Author: whatsonni

The Market Theatre in Armagh has a packed Bank Holiday weekend of events for all the family starting off with ‘The Hedgehog Prince’ on Saturday 14 March.

It tells the story of a couple who long for a child, be it as beautiful as a snowdrop or as prickly as a hedgehog! The storyteller spins a tale bursting with magic and enchantment; of a boy bewitched, a giant cockerel, a king lost in a forest and a promise never to be broken. The Hedgehog Prince is based on an old traditional folktale and uses puppetry, object theatre and original music, which will enchant young and old alike. Suitable for children aged 5+.

On Sunday 15 March, The John O’Connor Writing School presents a reading of ‘Come Day, Go Day’. John O’Connor’s novel ‘Come Day, Go Day’ is a loving evocation of Armagh’s Mill Row, of a people, a time, and a place long gone. From the poignancy of Teasie’s story, to the exhilaration of the Bullet Match, to the tragedy of Vincent Kelly and his dog Gyp. Come and celebrate this unique and wonderful work, adapted and read by Armagh-born actor and writer Karl O’Neill.

Then on Monday 16^th March, we have a film screening of the documentary ‘The Peacemaker’. A New York Times Critics’ Pick and multi-award winning film, ‘The Peacemaker’ is an intimate portrait of international peacemaker Padraig O’Malley – who helps make peace for others but struggles to find it for himself. The film takes us from Padraig’s isolated life in Cambridge, Massachusetts to some of the most dangerous crisis zones on Earth, as he works a peacemaking model based on his recovery from addiction. We are delighted that Padraig O’Malley will be joining us for a short Q&A after the screening. This is a free event although tickets should be pre-booked.

Tickets for all events can be purchased by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

Keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, 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 Market Place Theatre in Armagh is playing host to a stunning line-up of music and drama over the coming weeks to celebrate the City’s St Patricks Festival.

The drama kicks off on Saturday 7 March with ‘Dream, Sleep, Connect’, a bold new comedy about disconnection in the digital world, which takes a timely ‘swipe’ at online dating and appoholics.

Chris is working on a technological solution for the Irish border under the beady eye of his boss, Lucy, when he realises he has no one to invite to the office do. He joins Tinder only to find he’s met his match in more ways than one… But before long, Chris begins to ask the ultimate question: Who is watching who?

Then on Thursday 12 March, join us for ‘A Sharing of Traditions’ as Cavan meets Antrim in a unique coming together of traditional music, song, yarns & humour. Antrim’s own Willie Drennan and Cavan’s Martin Donohoe will show us all how there is much more binding our cultures together than driving us apart.

The Rapparees, a 5-piece folk and traditional band, are about as exciting an act as you’re likely to encounter on the circuit. Coming to The Market Place on Friday 13 March, their unique brand of folk music combines vocal harmonies with lashings of fiddle and banjo, which will have audiences on their feet singing and dancing along. They arrive at The Market Place with a bang, with their new album ‘Recharged’. Join us for an evening of foot stomping belters and heart-warming ballads.

The Walled City Music Festival is just around the corner and as part of this year’s event a major new piece has been commissioned by the Festival, with support from Arts Council Northern Ireland, from Derry-born composer Christopher Norby.

The piece is entitled ‘Some Day: A Piece about Civil Rights’ and will be premiered in The Glassworks on Saturday 7 March by international chamber ensemble Trio Festivale (Sabrina Hu, flute; Gerald Peregrine, cello: Cathal Breslin, piano). 

‘Some Day’ presents civil rights movements as an ongoing struggle for equity over time. Within this larger context is the story of the civil rights movement in Derry – the precursor to it, how it was influenced by movements in the Southern States of the USA, and how it was eventually overshadowed by a violent Nationalist struggle. The piece also examines the changing role of communications in the modern world – from connecting people in the past to its capacity to divide, polarize and influence political discourse in the present.

In addition to the music, the performance of ‘Some Day’ will featurea film montage of incredible photography and footage from iconic figures such as Eamon Melaugh and Barney McMonagle in Derry, Spider Martin in Selma, Alabama, and contemporary TV footage from local news journalist Leona O’Neill. All of these historic materials have been crafted by motion designer and illustrator Michael Boddy into a visual accompaniment to the newly-composed music that will be shown in The Glassworks on 7 March.

Matthew Greenall, Executive Director of Walled City Music, commented “Commissioning has become a regular feature of Walled City Music Festival’s programme in recent years, and we are delighted to present Some Day, our most ambitious commission to date. Chris Norby has revisited and made fresh the live issue of civil rights in our society, and his striking new work will encapsulate both the ongoing importance of civil rights and the relevance of contemporary art works to that struggle.”

Tickets are now available for all concerts via the Millennium Forum Box Office or online at www.millenniumforum.co.uk. For more information visit www.walledcitymusic.com.

Wellness From Within 2020 aims to tackle growing mental health crisis

TWO of Northern Ireland’s leading Wellbeing Advocates have launched the province’s first ever local wellness summit which aims to help tackle the growing mental health crisis.

Annette Kelly, Founder of the inspirational wellness brand, Little Penny Thoughts, and Tyrone GAA player, Richard Donnelly have joined forces to create Wellness From Within 2020 which is taking place on Sunday 29^th March in the Crowne Plaza Belfast from 10am – 5pm.

The full day event will include talks and workshops from some of Ireland’s top thought leaders in the health and wellness industry, ‘Real Life, Real Stories’ panel discussions with an inspiring line-up of individuals who have all faced personal challenges and overcame adversity.

Speakers at the event will include Performance Nutritionist and Author, Daniel Davey; leading Personal Trainer and cystic fibrosis hero, Ben Mudge and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and mental health activist Caroline McMenamin.

Co-Founder of Wellness From Within 2020, Annette Kelly said: “We are proud to launch Wellness From Within 2020, an event with a difference that will help open up conversations surrounding our own personal wellbeing and mental health.

With Northern Ireland’s current mental health crisis, we are eager to help others and let people know that there are ways to build resilience and coping skills. Mind-set, fitness and nutrition play a major role in boosting wellbeing and overall health which is why we have created this unique event and we hope people will leave feeling empowered, educated and inspired.”

Richard Donnelly, Co-Founder added: “We’ve put together an amazing line-up of speakers who were selected because of their incredible knowledge and expertise, uplifting nature, courage and bravery and secured Event Partners from some of Northern Ireland’s top businesses leading the way in the health and fitness industry. Wellness From Within 2020 is a day suited for everyone and we are encouraging people from across Northern Ireland to come along, take some time for themselves and learn the importance of self-care.”

Event Partners include Bank of Ireland, Gym Co, Tony & Jen’s, Move Your Mind, B&L Productions and Natur & Co Vitality.  Tickets are priced at £60 and include lunch and a wellness pack to take home. For further information or to purchase tickets go to www.littlepennythoughts.com

Bangor songsmith King Cedar will appear at Bangor Castle on Friday 27 March as part of the Music in the Chamber series of events.

King Cedar is the adopted moniker and current musical meanderings of Stephen Macartney, formerly of The Farriers who is known for his finely crafted songs and charismatic live performances. Stephen has been a mainstay of the Northern Ireland music scene for many years, honing his craft in bars, backrooms, and festival stages. Recently, he spent time in the United States drawing on the inspiration of these turbulent times. This is sure to be reflected in his new album ‘Everything, More & Other Stories.’

With the aim of writing as honestly as possible, King Cedar recalls the stories we all accumulate along the way; from love, life and regret, to depression, death – and whiskey. It’s country without a pick-up, folk without a cardigan.

Accompanied by a full band, King Cedar will debut music from the new album at this very special hometown gig in the beautiful Chamber room at Bangor Castle on Friday 27 March at 8pm.

Tickets cost £12 and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown.

Tickets can also be purchased from North Down Museum or any of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

Overnight break in Belfast from only £100pps with up to £30 estate credit per person

Treat yourself to a luxurious overnight break in Northern Ireland’s premier 5-star hotel, the Culloden Estate & Spa, from only £100pps* and receive complimentary estate credits worth up to £30 per person.

As part of the Luxury on the Lough package guests will enjoy luxurious accommodation, Full Irish Breakfast and complimentary estate credits:

£10 credit per adult towards a 2-course meal in the Cultra Inn

£10 credit per adult towards a 3-course meal in Vespers Restaurant

£10 credit per adult towards a 50-minute spa treatment in The Spa at Culloden

This magnificent hotel is just six miles from Belfast and the perfect location for guests to completely unwind and relax with roaring log fires and views over Belfast Lough and across County Antrim. The Culloden Estate has 98 stunning bedrooms and suites, a luxurious spa and a range of dining options including Vespers Restaurant serving modern cuisine using only the finest and freshest local ingredients; The Lough Bar offering light snacks and the hotel’s famous decadent Afternoon Tea and the Cultra Inn, a cosy bar and bistro which nestles within the Estate and is perfect for a tasty lunch, evening meal or pint by the fireside. 

For further information or to book go to www.hastingshotels.com orcall the Culloden Estate & Spa on 028 9042 1066.