EVENTS GUIDE 2016 - 2017
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Sing Out Loud 15-24 NOV SUN 20 NOV
DAILY 7.30 P.M. MATINEE 2 P.M.
CHILD E12/ ADULT E17 O’REILLY THEATRE
Sing Out Loud returns to the National Opera House this year with over 2,500 pupils and over 50 schools performing over 10 days. Sing Out Loud is not just a concert but an experience, enjoyable for the young and old. In addition to the pupils performing on stage, there are also guest artists performing alongside the children including Extreme Rhythm and the Wexford Jersey Boys. The MC for each Sing Out Loud performance is Tony Carty and Naoimh Penston returns as Chorus Director.
The Nualas The Glitterbomb Tour! 19 NOV
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E18/E20 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Described as a cross between Little Mix, The Nolans and The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Nualas have long been Ireland’s top all-girl, shiney, musical comedy trio. In fact, this year they are celebrating their 21st.
“Staggeringly impressive three-part harmonies and a savage, biting wit”
Metro Scotland
Abba Forever 24 NOV
THURSDAY E23 8 P.M. JEROME HYNES THEATRE
This happy sing-a-long event is pure escapism. It celebrates ABBA’s music with a loud and proud production and terrific audio visuals! It’s the perfect way to start your Christmas celebrations. 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. It has played to full houses all over Ireland during tours here for the past 7 years.
Band of the Defence Forces 25 NOV
FRIDAY 8 P.M.
E20 O’REILLY THEATRE
Direct from their sell-out performance in the National Concert Hall Dublin, the highly acclaimed Band of the Defence Forces joins forces with the Pipes and Drums and special guest soprano Deirdre Masterson for an evening of band favourites, popular songs and arias conducted by the Director of the Defence Forces School of Music Lt. Col. Mark Armstrong. This concert is sure to be a highlight of the year for all band enthusiasts! The proceeds of this concert will be donated to Wexford Hospice Homecare and the Defence Forces Benevolent Fund.
Supported by
Extreme Rhythm
in association with Sephira present Battle. 26 NOV
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E22.50-E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
Trio Mediaeval and Arve Henriksen 27 NOV
SUNDAY 7.30 P.M.
BATTLE is Extreme Rhythm’s latest production; a collaboration with international string driven phenomenon Sephira. Warrior drummers and duelling violinists perform the greatest hits of our time. Just back from a hugely successful tour in Central Europe, this is one not to be missed!
E16/E18 O’REILLY THEATRE
Prepare to be bewitched by the meditative and exquisitely beautiful soundscape of Norwegian jazz trumpeter Arve Henriksens cross-genre collaboration with Oslo’s earlymusic ensemble Trio Mediæval, as an array of trumpets, electronics and computer loops vie with voices, hand chimes and the mesmerising tones of the Hardanger fiddle. With a repertoire spanning church chants, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish hymns, as well as folk songs, Trio Mediæval have collaborated with some of Norway’s leading contemporary jazz musicians, many of them ECM label mates, including saxophonist Trygve Seim, pianist Tord Gustavsen and accordionist Frode Haltli.
Me & My Shadow 1-3 A Show About DEC 30 NOV
WEDNESDAY E5 7 P.M. JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Members of RehabCare at the Wexford Resource Centre present Me and My Shadow: A Show About Heroes at the National Opera House. Each of us is inspired by different people; from singers to sports people, to scientists and more. In Me and My Shadow, the audience will get to share in the stories and people who inspire the members of RehabCare including Katie Taylor, Brendan O’Carroll and Nelson Mandela. Produced by Heather Hadrill and Alison Martin with the kind support of the Wexford County Council and National Opera House .
Locomotive 1-3 DEC
THURS-SAT 8 P.M.
E15 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Locomotive is a new play written by awardwinning Wexford playwright Eoghan Rua Finn. The show promises to be a spellbinding mix of dark comedy, mystery and gut punching drama. It tells the story of Pope, a city dwelling loner, whose new apartment won’t let him sleep. The phone won’t stop ringing, a neighbour makes his skin crawl and a window will never, ever close. Enter the dark, dangerous and hilarious subconscious of Pope and a phone engineer who won’t go away, as they try to discover who won’t stop calling.
Lisa Hannigan 2 DEC
FRIDAY 8 P.M.
E25 O’REILLY THEATRE
Lisa Hannigan has announced details of her Irish tour in support of her number one selling album At Swim out now via Play it Again Sam. At Swim, Lisa’s third - and arguably most bewitching- album, has received universal critical acclaim since its release last month. Produced by Aaron Dessner, the record follows the double-platinum, Mercury and Choice Music Prize-nominated debut Sea Sew and 2011’s Passenger which charted number one and earned Lisa a second Choice Music Prize nomination. EARLY BOOKING ADVISED!
A brand new Christmas adventure with Rudey the Elf 7-18 DEC
E12 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
SHOW TIMES: Wed 7 Dec: Thurs 8 Dec: Fri 9 Dec: Sat 10 Dec: Sun 11 Dec: Wed 14 Dec: Thurs 15 Dec: Fri 16 Dec: Sat 17 Dec: Sun 18 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
When a mischievous elf robs a jar of special magic pixie dust, Rudey the Christmas Elf is the only one who can save the day! With the help of Christmas friends old and new, he must go on a magical quest to retrieve the pixie dust, and remind that naughty elf why Christmas is the best and nicest holiday in the world! The quest will take them on a brand new Christmas adventure through Christmas land. Will Rudey get the magic pixie dustback? Will they ever catch the mischievous elf? Schools €10 - bookings to be made through Box Office. Suitable for kids aged 3-8 years.
Nathan Carter 8-9 DEC
THURS-FRI 8 P.M.
E27/E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
Country music’s brightest star, Nathan Carter, returns December 2016 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. Carter knows a good song when he hears it. 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. And the wheels keep on turning for the talented singer having just signed a Worldwide Record Deal with Decca Records; he continues to sell out venues across Ireland.
Wexford School of Ballet and Performing Arts Christmas at the Opera House
10 DEC
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E14 CHILD E18 ADULT O’REILLY THEATRE
Christmas at the Opera House is a fun and festive experience for everyone. Delight in the Christmas atmosphere and revel in the holiday cheer. See performers of all ages dance and sing to beautiful festive music pieces. Let this production bring you and your loved ones into the Christmas spirit with some festive favourites and classic songs for the Christmas season. Performed by the renowned Wexford School of Ballet and Performing Arts who recently celebrated their 50th Anniversary, this show will delight audiences once again!
Handel’s Messiah 11 DEC
SUNDAY 8 P.M.
E25 - E35 O’REILLY THEATRE
Lyric Opera joins forces with the worldrenowned Palestrina Choir to present Handel’s great oratorio, Messiah for a special Christmas treat. In an evocative candle-lit setting onstage at the National Opera House, this will be a spectacular and elegant way to celebrate the glory of Christmas. Irish and International soloists taking part including international rising star, Claudia Boyle (soprano), Sharon Carthy(mezzo), Andrew Gavin (Tenor and Bass)and Gyula Nagy returning to Lyric Opera from the Young Artists Programme at the Royal OperaHouse,London.
Wexford Comedy Club & Aiken Promotions presents
Tommy Tiernan
Under the Influence
14 DEC
WED 8 P.M.
E28 O’REILLY THEATRE
As if receiving instructions from a strange and distant star, Tommy Tiernan takes to the stage refusing to take anything seriously. The political and the personal are all up for grabs as the only goal of the evening is laughter. Let our struggles be mocked and our cares abandoned. Allow yourself be guided by a language loving and theatrical performer with a half thought out plan, no professional qualifications and a mouth with a mind of its own. Can you trust him? To be silly, yes. To behave, no. Like a bus conductor standing in front of an orchestra with a spoon in one hand and air horn in the other what could possibly go wrong!?
“A wide eyed philosopher of love and life who performs as if appalled by the idea of being bland.” The Guardian
RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra Christmas Gala with Ailish Tynan 16 DEC
FRIDAY 7.30 P.M.
E25 - E45 O’REILLY THEATRE
A former Young Artist at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden; a BBC New Generation Artist and a prize-winner at the Cardiff Singer of the World Competition, soprano Ailish Tynan has been widely praised for her concert and operatic performances. Her energetic and vivacious presence and her sparkling soprano voice - as noted by the New York Times - have endeared her to audiences in major opera houses and on major concert stages. The RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra proudly brings her back to Ireland for an eagerly awaited evening blending heart-warming seasonal songs and carols with some of the most sublime arias in the repertoire. With Maestro David Brophy conducting, this is one not be missed.
Noël 19-23 MON-FRI E17.50 - E75 FAMILY DEC SEE TIMES O’REILLY THEATRE BELOW 7.30 P.M. Daily Matinees 11 A.M. (22 Dec) & 2 P.M. (23 Dec)
Noël is a new musical written by best selling author Eoin Colfer, with music composed by Liam Bates. Noël tells the charming story of a young girl who is distraught at the disappearance of her mother. On a journey to find her, Noël meets a motley crew of characters who want to help and in doing so discovers their belief in the magic of Christmas. This exciting staged concert production featuring a full onstage orchestra will be directed by Ben Barnes and is produced by Emmy® nominated Tenor Michael Londra and Steve Peters via their U.S. based company VenuWorks Theatricals. Suitable for kids 7/8+
Reeling in the Showband Years Reeling In the Showband Years returns to Wexford and we think this could be the very best line up yet! The Ronan Collins Showband Show Reeling In the Showband Years 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!
Johnny Cash Roadshow 14 JAN
SATURDAY 7.30 P.M.
E22/ E25 O’REILLY THEATRE
The Johnny Cash Roadshow is not to be missed by avid fans or the casual listener. Also the only show to be endorsed by the CASH family! This year prepare for a musical adventure with the biggest production to date. The UK’s No1 celebration of Johnny Cash, fronted by award-winning singer/songwriter Clive John, re-creates with astounding accuracy and truly captures the essence of what it was like to be at a real Cash show! Also featuring Jill Schoonjans as June Carter, Amanda Stone and Louise Masters as the Carter Sisters along with the ‘JC Horns’ all aspects of Cash’s life are covered with impeccable taste.
7 JAN
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
The High Kings
21 JAN
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E26 O’REILLY THEATRE
The multi platinum selling High Kings bring their Grace and Glory concert to the National Opera House as part of their European and American tour! This legendary Irishfolk band comprising Brian Dunphy, Finbarr Clancy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden are a quartet of accomplished musicians, selling out hundreds of shows in Ireland and the US as well as appearing on numerous TV shows since the band first exploded onto the Irish folk music scene in 2008. The High Kings showcase their incredible versatility and skills as multi-instrumentalists, playing 13 instruments between the four of them, bringing a rousing acoustic flavour to brand new songs as well as some old favourites.
Tommy Fleming
27 JAN
FRIDAY 8 P.M.
E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
Tommy Fleming has many times been described as the Voice of Ireland and is one of Ireland’s top entertainers with over 5 million You Tube hits and over 3 million album sales worldwide. Tommy is regarded as one of the finest singers worldwide and is currently enjoying a hugely successful career. After 25 years honing his craft, Tommy is now taking his place at the forefront of popular music across the globe. The mere mention of a Tommy Fleming concert has ‘sold out’ signs being displayed at venues from Dublin to Darwin within the space of minutes.
Wallis Bird 28 JAN
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E25 O’REILLY THEATRE
Wallis Bird brings her fifth studio album on tour next year. Wallis describes Home which is going to be released on the 30 September 2016, as a ‘thank you letter’ to her muse and partner. Indeed, even its cover features the two of them locked in an affectionate embrace. With a collection of songs that encompass joy, serenity, mystery and passion, the album never sacrifices the indelible character at its centre. After two years focused on the record, Bird is eager to get out on the road again. Her short warm-up tour of Europe around the album’s release sold out fast, and the new tour sees Bird taking in not just Europe but Japan and Australia too.
The Children of Lir Celtic Opera
3-4 FEB
FRI-SAT SEE TIMES BELOW
E12/E25 O’REILLY THEATRE
12 P.M. & 8 P.M. (3 FEB) / 8 P.M. (4 FEB) From its humble beginning as an imaginative Folk/Rock stage show in the early 1970’s, Brian O’Reilly’s musical rendition of The Children of Lir has survived the greatest test of all time, itself. Over the years the project has evolved into an epic Celtic Opera. The music has been critically acclaimed internationally and what has been described as a milestone in the wide and varied arena of Celtic music is now a monumental inspired work.
The Blues Brothers 5 FEB
SUNDAY 7.30 P.M.
E27.50/E25 O’REILLY THEATRE
The police, theatres and members of the public are here by warned to be vigilant and on the lookout for two men dressed in black hats, black ties and sunglasses, otherwise known as The Blues Brothers. Last time round they smashed box office records, crashed, crooned and rocked their way into the lives of anyone with a heartbeat! Featuring original members from the many West End runs the production has endured, this show brings you all those amazing, favourite and classic moments once again. Armed with a new set, new twists, new moves, new songs and freshly laundered suits! This show promises, as always, to deliver!
Keith Barry - Hypnomagick will be Keith’s craziest, most magical and hypnotic show to date. Prepare to have your mind blown with original, never seen before feats of mindreading and magic, coupled with hilarious hypnotic demonstrations that will leave your sides aching with laughter. The show will involve demonstrations of mass hypnosis and mass mind-reading, at times involving the whole audience - no one is safe! During the second half Keith will invite over 100 people on stage where he will hypnotise them to do mental and outlandish feats they would never ordinarily do. He will openly invite the skeptics on stage to participate and imagine the shock on their faces when he makes the whole audience disappear right in front of their very eyes. The only question is - will you be brave enough to join Keith on stage or will you try to stay safe in the comfort of your seat?
11 FEB
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E30 O’REILLY THEATRE
The Girlfriend Cabaret Written and performed by Elizabeth Rose-Browne 11 FEB
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E18 /E16 JEROME HYNES THEATRE
The Girlfriend is back for a One-night-standup comedy cabaret! Elizabeth Rose-Browne’s hit comedy show returns to Wexford, just in time for Valentine’s Day, with an eclectic mix of music and musings inspired by every girlfriend that you ever were or ever gotten rid of! Elizabeth is familiar to Wexford audiences from her previous work with Wexford Festival Opera, Wexford Improv Group, Wexford Light Opera Society, Newline Theatre and will feature in the much anticipated upcoming world-premiere of Noël the Musical written by Liam Bates and Eoin Colfer. Accompanied by the incomparable Eithne Corrigan, Elizabeth takes the audience through a comedic and often cringeworthy exploration of girlfriends past, present and (God-forbid) future, featuring a wide-range of music including Gershwin, Kurt Weill, Cole Porter, Randy Newman and many others. This is a ‘one-night-stand’ you’ll want to plan in advance!
Sleeping Beauty
The Royal Moscow Ballet
10 MARCH
FRIDAY 8 P.M.
E25-E32.50 O’REILLY THEATRE
After a complete sell out performance of Swan Lake at the National Opera House in 2016, the Royal Moscow Ballet brings every child’s favourite fairytale to the stage. This is the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score. Experience stunning choreography, breathtaking costumes and vibrant sets which will carry you straight into this fairytale world and let the Royal Moscow Ballet make this fairtytale come to life right before your very eyes.
Derek Ryan 26 MARCH
SUNDAY 8 P.M.
E25 O’REILLY THEATRE
Derek Ryan has become one of Ireland’s leading entertainers and makes a welcome return to the National Opera House, Wexford for a performance of chart hits along with a sprinkling of country classics. His theatre shows contain much of the music featured on his studio albums including many of his own selfpenned songs, God’s Plan, Life Is A River and Hold on to your Hat.
Tom Crean
Antarctic Explorer
6-7 APRIL
THURS-FRI E18/E20 8 P.M. JEROME HYNES THEATRE
Tom Crean, the intrepid Antarctic explorer and one of Ireland’s unsung heroes, is brought to life in this dramatic and humorous solo performance by Aidan Dooley. Hear the riveting true stories of Crean’s Antarctic explorations as one of the few men to serve with both Scott and Shackleton and survive the three famous expeditions: Discovery, (1901 – 1904); Terra Nova (1910 – 1913); and Endurance (1914 - 1916).
The King is Back 19 WEDNESDAY E25/E28 APRIL 7.30 P.M. O’REILLY THEATRE
Rebecca O’Connor Simply the Best
Ben Portsmouth, a multi talented musician, singer and songwriter had Elvis’ dna in his blood from an early age. His father was an avid Elvis fan and Ben grew up on a diet of Elvis songs. Having honed his musical talent Ben started his journey as an Elvis Tribute Artist in 2005 when he formed the Taking Care Of Elvis band. Audiences quickly realized that this was someone with a special talent. He looked like Elvis, sang like Elvis and had an on stage charisma that had audiences believing at times they were watching the King himself. This talent saw Ben rapidly rise through the ranks of Elvis Tribute Artists.
Rebecca is the only artist in the world to be personally endorsed by the superstar. Following her phenomenally successful tour throughout Ireland in 2016, Rebecca O’Connor Simply the Best as Tina Turner is bringing her Internationally acclaimed show to the National Opera House in Wexford for the very first time. “It was like a freight train came through Cork and blew the doors off the theatre, it was so powerful and dynamic” says Eibhlin Gleeson, GM of Cork Opera House, “don’t miss this show” Perfectly summed up by Mick Fleetwood of the legendary Fleetwood Mac, “Rebecca is an amazing singer and performer, I was mesmerised… a night you’ll never forget.” Avail of €20 tickets for the first 100 bookings purchased before Dec 15th 2016
27 MAY
SATURDAY 8 P.M.
E25/E28 O’REILLY THEATRE
Opera Theatre Company presents
Handel’s Acis & Galatea
25 SATURDAY E27/E30 MARCH 8 P.M. O’REILLY THEATRE
Written in 1717, one of Handel’s most celebrated works, Acis and Galatea is a pastoral tale telling of the love between Galatea and Acis. Their joy and passion for each other is established through lyrical arias and joyous ensembles. But things become darker with the arrival of Polyphemus, who is determined to have Galatea for himself. Acis ignores the warnings that love is a fleeting pleasure and ends up being murdered by Polyphemus. Handel’s glorious music – full of emotion, wit and soaring melodies is both elegant and exciting and the enchanting choruses, touching arias, and comic moments in Acis & Galatea will enthrall and delight audiences of all ages. Sung in English, Acis & Galatea directed by Tom Creed and conducted by Peter Whelan and features the Irish Baroque Orchestra.
We offer a wide range of cultural events year round in our award-winning performance spaces; the O’Reilly Theatre and the Jerome Hynes Theatre. 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
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booking information How to book at the National Opera House In Person The box office is located in the foyer of the National Opera House, High Street, Wexford. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. By Phone Our Box Office phone number is: +353 53 912 2144/1850 4 OPERA Box Office phone lines are open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Online You can buy tickets online at Nationaloperahouse.ie On Sundays, Bank Holidays and performance days the Box Office opens three hours in advance of the performance.