Vibrant fringe theatre delivers full throttle vaudeville entertainment.

Award winning Big Telly Theatre Company return to Theatre at The Mill with Freak Show on Wednesday 27 March. Never afraid of delivering work that is original and mischievous, if not slightly irreverent, the Portstewart based outfit’s work is always highly entertaining and deeply anchored in the stories, myths and legends of the land, especially the beautiful Causeway coast they call home.

Freak Show is a hugely entertaining blast of fringe-style vaudevillian theatre, inspired by the story of a real 17^th Century giantess from the area called Mary Murphy. She is said to have danced for William of Orange and toured the world as part of a travelling freak show, popular at the time.

The story goes that Mary married a dashing French sea captain who gave up his seafaring life to manage her ‘freak show’ celebrity. But after her years being lauded by international attention, the Portrush giantess eventually died destitute and alone, her celebrity forgotten. Until now.

Artistic director of Big Telly, Zoe Seaton said: ‘Mary’s story made us wonder about celebrity culture today and how the whole business of fame has dark edges and corners. Who is exploiting who, and why? And is it really very different from 300 years ago where people were put on show to be stared at.’

The new piece is devised and written by Zoe Seaton and actor Nicky Harley working closely with Moyra Donaldson. The script uses material from the Newtownards writer’s collection ‘Miracle Fruit’ alongside new pieces written for the show.

Freak Show is an incredible display of physical theatre by two masters of the form – Keith Singleton (Soft Border Patrol/BBC) and co-writer Nicky Harley. The two actors play over 20 characters, itself an astonishing feat of their craft.

It is a fast, absurdly entertaining and raucous piece of theatre that is unique, funny and occasionally uncomfortable. There’s lots of humour in the show but Freak Show walks along a careful tightrope of empathy and emotion never losing sight of its sharp pokes at contemporary obsession with fame and celebrity.

Freak Show premiered at the Belfast International Arts Festival in November 2018 and is on tour throughout March.

Tour dates and venues, and further information at www.big-telly.com

Following on from the sell-out run of his Bald Ambition Tour, Colin Murphy returns to The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Fri 29 and Sat 30 March, with his new show, ‘Big Time’.

It’s too early to say what the show will be about, but will it be funny? Oh Big Time! Colin is best known for his role as resident panellist on the BBC Northern Ireland comedy show ‘The Blame Game’.

On Saturday 30 March, Blues guitar legend Ronnie Greer plays The Market Place with his powerhouse band, featuring some of the finest musicians in the country, including Anthony Toner on guitar and vocals, and John McCullough on keyboards. Ronnie’s distinctive guitar style, incorporating searing Chicago blues style licks with be-bop inspired jazz lines, has been critically acclaimed as world class. Joining the band as special guest on this gig is Ken Haddock, without question, one of the most soulful and powerful vocalists we’ve ever had on these islands, an artist who really needs to be heard to fully appreciate the impact he imparts to an audience. Expect a night of blues, roots, soul and a little jazz-based music, performed with style and conviction by some of the best in the business. 

Tickets are available from the Theatre Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre. 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 ELVIS SPECTACULAR

Date: Friday 22 March

Time: 8pm

Venue: Riverside Theatre, Ulster University

Contact: 028 70123 123

The Elvis Spectacular, starring Ciaran Houlihan with his TCB is Ireland’s premiere Elvis show. Wearing costumes created by Elvis’s original designer Gene Douchette, Ciaran looks, sounds and moves like Elvis.  Accompanied by his TCB Band and the Sweet Sensations, they bring you the ultimate Elvis Experience. Tickets £18.

JANICE ANDERSON COUNTRY GOSPEL CD LAUNCH

Date: Friday 22 March

Time: 7.15pm. Show starts 7.45pm

Venue: Ballymoney Town Hall, Townhead Street, Ballymoney

Contact: (028) 2766 0230

CD Launch for local country gospel star Janice Anderson. Featuring Warren Smyth, Martin Moore, Nell Hire and the Male Gospel Trio “Acclaimed”. Compere is Martin Moore. Tickets £5 – payable at the door.

THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE 

Date: Saturday 23 March

Time: 8pm

Venue: Riverside Theatre, Ulster University

Contact: 028 7034 123 123

The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh, is set in the mountains of Connemara and tells the story of Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely woman in her early 40s, and Mag, her manipulative, ageing mother.Mag’s interference in Maureen’s first and potentially last romantic relationship sets in motion a chain of events that are as tragically funny as they are horrific. .Tickets cost £14 (conc. £12).

ROE VALLEY SPECIALITY MARKET

Date: Saturday 23^rd March

Time: 11am – 4pm

Venue: Drumceatt Square, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady

Contact: www.naturallynorthcoastandglens.co.uk

If you love local fresh food, quirky handmade crafts and fine art why not learn more and visit one of our market days at the beautiful Limavady town centre location of Drumceatt Square, Limavady town’s only communal public square, beside the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre.

EMIGRATION FROM DUNBOE TO THE NEW WORLD       

Date: Thursday 28^th March

Time: 7.30pm – 9.00pm

Venue: Castlerock Information Centre

Contact: castlerockcommunityassociation@gmail.com

A talk by Alison McCaughan MBE on Emigration from Dunboe to the New World. Refreshments provided. Booking essential.

BRAINMAN – DAVID MEADE MINDREADER

Date: Friday 29 March

Time: 8pm

Venue: Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady

Contact: www.eventbrite.co.uk  (tickets via Eventbrite)

Just returned from the USA to deliver his funniest and most incredible show yet, Mindreader David Meade – the first mentalist to win a Million dollars in a Las Vegas casino – will blow your mind as he does the impossible live on stage, right in front of you. Now performing all over the world, David’s coming back to home soil to blow minds across the country. His last record-breaking tour sold out everywhere, so grab your tickets now and look forward to a jaw dropping performance that your whole family of all ages will never forget! Tickets: £20.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

Date: Friday 29^th & Saturday 30 March

Time: 7pm

Venue: Portstewart Presbyterian Church Hall

Contact:

Portrush Music Society presents Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Adults £10. Children £5. Tickets available from Mullan’s Fashions, Portstewart Promenade and SuperValu, Cromore Road, Portstewart.

CHARITY EVENING OF FOOD & FASHION

Date: Friday 29 March
Time: 7pm
Venue: Lodge Hotel, Lodge Road, Coleraine
Contact: 07912 027 770

Fashion show in aid of Riding for the Disabled Association. Charity evening includes a drinks reception, fork supper, fashion show and entertainment with Innova Dance Troupe. Raffle and auction on the night. Compere Sarah Travers. Tickets £15.

ROCK N ROLL YEARS & DANCE HALL DAYS

Date: Friday 29 March

Time:

Venue: Riverside Theatre, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus

Contact:028 703 123 123

After last year’s smash hit tour this wonderful nostalgic musical hits the road again.  The all-star cast will once again take you on a whirlwind journey through the musical decades of the 50s and 60s. Playing homage to the lives and music of the Everly Bros, Johnny Cash, The Four Seasons, Ruby Murray, Bobby Darin and Elvis.  Plus many more of your favourites.Don’t miss this year’s new show… You won’t be disappointed!

BALLYMONEY PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB

Date: Monday 18^th March – Saturday 27^th April

Time: Open Monday – Friday 10am – 4pm and during performanceS and events in the evening and weekends.

Venue: Riverside Gallery, Riverside Theatre, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus

Contact: 028 70 123 123

Exhibition of works by Ballymoney Photographic Club. Admission free.

EXHIBITION: SNOW

Date: 8 Feb – 30 March

Time: Daily 9.30am – 5pm

Venue: Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady

Contact: 028 777 60650

A stunning exhibition celebrating winter which combines the poetry of writer John Brown, the atmospheric monochrome photographs of James Hughes and a musical response to both photographs and poetry.

A COLLECTION OF RELIEF PRINTS, WOODCUTS AND ETCHINGS

Date: Sat 5 Jan – Sat 23 Feb                           

Time: Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm. Sat 10am – 1pm

Venue: Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart

Contact: T: (028) 7083 1400

Artist and print maker Robert Sellar gifted a collection of his work to Flowerfield Arts Centre before he died at the venerable age of 92. A quiet man, he was a master print maker and his work compares with other post-modernist printmakers like Julian Trevelyan and Eric Ravilious. Each year, we present his collection for everyone to enjoy. Admission free.

1918

Date: Saturday 2 February – Saturday 30 March

Time: 9.30am – 5pm (Monday – Saturday)

Venue: Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre

Contact: 028 777 60650

This new exhibition explores, through local connections with international events, the impact of the closing stages of World War One, the outbreak of Spanish Flu, the General Election in 1918, the role of women and industrial disputes. The experiences of local people, on the battlefront and across the Causeway area, can be heard through letters, diaries and newspaper reports of the time.

BLURRING THE EDGE

Date: Friday 8 February – Saturday 23^rd March

Time: Exhibition Open Daily

Venue: Flowerfield Art Centre, Portstewart

Contact: 028 7083 1400

In partnership with The Hunt Museum, Limerick, we are delighted to host this stunning exhibition featuring five of Ireland’s leading contemporary ceramicists. Each ceramicist in this exhibition pushes the boundaries of this age old practice through their experimentation of form, function and texture.

BEE HEARD

Date: Friday 1 – Saturday 30 March

Time: Exhibition Open Daily

Venue: Flowerfield Art Centre, Portstewart

Contact: 028 7083 1400

Bee Heard Mental Health Peer Advocacy Group work together to support and help people who have experienced or are experiencing mental health issues. Bee Creative is its longest running project which offers participants a space in which they can work individually or together on their art or upcycle furniture.

Children’s favourites Fireman Sam, Noddy and Milkshake Monkey will be singing and dancing their way to Bangor, the only Northern Ireland location on their tour, to put on the most dazzling musical performance families will ever see.

The Milkshake Live musical will revolve around Channel 5’s iconic Milkshake Monkey, who needs a little encouragement from his best Milkshake pals when he gets stage fright.

The Floogals, Digby Dragon, Nella the Princess Knight, Wissper and Shimmer and Shine will all be taking to the stage with two Milkshake presenters at the McKee Clock Arena in Bangor on Easter Saturday where children will be able to learn the songs and dances with their favourite characters.

Milkshake Live! Milkshake Monkey’s Musical will take place at the McKee Clock Outdoor Arena on Saturday 20^th April 2019 with performance times at 12 noon and 3.30pm. Each performance lasts approximately 90 minutes with interval.

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 19 March at 9am priced at £5 per ticket, available through www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown Bangor Visitor Information Centre, Ards Visitor Information Centre and North Down Museum.

Milkshake Live! is part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s wider ‘Big Easter’ event on Saturday 20^th April 2019 featuring boat tours, fairy tours, a roller disco, crafts and more. The full programme is available at www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/easter

Human Chain, a performing arts project organised by cultural diversity charity ArtsEkta, will see more than 60 young people from diverse communities across Northern Ireland perform together at the MAC, Belfast on Tuesday 19^th March, 2019 at 7.30pm.

Using the poetry from Seamus Heaney’s last book as a springboard for conversations, Human Chain captures the experiences of these young people using drama, music, movement and visual art to explore what it is to be growing up at this time, in this place.  Their stories are full of joy, anger, frustration and hope, highlighting the complexities faced by our young people as they navigate through their formative years, trying to make sense of the world in their own unique way

Aoife Nic an tSaoir, Outreach and Engagement Officer, ArtsEkta who organised the event says:

“We wanted to provide a creative space for young people to explore and express their culture and their identity.  Seven groups from across Northern Ireland were selected for this initiative with initial workshops in January. This was followed by the development of short scenes that reflected the participants’ experiences. As well as these individual pieces, the groups have come together to create ensemble pieces where they have the opportunity to work with young people from different cultures and traditions, highlighting both the similarities and the differences that exist amongst the young people.” 

Matt Farris, Creative Director of this ArtsEkta project says:

 “It is the opportunity to come together and work alongside people from across Northern Ireland – to share stories, hear the stories of others and develop a greater understanding of the diversity that exists within Northern Ireland and the way in which this enriches everyone’s experience. It is the opportunity to showcase the work carried out during the workshops and to provide the participants with a platform on which to have their voices heard, their opinions acknowledged and feel that their views are contributing to the changes being made within their own communities and across Northern Ireland.

“Human Chain is young people telling it how it is for them as they navigate their way through these formative years of their lives – the challenges they face, the hopes they have, the changes that they want to make. It is by them, for them, and for those of us who maybe don’t have the opportunity to hear what the younger generation has to say about Northern Ireland in the past, present and future.”

The seven groups selected for this project which was funded by The Executive Office through the T:BUC Scheme – Together Building United Committees are:  

• Brownlow Community Hub, Theatre, Movement and Film group  – Craigavon
• Highfield Youth Club, Theatre and Music group – Shankill Road, Belfast
• Tides Training, Theatre and Film, Keady
• Colaiste Feirste – Theatre and Movement – Falls Road, Belfast
• The Braid, Dance and Movement – Ballymena
• Rainbow Factory, Dance and Movement – Belfast City Centre
• St. Theresa’s Youth Club, Visual Arts and Prop Making with Graffiti – Glen Road, Belfast

Members of the West Belfast Women’s Choir will join the young groups for a special finale. St Theresa’s Youth Club also worked with artist Eoin McGinn to create a striking backdrop for the performance and all the groups took part in cultural diversity workshops as part of this project.

Nisha Tandon, Executive Director, ArtsEkta said:

“The goal of this project is to give the participants the opportunity to participate in high quality artistic workshops, building their confidence and giving them a voice. Through their participation we have been exploring how they see themselves within greater society and how they relate to people from different backgrounds. We hope to break down barriers to relations between people from different backgrounds and encourage young people to strive toward a society where cultural difference are not only accepted but celebrated. We have worked with young people from various community backgrounds and a key message that is coming through is that they all experience the same issues and they all want the opportunity to be involved in projects where they can express themselves.

“Through the project, ArtsEkta has been able to strengthen existing partnerships and form new relationships with a number of organisations across the province. Throughout the project, the idea of ensuring a legacy to the project has always been at the forefront of the work, gaining a greater understanding of each of the groups that we are working with and ways in which they would benefit from further arts engagement. A true success for this project would be the ongoing and deeper engagement with each of our community partners and further education and celebration of the diversity that exists in Northern Ireland.” 

Human Chain by ArtsEkta at the MAC, Belfast on Tuesday 19^th March, Admission Free, but tickets must be pre-booked via https://themaclive.com/event/human-chain-showcase After the show there will be a reception with refreshments and a chance to meet the creative team and cast of community participants.

Antrim Live returns to the heart of Antrim from Friday 5 until Sunday 7 April. Antrim Town will be buzzing with activity during this weekend of cultural extravaganza.

Now in its third year, Antrim Live is a festival of fun with something for all ages to enjoy. Kicking off this year’s event on Friday 5 April, Nuala McKeever brings her new stand-up comedy show “Letting Go or Losing It” to The Old Courthouse, whilst the funfair arrives in town at the Castle Mall car park.

Take in the sights and smells and sample some of the culinary delights at the Artisan Market. Or join us for The Jurassic Loc Down and Fossil Hunt and dive into the world of prehistoric beasts! Jay the T-rex and his little sister Roxie will be stomping their way into Antrim Castle Gardens in a fully interactive show.  

Come be enchanted as we lead you on a tantalising treasure trail where an array of quirky characters will guide you and surprise you as they take you through our wonderful, Wonderland Wood! The Bop Bop Baby, storytelling with Mr Hullabaloo, street performers and funfair will provide the children with hours of endless fun.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Michael commented “Antrim Live is a great weekend of activities for the whole family to enjoy in the heart of Antrim Town. This event goes from strength to strength each year, attracting hundreds of visitors to our Borough, showcasing our fabulous Antrim Castle Gardens and other historical sites. I would encourage you all to come along and join in this festival of fun.”

The Long Now by poet Sam Burnside who was born in Antrim will be staged at The Old Courthouse on Saturday 6 April. The Long Now explores one man’s memories of growing up in County Antrim in the 1950s set against the ripples of external political, economic and cultural forces that were to impact so forcibly on life here during that time. Featuring Sam Burnside’s poetic language, The Long Now is an evocative exploration of memory,

Take a Tour of Pogues Entry the home of Dr Alexander Irvine on Saturday 6 April. Meet the Lady of the Chimney Corner and some of the characters who shaped Irvine’s Life and work. Antrim Live has a great line-up for the whole family to enjoy so come along and join us for a feast of festivities in the heart of Antrim Town.

For a full programme of events please visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/antrimlive.

This Mother’s Day let Hastings Hotels take away the worry of how to spoil your mum with lots on the menu at the seven hotels across Northern Ireland including delightful lunches and Afternoon Teas.

Mother’s Day Lunch:

• Europa Hotel in Belfast – Table d’Hote lunch menu in the Causerie – £30 for adults with children’s menu available   
• Everglades Hotel in Derry~Londonderry – Grand Buffet Lunch – £30 for adults and £16 for children
• Stormont Hotel in Belfast – Grand Buffet Lunch – £38 per person and £15 for children
• Ballygally Castle in Co Antrim – Grand Buffet Lunch – £35 for adults and £18 for children
• Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle – Grand Buffet Lunch – £48 for adults and £25 for children or £30 for adults in the Percy French (kids menu will be available)
• Grand Central Hotel in Belfast – Seahorse a la carte menu – £50 for adults and £30 for children
• Culloden Estate and Spa in Belfast – 5-course table d’hote with a glass of Pink Champagne – £55 for adults and £25 for children in the Mitre Restaurant and a Buffet lunch in the Cultra Inn is £35 for adults and £20 for children

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea on Saturday 30^th and Sunday 31^st March:

• Culloden Estate & Spa – £45 per person and includes a glass of Pink Champagne and ESPA gift
• Europa Hotel – £32 per person or £42 per person with glass of Prosecco
• Stormont Hotel – £22 per person or £32 person with glass of Pink Prosecco (also available Friday 29^th March)
• Ballygally Castle – £28 person or £38 per person with glass of Prosecco
• Everglades Hotel – £24 per person with a gift for every mum (also available Monday 1^st April)  
• Slieve Donard Resort & Spa – £30 per person with a gift for every mum or £40 with a glass of Prosecco (only available Sunday 31^st March)
• Grand Central Hotel – Observatory Afternoon Tea – £45 per person with a gift for every mum

And to show your mum just how much she means to you, a Hastings Hotels Gift Card is the perfect present as it can be spent in any of the seven hotels and redeemed against an indulgent Spa treatment, a delicious afternoon tea or a relaxing break away, there’s something to suit everyone and every budget which she can enjoy in the future.

For further information or to book Mother’s Day lunch in the hotel of your choice simply contact 028 9047 1066 or go to www.hastingshotels.com.