The Annual Newtownabbey Full Length Drama Festival returns to The Courtyard Theatre from Mon 13 – Sat 18 March, with a rich selection of sensational plays by amateur dramatic groups from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

The programme kicks off on Monday 13 March as Rosemary Drama Group present BLUE STOCKINGS by Jessica Swayle.  At the first college in Britain to admit women, the ladies study ferociously and match their male peers grade for grade. Yet when the men graduate, the women leave with nothing but the stigma of being “blue stockings” – an unnatural, educated woman. They are denied degrees and go home unqualified and unmarriageable. Tess Moffat and her fellow first years are determined to win the right to graduate.

On Tuesday 14 March the Clarence Players present THE MAI by Marina Carr.

An accomplished beautiful 40 year old woman, The Mai, has always sought an exceptional life. Robert, her cellist husband, has always felt stifled by The Mai’s ideals of perfection. After seventeen years he leaves her, whereupon she sets about building a dream house in the hope that one day he will return to her. From her fairy tale castle The Mai waits by the window for her dark-haired prince to return. Set in the inspiring surroundings of the West of Ireland, on the banks of the legendary Owl Lake, we enter this world on the day of Robert’s return after an absence of four years. Deeply theatrical and profoundly intense, The Mai is an epic tale of love and loss, of elusive dreams shattered by vulgar but inescapable reality.  (Some strong language)      

Wednesday 15 March, Theatre 3 Newtownabbey present HEROES by Gerald Sibleyras. In this hilarious but poignant translation, we meet three World War 1 veterans who pass their monotony-filled days in a military hospital by engaging in verbal battles of long-forgotten military campaigns, grumbling about the staff and reflecting on their lives. Gustave, Phillipe and Henri – all war heroes– are plotting an escape. While keeping each other company on the back patio, they hatch a plan to escape to Indochina, or at least to a picnic under the poplars on the nearby hill.  (Some strong language)

Thursday 16 March, Holywood Players present HUMBLE BOY by Charlotte Jones.

All is not well in the Humble Hive. 35 year old Felix is a Cambridge astro-physicist in search of a unified field theory. Following the sudden death of his father, Felix returns to his middle-England home and his difficult and demanding mother, and soon realises his search for unity must include his own chaotic life.

On Friday 17 March, Bart Players present SUMMER by Hugh Leonard. Three married couples, accompanied by the son of one and the daughter of another, assemble on a hillside near Dublin to picnic. During the afternoon the relationships between them on the surface and beneath become apparent, while the young people regard their elders somewhat sardonically across the generation gap. Six years pass and the group come together again but the place has changed and so have they.  

Estuary Players bring the Festival to a close as they present NOVEMBER by David Mamet on Saturday 18 March. It is November in a presidential election year and the incumbent Charles Smith’s chances for re-election are looking grim! Approval ratings are down, his money is running out and nuclear war might be imminent! November is a scathing, hilarious take on the state of American politics today. (Some strong language)

Why not join us for what promises to be a Festival of moving, at times ironic and often hilarious productions, performed by some of the best community companies performing in Ireland today.

Festival tickets are available from box office T: 028 9034 0202 or online at www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

 The Millennium Forum welcomes home to Northern Ireland rising star Ben Kerr, who will be playing March Hare in the UK tour of WONDERLAND when it hosts the Irish Premiere from Tues 21^st March for a week-long run.

Hailed by critics as ‘nothing short of spine-tingling’ with ‘an outstandingly strong cast’, WONDERLAND is delighting audiences throughout the UK. It’s an enchanting musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, with a huge heart, a medley of magic and a whole lot of wonder. It is a timely and touching story of love and an adventurous exploration of who we are, who we want to be and the power of everyday magic in our lives.

Originally from Dungannon in County Tyrone, Ben Kerr’s theatre credits include the West End, UK & Ireland Tours and European Broadcast of The Rocky Horror Show. When he was last on home ground Ben starred in the Millennium Forum’s Teenage Kicks, which was produced for the UK City of Culture in 2013. He is ‘excited to bring Wonderland to Northern Ireland and spend a bit of time on home turf’.

The stellar cast includes West End star and accomplished actress Wendi Peters, well known for her portrayal of Cilla Battersby-Brown in Coronation Street, as Queen of Hearts and musical theatre star Dave Willetts, who rose to fame for playing the title role in The Phantom of the Opera, as White Rabbit.

West End rising star Michelle Pentecost will play Alice in Derry, as well as Alternate Alice / Mad Hatter at other venues. Essex-born Michelle has recently appeared in the title roles of Evita and Wicked in London’s West End.

Following sold out seasons in Tampa, Texas and Tokyo, the multi Grammy, Tony and Drama Desk Award nominated Frank Wildhorn’s Wonderland plays at Derry’s Millennium Forum from Tuesday 21^st to Saturday 25^th March 2017 as part of its first ever UK tour.  Tickets are now available from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

From Friday 17th – Sunday 19th March your visit to the Navan Centre will also include a special opening of the Iron Age Dwelling.

To coincide with the Home of St. Patrick Festival this is your pre-season chance to meet with the Celtic characters as they relive Celtic life.

Over the weekend they will be making pottery, weaving belts and of course cooking.  Join in and experience life as a Celt as you step back to a time gone by.

No pre-booking required. Normal Summer admission charges apply.  The Centre is open daily from 10.00am – 4.00pm, last ticket is sold at 3.00pm.

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

 

Local beer and whiskey lovers are in for a treat, as The Dirty Onion launches Volume Two of its popular Boilermaker Menu.

Having sold over 3,200 boilermakers since the Cathedral Quarter bar first introduced the traditional American pairing experience just over a year ago, the bar has now expanded its offering with a second volume of craft beers and world whiskey pairings, bringing an Irish twist to a historic drinking tradition.

The traditional boilermaker drink was popularised in the 19th century by Pennsylvanian steelmakers as way of forgetting factory life and combines a shot of whiskey, chased by a glass of beer.

The Dirty Onion worked closely with Northern Ireland’s whiskey experts to create the pairings, and customers can now enjoy the spoils of this expert knowledge, savouring rich whiskies from around the world, paired with refreshing craft beers.  The pairings are served on a bespoke wooden board, fashioned by Newtownards based company, Cardy Timber, from aged Jameson whiskey barrel casks.

Tim Herron, general manager at The Dirty Onion said:

“The Dirty Onion premises was originally used as a bonded whiskey warehouse, so our history is heavily rooted in the spirit.  We are always looking for ways to offer our customers new and unique experiences and have carefully chosen more adventurous pairings for our new Boilermaker Club.

“This time we will have 10 unique pairings made up of interesting craft beers and whiskies from Ireland, Japan and the US and are sure the Boilermaker Club will be a big hit with all our customers.”
The Boilermaker Club Menu

The new menu offers ten pairings, each offering a unique taste profile, including a ‘wildcard’ pairing that will change every two months.

• Tidefall & Powers Gold: A ‘great introduction’ to the Boilermaker concept, this pairing mixes a well-balanced local lager with a classic Irish whiskey.

• Chieftain IPA & Redbreast Lustau: A medium bodied, hoppy IPA with a light bitterness, this pairing is perfect for embracing the sensation of the whiskey.
• Caesar Augustus Lager/IPA and Dunville’s PX: A great pairing which sees the bitterness in the IPA countered by the PX sweetness.

• Galway Bay Milk Chocolate Stout & Yellow Spot: A highly recommended pairing. The malt and coffee flavours of the stout are complimented by the coffee tones of the whiskey.

• MacIvors Dry Cider & Teeling Small Batch: This pairing delivers something entirely new to the mix. The 100% pressed Armagh apple cider combine perfectly with the creamy vanilla, cinnamon and apple taste of the whiskey.

• Roundstone Red Ale & Hibiki Harmony: Ireland meets Japan in this unique pairing as the very smooth, malty whiskey meets a smooth malty beer.

• Beavertown Gamma Ray Pale Ale & Knob Creek: A flavoursome beer with aromas of mango and grapefruit perfectly paired with the rich sweetness of a long-aged, high-rye whiskey.

• Beavertown Neck Oil IPA & Jameson Blender’s Dog: A complex whiskey with an infusion of flavours and aromas perfectly paired with a simple but punchy IPA, brewed with pale base malts to keep it crisp and dry.

• Beavertown Lupuloid & Powers Three Swallow: The perfect pairing of a big flavoured beer complemented with a well-balanced pot still whiskey for a tropical taste.

• The Wild Card: A unique and interesting combination to challenge the taste buds. The Wild Card will change every two months to offer a new pairing for customers.

The Dirty Onion’s Boilermaker experience starts from just £7.50 per pairing and is available all day Sunday – Thursday.  For more information visit thedirtyonion.com or join in the conversation on Twitter @TheDirtyOnion or on Facebook at facebook.com/thedirtyonion 

 

Fidget Feet present their contemporary aerial dance duet, Hang On, at Theatre at The Mill on Saturday 18 March.

Hang On mixes an aerial dance trapeze duet with a love musical performance in a thrilling struggle between the sexes. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN LOVE? HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO FIGHT FOR IT?

Hang On brings the suited natives of the business world into the sumo wrestler’s circle of combat. This is an aerial dance at its finest. Will everything be lost in the battle or can love be found? Can they HANG ON? Hurried along by the relentless beat of time, Lee and Chantal wonder if there is a worthy destination, or are they just running around in circles? Should they fight the pulse of time or should they just hang on and hope for a moment of stillness?

Hang On has performed in theatres and streets across the entire globe since its creations in 2010; including Ireland, England, Belgium, Spain, France, Australia, South Africa, and Canada. Fidget Feet is now delighted to tour this restaged and extended aerial dance show.

Fidget Feet is Ireland’s foremost Aerial Dance Theatre Company, creating spectacular contemporary circus and specialising in aerial dance. With Hang On, they are doing what they do best; mixing aerial skills with dance and performing to original live music and video art. Aerial dance at its finest.

Tickets from £8 are available from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online www.theatreatthemill.com

 

Rock legend Alice Cooper has confirmed a concert date at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on Wednesday 8^th November, 2017.  Tickets for the concert will go on sale this Friday 10^th March at 9.00am.

Alice Cooper brings his own brand of rock psycho-drama to fans both old and new. Known as the architect of shock-rock, Cooper has rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo.

Alice Cooper pioneered a grandly theatrical brand of hard rock that was designed to shock.  Drawing equally from horror movies, vaudeville and garage rock, the group created a stage show that featured electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood and boa constrictors!

Alice’s catalog of hits and anthems including “I’m Eighteen”, “No More Mr Nice Guy”, “School’s Out”, “Elected” and “Poison” are featured in his live show along with a mix of newer songs and fan-favorite album cuts.

Alice’s touring band features the three-guitar attack of Nita Strauss, Tommy Henriksen and Ryan Roxie backed by longtime bassist Chuck Garric and drummer Glen Sobel.

For more information please visit www.alicecooper.com.

 

Jason Byrne returns to Theatre at The Mill on Sunday 12 March with his  brand new show ‘Jason Byrne is Propped Up‘.

This show has everything you’ve come to expect from ‘The Outright King of Comedy’ (The Times). The biggest selling comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Jason Byrne’s inspired, original brand of high-energy intelligent lunacy ensures that there is no other comedian like him.

Star of Wild Things (Sky 1) and The Snaptastic Show (TV3) Jason Byrne has returned to his comedy roots, probably so he can pull them up and use as a prop in his show!

With a growing international profile, Jason has performed in New York, Boston, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brussels, Milan, Paris and Australia.

Don’t miss your chance to see this comedy genius live on stage. Tickets available from Box Office: T 028 9034 0217 or online www.theatreatthemill.com

St Patrick’s weekend at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh will see family fun and music with a traditional St Patrick’s Day feel.

‘Spot’ will introduce young audiences to a magical world of light, sound and movement. In this delightful show for kids, Spot is a very particular stage light. Its light shines and expresses itself by drawing shapes and colours on the floor. Simple words come along with the actors’ action, looking for a unity of image made of lights, sounds and movements. Spot is a friendly and endearing stage light who loves to tell stories. Spot can be the yellow sun, the blue sea or red fire; a balloon, a hoop or nothing at all. But most of all Spot loves to have fun. ‘Spot’ will be staged on Thursday 16 March at 10.15am and 11.30am.

On Saturday 18 March, enjoy the sounds of ‘Topos’, consisting of Tola Custy, Karol Lynch and Paul McSherry, a trio of world-class traditional musicians with impeccable music credentials. Acclaimed world class Clare fiddle player Tola Custy is one of the most influential players of his generation and plays on occasion with the super group ‘Lunasa’. Master of all things stringed, Co Clare man Karol Lynch is a member of musical stalwarts ‘Stockton’s Wing’. Belfast’s very own Paul McSherry is recognised as one of the world’s top exponents in the world of traditional Irish guitar playing. They will be joined on stage by celebrated singers Mary Dillon and Tíona McSherry, considered to have two of the most distinctive voices in Irish music today.

‘One Horse Pony’ combine superb musicianship, vocal harmonies and an uncompromising drive to deliver original Blues Roots music from Ireland’s deep South. The Cork band are on a roll, having topped the iTunes Blues Chart with their single ‘Staring Blues’, played ‘Electric Picnic’, ‘Indiependence’, and ‘The Guinness Jazz Festival’. They have also shared the bill with ‘The Blind Boys Of Alabama’. The band maintains a residency in legendary music venue Whelan’s, where new material is constantly honed and perfected. ‘One Horse Pony’ will perform on Saturday 18 March at 8.30pm.

Then on Sunday 19 March, how about something completely different for the kids. Punch Lion Kids’ Comedy Club is a family friendly stand-up comedy club for kids and big kids! We bring top comedians with silly jokes to make you giggle and grin and laugh out loud. Come to the show for knock knock jokes and silly songs, nonsense word play and stories of pongs. Big loud mime and funny faces, making your belly ache with laughter, lots and lots to talk about after! Children must attend with an adult. Recommended age 6+.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com 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.

Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Causeway Coastal Experience, Roe Park Resort, Derry~Londonderry, from £135pps. The  four-star Roe Park Resort is one of Northern Ireland’s premiere golf and spa resorts set amidst the gorgeous surroundings of the Roe Valley Country Park.
  Enjoy two nights’ accommodation, breakfast on each morning and a romantic meal on an evening of your choice.  Package also includes a round of golf one the resort’s 18-hole golf course while the other can enjoy a pampering session in the spa with a back massage and facial. Complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and chocolates is also provided. Valid until 31 March. To book call (028) 777 22222
• Hideaway at the Dark Hedges, The Hedges Hotel, Co. Antrim, from £75pps. Explore the world famous Dark Hedges which has been a filming location for the very popular Game of Thrones®, just a stone’s throw from the hotel and other nearby filming locations on a short break along the Causeway Coastal Route. Check in to The Hedges Hotel and enjoy two nights’ bed and breakfast and one evening meal in the Scullery Restaurant. Valid until 31 March. To book call (028) 207 52222
• Belfast Titanic Experience, Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, from £64.50pps.  In the picturesque Queen’s Quarter of Belfast, the three-star Wellington Park is an iconic family-managed hotel with a genuine Irish welcome. This two-night break includes accommodation in a classic twin/double room, free drink on arrival, full breakfast each morning, secure overnight car parking and entry to the World’s Leading Visitor Attraction Titanic Belfast and the SS Nomadic. One child up to five years may be accommodated free of charge- supplementary cost for breakfast and any additional tickets for tour will apply. Valid until 31 March. To book call (028) 90 381111

 

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland (March 6 – March 12).

 

• Belfast Children’s Festival, various locations, Belfast, until March 15. The annual Belfast Children’s Festival is back for the 19th year to light up the city with a colourful array of art and performance to inspire joy, creativity and curiosity. The festival will include the very best in professional theatre, music, dance and art designed for children from across the globe, including many free workshops, performances and events. From tiny babies to teenagers, there is something for everyone at this year’s festival.

• Enniskillen Drama Festival, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, until March 11. Enniskillen Drama Festival is an integral part of the cultural and creative identity of Fermanagh. The Festival is part of the fabric of the community of Fermanagh and now in its 37th year, is proud to welcome productions from across the country to take part. With a mix of comedy, tragedy, classical pieces and new original writing, there will be something for everyone at Enniskillen Drama Festival!

• Laurentic Exhibition, Tower Museum, Derry~Londonderry, until June 21. It has been 100 years since the famous Laurentic sank off Lough Swilly on a bitter cold night in January 1917. This exhibition tells the story of the famous ship, the numerous salvage operations and the search for the elusive gold still on board.

• The Drowsy Chaperone, Annesley Hall, Co. Down, until March 18. The Drowsy Chaperone is a musical with book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar and music and lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison.The story concerns a middle-aged, asocial musical theatre fan; as he plays the record of his favourite musical, the (fictional) 1928 hit The Drowsy Chaperone, the show comes to life onstage as he wryly comments on the music, story, and actors.

• Wookalily, Market Place Theatre & Arts, Co. Armagh, March 10. ‘Wookalily’ are a quirky five-piece band focusing on folk-gothic troubadour tales, new-time mountain music with glorious melodic hooks. Their song ‘Diamonds and Gold’ gained them a showcase at the prestigious IBMA World of Bluegrass Festival in Nashville in 2012. The all – female band make a glorious noise guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a skip in your step.

• MaxMara Fashion Exclusive, City Hall, Belfast, March 10. From Italy to Ireland: one of the biggest events on Ireland’s social calendar in 2017 is set to be an exclusive fashion show by luxury Italian design house MaxMara, as it brings its full Spring/Summer 2017 collection from the catwalks of Milan to Belfast City Hall on 10 March in support of leading learning disability charity Positive Futures.

• Ballymoney Drama Festival, Ballymoney Town Hall, Co. Antrim, until March 11. Ballymoney presents its 78th season of plays in Ballymoney Town Hall in 2017. There will be seven plays performed by some of the best and best-known amateur companies in the Province.Almost all of the plays on offer this year have been described as comedies and have been staged in The West End or on Broadway. Tickets and timings available at ballymoneydramafestival.com.

• Live at the Onion, The Dirty Onion, Belfast, March 10 – 11. Now in its third year, Live at the Onion unites the best local talent on stage for one weekend.  This year’s line-up includes The Crossfire Hurricanes, The Wood Burning Savages, The Vibes and Fatlip. Head down, grab a beverage along with some food from the barbecue and make a night of it from 6pm onwards.

• The Best of 10 Years! Alley Arts & Conference Centre, Co. Tyrone, March 8 – 9. Arts Academy, Encore PAA and Dance Craze come together to present highlights from their performances, showcasing their work from the past 10 years at The Alley Theatre. Performances will include highlights from The Sound of Music and High School Musical, King of the Jungle. Dance Kraze will recreate some of the audience’s favourite routines from throughout the years, reuniting some of the cast as they perform once again. The evening will ensure that the audience is entertained with a wide range of song, drama and dance.

• World Illustration Awards 2016, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Derry~Londonderry, until March 18. Developed by The Association of Illustrators in partnership with the Directory of Illustration, California, this unique exhibition, now in its 40th year, presents over 50 of the very best artworks across the diverse field of illustration.