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NOV | DEC JAN | FEB 2018/19

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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FEBRUARY–APRIL

DECEMBER–JANUARY

VISUAL ARTS COMMON GROUND LOOK TO THE SKIES The 11th annual Common Ground, referring to a group of artists coming together to exhibit, will take the theme Look to the Skies this year and we are currently calling for local artists to submit work. The exhibition will be curated by a guest selector and it is intended the resulting exhibition will showcase the exceptional talent and diversity of visual artists in the Midlands today.

Full details regarding submitting on www.birrtheatre.com.

The exhibition runs until the end of January.

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 from Monday 25 February – Monday 8 April

Mid-Term Break

Wed 31 Oct – Sat 3 Nov 2018

FESTIV PROGRAMAML E AVAILABLE NOW!

Birr • Clara • Edenderry and selected offaly libraries

WORKSHOPS & LIVE PERFORMANCES FOR ALL THE FAMILY www.hullabaloofestival.ie

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AT HULLABALOO! TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER – THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER Three days of singing, action and fun led by the amazing choral director Anne McCambridge from Belfast, joined by Laura Sheils and Pascal Kennedy. Open to all boys and girls age 9-12 years who love music and singing!

9.30am-2pm daily (Marian Hall) • Completed enrolment form and €15 registration fee to Birr Theatre & Arts Centre by Friday 12th October. Forms are available from the theatre and www.birrtheatre.com

COMMUNITY SIGN PROJECT THURSDAY 1 NOVEMBER For the older folk: brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, parents, grandparents and EVERYONE who likes to sing! Enjoy an exhilarating evening of singing together, with one of Ireland’s most sought after choral directors, Anne McCambridge.

No previous experience necessary.

7.30-9pm (Birr Theatre & Arts Centre) Free event. Advance booking recommended.

Film@BirrTheatre

THE DIVINE ORDER (Die Göttliche Ordnung)

Director: Petra Volpe Switzerland, 2017 | (Swiss German) 96mins | Cert: CLUB

TUESDAY 6 NOVEMBER Starring: Marie Leuenberger, Max Simonischeck, Marta Zoffoli, Nicholas Ofczarek, Sofia Helin

*IMDb rating 7.1 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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1971: Nora is a young housewife and mother, living in a quaint little village in Switzerland with her husband and their two sons.

The rural area is untouched by the major social upheavals the revolutionary movement of 1968 has brought about elsewhere.

Nora’s life is not affected either; she is a quiet person who is liked by everybody – until she starts to publicly fight for women’s suffrage, which the men are due to vote on in a ballot. Despite obstacles and backlash Nora becomes a hero as she overthrows the status quo. Switzerland was one of the last countries in the world to introduce female suffrage. And it is only since 1971 that women have had the right to vote.

W I NNE R, AU D IEN C E AWARD , Tribeca Film Festival 2017

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FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER Ireland’s No.1 Rod Stewart Tribute show Tonight’s the Night have been wowing audiences far and wide. A seven-piece LIVE, full production show with sexy backing dancers!! Lee Hedley is a very well respected frontman and knows how to connect with a live audience. With reputedly one of the best sounding, most natural Rod voice’s in the world, costume changes and songs from Rod Stewart’s huge catalogue he will have you dancing in the aisles and singing along from the first song. A two-hour roller coaster of Rod Stewart’s greatest songs this is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after tribute shows in the UK and Ireland.

8pm • €20

MUSIC NETWORK

YURY REVICH VIOLIN BENEDICT KLOECKNER CELLO

SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER

A true virtuoso – and an impassioned believer in making the violin “sing” – Yury Revich made his debut at Carnegie Hall in 2009 and since then has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious concert halls. Winner of multiple awards, including the Young Artist of the Year at the International Classical Music Awards in 2015, Revich is a dedicated chamber musician, collaborating with renowned artists such as Daniil Trifonov as well as founding Quatuor du Soleil. One of Germany’s most acclaimed young cellists, Benedict Kloeckner has been lauded for his “glowing, ethereal tone” and “perfect intonation”. In addition to performing as a soloist in venues such as Berlin’s Philharmoniker, the Barbican Centre and Carnegie Hall, Kloeckner is a much sought-after chamber musician, collaborating with such luminaries as Sir András Schiff, Anne Sophie Mutter, Gidon Kremer and Christoph Eschenbach. Music Network has commissioned Sebastian Adams to write new music for this tour.

Music Network tours are funded by the Arts Council.

8pm • €16/€14 (Under 13s €8)

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*IMDb rating 7.6 8pm • €5/€3

Film@BirrTheatre s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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CUSTODY (Jusqu’à La Garde)

Director: Xavier Legrand France, 2017 | (French) 94 mins | Cert: 15A

TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER Starring: Léa Drucker, Denis Ménochet, Thomas Gioria

Miriam and Antoine Besson have just divorced. A bitter legal battle with their young son Julien at the centre results in joint custody, despite Miriam arguing that her son does not want to see his father. Her claims that Antoine has been violent towards them don’t stand up when she fails to produce proof of this in front of the judge. As Antoine tries to re-establish a relationship with his distressed son, the truth of the situation is slowly and tensely revealed. Based on his 2013 Oscar-nominated short Just Before Losing Everything, this impressive feature debut from French actor-director Xavier Legrand is a dynamic and suspenseful family drama.

WINNER, BEST DIRECTOR AWARD (SILVER LION), Venice Film Festival 2017 WINNER, AUDIENCE AWARD, San Sebastián International Film Festival 2017 WINNER, AUDIENCE AWARD, Glasgow Film Festival 2018

An Evening with

JOHNNY McEVOY IN CONCERT THURSDAY 15 NOVEMBER Johnny McEvoy has always been highly acclaimed for his excellent shows and his current nationwide concert tour is getting a huge response from his legion of fans. This nostalgic evening of song and story features all of Johnny’s many hit songs including Mursheen Durkin, Boston Burglar, Those Brown Eyes, Long Long Before Your Time, plus some songs from his new album. His songs are haunting, evocative and beautifully presented with many in the folk and ballad style.

Johnny McEvoy has been one of the most enduring and talented singer/ songwriters in these islands over the past 50 years. His concert performance is second to none with his songs beautifully delivered in truly artistic fashion and storytelling of the finest order. A Concert not to be missed!

8pm • €30/Seniors €27 (10% discount groups of 10 or over)

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Film@BirrTheatre

WESTERN

Director: Valeska Grisebach Germany, Bulgaria, Austria, 2017 | (Bulgarian) 119 minutes | Cert: CLUB

TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER Starring: Meinhard Neumann, Reinhardt Wetrek, Syuleyman Alilov Letifov

*IMDb rating 7.1 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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A group of German construction workers sent to build a hydroelectric power plant set up camp on the outskirts of a remote Bulgarian village. Tensions within the group start to rise when former legionnaire Meinhard sets himself apart from his colleagues by making a connection with the villagers. But matters finally come to a head when the white horse that Meinhard has borrowed from townsman Adrian goes missing. Using nonactors in all of the roles, award-winning director Grisebach subtly and intelligently explores the dynamics of all-male environments, as well as themes of national pride and cultural difference in this memorable and unique contemporary western.

“One of the best films to premiere last year, Western is probably also the best film since Claire Denis’s Beau Travail to be made by a woman about men.” – Film Comment Magazine.

JOHN B. KEANE’S

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 24 NOVEMBER The production stars television favourite MARY McEVOY known for her role as Biddie in the long running RTÉ series Glenroe and Irish 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

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C Y C LO N E R E P P R E S E N T

THE SHAKESPEARE SESSIONS MONDAY 26 NOVEMBER & TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER The Shakespeare Sessions are entertaining and engaging student-centred performances of Shakespeare texts.

Each performance includes a scholarly review clarifying the main themes as well as discussions with the students and the opportunity to participate. Cyclone Rep’s Shakespeare Sessions will guide Junior Cert and Leaving Cert learners in their understanding of The Bard’s masterpieces.

MONDAY 26 NOVEMBER 9.45am THE MERCHANT SESSION 1pm THE ROMEO & JULIET SESSION TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER 9.45am THE HAMLET SESSION 1pm THE MACBETH SESSION All shows 120 mins (includes Q&A session) For more details on each show, please visit www.cyclonerep.com To book contact Cyclone Rep directly: 021 2355356 / info@cyclonerep.com / www.cyclonerep.com €15 (Teachers & SNAs: FREE) (early bird €14 when booked before 19 October)

Film@BirrTheatre

LEAN ON PETE

Director: Andrew Haigh USA, United Kingdom, 2017 | (English) 127 mins | Cert: 15A

TUESDAY 27 NOVEMBER Starring: Charlie Plummer, Steve Buscemi, Travis Fimmel, Chloe Sevigny

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

FREE

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15-year-old Charley (Charlie Plummer) and his father Ray arrive in Portland, Oregon, where Charley takes a part-time summer job with small-time horse-trainer Del (Steve Buscemi). Charley is a natural with the animals but develops a particularly powerful bond with Lean on Pete, a racehorse on its last legs. On learning that his new friend is destined for the slaughterhouse, Charley flees with the horse to embark on a cross-country journey, which leads him to search for the loving aunt he hasn’t seen in years.

Featuring an award-winning performance from new young talent Plummer, British director Andrew Haigh follows his hit 45 Years with this moving adaption of Willy Vlautin’s acclaimed novel.

WINNER, BEST YOUNG ACTOR OR ACTRESS AWARD, Venice Film Festival 2017

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Derek Ryan

songwriter Session Unplugged THURSDAY 29 NOVEMBER

DEREK RYAN has become Irish country music’s golden boy with chart topping albums, self-written smash hit singles, box office busting live tours and of course – an army of faithful fans around the world. The roll call of success for the multi-talented Carlow man is long and much deserved. He has won countless accolades including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Live Performer. But he is perhaps proudest of the award winning recognition for his songwriting abilities at the Sunday World and Irish Country Music Awards. Derek has reached a pinnacle point in his career with his songwriting taking centre stage. He will peel everything back and focus on the storytelling in his lyrics. This will be a casual encounter with more interaction from fans in a calm and intimate setting; it is a time to celebrate the music with musicians Kane O’Rourke and Ray McLoughlin.

Please see www.derekryanmusic.com for further information.

8pm • €25

Film@BirrTheatre

LET THE SUNSHINE IN (Un Beau Soleil Intérieur)

Director: Claire Denis France, 2017 | (French) 94 mins | Cert: 15A

TUESDAY 4 DECEMBER Starring: Juliette Binoche, Xavier Beauvois, Philippe Katerine, Josiane Balasko, Sandrine Dumas, Nicolas Duvauchelle, Gérard Depardieu

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

FREE

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Isabelle (Juliette Binoche) is a divorced artist living in Paris.

She has several potential lovers and suitors who compete for her attention, or in some cases display complete indifference despite Isabelle’s own obvious interest. Director Claire Denis (Beau Travail, White Material) is best known for her often dark and challenging dramas – so it may come as a surprise to see her tackling what is, in essence, a romantic comedy. What won’t come as a surprise, however, is that she has crafted an accomplished, artful and thoughtful twist on that much-maligned genre.

Inspired by Roland Barthes’s 1977 text A Lover’s Discourse, Let The Sunshine In also boasts one of Juliette Binoche’s most captivating performances of recent years.

WINNER, SACD AWARD, DIRECTORS’ FORTNIGHT, Cannes Film Festival 2017

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Deborah McKeown

HOLD ON TO IT EP LAUNCH FRIDAY 7 DECEMBER Birr’s Deborah McKeown began learning the piano from an early age and started to learn the guitar in her teens when she also started songwriting. Her influences include Tori Amos, Dave Matthews Band, Placebo, Nirvana and The Coronas. Deborah completed her Degree in Music, Media and Communication Studies in Mary Immaculate College in 2006 and has a Professional Diploma in Education: Music since 2013.

She has been teaching the piano and guitar for a number of years and has performed throughout the midlands and Dublin. She also teaches the banjo, mandolin, ukulele, tin whistle. Deborah works and lives in Athlone. Tonight she launches her new EP Hold On To It. Come along and enjoy the music from one of our home grown talents.

8pm • €10

PACEY, TENDER & PACKED WITH LAUGHS, WEIGHING IN IS A CALORIE-FREE TREAT. Eithne Shortall, Sunday Times

AN ENTERTAINING PIECE THAT WILL LEAVE A SMILE ON YOUR FACE. The Red Curtain Review

INFECTIOUSLY ENJOYABLE. Michael Moffatt, Irish Mail on Sunday

DOLMEN PRODUCTION

S PRESENT

A play by Ger Gallagher

Starring: Isobel Mahon (Glenroe, The Clinic) and Rose Henderson (Fair City, Father Ted) Directed by: Caroline FitzGerald.

SATURDAY 8 DECEMBER WEIGHING IN is a fast paced comedy play about life, love and dieting – and how we all need to adjust the scales to find the right balance. This topical play deals with the modern obsession of dieting. Set in the Easi-Slim Diet Club we meet the highly driven Pam (Isobel Mahon) and the motherly Breda (Rose Henderson). Both attend the weekly clinic for the weigh-in and strike up an unlikely friendship.

Easi-Slim’s recent new member – upwardly mobile Pam McGowan has cruised into town in her soft top sports car. Pam has reached her target weight and has only signed up to maintain, and brag about the four stone she’s lost. Breda has diligently attended the Easi-Slim meetings but just can’t manage to win the battle of the bulge – until Pam comes along to power-walk her into shape. Breda becomes a disciple of the high-priestess of low-carbs and is bowled over by just how fabulous Pam’s jet-set lifestyle really is. Breda’s gushing admiration for her new diet guru buddy only serves to make Pam all the more condescending and insufferable. However, when Pam’s mask begins to slip, Breda is reminded that things aren’t always what they appear to be. Sometimes, you already have the life you wished for.

8pm • €18/€16

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Film@BirrTheatre

SUMMER 1993 (Estiu 1993)

Director: Carla Simón Spain, 2017 | (Catalan) 97 mins | Cert: CLUB

TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER Starring: Laia Artigas, Paula Robles, Bruna Cusí

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

FREE

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When six year old Frida’s mother dies from AIDS related pneumonia, she moves from her life in Barcelona to her Uncle’s Catalonian farm. This new family and her landscape are alien to Frida; she’s afraid of the chickens, she doesn’t know the difference between a lettuce and a cabbage and she has a new, adoring, annoying little sister. While her family’s warmth and love are abundant, their attempts to protect her only increase Frida’s bewilderment and isolation. This autobiographical first feature explores Frida’s conflicting emotions as she struggles to process her losses and adjust to her new life.

The performances of the two children are disarmingly vulnerable and natural in this gorgeous, yet unsentimental film about a child navigating grief.

BEST FIRST FEATURE - Berlin International Film Festival 2017 GRAND PRIX OF THE GENERATION KPLUS INTERNATIONAL JURY - Berlin International Film Festival 2017

FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER It’s always party time when ABBA are about, but when it’s the Christmas Show, then that’s a real excuse for a party! After fantastic shows for the past 11 years across Ireland, we had no hesitation in inviting them back to Birr!! This happy sing-a-long extravaganza, celebrates with a loud and proud fanfare! AND some stunning audio visuals of ABBA seminal moments! It’s the perfect way to start your Christmas celebrations! Come along and join the party! From Waterloo to Dancing Queen expect a dazzling, fantastic performance including the most iconic hits, Mamma Mia, S.O.S, Money, Money Money, The Winner Takes All, Gimme Gimme, Gimme and many MANY more! Every favourite is here. Not to be missed. The finest ABBA voices you will ever hear! Get your glad rags on, brush up on the lyrics, don the dancing boots and come to the best party in town!

You’ll be rockin’ in the aisles!!!

8pm • €22/20

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Christmas Classics for Lunch

FRIDAY 21 DECEMBER A concert of classic and seasonal music, bringing you the true Christmas spirit Take time out to enjoy the beauty and charm of the season with family and friends, away from the rush and bustle of the week! BREFFNI FITZPATRICK, soprano, and DYLAN ROONEY, baritone, return to Birr from their busy schedules at the RIAM where they are completing their degrees in Professional Vocal Performance under Virginia Kerr. Violinist MOLLIE WRAFTER, studying at the RNCM with Leland Chen, completes this trio of outstanding young midland musicians. They will perform a feast of melodies both rare and familiar to enchant and entertain you! Making a first appearance under their new director, PASCAL KENNEDY, members of the junior OXMANTOWN SINGERS will also bring you on a snowy journey with Christmas songs and carols!

1.05pm • €15 (includes light lunch) • Book early – this event will sell out fast!

THE TALISMAN THEATRE COMPANY

MONDAY 10, TUESDAY 11 & SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER It’s Christmas Eve at the North Pole. Santa and his merry helpers are getting ready to deliver presents to all the good boys and girls around the world. But when Elfie, Santa’s favourite Elf, meets Slyck and Hoblin the mischievous Goblins, things don’t quite go according to plan! Suddenly it’s up to Elfie to save Christmas but he needs your help too! Come and join in the fun and help Elfie save the day in this totally tinsel adventure that reminds us there’s room for everyone on Santa’s “nice” list.

Running Time: 55 mins (no intermission) • Suitable for all ages.

FAMILY SHOW Sat 22 Dec: 12 noon & 2pm All tickets €12 • Bookings: Box Office 057-9122911 or online at www.birrtheatre.com SCHOOL SHOWS Mon 10 Dec: 10am, 11.15am & 12.45pm • Tues 11 Dec: 10.30am, 12 noon Tickets: Adult: €13.50 / Child: €12.50 / School / Group Rate: €10 One teacher free with every 10 child tickets sold.

Booking: Our dedicated schools booking line 087-6363075 and ask for Olga.

Early booking is suggested for this BRAND NEW Live Show!

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SACRED EARTH IS A ROUSING REMINDER OF WHY SHE IS STILL SO UNIQUE. Robin Denselow

FRIDAY 4 JANUARY Sharon Shannon returns with her brand-new studio album Sacred Earth. Sharon Shannon is a musician who likes to surprise. While she is best known for her arrangements of traditional Irish tunes and Irish-influenced compositions, she has always been eager to explore new styles, and to meet and work with other musicians. There are Irish influences in this new album, of course, but these are cheerfully mixed in with often unexpected styles from around the world, including, for the first time, Africa. Sharon Shannon has had a remarkable and adventurous career.

8pm • €26

PA U L A L A M B E R T P U P P E T S

’

BOSCO S GARDEN & CINDERELLA SLAPSTICK, SILLY & UTTERLY SPECTACULAR FROM START TO FINISH The Irish Examiner

SUNDAY 6 JANUARY Bosco is Bosco, not a boy, not a girl, just a Bosco: a cheeky, lovely, funny, slightly-cracked, irrepressible, eternal five-year-old who lives in a box and who loves nothing more than to just be Bosco and meet all the boys and girls. After starring on Irish TV for three decades, you’ll see why Bosco remains a firm favourite for each new generation. Enjoy the story of Cinderella and Bosco’s Garden through this completely interactive live experience. Age guidance 3+ Puppeteer, Paula Lambert has been touring the country for the last 40 years, in the early years with her father Eugene Lambert and many much loved characters from RTÉ and now tours with third generation Puppeteer Johnny Lambert.

2pm • €11 (4 tickets for €39) • Duration 75 mins no interval

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Director: Debra Granik USA, 2018 | (English) 109 mins | Cert: PG

*IMDb rating 7.4 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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Film@BirrTheatre

LEAVE NO TRACE TUESDAY 22 JANUARY Starring: Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Foster, Jeffery Rifflard

A self-contained father and daughter, live happily on the fringes of society. Will, a war veteran, suffering from PTSD, and his teenage daughter Tom, live in a vast urban park in Portland.

Will is vigilant about their camp, their rations and the regular drills they have to remain undercover. Only leaving the park to collect certain supplies, their bond is apparent and unyielding.

Until the authorities discover them and social services intervene. Offering help, imposing compliance and conformity, they are given a new home, and a job and school are arranged.

Will quietly prepares for them to disappear again but Tom is beginning to enjoy this world…Sensitive and enthralling with intense and touching performances from McKenzie and Foster.

ROCK HEROES EUROPEAN TOUR 2019

THURSDAY 24 JANUARY Rock Heroes is the ultimate classic rock show wowing audiences with an edge of the seat magical journey of music and video telling the story of the Heroes of Classic Rock. Close your eyes and imagine you are in a stadium listening to your rock heroes and relive all those classic rock anthems and rock riffs which have been painstakingly recreated. Featuring a line-up of top-class musicians, vocalists and entertainers with a huge passion for classic rock, this show will pay tribute to some of the world’s greatest rock heroes. With years of experience touring the world with various bands, they have amassed numerous chart hits and shared the bill with giants of the rock world such as INXS, Whitesnake, Joe Satriani and Big Country to name but a few. All the best classic songs from the best classic bands with state-of-the-art lighting and video, the Rock Heroes Show creates a memorable and unforgettable classic rock experience.

8pm • €20

ENJOY THE ROCK ANTHEMS FROM PINK FLOYD, AC/DC, THIN LIZZY, TOM PETTY, DIRE STRAITS AND LOTS MORE...

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ONE OF THE BEST SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL SINGERS ON THE PLANET Folk Roots [on Miller]

MUSIC NETWORK

MUIREANN NIC AMHLAOIBH VOICE/FLUTE SIOBHAN MILLER VOICE DAMIEN MULLANE ACCORDION/MELODEON ANNA MASSIE GUITAR/BANJO/MANDOLIN SATURDAY 26 JANUARY Music Network is delighted to present an exciting new traditional collaboration featuring four of the most talented musicians performing on the international stage today. A vocal match made in heaven featuring the ethereal voice of award-winning Scottish songstress SIOBHAN MILLER alongside the gorgeous rich tones of renowned traditional singer MUIREANN NIC AMHLAOIBH will be something truly special. Gifted young accordionist DAMIEN MULLANE brings his unique creative talents to the collaboration and ANNA MASSIE, a guitarist whose playing style ranges from exquisitely delicate to infectiously rhythmic, completes the line-up. This exciting quartet will bring their diverse creative influences to bear on songs and music both from within the Irish and Scottish traditions and beyond. It’s the perfect musical adventure to kick-start 2019.

8pm • €18/€16 (Under 13s €10)

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Film@BirrTheatre

THE RIDER

Director: Chloé Zhao USA, 2017 | (English) 104 minutes | Cert: 15A

TUESDAY 29 JANUARY Starring: Brady Jandreau, Tim Jandreau, Lilly Jandreau

*IMDb rating 7.5 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

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Brady is a talented South Dakota bronco rider and horse trainer – cowboys and rodeos are the centre of his world. So when he suffers a near-fatal accident that halts his career, Brady struggles to recover from a serious head-injury that forces him to reevaluate his future. Chinese-born director Chloé Zhao proves that her acclaimed debut feature Songs My Brothers Taught Me was no flash-in-the-pan, as she returns with another beautifully crafted and absorbing glimpse of “real-life” America in this second feature. Casting nonprofessional actors as versions of themselves allows her to bring a unique authenticity and intimacy to the story – the result is a powerfully emotional and touching exploration of humanity.

WINNER – ART CINEMA AWARD (CICAE), Cannes Film Festival 2018

Originally Produced on Broadway by Jonathan Pollard, Bernie Kukoff, Clear Channel Entertainment, Harbor Entertainment, Miramax Films, Bob & Harvey Weinstein, Stanley Buchthal, Eric Falkenstein, Nina Essman/Nancy Nagel Gibbs, Jean Cheever, Margaret Cotter, in association with Barney Rosenzweig, Meri Krassner, FGRW Investments,Karen Jason, Phil Ciasullo Conard. Originally produced for Goodspeed Musicals, Michael P. Price, Executive Producer, Sue Frost, Associate Producer.

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FRIDAY 1 FEBRUARY Every year in Whistleberry Forest, the creatures of the forest look forward to the end of the frosty Winter, and to the beginning of Spring. This year was a little different however, as Springtime had arrived much earlier than usual. All the hibernating animals, except for Huggy the hedgehog, were still curled up fast asleep. Huggy must go on an adventurous musical quest in search of evidence of Spring if he is to convince his friends that it is time to wake up! Produced by Ceol Connected, Thomas Johnston (whistles, song, uilleann pipes, ukulele) and Niamh Lawlor (puppetry) lead this interactive Irish traditional music/song, puppetry, and storytelling performance.

11am & 4pm • €6 (1 Adult & 2 Children €15) (Teachers free with groups) Suitable for children ages 3+ and their families

Film@BirrTheatre

JEUNE FEMME

Director: Léonor Serraille France, 2017 | (French/English) 98 minutes | Cert: 15A

TUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY Starring: Laetitia Dosch, Souleymane Seye Ndiaye, Grégoire Monsaingeon

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

FREE

Collect your loyalty card at Box Office

Broke, with nothing but her cat to her name and doors closing in her face, Paula is back in Paris after a long absence. As she meets different people along the way, there is one thing she knows for sure: she’s determined to make a new start – and she’ll do it with style and panache. Director Léonor Serraille deservedly scooped the Camera d’Or prize at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival for this debut feature. Jeune Femme impresses with its sheer vivacity and the powerhouse central performance of actress Laetitia Dosch as Paula provides the wild heart of the film. This is cinema that is funny, moving and hugely invigorating.

WINNER, CAMERA D’OR Cannes Film Festival 2017

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DECLAN NERNEY SATURDAY 9 FEBRUARY

Award-winning, country music star, DECLAN NERNEY and his multi-talented band, will come to Birr Theatre for the first time this February! As a young man growing up in Longford, Declan was heavily influenced by the pop artists of the day but also would cajole his mother into seeing Joe Dolan, Big Tom, Philomena Begley, The Capital Showband and many more perform when they appeared at the marquee in Drumlish each year. Enjoy a night of great hits - Stop the World, Marquee in Drumlish, Three Way Love Affair, Gotta Get up In the Morning, Walking on New Grass... to name but a few of Declan’s massive songbook and you have a knock out send them home singing programme!!

8pm • €21

Film@BirrTheatre

SWEET COUNTRY

Director: Warwick Thornton Australia, 2017 | (English/Aboriginal) 112 mins | Cert: 15A

TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY Starring: Hamilton Morris, Bryan Brown, Sam Neill, Thomas M. Wright, Ewen Leslie

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

FREE

Collect your loyalty card at Box Office

Sam, a middle-aged Aboriginal man, works for a preacher in the outback of Australia’s Northern Territory. When Harry, a bitter war veteran, moves into a neighbouring outpost, the preacher sends Sam and his family to help Harry renovate his cattle yards. But Sam’s relationship with the cruel and illtempered Harry quickly deteriorates, culminating in a violent shootout in which Sam kills Harry in self-defence. As a result, Sam becomes a wanted criminal for the murder of a white man, and is forced to flee with his wife across the deadly outback, through glorious but harsh desert country.

A hunting party led by the local lawman Sergeant Fletcher is formed to track Sam down. But as the true details of the killing start to surface, the community begins to question whether justice is really being served WINNER – SPECIAL JURY PRIZE Venice Film Festival 2017

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Remember to Breathe Written by Orla Murphy

“I SIGNED UP FOR LES SONS – IGNORING THE TINY VOICE INSIDE , THAT INSISTS I AM BETRAYING YOU…”

BEAUTIFUL. PROFOUND. UPLIFTING. LIFTS YOU UP & HOLDS YOU UNTIL THE END...

POWERFUL & PASSIONATE. WILL STEAL YOUR BREATH AWAY...

The Public Reviews

The Red Curtain Review

SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY In a swimming pool in New Zealand super upbeat Doreen coaches recent emigrant Maeve. But Maeve’s head and heart keep drawing her home to an unsolved dilemma with her much loved father Johnny. Follow Maeve as she tries to swim free of the ties that bind. Award-winning writing, direction and a brilliant ensemble make Remember to Breathe an unforgettable night of theatre. Remember to Breathe won the Lustrum Award at Edinburgh Fringe and was nominated for Fishamble Best New Play Award and the BBC International Playwriting Award. It sold out its Tiger Dublin Fringe run as well as completing a successful run at Edinburgh 2016 and a brief national tour to great audiences in that year.

8pm • €18/€16

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MUSIC NETWORK

INSPIRING BACH

with CLAIRE DUFF violin & BENJAMIN ALARD harpsichordist

PROGRAMME: Corelli Sonata No. 5 in G minor Bach Adagio in G major Bach Fugue upon a theme by A. Corelli Bach Sonata for violin & basso continuo ALARD’S PLAYING IS A DELIGHT WITH Bach Sonata No. 4 in C minor Bach “Italian concerto” STRIKING AGOGIC EXPRESSIVE POWER Gramophone New Music Network Commission ALL THE EXCITEMENT OF A HIGH-WIRE ACT Bach Sonata No. 6 in G major The Irish Times [on Duff]

SUNDAY 17 FEBRUARY Music Network presents an exciting new classical collaboration featuring French harpsichordist BENJAMIN ALARD and leader of the Irish Baroque Orchestra, violinist CLAIRE DUFF. Both highly regarded on the international stage and renowned for their performances of baroque repertoire, in particular the music of Bach, this duo will perform together for the first time to bring an inspirational selection of music to audiences across Ireland.

8pm • €18/€16 (Under 13s €10)

Film@BirrTheatre

WAJIB

Director: Annemarie Jacir Palestine, France, Germany, Colombia, Norway, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, 2017 | (Arabic) 96 minutes | Cert: CLUB

TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY

Starring: Mohammad Bakri, Saleh Bakri, Maria Zreik, Rana Alamuddin

*IMDb rating 7.4 8pm • €5/€3 s See 5 Film get 6th

FREE

Collect your loyalty card at Box Office

Architect Shadi returns from Italy to his native Nazereth for his sister’s upcoming marriage. He has reluctantly agreed to honour his “wajib” or duty, to accompany his father in hand-delivering invitations for the wedding. Forced to spend time together after many years apart, past tensions and differences between father and son come to the surface. But as their journey continues, both men also start to get to know and understand each other better.

In Wajib, Palestinian director Annemarie Jacir uses a centuries-old custom as a simple device to explore familial and intergenerational tensions for contemporary Palestinians. Real-life father-and-son Mohammad and Saleh Bakri (The Band’s Visit) infuse their characters with warmth and humour. The result is a poignant yet entertaining drama.

WINNER – DON QUIXOTE AWARD (International Federation of Film Societies), Locarno Film Festival 2018

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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 M A RT Y WA L S H P R O M O T I O N S

ALL FOR ME GROG!

FROM THE MOMENT THEY STRUCK UP WHISKEY IN THE JAR YOU KNEW YOU WERE IN FOR A GOOD NIGHT & INDEED IT WAS.

Munster Express

THE DUBLINERS TRIBUTE ACT PERFORMED BY THE LIBERTIES SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY All FOR ME GROG – the show that brings you the story and songs of Ireland’s most successful folk band, THE DUBLINERS. Presented by Galway based THE LIBERTIES, who are deeply honoured to become the bearers of the torch which has been borne with such power and dignity over the past decades by The Dubliners. The original line-up of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, Ciaran Burke and John Sheehan is brought to life with the exact same instrumentation, songs and close as you will get vocals, bringing to the stage a show in sound and appearance of uncanny accuracy of the internationally renowned DUBLINERS. The Black Velvet Band, McAlpines Fusiliers, The Spanish Lady, The Irish Rover, The Auld Triangle, The Parting Glass and of course, the song that made The Dubliners international stars, Seven Drunken Nights plus all their other hits, will have you clapping your hands, stomping your feet and joining in the chorus of the well known and much loved songs at this uplifting and exciting show.

The Liberties are: James Gallagher, Anthony Rooney, Jeremy Jenkinson, John Hill and Bardan Johnston.

8pm • €21

Film@BirrTheatre

ZAMA

Director: Lucrecia Martel Argentina, Brazil, Spain, France, Netherlands, Mexico, Portugal, USA, 2017 | (Spanish) 115 mins | Cert: CLUB

TUESDAY 26 FEBRUARY

Starring: Daniel Giménez Cacho, Lola Dueñas, Matheus Nachtergaele

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

FREE

Collect your loyalty card at Box Office

Don Diego de Zama is a magistrate in a remote Spanish colony in South America. He dutifully does his job, hoping to persuade his superiors to approve a transfer to Buenos Aires. As the months pass, and he grows increasingly desperate, the unhinged Zama hopes that a dangerous mission to capture a notorious outlaw will finally guarantee his long-awaited relocation. The first film in almost a decade from Argentinian director Lucrecia Martel (The Headless Woman) is very much worth the wait: this is a stunning, strange and bold piece of filmmaking, full of wit and striking visuals. Zama’s journey is one through lush jungles, maddening bureaucracy and hypnotic fever dreams. This is a film that casts an extraordinarily powerful spell.

WINNER, CIRCLE OF DUTCH FILM JOURNALISTS KNF AWARD International Film Festival Rotterdam 2018

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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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