VISUAL programme Sept 2017

VISUAL ARTS

THEATRE COMEDY DANCE EDUCATION CINEMA MUSIC

Centre for Contemporary Art and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre

Programme of Events www.visualcarlow.ie

Programme September 2017— January 2018

059 917 2400

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

Welcome to the Winter Season at VISUAL

Themes of nature and landscape pervade Paul Mosse’s work, explored through an extraordinary approach to materials. Alongside 40 years of his work is the Materials Library, a visual and sensory introduction into his work, with visual reference material and items from his studio. The Digital Gallery is showing Twilight, filmed by Pat Collins over 2 years close to Baltimore in West Cork which attempts to capture the colour and quality of light as the world turns to evening. Saidhbhín Gibson presents new and recent works in the Lobby Gallery.

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VISUAL EVENTS

Workshops, talks, conversations and tours will allow exploration, engagement and cultivation of a sense of wonder at the natural world this season at VISUAL.

Support & Funding

Getting Here GALLERY AND BOX OFFICE OPENING HOURS Monday: Closed Tues – Sat: 11am – 5.30pm Sunday: 2pm – 5pm

www.visualcarlow.ie

Cover Image: Paul Mosse

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COUNTY

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COUNCIL

COMHAIRLE CHONTAE CHEATHARLOCHA

VISUAL is situated in Carlow’s town centre, on the grounds of Carlow College complex. A pedestrian entrance is located on College Street, beside Carlow Cathedral.

By car: Leave the Motorway at Junction 4. VISUAL is located on the Old Dublin Road in the centre of town. Town Council pay parking (including Disabled parking and coach parking) is available onsite, and free after 6.30pm.

By public transport: Carlow is an hour from Dublin by train, with frequent daily services. VISUAL is a 5 minute walk from Carlow Train Station. Bus Eireann and JJ Kavanagh Coaches operate frequent services daily. VISUAL is a 10 minute walk from Carlow Bus Park.

VISUAL Programme of Events

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September 2017 – January 2018

To Hell in a Handbag 8pm New exhibition Open Day 3pm Talk: Paul Mosse, Pat Collins, Saidhbín Gibson 4pm Mary Coughlan and her band 8pm Convergence 7.30pm Midweek Movie – The Secret Scripture 3pm, 8pm Culture Night at VISUAL 5.30pm The Magic Bookshop 2pm, 4pm, 6pm Gearoid Farrelly – Home Truths 8pm Trevor Smith & ‘Friends in Low Places’ Band 8pm

Theatre €18/16 Visual Art free Visual Art free Music €23/21 Workshop Free Film €6/8 Arts Free Family €5 Comedy €10 Music €22/20

oct F

Sat 9th Sat 16th Sat 16th Sat 16th Tues 19th Wed 20th Fri 22th Sun 24th Fri 29th Sat 30th

Fíbín an Triail 10.30am & 12.30pm Schools €13.50 Footsbarn Theatre Co – The Cuckoo’s Nest 8pm Theatre €25 Wed 11th Midweek Movie – Meetings with Ivor 8pm Film €8/6 Thurs 12th Duke Special – Hallow 8pm Music €20/18 Fri 13th Down and Out in Paris and London 8pm Theatre €16/14 Sat 14th Some People V Reginald D. Hunter 8pm Comedy €26 Sat 21st Ergodos – There is An Island 8pm Music €15/12 Thurs 26th – Sat 28th Carlow Little Theatre – Philadelphia, Here I come 8pm Theatre €17/15 Sun 29th Dance Republic 2017 12pm, 3.30pm ,7.30pm Dance €15/10

nov F

sept F

PROGRAMME

Fri 3rd Sat 4th Wed 8th Fri 10th Sat 11th – Sun 12th Sat 11th Fri 17th Sat 18th Sun 19th Fri 24th Sat 25th

Thurs 5th – Fri 6th

Sat 7th

Charolais 8pm Celebrating Christy Hennesssy 8pm Midweek Movie – Psycho 8pm PJ Gallagher – Dickhead 8pm Materials & Nature: Eco printing with Nicola Brown 10am An Evening with Fintan O’Toole – Judging Shaw 8pm The Legends of American Country 8pm Colin Stafford Johnson – Living a Wild Life 8pm The Successful TD 8pm What Would Ma Say 8pm Fred Cooke – Fredliner 8pm

Theatre €18/16 Music €22/20 Film €8/6 Comedy €21/19 Workshop €280 Talk €15 Music €21 Talk €19/17 Theatre €22/20 Theatre €19 Comedy €15/12

Winter Programme continued overleaf...

Volunteer at VISUAL VISUAL relies on the passion and commitment of volunteers in the delivery of our programme, and we are very grateful for their support in the gallery and theatre spaces.

If you would like to join VISUAL as a volunteer the commitment is 2 hours per week on a day of your choice. Volunteers enjoy free membership of the film club, special discount offers, previews and cultural day trips.

For a unique insight into art and culture and to be part of the cultural centre of Carlow, please ring Oren on 059 9172304 email olittle@visualcarlow.ie.

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

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dec F

Sat 2nd Sun 3rd Tues 5th Wed 6th Thurs 7th – Sat 9th Sun 10th Wed 13th – Sun 17th Thurs 14th Tues 19th Wed 20th Thurs 21st Fri 22nd – Sat 23rd Wed 27th Thurs 28th Sat 30th

We’ll Meet Again – The Vera Lynn Story Little Folk on Tour Schools Christmas Film – The Polar Express Midweek Movie – La La Land Carlow’s Culinary Christmas ABBA Forever – The Christmas Show Striking Productions – A Christmas Carol Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience Midweek Movie –it’s a Wonderful Life Ballet Ireland – Romeo & Juliet The Laureate for Irish Fiction Liam Lawton in Concert Christmas Film – Mary Poppins Christmas Film – Frozen Singalong Eric Butler – Blues, Folk, Soled and Heeled

8pm 2pm, 4pm 10am 8pm 8pm 8pm 2.30pm, 7.30pm 7.30pm 8pm 8pm 7pm 8pm 3pm 3pm 8pm

Music €20/18 Family €5 Schools €3 Film €8/6 Food €14 Music €22/20 Panto €18/14/60 Theatre €47 Film €8/6 Ballet €22/20/12.50 Literature €5 Music €22 Family €8/6/20 Family €8/6/20 Music €20

jan F

VISUAL ART

Fri 5th Sun 7th Fri 12th Sat 13th Wed 17th Thurs 18th – Fri 19th Sat 27th

Sharon Shannon – Sacred Earth Christmas Film – Singin’ In the Rain Jason Byrne – The Man with Three Brains The Carole Nelson Trio Midweek Movie – First Fortnight Film Derek Ryan in Concert Charlie Landsborough

8pm 3pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm 8pm

Music €23.50 Family €8/6/20 Comedy €23/21 Jazz €15/12 Film €8/6 Music €30 Music €31

Early Bird Offers!

Book for these shows before 30th September and get this special rate to see great theatre at VISUAL: Charolais Fri 3rd November – €12, Down and out in Paris and London Fri 13th October – €12, Duke Special Thurs 12th October – €15

VISUAL

GIFT

Don’t forget the VISUAL gift voucher for those special presents and give your loved ones a great night out this December.

2 FOR 1 OFFER Tell us how you received your brochure when booking your next ticket and get a 2 for 1 offer on all films this season at VISUAL! Did you receive your brochure by...

By post: Use code – PA2017 Delivered through your doorway: Use code – DA2017 Picked up somewhere like a shop, in VISUAL, a pub, from a friend etc: – Use code PUA2017

VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

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VISUAL ART

F Main and Link Galleries 16th September 2017 –12th January 2018

Paul Mosse What’s with the Apocalypse?

What’s with the Apocalypse? looks back over 40 years of practice. It shows the importance of drawing, nature and the surrounding landscape on the development of Mosse’s work, and also reveals the importance of materials and the physical intelligence of his making; a responsive and instinctual process of finding and re-purposing raw materials from the detritus of the everyday world that surrounds him. Throughout Mosse’s work themes of complexity; chaos and order; and surface and interior recur, as materials are layered, pierced, torn, peeled – and occasionally even shot.

What’s with the Apocalypse? traces the trajectory of Mosse’s journey as an artist over four decades, from initial responses to the external influences of nature, to the development of a darker and more complex internal vision, explored through his extraordinary approach to materials.

Paul Mosse was born in 1946 in Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny. He was elected to Aosdána in 2007 and his works are included in many private and public collections, including Allied Irish Bank, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Trinity College Dublin, Crawford Municipal Gallery, Cork, the National Self-Portrait Collection and the Office of Public Works.

Associated Events: Artist Talk Sat 16th September, 4pm, Free A talk on landscape, nature and materials with Paul Mosse, Pat Collins, Saidhbhín Gibson and Juliette Harvey.

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

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VISUAL ART

F Digital Gallery 9th September 2017 – 28th January 2018 Image credit: Still taken from Twilight (courtesy the artist).

Pat Collins Twilight Twilight was filmed by Collins over 2 years close to Baltimore in West Cork, with field recordings by world renowned sound artist Chris Watson. The film has twilight as its central subject and is an attempt to capture the colour and quality of light that is in flux, the fleeting and transient sensations, the sense of the world turning. At its heart is the notion of a film where the viewer is given time to contemplate the texture of the world and their own place in it.

“The sound near where we filmed has few intrusions from the modern world. We could hear the gulls in the distance – though they seemed too far away to be heard.

After the sun goes down, here on the southern edge of Ireland, in mid summer, all sounds still and silent – not so much as if the world is holding its breath but as if it is breathing peacefully”.

F Link Gallery 16th September 2017 – 12th January 2018

Materials Library VISUAL commissioned anthropologist Juliette Harvey to create a Materials Library, in response to Paul Mosse’s work and his studio working practice. The library is a visual and sensory introduction into Mosse’s work, with visual reference material and items from his studio.

In partnership with the National Council of the Blind in Ireland, over the season, the library will also contain audio guides, touch boxes, braille and clear print signage.

Free tours for the visually impaired can be arranged, please contact the Box Office for details.

VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

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VISUAL ART

F Upstairs Lobby Gallery 16th September 2017 – 21st January 2018 Image credit: Peripheries by Saidhbín Gibson (photograph by Ros Kavanagh).

Saidhbhín Gibson Loping Towards Darkness This exhibition contains new and recent works, shifting the focus from our humancentric approaches to our environment, towards nature and the non-human.

Gibson’s work questions society’s ceaseless cleansing and compartmentalisation of the outdoors. She explores this through sensory and material approaches and there is an element of “magpie” in her working process; shed or discarded matter – both natural and manmade – is gathered on a continuous basis and re-emerges in hybrids of sculptural objects and images, suggesting other potential balances in our shared relationship with nature.

Associated Events: H U D D L E H U D D L E is an art and art writing discussion group devised by Gibson. The inaugural season took place in Arthouse, Stradbally, Co. Laois in January 2017, supported by Laois County Council. The project is an inclusive and developing platform for the discussion around contemporary art and relative narratives.

Please email hellohuddle@gmail.com for further information and to book your place.

Adult Workshop 11th, 12th & 18th, 19th November, 10am – 4pm 4 day work shop over 2 weekends: €280 (materials not included)

Materials & Nature Eco Printing with Nicole Brown – From plant to print, learn how to achieve beautiful colour and lasting prints on fabric and paper using easy to forage garden or hedgerow vegetation. Eco printing is a simple and very satisfying process where we will be working in as environmentally friendly and health conscious a way as possible. This is an adult workshop and is suitable for total beginners but also contains plenty of tips and tricks for more experienced eco printers.

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

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VISUAL ART

Associated Events Community 19th September, 7.30pm Free

Stories & Conversations for a Healthy, Happy & Sustainable Carlow An evening of inspiring local stories to inspire other community initiatives, social enterprises or sustainable projects, as part of Convergence 2017. Similar local forums will take place in different counties throughout Ireland to illuminate local projects and tell their own positive stories. These will focus on activities in different places, in the areas of energy, food, agriculture, horticulture, waste, local enterprise, mobility etc.

The evening will be introduced by a short, scene-setting presentation which will look at themes of sustainability, local wellbeing, climate action and Sustainable Development Goals. Following the stories, a facilitated cafe conversation will explore questions designed to bring a deeper understanding of common ground between the different projects, the local community and national priorities.

Community Ongoing research

Town Planners Town Planners will examine our sense of place, the principles of planning and our individual and collective relationships to our built environment and the world around us. Ideas of placemaking and the social and cultural importance of lively neighbourhoods and accessible public spaces will be explored through a year-long programme of events and activities in VISUAL’s Studio Gallery, from November 2017.

The project is co-produced by Workhouse Union and funded through the Arts Council Engaging With Architecture strand.

VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

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FAMILY EVENTS

VISUAL Make & Play space Play is a crucial element of experiencing the arts and we want to give all our little visitors a creative experience. Every season at VISUAL a play space is set aside just for fun, drop in at any time to a readymade space to draw, cut out, make things and have fun.

The play space is always free and always available when the gallery is open.

Relax and enjoy VISUAL with your family and friends and feel free to have a coffee from Lennon’s with you upstairs while they play.

Young People Mon 11th September, 7pm

County Carlow Youth Theatre County Carlow Youth Theatre is a safe dedicated place where young people (aged 11–19) come together to express themselves creatively through theatre and drama. Autumn term resumes on Monday 11th September. For registration details contact VISUAL Box Office or visit www.facebook.com/CarlowYT.

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

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FAMILY EVENTS

Art Class Tuesdays from 5th September 11am – €5 (1 adult & 2 toddlers or 2 adults & 1 toddler)

VISUAL Parent & Toddler VISUAL’s Parent and Toddler group is where you’ll find the luckiest little toddlers. Enjoy a morning of fun, art and play, while offering you a chance to meet with other parents. Grandparents and child-minders are welcome.

Tea and coffee is provided.

Family Sun 24th September, 2pm, 4pm & 6pm €5

The Magic Bookshop Please bring a gently used book as you step inside this unusual shop, swap a book and maybe even take a little of the magic home with you. An interactive experience for everyone over the age of 5. See page 13 for more information!

Pen Fest 2017 Carlow Library’s literary festival focusing on emerging writers takes place on 23rd and 24th September and features music, fun and workshops for aspiring and new writers of all ages. More details can be found on www.carlowlibraries.ie.

Family Sun 3rd December, 2pm & 4pm €5

Little Folk on Tour Come to the Link Gallery in VISUAL for a fun filled exploration of music and movement perfectly suited for your energetic little ones. Perfectly suited from 6 months to 5 years and approximately 60 mins long. See page 22 for more information!

Christmas Family Films at VISUAL: Mary Poppins Wed 27th December, 3pm Frozen Singalong Thurs 28th December, 3pm See page 23 for a full listings of our Christmas films!

VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

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SCHOOL EVENTS VISUAL Art Events for Schools Become a VISUAL Schools Partner and get news of special offers, tailor-made workshops geared around learning outcomes, and discounted prices.

Our autumn programme includes themes about nature, a materials library to explore, plus gallery treasure hunts and painting to music for preschool and junior classes. Senior Cycle and Secondary schools can come to curriculum based tours and workshops. Please contact galleries@visualcarlow.ie for more information and to register your school.

In conjunction with Local Enterprise Office, VISUAL are offering free Brick Flix and Digital Animation workshops for primary schools and Digital portraits project for secondary schools as part of Digital Carlow.

VISUAL Schools Screenings with IFI VISUAL in conjunction with the IFI will once again be screening films for secondary students this autumn. Watch out for letters to your school detailing the full programme or check visualcarlow.ie or ifi.ie for details.

School Events Thurs 5th & Fri 6th October, 10.30am & 12:30pm €13.50 1 hour no interval. Teachers go free.

School Events Tues 5th December, 10am €3 per student Teachers go free

Fíbín An Triail Fíbín addresses issues highlighted by both teachers and students alike, by bringing a seeming outdated plot into the context of modern society using, puppets, masks, engaging visuals and physical performances to appeal particularly to a younger audience, making it current and more accessible.

Christmas School Film at VISUAL:

The Polar Express Start your classroom Christmas fun with a trip to VISUAL for this new classic from Tom Hanks and long-time collaborator Robert Zemeckis.

When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Carlow Little Theatre Presents Philadelphia, Here I come Brian Friel Special schools matinee teachers are free.

See page 17 for more information!

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

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VISUAL EVENTS Theatre Sat 9th September, 8pm €18/16

To Hell in a Handbag The Secret Lives of Canon Chasuble & Miss Prism While others are preoccupied with cucumber sandwiches and railway cloakrooms, two minor characters from The Importance of Being Earnest are up to their necks in something else. A country rector and a governess, models of Victorian propriety in public. But in private? This is the play behind the play: a tale of blackmail, false identity… and money.

 – THE IRISH TIMES “Wickedly, side-splittingly funny… a joyous romp not to be missed” – SUNDAY INDEPENDENT “To Hell in a Handbag is a delight – beautifully written and acted with exquisite comic timing.–  – THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

Music Sat 16th September, 8pm €23/21 “Ireland has never produced a singer quite like Mary Coughlan”

Pat Egan Presents: An Evening with

Mary Coughlan & her Musicians

– THE IRISH TIMES

A celebration of Mary’s 30 plus years in the music business. Mary Coughlan’s music career has been a roller coaster, one hell of a ride, and this Live & Kicking concert will reflect that, featuring all the songs that are close to Mary’s heart and life. Often been described as the greatest female vocalist and interpreter of songs that Ireland has ever produced.

Mary Coughlan proudly stands alongside, the iconic giants of jazz on both sides of the Atlantic, Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf.

Film Wed 20th September, 8pm €8/6

Midweek Movie time at VISUAL!

The Secret Scripture Based on Sebastian Barry’s acclaimed novel, Jim Sheridan explores the life and history of Roseanne McNulty (Vanessa Redgrave), a woman confined to the Roscommon Mental Hospital for 50 years. As the institution is about to close, Dr. Grene (Eric Bana) gets to know the younger Roseanne (Rooney Mara) and eventually learns the terrible truth about her confinement. Shot in the starkly beautiful west of Ireland, The Secret Scripture uncovers a dark chapter in Ireland’s history.

VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

Culture Night

Celebrate Culture Night

Fri 22nd September

Culture Night

Sun 24th September 2pm, 4pm & 6pm €5 Duration 40 min. Age: 5+ Supported by Carlow County Library.

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This Culture night, VISUAL will celebrate the joy of ‘hands on making’ through a number of drop in activities, showcasing some of the best of Carlow’s culture.

Join us for a backstage tour at 5.30pm to see how the ‘making’ happens or drop in for a drama workshop run by Carlow Youth Theatre or a family print workshop with Rennie Buenting. Take the opportunity to soak in the galleries at a leisurely pace and round off the evening with the beautiful sounds of Aspiro choir and Carlow College of Music. Carlow College, St Patrick’s will also be hosting events for Culture Night so take a stroll across the lawn.

A Pen Fest Event: Monkeyshine Theatre presents

The Magic Bookshop Welcome to The Magic Bookshop! It’s a treasure trove of wonders where old books flock together and their stories hop from the pages. Peter and John work at the new arrivals desk. Great heaps of books have to be sorted and categorized and sometimes sent to the dreaded shredder. The two friends do their very best to make sure every book gets a new life and that none of the magic is lost. Step inside this unusual shop, swap a book and maybe even take a little of the magic home with you.

Please bring a gently used book to swap! An interactive experience for everyone over the age of 5.

Comedy

Fri 29th September, 8pm €10 “To be an audience member in Farrelly’s crowd is a joy. Each joke landed perfectly…. impeccable comic timing – “ – Broadway Baby (Edinburgh Fringe Festival)

Gearóid Farrelly Home Truths Comedian Gearóid Farrelly addresses everything from Trump to decluttering and explain why you shouldn’t toilet train a cat. Gearóid’s podcast “Fascinated” is a comedy chat show and is available on iTunes.

“The best opening act in his price range” – Joan Rivers

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

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VISUAL EVENTS Music Sat 30th September, 8pm €22/20 “Fantastic fantastic fantastic” – SUNDAY WORLD

Theatre

Sat 7th October. 8pm €25 Duration: 1hr 45 mins, no interval.

Trevor Smith & ‘Friends In Low Places’ Band

The Ultimate Garth Brooks Experience Trevor Smith & his ‘Friends In Low Places’ band pays tribute to the biggest selling solo artist of the 90’s and country music legend Garth Brooks. Trevor and his 8 piece band perform live all of Garth’s greatest hits including Baton Rouge, The Dance, If Tomorrow Never Comes, Standing Outside The Fire and Thunder Rolls.

Footsbarn Theatre Company presents

Cuckoo’s Nest A hit of Kilkenny Arts Festival 2016, don’t miss Footsbarn’s unique version of cult masterpiece One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, combining the powerful narrative of Ken Kesey’s original novel with the company’s uniquely comic slant and mastery of puppetry and masks.

A group of psychiatric patients lives under the tyrannical rule of Nurse Ratchet.

Into this purgatory steps McMurphy, a charismatic, life-loving rogue who challenges Ratchet’s power with insolence and laughter. No one knows why he has been committed – is he even insane? A battle of wits begin as McMurphy’s irrepressible life force sweeps through the ward towards a denouement worthy of Greek tragedy.

Film

Wed 11th October, 8pm €8/6

Midweek Movie time at VISUAL

Meetings with Ivor An 81-minute documentary on the life and work of ground-breaking psychiatrist Ivor Browne. Browne has been a central figure in Irish mental health for many decades. His pioneering and often controversial work on behalf of the many who cannot speak for themselves is well-known.

Alan Gilsenan’s acclaimed new film, produced by Tomás Hardiman, captures the essence of this extraordinary man. In a quirky and challenging cinematic portrait we meet Browne, now in his late-eighties, who is still full of energy, good humour and compassion, and who remains a deeply-informed, startlingly innovative thinker.

As part of Mensana 2017

VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

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VISUAL EVENTS

Music Thurs 12th October, 8pm €20/18 (Early bird offer €15)

Duke Special Hallow Seamus Heaney described his friend, the poet Michael Longley, as ‘…a keeper of the artistic estate, a custodian of griefs and wonders’. On this very special tour, Duke Special will be performing songs and music based on the poetry of this influential and renowned Belfast writer. Longley’s poems are full of gentleness, honesty, mischief and love and are peppered with a cast of artists, animals, flowers, friends and long forgotten soldiers. As ever, Duke Special is mining a new seam of inspiration, hunting for treasures and what it means to be a human being.

Commissioned by Strollers Touring Network.

Theatre

Fri 13th October, 8pm €16/14 (Early bird offer €12) Premièred in Dublin Fringe 2014 as part of Show in a Bag. Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell (Copyright 1933), by permission of Bill Hamilton as the literary executor of the Estate of the Late Sonia Brownell Orwell.

Down & Out in Paris & London A man drifting through life, in 1920s Paris, scraping by in dead end jobs and generally soaking up the rich underbelly of Parisian life, finds himself falling helplessly short and discovering a very different view of life, looking up from below. With a keen understanding of social inequality and a wry sense of humour, he vividly recounts his experiences while down and out. This powerful performance from Phelim Drew brings Orwell’s classic to the stage with humour, empathy and wit.

“Drew dominates the stage” – Emer O’Kelly, SUNDAY INDEPENDENT “Captivating performance” – IN DUBLIN

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

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VISUAL EVENTS Comedy

Sat 14th October, 8pm €26

Some People V Reginald D Hunter Reginald’s searingly honest material has garnered him a fan base spanning the generations. His TV appearances include Have I Got News For You?, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown and BBC Two’s hugely popular series Reginald D Hunter’s Songs of the South, documenting Reginald’s epic road trip through 150 years of American popular song.

“Comedy of a rare scope – *****” – THE TIMES “Stand-up comedy’s coolest customer” – TELEGRAPH “Arguably the most accomplished act in the comedy section of your Fringe brochure” – SCOTSMAN

Music

Sat 21st October, 8pm €15/12

Ergodos, There is an Island Combing rich vocals, earthy violin textures, minimal piano and ethereal soundscapes to form songs inspired by the memories and places that linger in our hearts.

In this arresting new Irish trio, singer Michelle O’Rourke and the composing duo of Benedict Schlepper-Connolly (violin) and Garrett Sholdice (piano) channel an eclectic spread of influences – from Nick Cave to Planxty to Mozart – to create unforgettable, intimate performances. Expect hushed invocations, oceanic lullabies and haunting melodies with a sound that is at once transparent and full of warmth.

“O’Rourke’s vocals provided an irresistible soaring beauty.”

– THE SUNDAY BUSINESS POST

VISUAL Programme of Events

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September 2017 – January 2018

VISUAL EVENTS

CARLOW LITTLE THEATRE PRESENTS

PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME!

by Brian Friel

DIRECTED BY PADDY BEHAN

Carlow Little Theatre Presents

Theatre phillyposter2.indd 1

Thurs 26th – Sat 28th October, 8pm €17/15 Produced and Directed By Paddy Behan. Lighting by Ann Nolan. With kind permission of Samuel French.

Philadelphia, Here I come Brian Friel 7/19/2017 11:12:10 AM

Carlow Little Theatre Society are delighted to be returning to the George Bernard Shaw theatre, once again this October with their next production, Brian Friel’s intentionally acclaimed, humorous and touching play about the uncertainties of leaving home, Philadelphia, Here I Come!

Set in the fictional town of Ballybeg, County Donegal; the play centres on Gareth (Gar), a young Irish man, prepares to leave his dull Gaelic community to live with his aunt in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Gar lives and works with his father, S. B. O’Donnell (“a responsible, respectable citizen”) with whom he has never connected, despite indications that there is love between them and that SB is secretly devastated by his son’s imminent departure.

The hero has an alter ego, seen only by himself and the audience: the public Gar, who holds back his true emotions, while the private Gar, tells the brutal (and sometimes hilarious) truth. As Gar packs his bags, he and his inner self examine his relationships with his uncommunicative father, his former sweetheart, his frustrated schoolmaster, his shallow buddies, and his loving housekeeper.

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

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VISUAL EVENTS Dance

Sun 29th October, 12pm, 3.30pm, 7.30pm €15/10 children

Dance Republic 2017 Showcasing the best of what our schools offer. Dance styles include Slowdance, Lyrical, Hip Hop, Acro, Freestyle, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. We are so excited for our students from counties Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford to take to the stage and do what they do best, Dance!

Theatre

Charolais

Fri 3rd November, 8pm €18/16 (Early bird offer €12)

A dark comedy of love and longing: rarely in theatre are the challenges of farming life and the joy of sex expressed so frankly or with such charm.

“The last thing you would expect in an Irish rural drama is a parody of Edith Piaf. But Stapleton, singing ‘La Vie en Rose’ and speaking in Franglais, is all Gallic sexiness, luxuriating in a French accent, and conveying what an unsophisticated Irish girl might not otherwise be able to – ” – IRISH EXAMINER “A fast-paced, witty, and intensely emotional tale filled with laughter, loss and despair – ”– THE IRISH TIMES AWARDS Winner of the Stewart Parker Major Bursary Award 2015 Winner of the Bewley’s ‘Little Gem Award’ – Dublin Fringe 2014 Winner BOUQUETS & BRICKBATS Monologue Play Edinburgh Fringe 2015| Shortlisted for ‘Best Theatre Script’ 2014 Irish Writer’s Guild Awards

Music

Sat 4th November, 8pm €22/20 concession

Celebrating Christie Hennessy The Platinum Collection Renowned entertainer recreates the iconic sound of his close friend in a touching tribute to one of Ireland’s greatest singer-songwriters.

After a sell-out tour last Autumn RTÉ personality, Aonghus McAnally, takes his Celebrating Christie Hennessy – The Platinum Collection show on a nationwide tour. One of Ireland’s most beloved singer-songwriters, Christie Hennessy delighted audiences at home and abroad until his tragic and untimely death in 2007, aged just 62.

VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

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VISUAL EVENTS Film

Wed 8th November, 8pm €8/6

Midweek movie at VISUAL

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho Fifty years on and Hitch’s delicious cod-Freudian nightmare about a platinumblonde embezzler (Janet Leigh) who neglected to consult a guide before selecting her motel still has much to answer for. It blazed a bloody trail for the much-loved slasher cycle, but it also assured us that a B-movie could be A-grade in quality and innovation. Starring: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, and Vera Miles.

Comedy

Fri 10th November, 8pm €21/19conc

PJ Gallagher Dickhead One of Ireland’s most popular comedians, PJ Gallagher, is taking to the road with his brand new show, Dickhead.

A natural on stage, PJ’s previous tours, Concussion and Separated at Birth (with Joanne McNally), received critical acclaim and played to sell out audiences. The Dublin funny man is also a festival favourite and regularly plays sold-out shows at Kilkenny Cat Laughs, The Vodafone Comedy Carnival and the comedy stage at Electric Picnic.

“That guy cracked me up for an entire afternoon that I forgot to meet my wife for lunch. It’s classic comedy but with a twist.” – Conan O’Brien

Literature

Sat 11th November, 8pm €15

An evening with Fintan O’Toole: Judging Shaw George Bernard Shaw, the first person to win both a Nobel Prize and Academy Award, has left a vast legacy of theatrical, fictional, polemical, critical and philosophical writing. He was one of the greatest masters of self-invention, a nobody who captured the zeitgeist and one of the first private individuals to understand fully how to generate – and how to use – global fame.

Acclaimed international journalist Fintan O’Toole (winner of the European Press Prize 2017 and Orwell Prize for Journalism 2017) discusses his new book on George Bernard Shaw in the theatre named after the playwright. Judging Shaw is the fourth in the Royal Irish Academy’s award-winning ‘Judging’ series and it looks at the legacy of George Bernard Shaw, as prizewinning author, playwright and commentator, and as GBS – the first great brand.

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

20

VISUAL EVENTS Music

Fri 17th November , 8pm €21

The Legends of American Country Following a sell-out UK tour in 2016, Ireland’s No 1 Country music show The Legends of American Country returns for another fantastic night of toe tapping Country classics. The 2017 tour will showcase highly acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Kenny Rogers and 4 brand new tributes to icons George Jones, Charley Pride, Patsy Cline and Don Williams in this must see extravaganza. The show features four fantastic singers who are all backed by the superb Country Storm band and coupled with an authentic stage set that will transport you all the way to Nashville and back.

Talk

Sat 18th November, 8pm €19/17

Living a Wild Life with Colin Stafford-Johnson Join multi-award winning wildlife cameraman and presenter Colin StaffordJohnson for an evening of hair raising stories from 30 years filming in some of the wildest places left on earth.

How can viewing a pen and ink sketch of a tropical bird at the age of six change your life? How do you become a wildlife cameraman? How do you end up naming the world’s most famous tiger? What are the challenges filming the wild, the weird and the wonderful?

Filming and presenting the Secret Life of the Shannon, Wild Ireland and Living the Wildlife has led to adventures in every corner of Ireland. Hear about Colin’s most special wildlife encounters close to home and learn how to witness them for yourself in what promises to be a spell binding evening.

Theatre

Sun 19th November, 8pm €22/20

The Successful TD “Any man with a vote is a man to be respected. I’ll play with them, lie to them, sing dumb about them while I have a chance of a vote. That’s my livelihood. Don’t give me no more stink about the truth. Christ told the truth and they crucified Him…” Join Jon Kenny and Mary McEvoy and the trials, tribulations, misadventures and hilarious antics of Tull McAdoo as he seeks re-election to the Daìl in the October Elections. Written by John B Keane in 1967 he displays his edge for humour and satire that are uncomfortably close to the politics of today, Peppered with Keane’s gallery of madcap characters this show will have you laughing at politics (in a good way) from the start. Based on The Letters of A Successful TD and An Irish Minister of State by John B Keane. Adapted for the stage by Jon Kenny, Mary McEvoy and Michael Scott.

VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

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VISUAL EVENTS Comedy

Fri 3rd November, 8pm €15/12 concession

Fred Cooke Fredliner Fred Cooke is embracing his unique musical style of comedy on his first nationwide tour with his show Fredliner. It has been a phenomenal year for Fred supporting his hero Tommy Tiernan to packed crowds across the country Throughout this time he has established himself as part of “the premiere league of Irish funny men” (Hot Press).

“I love Fred, he has the real spirit of the Clown in him” – TOMMY TIERNAN “Comedy genius. He has so much energy that he could power a small village in the west of Kerry” – THE LAUGHTER LOUNGE

Theatre

Fri 24th November, 8pm €19

What Would Ma Say Adapted by Ger Ronan from the bestselling book written by Kathleen Doyle What Would Ma Say is a hilarious play based on the best-seller of the same name. Kathleen Doyle tells the true story of her remarkable family and their exploits growing up in Dublin in the tenements in the1950’s and her teenage years in Crumlin in the early1960’s. Kathleen describes Ma as an ordinary woman with very little education behind her. But maybe not so ordinary in the way she learned to survive and handle life.

“A searing honest memoir of a working class life in Dublin, full of wit, humour, insight and honesty” – Joe Duffy, RTÉ “A hilarious nostalgic reminder of a Dublin that’s long gone” – IRISH INDEPENDENT

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

22

VISUAL EVENTS Music

Sat 2nd December, 8pm €20/18

We’ll Meet Again The Vera Lynn Story To mark her 100th birthday, We’ll Meet Again: the Story of Vera Lynn starring Linda Kenny and Damian Smith, actor Dominic Moore and our fabulous MD Alan Carney, is a dramatic retelling of the life and times of Vera Lynn and gives the audience an opportunity to sing along to some of her most loved songs.

This delicious programme is jam-packed with nostalgic hits like We’ll Meet Again, Among My Souvenirs, Auf Wiederseh’n Sweetheart, The White Cliffs of Dover, Lili Marlene and more.

Written and directed by Cathal MacCabe.

Family

Sun 3rd December, 2pm & 4pm €5 Ages: 6 months –5 years Duration: 60mins approx.

Little Folk on Tour A fun filled exploration of music and movement perfectly suited for your energetic under 6’s. Join Kyle Riley as he leads children and their adults through a variety of music that gets you singing, jumping and shaking. Make big sounds with percussive instruments, sway with a colourful scarf and float with the bubbles in this hugely engaging musical session.

VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

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VISUAL EVENTS

Film

6th December – 7th January €8/6 Family of 4: €20 on daytime films

Christmas Films at VISUAL La La Land Wed 6th December 8pm A dazzlingly stylized homage to the classic Hollywood musical from Whiplash director Damien Chazelle. Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, John Legend.

It’s A Wonderful Life Tues 19th December 8pm In classic Hollywood style, Heaven sends a guardian angel to remind George Bailey (James Stuart) how worthwhile his life has been and to treasure the good times when the going gets tough. Directed by Frank Capra in 1947.

Mary Poppins Wed 27th December 3pm Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews) magically turns every chore into a game and every day into a whimsical adventure. Dir: Robert Stevenson.

Frozen Singalong Thurs 28th December 3pm Singalong to your hearts content as Anna and Kristoff find her sister Elsa whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.

Singin’ in the Rain Sun 7th January 3pm One of the greatest musicals ever made, as Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly’s Technicolor masterpiece has been re-released. Starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds.

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

24

VISUAL EVENTS

Food

Thurs 7th, Fri 8th & Sat 9th December, 8pm €14

Carlow’s Culinary Christmas With Neven Maguire, Kevin Dundon & Catherine Fulvio

Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. Book early and avoid disappointment, last year the event sold out 3 weeks before the date!

Carlow County Council, VISUAL and Carlow Tourism are delighted to extend an invitation to all to attend a special Carlow Culinary Christmas Food & Drink Festival from 7th–9th December. Carlow Culinary Christmas Food & Drink Festival 2017 at VISUAL is a 3-day showcase of all things food and drink in County Carlow.

Featuring nightly food stalls, giveaways and Food Demonstrations from Neven Maguire, Kevin Dundon and Catherine Fulvio with each visitor getting a free bag of recipes and some free County Carlow products to use over the festive season.

County Carlow has a vibrant Food & Drinks industry and this event, hosted by Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office in partnership with VISUAL has been designed to celebrate what Carlow has to offer. Supporters of the festival include Carlow Farmers Market and Kenny McGuire Demos.

VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

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VISUAL EVENTS Theatre

Wed 13th to Sun 17th December, 7:30pm & 2:30pm €18/14/60 Family ticket (2 adults, 2 kids)

A GREAT CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT!

A Christmas Carol Striking Productions returns for its sixth annual Christmas extravaganza Ebenezer Scrooge doesn’t like to celebrate Christmas. He prefers to spend time in his counting house, with his only real love; money. With some Christmas magic in the air, he is visited by the ghosts of his former business partners, The Marley sisters. They tell Scrooge that throughout Christmas Eve night, he will have visitations from the Ghost of Christmas Past, The Ghost of Christmas Present and The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Will Scrooge change his miserly ways?

The show features beautiful musical selections like Silent Night and ‘O Come Emanuel’, balanced with the lively We Need A Little Christmas and yearly audience favourite The Santa Claus Parade.

While this newly written treatment must remain loyal to the classic book, it has been devised with a local family audience in mind. Unforgettable Christmas memories will be made with a show set to warm even the coldest of hearts.

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

26

VISUAL EVENTS Music

Sun 10th December, 8pm €22/20

Abba Forever - The Christmas Show Abba Forever – The Christmas Show, returns to VISUAL Carlow with a real excuse for a party!

From Waterloo to Dancing Queen expect a dazzling 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! The perfect way to start your Christmas celebrations!

Comedy Thurs 4th December Woodford Dolmen Hotel Doors: 7.30pm €47 – All tickets include a 3-course meal and 2-hour interactive show.

Interactive Theatre International presents

Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience At Woodford Dolmen Hotel The audience become diners in the infamous ‘Faulty Towers’ restaurant, served a 3-course meal by Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Expect lashings of laughter, huge bowls full of spontaneity and as much participation as individual audience members want. And with 70% of the show improvised, no two performances are ever the same.

“Flawless, and I mean flawless” – THE ADVERTISER, ADELAIDE FRINGE 2017 “Crammed full of laughter!” – EVERYTHING THEATRE, COVENT GARDEN 2017 “A smash hit… hilariously bonkers” – EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS, EDINBURGH FRINGE 2016

VISUAL Programme of Events

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September 2017 – January 2018

VISUAL EVENTS

Dance

Wed 20th December, 8pm €22/20/55 Family of 4

Ballet Ireland presents

Romeo & Juliet 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.

Romeo & Juliet promises to delight and will always appeal to a wide-ranging audience regardless of age or background. However, our recommended age for this performance is for children aged 8 and above.

Readings

Thurs 21st December, 7pm €5

The Laureate for Irish Fiction presents

The Long Night of the Short Story Five writers, five short stories, with musical responses from Little John Nee. Prepare to be entranced by a Long Night of the Short Story, where writers take it all the way to the sweet or bitter end. Curated by Anne Enright, the inaugural Laureate for Irish Fiction.

All proceeds go to the Peter McVerry Trust.

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

28

VISUAL EVENTS

Music

Fri 22nd & Sat 23rd December, 8pm €22

Liam Lawton A Celtic Christmas Tour 2017 Hear some of the beautiful old favourite Christmas Carols and some new original Christmas songs written by Liam Lawton. This is a time to step into the magic of Christmas and renew the heart while listening and joining in wellloved Christmas Carols and songs. Liam will be joined by special guest artists, his musicians and local choirs.

Music

Sat 30th December, 8pm €20

Eric Butler Blues, Folk, Soled And Heeled Back in Carlow just after Christmas with a mixture of his original music and music by Leonard Cohen, Tom waits, some blues and folk, Eric’s unique voice coupled with his brand new stereo amp guitar setup promises not to disappoint. With the incredible Shane O Donovan on drums, who studied with Conor Guilfoyle and completed a diploma in jazz performance at Newpark.

Keep an eye on Facebook for details of special guests as they unfold.

VISUAL Programme of Events

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September 2017 – January 2018

VISUAL EVENTS Music

Fri 5th January 2018, 8pm €23.50

Sharon Shannon Sacred Earth A first visit to VISUAL, 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 here, of course, but these are cheerfully mixed in with often unexpected styles.

Comedy

Fri 12th January, 8pm €23/21

Jason Byrne The Man with Three Brains Jason has three brains which kick into action when he hits the stage. His left brain scans the audience and room, looking for improv moments. His right brain collates stand-up material and stunts, poised to dish out the funnies at speed. His centre brain is Jason’s coach, pushing him to the limit.

This show will peel back the madness inside Jason Byrne’s head to reveal all three brains working individually. The fastest thinking comic around will not only trip himself up, but probably you too.

“Unmissable” – EVENING STANDARD “Watching a new Jason Byrne show is a bit like witnessing lightning in a bottle” – EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS Please note: The Man With Three Brains is strictly over 16s.

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

30

VISUAL EVENTS VISUAL Bar

Sat 13th January 2018, 8pm €15 /12

The Carole Nelson Trio Carole’s piano-playing and composition have long been the driving force behind the Irish jazz group Zrazy, with whom she has recorded six albums, received awards in Ireland and the USA, and performed worldwide. The Carole Nelson Trio sees Carole bringing her musical focus to the sparer format of the piano trio. Bass player Cormac O’Brien and drummer Dominic Mullen bring an intuitive understanding of Carole’s music and complete command of the genre.

“Glorious free-spirited jazz” – The Irish Times

Film

FIRST FORTNIGHT FILM TOUR

Wed 17th Jan 8pm €8/6

First Fortnight in partnership with IFI National returns this January 17th to Visual Arts Theatre to offer another engaging film tackling mental health stigma in a refreshingly authentic portrayal.

Music

Thurs 18th & Fri 19th January, 8pm €30 includes. €1 booking fee

Derek Ryan in Concert Derek Ryan comes home to his native Carlow with his highly acclaimed concert tour. Derek, is imaginative in his ability to blend his love for Irish country and trad in his music which was a winning combination on one of his biggest hits, Hold On To Your Hat, a track he recorded along with Sharon Shannon. His concert tour includes a mix of old favourites, classic country and Derek’s own original material.

VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

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VISUAL EVENTS

Music

Sat 27th January, 8pm €31

David Hull Promotions presents

Charlie Landsborough Charlie is generally recognised and categorised as a country singer, however, as his fans will tell you, country music is only one part of his live shows and music catalogue. Winner of ‘Best Songwriter’, ‘Best Song’, ‘Best Male Vocalist’ & ‘International Country Album’ Charlie’s talent and chart-topping records received the ultimate recognition in 2011 when he was inducted into the British Country Music Hall of Fame- a wonderful achievement for any artist.

Music

Fri 2nd February, 8pm €32/30

Reeling In the Showband Years RTE’s Ronan Collins, Red Hurley, Gina from The Champions, Gregory from The Cadets will be making a return. Also appearing on the night will be Keith and Lorraine McDonald and The Conquerors Showband. It will send you home with great memories of a wonderful time in Irish popular music!

www.visualcarlow.ie

Booking;

059 917 2400

32

VISUAL EVENTS Comedy

Fri 16th February, 8pm €24/22

Neil Delamere Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Pensioner One day Neil’s dad asked him to help deliver the Meals on Wheels. He agreed. Little did they know that their lives would never be the same again. Except for the bits of their lives that didn’t change.

“You’ll be hard pressed to find a more gifted comic at the Fringe – ” – THE SCOTSMAN “One lean, mean, comedy, killing machine – ” – THE HERALD

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VISUAL Programme of Events

September 2017 – January 2018

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www.visualcarlow.ie

CULTUREFOX.IE

Booking;

059 917 2400

VISUAL EVENTS

NEVER MISS OUT The Arts Council’s new, upgraded CULTUREFOX events guide is now live. Free, faster, easy to use – and personalised for you.

Never miss out again.

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Considering your third level options?

Carlow College, St Patrick’s offers full and part time programmes

Bachelor of Arts Degrees • • • •

Humanities (Level 7 & 8) English and History (Level 8) Social Care (Level 7 & 8) Citizenship and Community Studies (Level 8)

www.CarlowCollege.ie

E: admissionscc@carlowcollege.ie T:059 9153200

Centre for Contemporary Art and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre

Programme of Events www.visualcarlow.ie

Programme September 2017— January 2018