EVENTS GUIDE Book online Nationaloperahouse.ie, by phone on 053 912 2144 1850 4 OPERA or in person at the National Opera House, High Street, Wexford. Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. On performance days the Box Office is open 2 hours prior to performance. 1
Oscar Ghiglia 23 OCT
MONDAY 8 P.M.
E20 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Music Network Artist Residency in Partnership with the National Opera House and Wexford County Council. A monument of experience and musicality, Oscar has worked with some of the most important composers of the twentieth century such as Joaquin Rodrigo, Manuel Ponce and Mario Castlenuovo Tedesco. He continues Segovia’s teaching legacy at l’Acaddemia Chigiana in Siena and counts many of today’s leading guitarists among his students. In addition to his concert he will present a master-class with some of Ireland’s most talented guitar students.
Chloë Hanslip and Redmond O’Toole 24 OCT
TUESDAY 8 P.M.
E20 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Music Network Artist Residency in Partnership with the National Opera House and Wexford County Council. British classical violinist, Chloë Hanslip will join classical guitarist Redmond O’Toole on stage for a not to be missed concert! Chloë has established herself as an artist of distinction on the international stage making her BBC Proms debut in 2002 and her US concerto debut in 2003 and now performing at major venues all across Europe! 2
The Breakwater 9-12 NOV
8 P.M.
E15 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
The Breakwater is a new one-act play by Eamonn Colfer, whose previous work has been described by Anna Hayes as “an exploration of the ideas surrounding the human condition and its place within a heavily controlled society” (Wexford Echo, March 1, 2016). A violent regime change has resulted in the exile of Hyper Monroe from the town to the breakwater, where he conducts one-sided conversations with the woman he left behind, the friend who escaped without him and the man who put him there in the first place. 3
Sing Out Loud 13-23 NOV 7.30 P.M. 19 NOV MATINEE 2 P.M.
E18/E13 O’REILLY THEATRE
Tickets available from Tuesday 31 October. Tickets will be available prior to this date in participating schools. This year will see over 2,500 primary school kids from all around Co. Wexford starring across 11 performances in what promises to be another fun filled, high energy family friendly show that will have you up singing and dancing along! Performances start Monday 13 November until Thursday 23 November at 7.30pm each evening with a matinee performance at 2pm on Sunday 19 November in addition to an evening performance at 7.30pm. 3
Abbey Theatre presents
Me, Sara
16 NOV
THURSDAY 10 A.M. 12 NOON
E6 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Me, Sara is based on the character of Sara Tansey from Synge’s Playboy of the Western World. Sara Tansey’s father is just back from overseas and is being very annoying! Just because he bought her oranges doesn’t mean he can say nothing happens in their town. This is the third of the Abbey Theatre’s Priming the Canon series which brings standalone plays based on the classics directly into schools. Me, Sara is suitable for 5th and 6th class students and children 10+ years. Teachers go free.
The Nualas All Spanxed Up!
17 NOV
FRIDAY 8 P.M.
E22/ E20 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Yes, Ireland’s favourite all-girl, musicalcomedy trio, The Nualas, are on the road again. Expect an evening of scintillating new song, spleen-rupturingly hilarious new chat, and a stunningly bendy repertoire of new moves, despite the fact that they’ve lost all feeling from the waist down (the spanx).
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The International Guitar Quartet 18 NOV
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E20 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Music Network Artist Residency in Partnership with the National Opera House and Wexford County Council. Renowned guitarists Adam Levin (USA), Derek Gripper (South Africa), Rosa Maria Robinson (Mexico) and Redmond O’Toole (Ireland) will come together to make up the International Guitar Quartet. Redmond O’Toole is recognised as one of the most distinctive guitarists of his generation, while Adam Levin has been praised by renowned American guitarist, Eliot Fisk. In 2012, Derek Gripper released his ninth album, One Night on Earth: Music from the Strings of Mali. Mexican native Rosa Maria Robinson, Artist in Residence at the Banff Centre, Canada 2009 and 2012. The culmination of these artists will make for a highly anticipated event!
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TEDx Wexford 24 NOV
FRIDAY 6 P.M.
E27 O’REILLY THEATRE
TEDx returns to Wexford on the 24 November with the theme Crossroads. As we resist, shape and embrace change, in our environment, society, economy and culture, it’s exciting to reflect upon the new directions and transitions ahead. Differences, decisions, opportunities and challenges will abound. How will science, politics, media, commerce, sports, education, agriculture or the arts respond and evolve?
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Abba Forever 24/25 NOV
FRI/SAT 8 P.M.
E25 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Their music is the most played on radio stations around the world and the musical based on their life is still packing theatres from Waterloo (Pardon the pun!) to Timbuktu. This happy sing-a-long event celebrates ABBA’s music with a proud production and terrific audio visuals! It has played to full houses all over Ireland during tours here for the past 7 years. This is the perfect night out for Christmas parties!
Wexford School of Ballet and Performing Arts presents
The Nutcracker 25 NOV
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E15 (Children) E22 (Adult) O’REILLY THEATRE
The Nutcracker, a Tchaikovsky master piece written in 1892, with choreography by Marius Petipa, is a classic Christmas tale that never gets old. It has been reinvented by many companies but the beautiful story of Clara Stahlbaum’s favourite Christmas toy, the Nutcracker doll coming to life, defeating the Rat King in battle and whisking Clara away through the Land of the Snowflakes to the magical Kingdom of Dolls will always remain every ballet lovers favourite. 6
The Gift
presented by 2 Many Dance Moves 29 NOV
WEDNESDAY 7 P.M.
E12/ E10 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
2 Many Dance Moves is delighted to debut the The Gift where the students will showcase their work from term 1. Expect some delightful movement composition solos, duets group work and showing of their new dance film Elements in Motion funded by Wexford County Council and Creative Ireland initiative.
Patrick Talbot Productions Presents
Mary and Me 30 NOV
THURSDAY 8 P.M.
E18/ E16 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
A powerful and moving production.” “A gripping and absorbing one woman show.” - THE PUBLIC REVIEWS
Written and performed by Irene Kelleher and directed by Belinda Wild, Mary and Me is inspired by the true story of a fifteen year old girl who dies giving birth at a grotto. Based in Ireland in 1986, this play is an original and sometimes humorous imagining of a young woman’s search for understanding in a conversation with the statue of the Virgin Mary.
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The HFC Concert Band
2 DEC
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E10 adults E5 under 18 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
The HFC Concert Band was founded in 1926 and gave its first performance on Christmas Day, 1926, in Rowe Street Church. It has continued with this tradition right up to today and will perform again in Rowe Street Church this Christmas Day. The HFC Concert Band is a community music group based in Wexford Town and facilitates people of all ages who have an interest in playing wind music.
A Fairy Good Christmas Wed 6 Dec Thurs 7 Dec Fri 8 Dec Sat 9 Dec Sun 10 Dec Wed 13 Dec Thurs 14 Dec Fri 15 Dec Sat 16 Dec Sun 17 Dec
10am/11.30am/1pm 10am/11.30am/1pm 10am/11.30am/1pm/5pm 11am/1pm/3pm/5pm 11am/1pm/3pm/5pm 10am/11.30am/1pm 10am/11.30am/1pm 10am/11.30am/1pm/5pm 11am/1pm/3pm/5pm 11am/1pm/3pm/5pm
6-17 DEC
SEE BELOW FOR TIMES
E12/E10 (SCHOOLS) JEROME HYNES THEATRE
From the creators of Rudey’s Christmas Adventure and A Quest Before Christmas, A Fairy Good Christmas needs your help to solve this year’s quest!When the good fairy Golden Ember has her magic taken by the King of the Rats, King Ratzee, all seems lost. Experience a magical adventure through the opera house, meandering on a journey through Christmas Tree Woods to help find Golden Embers lost magic. This show promises an exciting adventure, lots of giggles and laughs with new friends and LOADS of Christmas magic. This is an unmissable Christmas event for children aged 3-8 years. To avail of €10 school tickets please call box office on 053 912 2144
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Irish Baroque Orchestra
Handel’s Messiah
7 DEC
THURSDAY 7.30 P.M.
E25/E20 O’REILLY THEATRE
Composed in an extraordinary three-week burst of creativity, Handel’s Messiah premiered on 13 April 1742 amidst great excitement. Messiah is a work of intense drama and tells the universal story of triumph over trial, where life’s sorrows and despairs are met by overriding hope and unbridled joy. Messiah has captivated audiences ever since its first performance at the Great Music Hall, Fishamble St., Dublin and will surely do so once more in Wexford on December 7. Performed in the opulent splendour of O’Reilly Theatre, National Opera House, Irish Baroque Orchestra’s performance will be a memorable and glorious affair. Peter Whelan directs a first-class line-up of Irish soloists, including Sarah Power (Soprano), Sharon Carty (mezzo-soprano ), Peter Harris (tenor) and Brian McAlea (bass) and the wonderful Resurgam choir. This concert is simply unmissable and a sure way to ring in the festive season!
Russell Watson Songs from the Heart 9 DEC
SATURDAY 7.30 P.M.
E50/E45/E40 O’REILLY THEATRE
The UK’s best-selling classical crossover artist of all time returns to the stage with Songs from the Heart, featuring a stunning collection of our best loved songs along with tracks from his new studio album True Stories. Russell Watson has sold more than seven million albums and performed for Her Majesty the Queen, The Pope and two US Presidents. Captivating to watch and enchanting to listen to, Russell continues to wow audiences with his enigmatic and entertaining live performances. 9
Ballet Ireland presents
Romeo and Juliet 10 DEC
SUNDAY 7 P.M.
E15 - E25 FAMILY E70 O’REILLY THEATRE
Based on Shakespeare’s tale of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet is one of the greatest love stories of all time. Against a backdrop of ancient feuds and gang warfare, the ill-fated young couple falls hopelessly in love, but their families are bitter enemies. In order to be together the two lovers must be prepared to risk everything. In Ballet Ireland’s production, Shakespeare’s tragic tale is transported from the streets of medieval Verona into the classrooms of a modern-day high school. It becomes a play within a play.
RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Christmas Gala featuring
Veronica Dunne 2016 prizewinners Fatma Said and William Davenport 13 DEC
10
WEDNESDAY 7.30 P.M.
E25 - E45 O’REILLY THEATRE
Join the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra for a sparkling programme of opera and seasonal favourites featuring Veronica Dunne 2016 prizewinners Fatma Said and William Davenport. The programme will include opera highlights from Massenet’s Manon and Léhar’s Giuditta, musical highlights from Bernstein’s On the Town and West Side Story, and a selection of seasonal orchestral and vocal music including the beautiful O Holy Night.
Nathan Carter
Live in Concert 16/17 SAT/SUN DEC 8 P.M.
E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
Country music’s brightest star, Nathan Carter, returns December 2017 to the National Opera House. With five recorded albums, Nathan and his band will light up the stage with all the classic hits and songs that have made him a firm favorite with Irish audiences. Influenced by a generation of country singers including Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Shania Twain and Brad, Nathan’s fifth and current album Where I Wanna Be reached the coveted Number 1 position in the Irish Charts. 11
A Robert C Kelly Pantomime
Beauty and the Beast 27-30 DEC
WED-SAT 2P.M. AND 6.30 P.M.
E25 FAMILY E80 O’REILLY THEATRE
Join us at the National Opera House this Christmas for a spectacular Christmas pantomime Beauty and the Beast presented by Robert C Kelly. Featuring a starstudded cast including comedian Karl Spain, Red Rock star Adam Weafer and RTÉ Junior (Twigin) star Clara Murray. Don’t miss a combination of the biggest and most glamorous sets and costumes in Ireland as well as chart-topping hits! 11
2018 Events The Fureys 6 JAN
SATURDAY E28/E25 8 P.M. O’REILLY THEATRE
After a sell out concert in December 2015, Irish Legends The Fureys return to the National Opera House for another great night of Irish music, songs and stories.
The High Kings present Decade 12 JAN
FRIDAY 8 P.M.
E27.50 O’REILLY THEATRE
The High Kings have vowed to continue for another decade following the departure of Martin Furey in August 2017 and their first Best Of collection Decade will have a global released on November 3, 2017.
Jason Byrne The Man with Three Brains 13 JAN
SATURDAY E25 8 P.M. O’REILLY THEATRE
Jason has three brains which kick into action when he hits the stage. His left brain scans the audience and room, His right brain collates stand-up material and stunts and his centre brain is Jason’s coach, pushing him to the limit!
Reeling in the Showband Years 20 JAN
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E30 / E28 O’REILLY THEATRE
The Ronan Collins Showband Show has been a smash hit for the past 8 years. It was a complete sell out last year right around the country and booking will be heavy, so get your tickets fast.
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New events being added all the time. Be first in the know by subscribing to events on Facebook.com/NationalOperaHouse or visit our website Nationaloperahouse.ie
Cash on Delivery presented by Bridge Drama E15 - ALL PERFORMANCES ARE AT 8 P.M. JEROME HYNES THEATRE Bridge Drama return for 2018 with a side-splitting comedy, Cash on Delivery by Michael Cooney. Dates: Thurs 25; Fri 26; Sat 27 January; Fri 16; Sat 17; Fri 23; Sat 24 February.
Tommy Fleming Live in Concert 2 FEB
FRIDAY 8 P.M.
E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
Tommy Fleming returns to the stage for 2018 with a collection of his favourites songs as well as some newly recorded special songs and the stories behind them.
Dara Ó Briain Voice of Reason Tour 3 FEB
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
Dara Ó Briain is one of Ireland’s most successful comics having sold out theatres across the UK and Ireland and presenting mainstream television programmes such as Mock The Week, Star Gazing Live, Go 8 Bit and Dara and Ed’s Road to Mandalay.
Eddi Reader plus support 10 FEB
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E20 O’REILLY THEATRE
The Scottish songstress returns to Irish shores for her tenth consecutive nationwide tour with band members, John Douglas, Boo Hewerdine, Alan Kelly and Kevin McGuire.
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2018 Events Goldilocks and the Three Bears performed by Miriam Lambert 10 FEB
SATURDAY 12 & 2 P.M.
E8 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Renewed puppeteer Miriam Lambert is delighted to present Goldilocks and the Three Bears, where the story comes alive within her original two-tier puppet booth.
Derek Ryan and Special Guests 11 FEB
SUNDAY 8 P.M.
E27.50 O’REILLY THEATRE
Derek Ryan has become one of Ireland’s leading entertainers and makes a welcome return to the National Opera House for a performance of chart hits along with a sprinkling of country classics.
Keith Barry Magic Madhouse 17 FEB
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
In this brand new show Keith will bring never seen before magic illusions to life and deliver his unique blend of comedy, magic, mentalism and hypnotism.
Opera Theatre Company Thomas Adès
Powder Her Face 24 FEB
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E30/ E27 ON SALE IN NOV 2017 O’REILLY THEATRE
Written in 1995 Thomas Adès’ opera Powder Her Face evokes an earlier era of elegance, wit, decadence and debauchery, as it chronicles the exploits of notorious socialite Margaret, Duchess of Argyll, who became embroiled in the first sex scandals of modern tabloid journalism. A co-production with Northern Ireland Opera. 14
New events being added all the time. Be first in the know by subscribing to events on Facebook.com/NationalOperaHouse or visit our website Nationaloperahouse.ie
The Royal Moscow Ballet presents
Romeo and Juliet 9 MAR
FRIDAY 8 P.M.
E25-E32.50 O’REILLY THEATRE
Witness the worlds greatest love story with the Royal Moscow Ballets gifted company of ballerinas, breathtakingly beautiful costumes and stunning stage design.
Jimmy Carr 24 March - full details on website soon Druid presents
Waiting for Godot 30/31 MAR
FRIDAY 8 P.M.
By Samuel Beckett
E20/E24/E26 O’REILLY THEATRE
Druid’s award-winning production of Waiting for Godot comes to the O’Reilly Theatre for three performances only. Directed by Garry Hynes Starring Garrett Lombard, Aaron Monaghan, Rory Nolan and Marty Rea.
The King is Back Ben Portsmouth Live! 3/4 APRIL
TUE/WED 7.30 P.M.
E28 /E25 O’REILLY THEATRE
The Simon and Garfunkel Story 17 MAY
THURSDAY 7.30 P.M.
E25 /E23 concession O’REILLY THEATRE
Rebecca O’Connor Simply the Best as Tina Turner 26 MAY
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E28/ E25 concession O’REILLY THEATRE 15
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