Belfast Composer Delivers Dubstep Shakespeare Exclusive

Ballycastle born Composer Garth McConaghie, who has composed music for the FIFA World Cup, BBC, RTE and others, has collaborated with Youth Music Theatre UK (YMT), the UK’s leading theatre company for young people, to stage Macbeth as it has never been seen before in a world exclusive at The Lyric Theatre in July. Transporting Macbeth from his Scottish roots to a nameless Asian state, this is a unique take on Shakespeare, with a thrilling new piece of musical theatre featuring fierce electronic music combined with live classical instruments and contemporary choreography.

McConaghie joins forces with accomplished director Stuart Harvey to bring this exhilarating performance to Belfast featuring a cast of over 40 young people drawn from Northern Ireland and all over the UK including local 15 year olds Shannon Cooley from Belfast, cast as a witch, and Kirstyn Kearney, from Derry-Londonderry who has been cast as an apparition.

Giving a taste of what audiences can expect, Stuart who has directed countless musicals including Annie, Wizard of Oz, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Oliver to name a few, commented, “The production is a dystopian re-imagining of this classic and popular Shakespeare tale.  It’s dark, futuristic, thrilling and enticing, led by a wonderful cast of outstandingly talented young people with cutting edge composition from Garth McConaghie. ”

Set in a nameless Asian state sometime in the future, the production centres on the fall of the digital world that sees Macbeth, an ambitious head of security, monitoring groups of young men and women attempting to bring the establishment down. YMT’s take on Macbeth is one of treachery, deceit and blind ambition, which is found in the shadows of a neo-noir world where no one can be trusted.

Composer Garth McConaghie added, “This is an exceptional opportunity for young people from Northern Ireland to develop their musical theatre skills alongside others from all over the UK. Our production is particularly exciting as, unlike Annie or Oliver, it allows young people to be involved in the creation and performance of brand new work in front of live audiences, with live classical instruments and urban, electronic music. I’m very excited about our production debuting on the best stage in Belfast this summer.”

YMT has a history of working with and developing young talent who go on to have extremely successful careers in the music and theatre industries and can count Brit Award-winning and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and current hot property singer Sam Smith amongst their illustrious alumni .

YMT’s previous work in Northern Ireland over the last ten years has included a new musical The Chosen Room by Marie Jones, a musical based on the work of Neil Sedaka Oh! Carol (in which chart-topping, award-winning Sam Smith played a leading role), various devised projects at Queen’s Film Theatre and outreach work in Strabane, the Ardoyne, West Belfast, Dunmurry and Ballymena. Hundreds of young people from Northern Ireland have also auditioned for YMT and  joined productions in London and throughout England and Scotland; in 2005 a largely Northern Irish group of young people also took a YMT/Lyric theatre production of Goblin Market to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Northern Ireland creative staff also include composer Conor Mitchell and resident director of the West End hit show Once, Des Kennedy.

Performances of Macbeth run from Wednesday 23July until Saturday 26 July at the Lyric Theatre Belfast.  For tickets visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk

Northern Ireland’s favourite vintage shopping event, the fabulous Frock Around The Clock Vintage & Handmade Fair will be returning to Belfast next month when it visits Malone House on Sunday 3^rd August for another extravaganza of exclusive style and glamour for the wardrobe and home.

The event will showcase 45 handpicked, high quality vintage dealers and creative designers specialising in vintage, handmade and upcycled fashion, jewellery, furniture, homewares, collectibles, art, craft and gifts, scrumptious sweet treats, photography and much more. Now approaching its 7^th year of delighting customers from all over Ireland, Frock Around The Clock still remains dedicated to sourcing the best in vintage dealers and fresh creative talent, so in addition to many of the old favourites there will also be a number of fresh faces to be seen at the 3^rd August event, providing a spectacular variety of unique, quality and interesting things to see and buy. Whether you are in search of a stunning frock, authentic vintage treasures, beautifully handcrafted designs, or delicious edible goodies, this event has it all!

Creative Director Becky Moore says ‘We are currently glued to the weekly Channel 4 show ‘This Old Thing’ where Dawn O’Porter proves to people addicted to the high street that vintage really is the key to true individual style – the same message that we have been spreading for the last 6 years and which has been bringing the stylish ladies of Ireland back to our fairs time and time again! Vintage clothes are timeless and unique; mix them in with your contemporary pieces and you will stand out for all the right reasons. Our visitors have a unique and individual sense of style and the degree of originality seen in how they put an outfit together is an indication of just how seamlessly vintage has merged with mainstream fashion in Northern Ireland. The Sugahfix.com Style Spotter is always in attendance to capture shoppers on camera so our customers regularly appear on the pages of Northern Ireland’s leading online fashion guide!’

The impressive exhibitor list will include Lower Than The Angels, creators of distinctive, bespoke millinery inspired by vintage chic and Hollywood glamour, Little Vintage Black Dress, who will be running a sale on original vintage cocktail and evening dresses, Vintage USA, connoisseur of American vintage designer jewellery, White Rabbit Vintage, dedicated to sourcing amazing vintage wear from all over the globe,  Tiny Tower Vintage, specialists in vintage china, linens, eiderdowns and collectible books, Rehinged Furniture selling unique refurbished furniture, I Of The Needle, purveyor of gorgeous fabrics, trimmings and other craft supplies, Vintage Aggy and Molly, showcasing exquisite handmade dolls created from antique haberdashery, Loving Spoonful offering beautiful, handcrafted jewellery made from antique silver cutlery and coins, Ewe Sir who will be selling collectible Irish wildlife textile art, and Patricia Mann Cake Designs who will be tantalising taste buds with her delicious bread and cakes.

The Frock Around The Clock Valentine’s Vintage & Handmade Fair will take place from 12-5pm on Sunday 3^rd August 2014 at Malone House, Barnett Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5PB and admission costs £3. More information on the event and the exhibitor list can be found at frockaroundtheclock.com and facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.

Visit Crom Estate this Thursday 10 July for the National Trust’s annual Jazz by the Lake evening with renowned local Jazz Band the Ernesiders.

An evening not to be missed in this breathtaking 2000 acre demesne, set amid the romantic and tranquil landscape of Upper Lough Erne.

Jazz by the Lake will recapture a well-known part of Crom Estate history. In the 1960s thousands of visitors attended a Jazz festival at Crom and it is hoped that over 100 visitors will be able to relax and revel in an evening of fantastic music with a brilliant atmosphere.

The event will start at 7pm, guests will be greeted with a refreshing glass of Pimms on arrival, and are encouraged to bring their own picnic and a tipple to enjoy with the music on the night.

For further information or to book tickets call 028 6773 8118. Tickets are just £5 – booking essential to avoid disappointment.

So why not book your tickets, pack your picnic and get set for a relaxing evening in the beautiful tranquil setting that is Crom Estate.

TheatreofplucK present the Irish premiere of the French sensation ‘Tuesdays At Tescos’ by Emmanuel Darley at The Market Place Theatre.

This award winning funny and moving new play about love and death among the aisles stars Belfast’s very own inimitable Peter Quigley in a tour-de-force performance.

It tells the story of Pauline, a loving daughter, carer and trans woman in an astonishing and vulnerable site-specific production. On Tuesdays, Pauline is a domestic goddess. At least that is what her elderly widowed dad calls her when she makes her weekly visit to do his housework and take him shopping. Only, her dad doesn’t mean it kindly. He says it with a sneer, and when they go out Pauline knows everyone is looking at her. That’s because Pauline grew up as Paul, and has begun a new life as the woman she always knew she really was. But just as there is no escape from the present realities of her new existence, there is no escape from the past on Tuesdays, when Dad taunts her that he can see her stubble in the jam aisle, and the check-out operator insists on referring to the pair as “gentlemen”.

What is unique about this show is that the actor will perform outside in Market Square whilst the audience watch from the downstairs theatre bar. The effect is vulnerable, exciting and unpredictably emotional.

‘Tuesdays At Tescos’ will be staged at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Thursday 17th July at 6.30pm. Tickets are priced £8 each, and can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com Recommended for age 16+ as the production deals with themes of an adult nature.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

The Bar & Bistro at The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh is re-opening on 4^th July under new management with new menus, opening times and a new service for customers.

The simply entitled ‘Market Place Theatre Bar & Bistro’ encompasses theatre coffee shop, lunches, bistro meals, pre-theatre dinners, full bar service, weekend entertainment and facilities for meetings and conferences.

NEW OPENING HOURS

Coffee Shop: 10am to 4pm Mon to Sat. Lunches served 11.30am to 3pm

Bistro: Open For Evening Meals Thurs – Sat 4pm to 9pm | Pre-Theatre Meals Available Show Nights 5pm – 9pm. Booking essential

Bar: Thurs – Sat 4pm to 1am with live music on Saturday evenings | Other Show Nights: 6pm to late

NEW MENUS

The Bistro has extensive new menus including sandwiches, soups, meals and desserts for lunches, a pre-theatre dinner menu, extensive wines and spirits and special offers relating to shows including themed evenings, drinks promotions and entertainment.

SPECIAL OPENING OFFERS

•           Special opening offer to the Public, Lunch Time Free Dessert with every main course

item until 26th July

•           Evening Offer Free Glass of Wine OR Soft Drink with every meal to 26th July

As part of the Bistro opening, The Market Place Theatre is running a children’s craft session on Saturday 5 and Saturday 19 July, 2 to 3.30pm. They will take place in the theatre foyer, allowing you to relax and enjoy your lunch as the little ones are kept busy at the craft session. FREE to all, for ages 3 and up, sessions will include a toy making activity.

ALL BOOKINGS AND ENQUIRIES

Contact Stacey on 02837 521828 or 07803 029255 | stacey.heslip@ocs.co.uk

Central Booking: Contact Gemma on 02890 360723 | gemma.parker@ocs.co.uk

And to keep up-to-date with the latest at the NEW bar and bistro at The Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews as well as www.marketplacearmagh.com/food-and-drink

Two volunteers for the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland have been telling their remarkable story of discussing steam trains with the Queen during her recent visit to Northern Ireland and how she took an interest in their hobby in the 50^th anniversary year of the Society.

Mark and Ruth Walsh, from Belfast, returned to Northern Ireland from their honeymoon the day before the Royal garden party at Hillsborough Castle.  Jet lag didn’t prevent them from attending and whilst waiting in a queue for food they were approached by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Belfast and asked if they would like to meet the Queen.

Ruth explained “It was quite a surprise!  We were grouped together and the Queen took time to talk to every one of us.  It was remarkable how intrigued she was with everyone’s stories.  I explained to her that we operate steam trains for the public but on the main railway lines of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, just like steam trains were more than 50 years ago.  She was very interested and commented that she thought children would love the noise and sight of a steam train.”

The Queen moved on to speak to Mark and was keen to know if he drove the locomotives.  Mark said “I explained to her what the volunteers do at our County Antrim base at Whitehead to restore the trains for everyone to enjoy and I was really pleased that she said ‘steam trains are so much nicer than modern diesel trains’”!

The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland is celebrating 50 years since it’s foundation in 1964.  Since then the group have built workshops and a base in Whitehead and in Dublin and operate steam trains from both places all over Ireland, North and South.  Mark commented “we have just put tickets on sale for our Portrush Flyer trains from Belfast-Portrush in the summer and I was hoping to ask Prince Philip if he would like to join us for a day out and a poke, but sadly we ran out of time before I got to speak to him”!

Tickets for the “Portrush Flyer” steam trains are on sale now.  Operating on Sundays 27^th July, 10^th, 31^st August and 14^th September, they cost £22 for Adults and £15 for Children and offer a full day excursion by steam train from Belfast to Portrush and back, with plenty of time at Portrush to take in the sights and dip a toes in the water.  The train is hauled by mighty steam locomotive “Merlin” and is complete with a Dining Carriage serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and a full bar.

Tickets are on sale from Belfast Welcome Centre (Tel: +44 28 9024 6609) or online from www.steamtrainsireland.com

As part of the Giro D ’Italia Big Start Celebrations, 20 fabulous bicycle sculptures were decorated by some of Larne Borough’s finest artists. These went on display in locations across Larne Borough from May-June 2014 to create a bicycle art trail.

The identical sculptures were individually designed and decorated in a wide range of styles, by a wide range of talented artists, local schools, groups and members of the public. The Sculptures were kindly sponsored by Larne Harbour, Caterpillar Northern Ireland, Stealth Translations and Renewable Energy Systems, Larne.

Larne artists Jon Lashford, Miguel Neves, Brendan McAfee, Dawn Aston, Iain Baldwin, Geraldine Connon, Margaret Matthews, Lauren Osborne, Bernie McAllister and Robert Craig as well as pupils from Larne Grammar and Roddensvale School all helped create these beautiful displays.

On Wednesday 2nd July there will be an auction of the Giro D ‘Italia Bicycle Sculptures, along with lamp post banners and flags produced for the  12 Days of Pink, Larne Giro d ’Italia Celebrations. All monies raised will go to Oxfam the official charity of the Giro D ‘Italia. The auction will take place at 7pm at Larne Market Yard. Viewing and registration will take place from 6pm.

The catalogue for the auction can be viewed here : http://www.larne.gov.uk/uploads/docs/1695_giro%20auction%20catalogue.pdf

The Lyric Theatre is proud to host a unique opportunity to spend some time in the presence of Ireland’s legendary broadcaster Mr Gay Byrne, as he reminisces about his life and times in a live performance on Tues 21^st October at 7.45pm as part of the 2014 Ulster Bank Festival at Queens.

The show, giving its first ever Northern Ireland performance, premiered in Dublin in 2011 will be performed at the Lyric Theatre as part of a short Irish tour and is an exclusive opportunity to enjoy Gay Byrne at his best in a live performance telling some of the greatest show-biz stories never told in an hilarious evening’s entertainment, described as “a masterclass in comedy”.

In his five decade broadcasting career, Gay Byrne  helped steer Ireland through its difficult formative years in the 70s and 80s on both his RTÉ morning radio show and the world record setting run of  the Late Late Show (from 1962 to 1999) he introduced Ireland to modernity – and stood back to witness the brawl.

From senior politicians to senior clergy to the brightest stars in the Hollywood firmament, he has been a confessor figure to the good, the bad and the ugly. At 79, he’s now in happy semi-retirement but during his exhilarating two hour plus show, he talks about all the extraordinary moments he has witnessed or been at the centre of. From secondhand Donegal tombstones to US president Calvin Coolidge to first meeting Kathleen Watkins on Dawson Street, he covers an array of the insightful, the intuitive and the ingenious.

Don’t miss this chance to hear the behind-the-scenes stories of the stars and the star-makers with Ireland’s foremost legendary broadcaster in his first solo stage show. Produced by John McColgan.

Tickets priced £20.00 are now on sale for this unique show with the king of broadcasting – Gay Byrne, Live on Stage on Tuesday 21^st October are available from The Lyric Theatre Box Office, online: www.lyrictheatre.co.uk and Tel: 028 9038 1081

“Superb…exhilarating…ingenious…a thoroughly enjoyable evening.” The Irish Times

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (July 7 – 13).

• A Summer of Archaeology, Ulster Museum, Belfast, until August 31. Indulge in a summer of archaeology and discover the history through the eyes of this year’s theme, the Georgians with a series of interactive activities for all the family.

• The Possibilities of Here and Now, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, until July31. An exhibition showcasing the very best of painting, drawing, printmaking, lens and sculpture work in Fine Art of recent graduates from Belfast School of Art.

• Week on the Wildside, Murlough Nature Reserve, Dundrum, Co. Down, July 7-11. A great day out for the family with a range of educational outdoor activities for kids with areas including bugs and bees, archaeology and butterflies.

• Pipe Band Tattoo, The Square, Markethill, Co. Armagh, July 8. Pipe Bands from across County Armagh along with drum majors and dancers will host an evening of music, dance and skill which will thoroughly entertain.

• The Lonesome West, Ardhowen Theatre, Fermanagh, Co. Fermanagh, July 9. A hilarious, savagely funny and dark comedy tells the story of two brothers living alone in their father’s house who find it impossible to exist without constant bickering.

• Lady of the Lake Festival, various, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh, July 11-20. A host of family friendly events are scheduled throughout the festival including an opening ceremony, fishing competitions, donkey derby, music and drama, train rides and much more.

• Pirate Day, Castle Ward, Strangford, Co. Down, July 12.  Come dressed in a pirate costume as Buccaneer Scurvy Dog takes you on an adventure to the pirate’s cellar where you can meet and sing with the pirates as well as enjoy a picnic and scrub the decks with Skinny Jim.

• Music Sundays, Mussenden Temple, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, July 13. Enjoy a relaxing Sunday afternoon at Downhill Demesne, listening to the wonderful sounds of a harpist playing in the historic Mussenden Temple.

• Dalriada Festival, Glenarm Castle, Glenarm, Co. Antrim, July 13-19. A festival of sport, music and fine food the festival has something for everyone from World Class Highland Games to celebrity chef demonstrations, live music and children’s entertainment.

• The Glenelly Rockin By The River Festival, Plumbridge, Co. Tyrone, July 13-20. The festival provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the scenic Sperrin Mountains while enjoying a range of events from hill walks, vintage displays, a family fun day and the best in traditional, country and contemporary music.

Down

Due to popular demand Youth Fest NI is back with a BANG to Kilbroney Park on Saturday 5th July 2014! Here’s a taster of what’s in store…Phils Farm, Jo Jingles. The Gathering Drum, The Funhouse Newry Lazar Tag Arena, DJ Workshops, Cloughmor Extreme Mountain Bike Trails, Sticky Fingers Early Years Arts, Bring IT On NI Workshop’s, SVP YOUTH Info, gymnastics workshops and displays, The Creation Station, Dance workshops and displays, Reptile Village, Wayne Denner – Youth & Digital Communicator workshop, Live music from 39 Steps, live music from Harrison Tweed, live music from Caolán Dooley, live music from Rebecca Keenan, PIPS Newry & Mourne information, Happy Faces NI arts workshops, mini golf, Lifeline information, Jumping Clay Warrenpoint, food / craft stalls and more.

Tyrone

Tyrone Farming Society looks forward to its 174th Annual Omagh Show which will take place on Friday and Saturday. Omagh Show’s enduring success can perhaps best be described as a true reflection of determination and motivation of its supporters throughout the years. Now ideally located on a prime site on the outskirts of Omagh town, this thriving Annual Show remains a source of much pride for its community.

Fermanagh

Cuilcagh Mountain Jeep Safari, Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2.00pm – 4.00pm.  Jump on board one of the Geopark Landrovers and explore the stunning scenery of Cuilcagh Mountain Park. Ranging from the rugged upland cliffs to the weathered limestone landscapes on the lower ground, this safari is a chance for you to experience and explore the patchwork of landscapes found on Cuilcagh Mountain. £5.00 per person. This event is not suitable for children under 12 years old. Booking is essential. Contact Marble Arch Caves Visitor’s Centre on 028 6634 8855 for further information.

Derry

The Chocolate Lab in Kilrea are holding summer workshops through the months of July and August including the Chocolate Bar and Lollipop Workshop, the Frozen Themed Workshop and Minion Chocolate Mayhem. Workshops for children and masterclasses available for adults too!

Armagh

After the huge success last year, the Emerald Garrison’s amazing Heroes & Legends event is coming back to Armagh Planetarium on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July 2014.  This amazing family event is one not to be missed.  Meet and have your picture taken with some iconic costumed characters and see the amazing fan built sets and props from some of the biggest movies and television series including Ghostbusters, Dr Who, Star Trek, Batman, Aliens and Harry Potter.  Come dressed up as your favourite character!

Antrim

Great news for all pirate lovers! Our friendly local Pirate Tavish Dhu will be back with a new adventure this year at Pirates Off Portrush! Tavish having captured the gold from the Navy Captains is on his way to the Skerries to hide it when a friendly whale knocks the treasure out of his rowing boat and carries it away in its mouth. Tavish gives chase only to discover that a group of Eskimos are also looking for the whale. There is a race to see who will get to the whale first and recover the treasure. The pirate festival will be on the weekend of the 5th and 6th of July and rumour has it that this year the organisers are also planning to bring a replica Pirate Ship into Portrush in the week leading up to the Pirate Festival.

Belfast

Tina, the Asian elephant, is one of Belfast Zoo’s most loved and well-known animals. Tina is the longest resident at Belfast Zoo and many visitors have fond memories of Tina stealing their handbags and umbrellas in the old Bellevue Zoo. Come along and help celebrate her ‘elephantastic’ 50th birthday this Saturday 5^th July with activities, including face painting, animal feeding times, a bouncy castle and much more.
For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.