Evocative and lyrical songs such as Wood and Weatherly’s Roses of Picardy and Elgar’s Sea Pictures give the flavour for what promises to be a ravishing afternoon recital by Kathryn Rudge on Bank Holiday Monday in the stunning acoustics of Portico Arts & Heritage Centre in Portaferry.

Mezzo-soprano Kathryn Rudge is the darling of classical music for good reason. “It doesn’t take long (five notes maybe) to hear why people are so excited. Her mezzo-soprano voice already has tremendous reserves of power, impeccable intonation, the capacity for a gloriously sustained legato and, most interesting of all, a distinctive vocal quality. The timbre has white-hot intensity that extends undiminished through all of two octaves.” The Times

Performing an afternoon concert at 2pm on Bank Holiday Monday (28 May), Kathryn will be accompanied by pianist James Baillieu. Described by The Daily Telegraph as ‘in a class of his own’ James Baillieu has been the prize-winner of the Wigmore Hall Song Competition, Das Lied International Song Competition, Kathleen Ferrier and Richard Tauber Competitions. James has given solo and chamber recitals throughout Europe and further afield. He collaborates with a wide range of singers and instrumentalists including Ian Bostridge, Dame Kiri te Kanawa, Annette Dasch, Markus Werba and Catherine Wyn Rogers.

This recital will be the concluding concert of Festiv’Ards 2018, the four-day festival celebrating the best in classical music that takes place 25-28 May. Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, this year’s festival programme includes a free opening concert with pianist Michael McHale on Friday 25 May at 7.30pm. Saturday’s afternoon concert at 2pm features violinist Patrick Rafter before the star choral group The Tallis Scholars perform at 7.30pm. On Sunday, classical guitarist Thibaut Garcia performs at 2pm then the Ficino Ensemble at 7.30pm. Bank Holiday Monday morning starts with organist Daniel Cook at 11am before Kathryn Rudge and James Baillieu take to the stage at 2pm.

For further information on any of the concerts happening during Festiv’Ards please visit www.porticoards.com or buy tickets in person at The Rock Bakery in Portaferry.

5 stars all round for ‘The Nature of Forgetting’ coming to the MAC 31 May – 3 June

‘Utterly unmissable.’  (★★★★★ The Edinburgh Reporter)

Produced by Theatre Re, The Nature of Forgetting comes to the MAC Belfast for a limited run from 31 May – 3 June following a sell-out run at the 2017 London International Mime Festival.

The Nature of Forgetting is a powerful, explosive and joyous piece about what is left when memory and recollection are gone.  Featuring a multi-talented ensemble of actors, this show examines the fragile human condition of dementia, in a compelling, physical style embracing mime, theatre and live music.

Tom has just turned 55. As he dresses for his birthday party, tangled threads of disappearing memories spark him into life, unravelling as a tale of friendship, love and guilt.

This ambitious project with actors, mimes and musicians has been created in collaboration with UCL Neuroscience Professor Kate Jeffery and inspired by interviews and workshops with organisations such as the Alzheimer’s Society. It was in development for 16 months and was conceived by the theatre’s director Guillaume Pigé.

Guillaume Pigé comments, “The Nature of Forgetting is not about dementia. It is about the fragility of life and that eternal ‘something’ we all share that is left when memory is gone. Our collaboration with Professor Kate Jeffery and our interviews with people living with dementia and their carers have resulted in a life-affirming journey into a weakening mind, where broken does not have to mean defeated.”

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC says: “Continuing to bring you the very best across all art forms, we are delighted to be hosting this really extraordinary production.  It is a joyous, vital story full of survival and hope.”

Theatre Re presents The Nature of Forgetting at the MAC from 31 May – 3 June.

For more information about the show or to book, visit themaclive.com.  Supported by National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

The Ards Puppet Festival rolls into Newtownards this May Bank Holiday Weekend!

Taking place from Saturday 26 May – Monday 28 May, the Ards and North Down Borough Council festival will be bigger and better than ever before, offering a jam-packed programme filled with puppet fun!

Over the three days, Conway Square will be transformed into a pop-up puppet village, featuring an eclectic mix of scheduled performances, street theatre, free puppet workshops and plenty of madcap puppet shenanigans! Look out for puppets in all shapes and sizes, from socks to shadows and strings, there’ll be lots of quirky characters to meet!

One of the programme highlights will be The Elephant Extravaganza which will take place on Sunday and Monday afternoon. Prepare to be amazed by ‘Harminder,’ Festive Road’s impressive, larger-than-life mechanical Asian elephant. Pedal-power brings her to life, with her ear, head and trunk movements adding to the spectacle as she perambulates. Standing at 4.5 metres, she is sure to be an impressive sight as she wows the crowds!

The festival Big Top in Conway Square will be buzzing with an impressive programme of high-quality shows scheduled over the three days. On Saturday, Banyan Theatre Company’s Red Riding Hood and The DaSilva Marionette Circus Troupe will perform, on Sunday visitors can catch The Cardboard Carnival and on Monday, A Strange New Space, Winner of the Edinburgh Fringe Primary Times Children’s Choice Award 2017 and The Dinosaur Detectives will take to the stage. Admission to the Big Top shows is £2 per person.

Outside in Conway Square, there’s plenty happening too. Have tea with The Big Bad Wolf, laugh at The Alchemist’s failed attempts to make gold, join Dr Frankenstein as he creates new life, or seek out Aloisuous Ginderbalm, the 700-year-old Swedish Troll! Dangerous Dave and The Boggarts will also entertain the crowds with their antics and look out for the delightful puppet walkabouts who will animate the area over the whole weekend.

The Craft Tent will offer free interactive workshops where children can build their very own puppets, guided by local artists. Or there’s a Puppet Scavenger Hunt throughout Newtownards Town Centre on Saturday and Monday. Follow the clues to find puppets hidden in shop windows! Pop-up puppet shows will take place in Wardens on Saturday and Monday at 1pm and 3pm.

Admission to the festival is free. Big Top Shows cost £2 per person. All other performances and activities are free of charge.

Ards Puppet Festival takes place from 26 – 28 May in Conway Square Newtownards. For more information go to: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or www.ardsarts.com

The show has been described as “a love letter to all the classic Victorian magic tricks” (What’s On Stage), “an evening of astonishment” (The Stage) and a “tour de force performance” (WestEndWilma).

So what should you expect? That I’m afraid is a secret, with audiences been sworn to secrecy, we have been told it’s very much a show you need to see to believe.

However to whet your appetite and remind you of Derren Browns amazing skillset here are our top five favourite moments from the past 18 years which left us open mouthed and in awe:

1. What would you do if the world was ending and zombies roamed the earth? A favourite topic around the watercooler but Derren Brown took it a step further in this production. He selected a twenty something year old victim called Steven and convinced him with an elaborate set, fake social media posts and a lot of actors that a meteor had hit the earth and this was the end. Brown weaved a tale which was incredible to watch and inspired Steven to want more out of life.

2. The System. When it comes to betting shops I know I would like Derren Brown to give me a tip or too. In the final episode of this production Brown gets a member of the public to bet £4000 of her own money on a horse based on his bogus prediction only to lose it. However he later informed the shocked victim that he changed the bet to the winning horse at the last minute.

3. Escape Part of the Trick or Treat series. Victim Angela picked a Trick card and unlucky for her Derren quite literally throw her in at the deep end. When she was handcuffed, secured in a sack and submerged underwater. Angela was given a brief tuition in escape artistry but we as an audience held our collective breathe as we waited for her to appear free from her shackles and above the waterline.

4. The Heist Who wouldn’t want to rob a bank and get away with it. Known to be a personal favourite of Mr Brown, the heist sets up a group of unsuspecting fans to rob a fake security van. Through subliminal messages and instructions the group willingly carry out an armed robbery.

5. Russian Roulette One of Derren Browns best known stunts and one which raised his profile significantly in the mainstream. Derren selected one person to load a single bullet into a six-shot revolver before he would point the gun to his own head and attempt to guess which chamber was lethal. Adding to the suspense Derren’s third guess was incorrect as he pointed the gun to a nearby sandbag and pulled the trigger on an empty chamber. The action paused we all gasped but quick to recover and redeem himself Darren correctly fired the fifth shot into the sandbag.

 WOW!  We can’t wait to see this awarding winning illusionist LIVE and be prepared to be astounded and awe struck. The Best of Derren Brown Underground Grand Opera House Belfast 22-26 May. Tickets on sale now!

Armagh Craft Fair returns for the eighth year to the wonderful surroundings of The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh on Saturday 26 May.

Bringing high quality craft to the heart of Armagh City, this highly anticipated annual event offers something for everyone. The fair will feature over 45 fantastic craft stalls from makers across Northern Ireland and Ireland, 7 free craft demonstrations from master crafters throughout the day including hands on creative craft making experiences for adults and children, free children’s drop in creative craft sessions, family workshops, musical entertainment, great food & much more.

Crafts on show at this year’s Craft Fair include printed textiles, jewellery, wood, metal, basketry, glass, soaps, candles, ceramics, hand-made paper and books, artisan foods and fantastic craft gifts for children, amongst many other superb and unique craft forms.

You can get hands-on and have a go yourself, with the free craft demonstrations throughout the day. Ever had a burning desire to try your hand at Pottery, Wet Felting, Flame Worked Glass, Basket Making, Silver Jewellery Techniques, Weaving, Sculpture or Wood Turning? Well now’s your chance to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. Watch the Master Crafters as they demonstrate their skills and then have a go yourself at learning a new skill. Opportunities will be available for both adults and children.

When you’re in the venue, don’t forget to view this year’s fabulous Art Of Craft Exhibition, ‘Fused’, by artist Caroline Getty. ‘Fused’ forms part of Northern Ireland’s first Linen Biennale, celebrating the past, present and future landscape of linen through an extended arts festival. Caroline’s work incorporates delicate linen material immersed within strong ceramic forms, portraying a powerful and echoing remembrance of the linen industry within Northern Ireland.

With live music performances throughout the day, and the on-site bar and café facilities for when you need a break from all your craft shopping, this promises a superb day out in the heart of Armagh City.

This year’s Craft Fair will run from 10.30am to 5pm at The Market Place Theatre. Entrance is free, as are all craft demonstrations, and most of the creative experiences. For further information, bookings and to download the full programme go to www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre You can also follow developments on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) for the latest information and video previews.

The Ards Puppet Festival is coming to Newtownards this May Bank Holiday weekend 26 – 28 May with a fantastic programme full of puppet fun!

Over the three days of the festival, Conway Square will be transformed into a pop-up puppet village packed with puppets of all shapes and sizes! Look out for puppet shows, walkabout characters, street theatre, craft activities and more!

One of the programme highlights will be The Elephant Extravaganza which will take place on Sunday and Monday afternoon. Prepare to be amazed by ‘Harminder,’ Festive Road’s impressive, larger-than-life mechanical Asian elephant. Pedal-power brings her to life, with her ear, head and trunk movements adding to the spectacle as she perambulates. She loves nothing more than packing her trunk and going to new places to make new friends!

Standing an impressive 4.5 metres in height, Harminder will be a sight to behold as she ambles around Conway Square with a dancer on her back. The Elephant Extravaganza will take place on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 May at 2pm and 4.30pm. Don’t miss it!

Other highlights include: The DaSilva Marionette Circus Troupe who are performing in the festival Big Top on Saturday 26 May at 2pm and 4pm. Come and be amazed by aerial acrobatics on the flying trapeze, spectacular cycling stunts and the antics of cheeky clowns. This show cleverly incorporates marionette puppets with real circus performers – a treat for the whole family! On Sunday 27 May at 1pm and 3pm, The Cardboard Carnival will take place in the Big Top. This ultimate animal show is beautifully crafted from cardboard, inspired by Camille Saint-Saens’ music.

Ards Puppet Festival takes place from 26 – 28 May in Conway Square Newtownards. For more information or to view the full programme go to: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or www.ardsarts.com