television favourite Mary McEvoy known for her role as Biddie in the long running RTÉ series Glenroe and actor/comedian Jon Kenny who was part of the Irish comic duo d’Unbelievables with Pat Shortt. Together they play a myriad of characters in this hilarious and earthy dramatic comedy. The play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O’Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn. Keane, an avid observer of people and the cultures that bind and create their view of the world uses The Matchmaker as an exploration of rural loneliness. Aware that generations of people became masters of their own destinies late in life, and only then began to look for companionship and love, once their duties as minder of aging parents were concluded or they had finally inherited, or were the left over brother or sister. Using his inimitable way with words and his one sense of “devilment” and wit, Keane delves into the longings, hungers, fears and foibles of this collection of lonely county people and creates a marvellously colourful world, taking us back to a simpler time, when phones were few and far between and the only web was one left behind by spiders. 8pm • €21 (Friends: Priority)
Birr native Edwin Sammon has established himself as one of the most popular comedians in the country over the last few years, his unpredictable and crowd pleasing style saw him win the Tedfest Golden Toilet Duck Award in 2011 and led to him supporting the likes of Jason Byrne, Phil Jupitus and Ardal O’Hanlon while performing at major festivals and comedy clubs across Ireland and the U.K. He has appeared on RTÉ’s New Comedy Awards and numerous times on Republic of Telly playing Priests, Satan and, most recently, Santa Claus. In 2013 he was part of the sold out nationwide Lads Of Comedy tour. This year sees him starring as Fr. Gabriel in RTÉ’s latest sitcom Bridget and Eamon and touring his first stand up special Edwin Sammon vs Cancer. “Winningly dry” The Telegraph “Supporting him will be Stellar” 2015 Comedian of the year Andrea Farrell 8pm • €16 access>CINEMA's and the IFI to coincide with Bealtaine Festival present
A WALK IN THE WOODS
Dir: Ken Kwapis USA 2015 | (English) 104 mins | Cert: 15A
TUESDAY 17 MAY Starring: Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, Emma Thompson
*IMDb rating 6.4 8pm Special Bealtaine Festival Rate: General Admission: €3
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After two decades of living in the UK, renowned travel writer Bill Bryson (Robert Redford) returns to America with his English wife Cathy (Emma Thompson). In an attempt to find a way to reconnect with his homeland, he impulsively decides to hike the Appalachian Trail, a trek of over 2,000 miles stretching from Maine to Georgia. With Cathy protesting against the idea of Bill doing the trip solo, an out-of-the-blue call from old friend Katz (Nick Nolte), offering to accompany him, seems like the perfect solution. Based on Bill Bryson’s best-selling 1998 memoir, A Walk in the Woods is a gentle comedy that combines breath-taking scenery with the charming chemistry of its two veteran stars, who are clearly enjoying themselves.
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OSCAR ® SEASON
The BIG FELLOW
A play by Declan Gorman based on Frank O’Connor’s biography of Michael Collins • Original music by Colin Blakey
THURSDAY 19 MAY Developed with support from the Abbey Theatre, Declan Gorman’s new drama is a non-stop, edge-of-your-seat adventure, laced with humour, scenes of daring and intrigue. It presents the compelling story of Michael Collins: his rise from unknown volunteer in the GPO to military leader who brought down an empire only to meet his untimely death at the hands of former comrades. Much more than a straightforward dramatisation of the life of a hero, however, this is also the story of his biographer, the literary genius Frank O’Connor, who witnessed traumatic scenes as a timid adolescent soldier fighting against Collins, now seeking to make reparation. As The Big Fellow comes to unruly life before him, the epic tale of the birth of a nation is re-lived by both men: the one who survived it and came to understand the disappointment that inevitably follows the dream, and the tragic hero who perished in his effort to broker a waking compromise. Script developed with the support of the Abbey Theatre “Frank O’Connor has done for Ireland what Chekhov did for Russia” William Butler Yeats “Declan Gorman writes and directs with an innate knowledge of theatre and a mastery of vernacular language” The Irish News 8pm • €17.50/€15
The Tale of the Ancient Lights
For the past few years during this time of the year we have screened Oscar® nominees and winners. At time of print release dates for a number of titles are not available but we hope to screen films such as…The Danish Girl, Room and more. We’re open to suggestions. What would you like to see??
BROOKLYN TUESDAY 24 MAY
Dir: John Crowley UK/Ireland 2015 | (English) 112 mins | Cert: 12A
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson
Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) moves from 1950s Ireland to Brooklyn, NY where there are better opportunities for her future. As Eilis adjusts to her new life, she finds love with handsome Italian-American Tony. But when a family tragedy sees her return to Ireland, she *IMDb rating 7.7 attracts attention from local bachelor Jim (Domhnall Gleeson). 8pm €5, Friends €3 Faced with a fresh perspective and increasing pressure from those close to her, Eilis must decide where her future lies. Adapted by Nick Hornby from Colm Tóibín’s s See 5 Film get 6th novel, and directed by John Crowley (Intermission), Brooklyn is an exquisitely FREE realised story about family, memories Collect your loyalty and home. Ronan shines as Eilis in card at Box Office her most mature performance to date, assisted by an excellent supporting cast, which includes Julie Walters and Jim Broadbent.
MONDAY 23 MAY
The Tale of the Ancient Lights is Riuchi’s award-winning one-man show inspired by Asian art; a fusion of circus, dance, magic and technology. It won Best Performance and Best Lighting at Galway Fringe Festival 2014, was nominated for Bewley’s Café Theatre “Little Gem” Award at Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival and has featured on the RTÉ Today show. The Irish Times has described it as “an intriguing synthesis of technology and a skilled and imaginative performer.” Riuchi has been recognised as the preeminent Emerging Irish Circus Performer 2016 and has been the recipient of awards from the Arts Council of Ireland, Cork City Council, the French Embassy and Culture Ireland. A search for destiny in Asian Legend told through the use of modern LED Technology. This poignant story is told through the skilled movements of the artists, inviting the audience away to another land, in another time. The piece is a non-narrative 45 mins show which embodies beauty and poetry, enacted with a deft combination of Circus, Magic and Dance. This atmospheric multidisciplinary piece is suitable for all people of all ages. 11am • €5 (best suits 3rd Class upwards) Teachers FREE CONTAINS FLASHING LIGHTS
IDHEOAOLL SC
TOUR
An Evening of Contemporary Poetry & Storytelling in this Centenary year
SATURDAY 28 MAY What would MacDonagh, Pearse, Yeats or Lady Gregory have us talking about today? We’re asking the question – Do words still matter? Can artists still inspire and guide us? Join us and celebrate Ireland’s ancient and noble traditions of poetry and storytelling… by dragging them by the scruff of the neck into the new century! This revue-style show promises an incendiary evening of stories, songs, poems and conversation. Notorious troubadour Fergus Costello, champion spoken-word poet Cormac Lally (Scene of the Rhyme), and activistrapper Temper-Mental MissElayneous (Connected, RTÉ 2) share the stage in a show that mixes poetry, storytelling, humour and music with revolutionary passion! More artists to be announced! A fundraiser for the Cloughjordan Community Amphitheatre project. 8pm • €15/€10
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film@birrtheatre
OSCAR® SEASON CONTINUES… TITLE TO BE CONFIRMED Vladimir Jablokov with special guest
Sean Costello tenor
Vladimir One Night in Vienna SUNDAY 29 MAY Vladimir is delighted to announce the return of his warmly received classical show One Night In Vienna. Join him as he plays some of the most beautiful classical melodies from the Romantic era of The Strauss Family this May for a select number of performances. This very special show will highlight the more traditional side of Vladimir’s musical spectrum. Having wowed audiences across the nation with the stunning Two Brothers show, his family favourite Viennese Christmas and his classics – meets –rock – meets jazz fusion Classical Twist, One Night In Vienna is a show devoted to the evergreen classical touch stones. Expect to hear The Blue Danube, The Voices of Spring, the Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, the Radetzky March, the Merry Widow Waltz, Beer Barrel Polka and many more favorites you know and love. As well as being a showcase for Vladimir’s virtuoso violin skills, One Night In Vienna also features an ensemble of his hand-picked musicians and some of his family members. In addition, the concert also features solo spots from special guest soprano and tenor Sean Costello. 8pm • €26/€24
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OSCAR SEASON TUESDAY 31 MAY
For the past few years during this time of the year we have screened Oscar® nominees and winners. At time of print release dates for a number of titles are not available but we hope to screen films such as … The Danish Girl, Room and more. We’re open to suggestions. What would you like to see? 8pm • €5 (Friends: €3)
Lyngo Theatre presents THE CURIOUS ADVENTURES OF
PINOCCHIO
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TOUR
A show by Marcello Chiarenza
Adapted and performed by Patrick Lynch Music by Carlo Cialdo Capelli • Design assistant Elena Marini
WEDNESDAY 8 JUNE One of the best loved classics for children comes to life, literally. Crickets, cats, foxes and, of course, the world-famous puppet, will spring out of our collection of dusty, old, magic books while Patrick Lynch from CBeebies pulls all the strings and turns all the pages to bring you the true story of Pinocchio, no lie. Who nose? He might even find his father and become a real boy. Come and join him on his incredible journey, you’ll have a whale of a time! 11.15am • €10 (school group rate: €8 per child – Teachers FREE) • 4 years +
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CAROL
TUESDAY 7 JUN
Dir: Todd Haynes USA 2015 | (English) 118 mins | Cert: 15A
Starring: Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, Kyle Chandler
In New York in the early 1950s, Therese Belivet, is working in a Manhattan department store and dreaming of a more fulfilling life when she meets Carol Aird, an alluring woman trapped in a failing marriage. As an immediate connection sparks between *IMDb rating 7.5 them, the innocence of their first encounter dims and their connection 8pm €5, Friends €3 deepens. When Carol’s involvement with Therese comes to light, Carol’s husband retaliates by challenging her competence as a mother. And as Carol and Therese take s See 5 Film get 6th refuge on the road, leaving their respective lives behind, a confrontation FREE emerges that will test each woman’s Collect your loyalty assumptions about herself and card at Box Office commitments to one another.
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TALISMAN THEATRE COMPANY
Puss in Boots T H E
M U S I C A L
WEDNESDAY 15 JUNE
Susannah n o x i r W e d
D GS ATTACHE WITH STRIN
SATURDAY 11 JUN ‘A Blazing Talent’ Gay Byrne ‘Susannah’s control is complete’ New York Cabaret Scene For decades Susannah De Wrixon has been charming audiences with her exquisite voice, keen wit and unique song choices. Composer and Jazz pianist Jim Doherty together with award-winning actor/singer/comedienne Susannah De Wrixon celebrate their long and accomplished careers where they select the best of the American songbook along with contemporary, comedic and cabaret gems in a brand new show, “Susannah with Strings Attached”. Musical maestro Jim Doherty (piano) leads Susannah on vocals, Dave Fleming on double bass and the Delmaine String Quartet in a fusion of jazz, classical and cabaret. Lyrical and Lovely, Miss Susannah De Wrixon’s vocals and chat will marry both worlds with effortless charm and wit. This will be a music lovers ‘must see’ show carrying us through a summer’s evening in June! 8pm • €15 • Performance time: 1 hour (approx.)
film@birrtheatre
OSCAR® SEASON CONTINUES… TITLE TO BE CONFIRMED TUESDAY 14 JUN For the past few years during this time of the year we have screened Oscar® nominees and winners. At time of print release dates for a number of titles are not available but we hope to screen films such as … The Danish Girl, Room and more. We’re open to suggestions. What would you like to see? 8pm • €5 (Friends: €3)
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A “PURR-FECT” TREAT!
The Talisman Theatre Company is back at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre with its acclaimed musical production of Puss in Boots. Step into a magical world presided over by the cleverest cat ever to wear boots, in this delightful re-enactment of an all-time fairytale favourite! A poor miller’s son is left with a most unusual inheritance: a cat named Puss. No ordinary feline, Puss soon reveals he can talk and persuades his master to spend his last pennies on knee-length boots, a long flowing purple coat and a feather-topped hat! The mischievous Puss then leads his master on a series of adventures in his mission to help him to win the heart of a beautiful princess! But when the king demands to see his riches, the clever cat must go to the land of the wicked magician and use all his cunning to ensure that everyone lives happily ever after! Show Times: 10.30am & 12.00pm Prices: Adult: €12.50; Child: €10.50; School/Group rate: €9.00 (One teacher free with every 10-child tickets sold) Show running time 60 mins approx. Age Recommendation: Ideal for Ages 4+ These shows sell out fast so booking early is suggested for this popular show. To book please call Olga on our dedicated Booking Line 087-6363075
Back By Popular Demand! THE SIX MARYS
Written and presented by Jean Farrell Directed by Joe McCarrick
FRIDAY 17 JUNE This one-woman-show is a comical yet poignant look at life, from childhood in the1950s, to the present day. It draws very much on the influence of religion as taught by the nuns – preparing young Irish Catholic schoolgirls to imitate the virtues of the Virgin Mary. They were to be meek, humble and pure. How well did this help them cope with the huge social changes of the following decades? Were the fanciful dreams of youth fulfilled? This journey of self-discovery is interspersed with well-known hit songs from the various eras, sung by Catherine Gallagher. The six Marys are fun-loving girlfriends, who grow into practical, everyday housewives. The light-hearted atmosphere helps us concentrate on their journeys through the decades delivering all kinds of sharp and comical observations. Jean Farrell has plenty to say about the teenage pursuit of Mr Wonderful followed by the reality of married life, teenage children and growing waistlines. And, when our children grow up eventually and leave home, what lies ahead then – a big void or peace at last? The Six Marys is a very funny play enjoyed by 6,000 people to date all around the country. d “Really really funny – and SO true to life.” “Haven’t laughe s ar ye in h “I had forgotten all those things – WONDERFUL show.” so muc 8pm • €13/€11 (Friends: €11) LOVED it”
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 Ltd. 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, 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
TOWNSEND HOUSE
Comhairle Chontae Uíbh Fhailí Offaly County Council
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.
DESIGN AND PRINT: BROSNA PRESS 090 6454327