Author: whatsonni

Bruiser Theatre Company is proud to present their critically-acclaimed production of Mojo Mickybo by Belfast playwright, Owen McCafferty at The Old Courthouse, Antrim on Wednesday 9 March 2022 at 7.30pm.

Mojo Mickybo shows the friendship between two boys growing up in Belfast – a friendship that at first is immune to the sectarian violence taking place around them, but which nonetheless is ultimately destroyed by it.

“Belfast. The summer of 1970. The heat’s meltin’ the tarmac on the street, the buses are burning bright and punters are drinking petrol outta milk bottles”.

Mojo and his mate Mickybo are two nine-year-old boys from opposing sides of the sectarian divide. They are ‘thick as two small thieves’, playing headers, being mouthy, building huts, spitting from cinema balconies and re-enacting their favourite movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. They are young cowboys in the making, with the violence of The Troubles only obliquely impacting on them – until finally their friendship is destroyed in a way that they only later come to understand.

This is pure, undiluted storytelling in Bruiser’s trademark dynamic physical style. Fast-paced, darkly funny and action-packed. The show is brought to life by two of our finest local actors, Michael Condron and Terence Keeley, who seamlessly slip in and out of multiple roles and imaginary worlds.

Mojo Mickybo unsentimentally portrays a kind of innocence betrayed by communal hatred, showing the harsh absurdity of sectarianism. Our young heroes, Mojo and Mickybo, represent the division of a benighted country that has spent a century at war with itself.

Bruiser Theatre Company are renowned for their fast-paced, energetic, and engaging performances. Under the meticulous direction of Lisa May, Mojo Mickybo is ready for a live audience following its successful online run while theatres remained closed.

Bruiser Theatre Company is delighted to be returning to live theatre, and proud to present this showcase of both Northern Ireland’s talent and complex history as our first piece of live theatre back after the easing of restrictions.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb said “I welcome the return of these great productions to our Theatres. This story of friendship between two nine-year old boys during the troubles will resonate with many us. I would like to wish Bruiser Theatre Company every success with their tour.”

Artistic Director, Lisa May said:

“We at Bruiser are very excited to be producing Mojo Mickybo. It flies at breakneck speed, is witty, darkly funny and searingly honest; perfect to explore in Bruiser’s bold physical style. To me, it feels like Owen McCafferty’s love letter to Belfast, warts and all, and shows how sectarian anger is so deeply buried into the psyche of those who have grown up during the troubles; it is passed on to generation after generation. Nostalgic yet damning, hilarious yet heartbreaking; Mojo Mickybo is sadly all too relevant for today’s audience, not just in Northern Ireland but around the world.”

Mojo Mickybo is supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery Fund. Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Acting Head of Drama, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented:

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support Bruiser Theatre Company thanks to The National Lottery players. This latest production tells a powerful story and demonstrates the value of the arts in shining a light on and opening discussion around difficult subjects, boasting Bruiser’s trademark physical and dynamic performance style. Owen McCafferty is one of NI’s most accomplished playwrights who’s work really makes the people, language, stories and experiences of this place burst to life and sing on stage and I would encourage everyone to get online and enjoy this terrific production.”

Pedestrians and cyclists will soon enjoy new and upgraded shared use paths within the Valley Park and Glas- na-Braden Glen.

It’s a major boost for outdoor recreation in the area with an investment of £98,000 to develop the path network. The project has been part funded by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council contributing £14,700 and a further £83,300 coming from DAERA’s Environment Challenge Fund.

Improvements to both the existing and new paths will see 3m wide walkways connect the west side of the Valley Park into Glas-na-Braden Glen. From there the route will then lead walkers and cyclists on a journey to explore the shores of Belfast Lough at Gideon’s Green and Hazelbank Park.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said, “The Greenway Project will create a safer, more accessible route for cyclists and walkers and encourage more people to get outdoors and live an active, healthy lifestyle.

With the new path, you can take yourself away from the busy traffic congestion, get on your bike and enjoy the views of the local area.”

The Council are also planning to develop safe shared path connections between Mallusk/Hightown to the Antrim Road with improvements at Scullions Road creating a safe route around Sandyknowes roundabout.

The producers of sell out Abba tribute show – The Bjorn Identity now bring you, The Iconettes & The Hitzvilles with the sounds of Motown & Soul to Theatre at The Mill at the end of this month.

This exciting Motown musical homage pays tribute to the best ‘girl groups’ and ‘solo artistes’ of this classic era. Featuring your favourite hits from The Ronettes, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, The Crystals as well as honouring the soulful sounds of female artists; Dusty Springfield, Tina Turner & Aretha Franklin. There is no comparison to this band, vocally versatile with sublime ‘power-house’ vocals, combined with the glamour of the 60’s. as they deliver stunning harmonies 100% live, publicly appraised and applauded after regular featured guest spots on BBC’s Radio Ulster – Gerry Kelly show, The Ticket and BBC Talk Back.

The Iconettes perform an entertaining yet musically brilliant show leaving you no choice but to get off your seats and go ‘Dancing in the Street’.

“Amazing performance tonight at Theatre at The Mill. Non stop hit after hit . Great interaction with the Audience . A show not to be missed!” – Brenda Mitchell

“The Iconettes and The Hitzvilles were outstanding! I know Musicon Entertainment is very professional and versatile in their shows but everything about tonight’s show at Theatre at The Mill was simply fabulous.” – Phillip Hall

25 FEB 2022                                                                                                            Theatre at the Mill, Mossley Mill                                                                               Tickets: £18.50                                                                                                            Box Office Tel: +44 (0) 28 9034 0202

Beat the mid-term break boredom with fun activities for £1 in Antrim Forum, Crumlin, Sixmile and the Valley leisure centres from Monday 14 – Friday 18 February.

The fun-filled programme features swimming, soft play, racquet sports, football and a bouncy castle.  MORE members can enjoy these activities as part of their membership. Parents/guardians are encouraged to book soft play sessions online via the Council website or citizen’s app.

Also this mid-term Theatre at The Mill is hosting a thrilling production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ from 17-20 February and an exhibition of Roald Dahl’s classic, ‘The BFG in Pictures.’ which runs until 25 February.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said, “There’s lots of activities to entertain the children across the borough this mid-term. It’s a great way for our young people to exercise, socialise and have fun together. Our leisure centres have programmed a variety of sports, giving children a chance to try something new.”

For all mid-term activities visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/midterm.

Vegetable Advocate volunteers in Northern Ireland are calling on you to join them this month in a Love NI Veg 7-Day Meal Challenge.  Just ‘have a go’ and pledge to take the challenge to contribute to making a difference in your own life, as part of your local community and to the environment.

Portia Woods, Vegetable Advocate Support Officer NI expressed “I was delighted to meet with the Belfast Lord Mayor to discuss how the 7-Day Meal Challenge will help people look for, seek out and support the daily purchase of vegetables grown locally and in season in Northern Ireland.  Increasing veg consumption is the overall aim, but it is more than that.  It is about realising the high quality and availability of local vegetables, the value for money, the health benefits and the variety of meals that can be enjoyed.  We discussed how easy and how difficult it might be, the fun that families can have, and how some surprises might be found such as locally grown pak choi.”

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, said: “The Love NI Veg 7-Day Meal Challenge is a fantastic initiative from the Belfast Food Network and I’m looking forward to taking part. We have such wonderful produce right here on our doorsteps in Northern Ireland and supporting local producers and traders not only helps to boost the local economy, but also contributes more widely to helping the environment.

“During my term in office, I want to encourage residents across Belfast to do #OneWeeThing to combat climate change. Eating locally-grown vegetables is a great way to do your own one wee thing; it’s healthy, it’s delicious and eating locally grown veg doesn’t carry the same environmental impact as vegetables imported from other parts of the world. We need to look after our planet and taking small steps such as this can make a huge impact.”

The challenge can be taken at your own time and pace up until the 31^st March 2022.

The challenge is to include a variety of veg ONLY grown in NI, in at least one meal per day for seven days.  The public are encouraged to take part with the Vegetable Advocates and with those who have already signed up. To register and find out what exactly is involved fill in the easy registration form https://www.nienvironmentlink.org/you-cant-beet-locally-grown-veg/  (for print release purposes) Registration Form (for digital release purposes) or email portia@belfastfoodnetwork.org

The Culinary Arts Management Students at the University of Ulster have pledged the challenge! Under the guidance of course Director Michael Gillies they will be taking part in Love NI Veg workshops dedicated to the challenge.  Anyone who wants to follow their lead can do so and get creative like the on-site The Academy Restaurant where students might surprise you with a delicious and innovative lunch menu during the challenge!

Throughout the year Vegetable Advocates have made a commitment to NI veg and it has already seen results.  It is about increasing vegetable consumption.  It is not a guilt trip or activity to make people feel worried about lifestyle choices, nor about reducing consumption of other foods. It’s about eating more veg for health and supporting local. The Vegetable Advocates are part of a UK wide Peas Please project launched in 2017 by the Food Foundation.  They engage with local communities, farmers, retailers and manufactures to achieve a common goal of increasing vegetable consumption.

Reflecting on last year, Portia states “Like many others, I feel a responsibility to take one step or many small steps to satisfy my own climate anxiety.  It is an increasing footprint on our society, especially for children who have gained the understanding since COP26.”  The impact of the climate crisis demands collective action: it requires system and society behaviour transformation. As individuals we cannot stop climate change alone so working together particularly as household units we can increase our vegetable consumption, benefit our health, environment, and local farming economy: buy buying local!  ‘Parful’ Veg is a message from local farmers at www.vegni.co.uk who can guide you in your choices with a NI calendar of seasonal veg grown by local farmers.

With February assigned the month of love, it’s perfect to really Love NI Veg – you can’t ‘beet’ it!

Maiden Voyage Dance is inviting 3–6-year-olds and their grown-ups to join them on a ‘suit safari’ in their new show ‘MORF’, which will premiere at The MAC as part of Belfast Children’s Festival on 5 – 6 March. 

Exploring the magical in the everyday, ‘MORF’ sees two dancers use ordinary suit jackets to create familiar animals – including a jellyfish, an elephant, a bird, and a worm – as young audiences travel with them to a ‘fabric fantasy’ world of clouds, mountains, volcanos and castles. Nothing stays the same for long as what is there in one second is gone and transformed into something new the next.

Nicola Curry, Artistic Director ofMaiden Voyage Dance said: 

“A key part of encouraging creativity in young children is to share how to make something magical out of nothing. ‘MORF’ is a playful new dance show which embraces change with gentle, ever-shifting movement and rhythm, celebrating the joy of play, transformation and imagination.”

‘MORF’ marks Maiden Voyage Dance’s welcome return to Belfast Children’s Festival after the company’s sell-out run with ‘Turnabout’ at last year’s event.

This year’s show has been created by choreographer David Ogle with performers Adam Ashford and Maeve McGreevy, lighting designer Ciaran Bagnall, costume and set designer Diana Ennis and composer Brian Irvine. ‘MORF’ is commissioned and produced by Maiden Voyage Dance. 

Looking forward to ’MORF’, Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Acting Head of Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:

“The Arts Council is very excited to welcome this new work from Maiden Voyage, who lead the field in innovative contemporary dance experiences for the whole family here in Northern Ireland. The inherent joyousness and playfulness of ‘MORF’ will be particularly impactful as we return to sharing live dance together.

I can think of nothing better than being whisked off on a journey of imagination and movement by this fantastic team of creatives, and to be given permission once again to dream and wonder and dare to look at things differently. I’d encourage people to get out and experience the exhilarating, transformative joy of live dance for themselves with ‘MORF’.”

Maiden Voyage Dance is principally funded by Arts Council of Northern Ireland and funded by Belfast City Council. ‘MORF’ is supported by Ulster Presents at Ulster University.

Duration: 30-35 mins

• Live performances               
• The MAC, Belfast      5-6 March, 2.30pm and 4.30pm 
•  
• Audio Described performances
• 6 March, 2.30pm and 4.30pm
•  
• Relaxed performance
• 6 March, 4.30pm
•  
• School performances            
• The MAC, Belfast      4,8,9 March
•  
• Streamed performances        
• Online QFT Player     12-13 March

For further information and to book tickets (£10 each) for ‘MORF’, visit  https://www.youngatartevents.co.uk/whats-on/morf

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is pleased to launch its new combined experience ‘Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira’. This initiative is designed to boost the tourism and hospitality economy within these two rural villages involving 40 local businesses.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Rural Tourism Collaborative Experience (RTCE) programme and the council this new programme has and will continue to integrate local authentic food and drink businesses with tourism providers in Royal Hillsborough and Moira.  It will drive footfall, sales, awareness and dwell time in these areas through combined visitor experiences and itineraries.

Speaking about the programme, Vice Chair of the council’s Development Committee, Councillor Hazel Legge said: “We are delighted with the response to the programme and to have so many interested and engaged partners is a testament to the success of the tourism and hospitality sector in these rural areas. Moira and Royal Hillsborough are unique gems, and it is important that we support, encourage, and celebrate the wonderful offerings already in place, as well as drive future collaboration.

“I would like to thank our local businesses for their engagement with our council officers and for the feedback they provided to help shape this programme. Together we have formed new alliances and been educated on the business offering of both areas. A visitor no longer wants a run of the mill trip – it’s all about having experiences; something different, memorable and impressive.

“With the wealth of bars and restaurants, accommodation options and tourist attractions, there is so much on offer; whether you want a one-day trip or a three night stay. This tourism concept will bring to the masses the wonders of our council’s charming rural areas, its people and place.”

As part of the programme new bespoke itineraries have been created to showcase the best of what the areas have to offer. These suggested plans give top tips and ideas of new things to experience, adventure to new places, and sample some of the best cuisine these rural areas have to offer.

Speaking about the programme, Lynne McCabe who owns Ralph’s Moira and Lisnacurran in Royal Hillsborough said: “The COVID-19 pandemic created an explosion of growth and new tourism thanks to the support of the staycation market. We need to maximise on this as a springboard for when overseas tourism markets return. We are thankful to be placed in the hub of Northern Ireland, so close and accessible to everywhere being located right on the Belfast to Dublin corridor. I look forward to the programme bringing the best of the areas together and showcasing what we have on offer.”

The programme will be supported by the roll out of outdoor advertising, digital communications and storytelling that showcase some of the participating businesses, highlighting their business successes.

A new, easy to navigate webpage has been created to help visitors plan their next day trip, staycation, or adventure. Visit to www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com/royal-hillsborough-and-historic-moira to learn more about the programme and see the raft of experience itineraries on offer.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to welcome you this mid-term and into Spring to experience an out of this world trip to remember. The planetarium is the ideal place to create long lasting memories and spark curiosity to learn more about space.

From immersive dome shows to exploring the cosmos at the interactive exhibition space, and sensory room, there is something to keep everyone captivated during their day out. The planetarium is equipped with a state-of-the-art Digistar 7 digital project system for an all-immersive theatre experience. Visitors of all ages will be immersed in a 360-degree dome experience where shows are played on the roof

The planetarium is showcasing many dome-shows during the mid-term holidays and spring, suitable for all ages. Shows include, “Astronaut George” best suited for pre-schoolers and little ones. “Perfect Little Planet” is the ideal show for families as you discover the Solar System, taking you on the ultimate space vacation! “We are Stars” is the perfect animated dome show for over 6’s and seeks to answer some of the biggest questions for all time; what are we made of and where did it all come from?

The shows are not just for the kids, adults have the chance to view some immersive dome shows too. “Look Up! A Winter Night Sky Tour” takes you on a tour around the night sky as seen from Ireland. Let a presenter guide you through the beautiful objects and constellations seen at this time of year. This show is ideal for anyone starting out in astronomy or interested in learning about what can be seen in the night sky. More shows are available.

The cleverly designed interactive exhibition area allows little ones to explore outer space and broaden their curiosity for the intergalactic phenomena. You can touch a real piece of ancient history; a real meteorite!

To get outdoors, explore the Astropark which has a scale model of the Universe, brought down to Earth in a beautiful natural setting. As you journey through the park you will get to interact with a scale model of the Solar System.

The recently refurbished modern sensory room provides an enjoyable and calming multisensory experience for all our visitors, with features including bubble tubes and interactive exhibits. 

Leave some time in your day out to refuel at the café and explore the shop for treats, educational gifts and more.

For those with additional needs, a brand-new changing places facility is available to assist to ensure your day out is relaxing and you have everything you need.

Tickets for the dome shows and exhibitions are available to purchase online via www.armagh.space and pre booking is required. The Armagh Observatory & Planetarium is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday.

‘Callings’ is a poignant new political play from Kabosh, following the lives of five gay/lesbian people who sought sanctuary and community through Cara-Friend – a phoneline and befriending service set up in 1974 to support our hidden LGBTQ+ communities.

Created by local playwright Dominic Montague, and directed by Paula McFetridge, this compelling piece of theatre is grounded in research and conversations with Cara-Friend’s founders and early service users. ‘Callings’ tells their stories, of the countless isolated individuals who reached out and found support and strength, from a volunteer at the end of the phone.

Charged with the music of the day, ‘Callings’ examines the LGBTQ+ experience in the north during the late 70s and early 80s.   Following the lives of Bridget, Helen, Martin, Jason, and Tommy, ‘Callings’ explores how these bright and resilient individuals found themselves, and each other, during oppressive times.

‘Callings’ looks at the historical challenges faced by local LGBTQ+ communities, and tells a series of powerful personal stories that will make you laugh, cry, and consider just how far we’ve come.

Paula McFetridge, Artistic Director of Kabosh said “Kabosh is privileged to commission and produce this beautiful new play by Dominic Montague as part of LGBTQ+ History Month, February 2022.  The stories of our local LGBTQ+ communities are filled with fierce resilience, struggle, and political oppression, yet there is much humanity, kindness, and solidarity to be celebrated.”

Callings will be on stage at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Saturday 19 February. Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, or through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

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 Market Place Theatre in Armagh is bringing classical music back where it belongs; live on stage, with a thrilling line-up of the best of our local musical talent.

Join Ulster Touring Opera on Wednesday 16 February for ‘A Night At The Opera’. BBC Radio Ulster Classical Connections presenter John Toal, hosts a stellar quartet of singers, including award-winning mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin and rising star Amy Ní Fhearraigh, performing a programme of much-loved opera arias, duets and ensembles.

Renowned pianist Ruth McGinley will perform music by opera’s greatest composers including Mozart, Puccini, Rossini and Verdi.

The evening will also feature the world premiere of an exciting new piece by Brian Irvine, commissioned by Ulster Touring Opera. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us for a night of celebration and surprises though the magic of opera! Tickets are priced £17.50 and £15 (concession).

Belfast-born Michael McHale has established himself as one of Ireland’s leading pianists and has developed a busy international career as a solo recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician. He returns to The Market Place on Thursday 17 February, with a programme which will include Beethoven’s Sonata no.8 in C minor op.13 ‘Pathetique’ and Sonata no.14 in C# minor op.27 no.2 ‘Moonlight’, Linda Buckley’s Solas na Géalai, and a new commission from rising NI composer Áine Mallon: Raindrop Prelude.

A multi award-winning musician, Michael has performed as a soloist with the Minnesota, Hallé, Moscow Symphony and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras, City of London Sinfonia, London Mozart Players and all five of the major Irish orchestras. Tickets for this performance are priced £15 and £12.50 (concession).

Tickets can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre