It is a theatrical phenomenon that has travelled around the globe; now ‘The Vagina Monologues’ returns to Northern Ireland courtesy of Premier Theatrical Productions, and premieres on Friday 25^th and Saturday 26^th November at the Burnavon theatre, Cookstown. The brand new production stars local comedian Carol Doey; National TV broadcaster Pamela Ballantine and the much loved Olivia Nash star of Give my Head Peace.

“The Vagina Monologues” were written in 1996 by performance artist Eve Ensler. In drafting her early monologues, Ensler conducted interviews with 200 women on the subjects of sex, relationships and violence against women. Since then, a new monologue has been added to the performance each year to highlight a current issue affecting women around the world.

Searingly funny, sometimes shocking, moving and unashamedly honest, these potent stories from a range of ages, ethnicities and sexualities will make for a jubilant night at the theatre. It’s certainly one for an ultimate girl’s night out (though it has to be said, men in the audience may learn a thing or two!).

Producer Aisling McElhone is excited about bringing The Vagina Monologues to Northern Ireland again in her debut role as a producer. “It’s a number of years since the last professional production of the show in Northern Ireland, which means there is a large audience who won’t have seen this fantastic piece.”

Veteran Director Sean Faloon is looking forward to working with Olivia, Carol and Pamela in such a famous global theatrical phenomenon, saying “You can sure trust theatre to throw up a show that’s something different. The Vagina Monologues fits the bill!”

Laughter and comedy aside (which there is plenty of in the ladies performances of the monologues), there is a serious side to the evening. The proceeds from the play go to the V-Day Charity. V-Day is a global activist movement to end violence against women and girls inspired by The Vagina Monologues.

The movement was started in 1998 by author, playwright and activist Eve Ensler, who has been quoted as saying that it was women’s reactions to the play that launched V-Day. In twelve years, the V-Day movement has raised over $75 million and reached over 300 million people. The 2011/ 2012 campaign is for “the Women and Girls of Haiti” to highlight the high levels of violence against women and girls in Haiti, and will focus on the increased rates of sexual violence since the devastating earthquake that took place in January 2010.

On the night representatives from local charities and support groups will be at the Burnavon to share in the excitement, comedy, drama and pathos that the show will bring.

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at the Burnavon Box Office, Burn Road, Cookstown, by phone on 028 8676 9949 or online at www.burnavon.com, and are priced at £18 / £16 (concession). Keep up to date with the production and other events at www.burnavon.com

Lough Erne Resort are celebrating Ladies Golf with Europe’s recent victory at The Solhiem Cup! We are holding a special Ladies Golf Retreat 19^th & 20^th October.

This fantastic event includes

• Luxury Overnight stay
• Full Irish Breakfast
• Welcome Lunch in The Loughside Bar & Grill
• Golf School at The Faldo Academy with Lady Professional, Lynn McCool
• Pre-Tournament Dinner in The Loughside Bar & Grill
• Tournament on The Faldo Championship Course with great Prizes to be won, all for only £150 pps.

UK singer-songwriter superstar James Morrison has just announced a return to Belfast with a date at The Ulster Hall, Belfast on Saturday 28 January.   Tickets priced from £35 inclusive of booking fee go-sale Friday October 7th from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and www.ticketmaster.ie.

James Morrison’ incredible third album “The Awakening” has just been released on Island Records.

The album, his first for the label, was produced by Bernard Butler and was recorded at Konk studios in London. It follows the huge global success of James’s previous two albums which, together, have sold more than 4.5 million copies worldwide. His 2006 debut album “Undiscovered” topped the UK album chart whilst the 2008 follow-up album “Songs For You, Truths For Me” included “Broken Strings”, the collaboration with Nelly Furtado which sold in excess of 1.5 million copies.
“The Awakening” also includes an amazing collaboration, this time with Jessie J on the track “Up”. This, and one other track, was produced by Mark Taylor. All other tracks were produced by Bernard Butler.

James Morrison said; “Working with Bernard Butler on this album has brought a whole new dimension to the songs. For me this album combines influences stemming from my deep love for classic soul – Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding – with a sound that is contemporary. Making the album coincided with some very big changes in my life and I think it’s very evident from the music that this is the album I not only wanted to make but that I actually had to make right now”.

For more see: www.jamesmorrisonmusic.com / www.mcd.ie / www.ticketmaster.ie