It’s already a sell-out sensation in its native Scotland.  Now ‘The Dolls Abroad’ – a feisty, feel-good romp about two boozed-up besties swigging, swaggering and staggering onwards to yet another foreign bar – has officially been crowned the hottest new ticket in the UK.

The riotous comedy has been awarded number one spot on the Rising Comedy list, published by Ents24, the nation’s biggest live show guide. The list calculates which shows are most popular with the public by counting the people who sign up with Ents24 to know more about specific performances.

The Dolls popularity has been reinforced in other ways, too. One YouTube clip of a recent show bagged nearly 3m hits.

Which is great news for Gayle Telfer Stevens and Louise McCarthy, the crack comedy duo who play ‘the Dolls’, a pair of sassy Scottish scrubbers. (Quite literally, they clean pubs and toilets for a living.)

In the show, Agnes and Sadie have hit the ‘Doll drums’ and are desperate to take a break from the Toilet Duck and scouring pads.

They’re hungry for the sort of Mr Muscle that doesn’t come with an aerosol nodule.

So when Agnes wins top prize at Big Bella’s Bingo, an all-expenses paid holiday in Greece, she decides to take Sadie along for the ride.

What follows is hot weather, hotter men and fending off the hot flushes of maudlin, muddle age for as long as possible.

The Dolls Abroad has bucket loads of banter, sing-a-long sauciness and its own unique energy, which is not to be missed. It’s Mrs Brown times two, with a little bit of Thelma & Louise thrown in for good measure.

Gayle and Louise – who co-wrote he Dolls as well as starring in it – are enjoying being at the centre of the newest showbiz sensation. However, both women are no strangers to success, and regularly appear on stage and TV in their native Scotland as well as the rest of the UK.

Gayle stars in River City, the Scottish version of EastEnders, and Louise appears in Only an Excuse, a topical sports comedy.

But the two friends believe what they have created with The Dolls is unique.

“The chemistry between us is amazing,” says Gayle, who has also appeared in Casualty and the hit movie musical, Sunshine on Leith. “We just set each other off, and the audience participation really adds to the energy of the night. It’s the sort of thing you just can’t replicate in a TV show or with a movie. This is what live theatre is all about – audiences and performers bonding for a great evening of fun, tears and laughter.”

Louise agrees: “It’s just the greatest buzz in the world. It’s ten times better than an actual holiday in Greece, and a billion times better than cleaning a grotty toilet. Just ask the Dolls – they’ve done both!”

The Dolls Abroad performs at the Millennium Forum on Sun 1^st October.   Tickets are now available from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit millenniumforum.col.uk for bookings.

“Ahoy there” ‘Kilkeel Seafood Festival’ will take place at Kilkeel Harbour on Saturday 16^th September. 

The event is a celebration of Kilkeel’s martime heritage whilst showcasing our local seafood offering. Home of the largest fishing fleet in Northern Ireland, Kilkeel Harbour will be a buzz of activity on Saturday 16^th September and seafood lovers are in for a real treat. Visitors can expect a day packed with delicious seafood sampling, there will be 5 top local chefs cooking up a storm in the Seafood Pavilion that will whet your appetite.

There will be an opportunity to visit a range of artisan producers and you can quench your thirst by sampling locally brewed craft beer. The traditional oyster eating and prawn tailing competition will take place throughout the day if you are up for the challenge?  Do not miss Kilkeel RNLI Lifeboat’s demonstration of lifesaving techniques in the heart of the harbour, while saying hello to ‘Stormy Stan’.  Local man Terry Cunningham will showing spectators how to maintain and mend fishing nets. Throughout the day visitors will have the opportunity to visit our award winning Mourne Seafood Cookery School, Visitor Information and Maritime Heritage Centre, not forgetting ‘Seascope’ Northern Ireland’s first Lobster Hatchery and Marine Biology Centre, where you can meet Lucy the Lobster who will take you on an interactive educational adventure viewing tanks as well as seeing fascinating sea creatures, making your visit extra special and memorable on the day. 

What’s more families can enjoy live music and a plethora of children’s entertainment from nautical themed story-telling, under the sea kid’s fancy dress competition, touch tank, face painting, arts and crafts, walk-about cartoon characters and so much more…..  

The event organisers have fished out a few appetisers, where you will be spoilt for choice and uncover culinary delights, special offers and sample menus that you can try at home. Please join us and tell your family and friends to come along and enjoy exploring the panoramic views Kilkeel Harbour has to offer.

Awaken your senses and make memories with family and friends in Ards and North Down, where the seaside and countryside meet.

 

Escape from everyday life and breathe in the fresh sea air, enjoy wonderful scenery and taste the delicious local flavours and all right on Belfast’s doorstep. Be sure to pick up our NEW autumn/winter Experiences AND Events Visitor Guide to help you plan your visit, whether it be a short break, a couple of nights away or day trip.

The guide is packed to the brim with so much to do, inspirational ideas and the latest events – available at Visitor Information Centres throughout N.I. Our website, visitardsandnorthdown.com, gives all the information you could ever need to know from things to do to places to stay. If you prefer to chat, our local expert staff in Bangor and Newtownards Visitor Information Centres will be more than happy to offer knowledgeable advice to make your visit all the more worthwhile.

We are keen to share our little piece of the world with you as the area is sure to capture at little bit of your heart, from miles of coastline to historic castles and Abbeys, rolling drumlins and parklands or award winning attractions and museums we have it all!  Quench your taste buds with our vast array of charming eateries and award winning restaurants and with a superb choice of accommodation we encourage you to spend a little time our way.

From the autumn colours of the exquisite gardens, to the spectacle of 1000s of wintering geese arriving on Strangford Lough, a visit to Northern Irelands only Aquarium, Exploris, home grown craft makers and an eclectic mix of seasonal events, we have the ingredients for a perfect change of scene and leaving you wanting more.

visitardsandnorthdown  | 028 9127 0069 or 028 9182 6846

Drama fans are in for a treat as The Market Place Theatre’s Autumn season gets off to a flying start this September.

2017 is the centenary of Buster Keaton’s debut screen appearance. Beloved by everyone from Samuel Beckett to Jackie Chan, his beautiful silent films remain as funny as when they were first screened, and ‘Buster Keaton @ 100’ offers an endearing memorial to the icon. Two of Northern Ireland’s most eccentric noisemakers, Colin Reid and Reggie Chamberlain-King, are writing all-new scores for some of Buster’s funniest short films, performed live on a wide variety of instruments, with sound effects, and a bit of audience participation. Colin is one of Ireland’s premier guitarists and pianists, who composed ‘The Third Policeman’. Reggie’s work as Sound Effects Artist been broadcast on BBC Radios 3 and 4 and in the USA and Canada.

For two nights on 27 and 28 September, ‘Dirty Dusting’ offers a searing indictment of ageism in the 21^st Century heavily disguised as a hysterical, laugh-out-loud, heart-warming comedy. When three cleaners, Olive, Gladys and Elsie, are threatened with redundancy they feel that their lives are coming to an end until a chance wrong number gives them a new business start-up idea – why not run a telephone sex line? They’ve got motive, opportunity and a lifetime of experience – some more than others, mind you. Provided Elsie can teach the other two a few new tricks, there’s no reason why they can’t get rich quick providing they can keep their operation a secret from their bosses… and their husbands…and their children…and their grandchildren.

Hotbuckle Theatre Company bring their unique magic to the powerful and emotional story ‘Wuthering Heights’. When Cathy’s father brings home an orphaned Heathcliff, the effect will echo for generations. Emily Bronte’s only novel, set on the windswept Yorkshire moors, is a timeless Gothic classic of passionate love, revenge and despair. ‘Wuthering Heights’ will be staged on Thursday 12 October.

Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and bookings, or contact 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.

Portrush to welcome 200,000 spectators to largest airshow on the island of Ireland

Some of world’s most famous aviation attractions will take to the skies over Portrush’s eastern shoreline this weekend for two days of thrilling flying aerobatics.

Air Waves Portrush, running on Saturday 2^nd and Sunday 3^rd September 2017, is the largest airshow on the island of Ireland and will welcome over 200,000 spectators for a packed programme of aerial and land based entertainment.

The stellar line-up of world-class aerobatics will include the world-famous RAF Red Arrows (sponsored by The Adelphi Portrush) who will perform their trademark formations, close passes and dynamic loops on both days.

The dramatic and noisy Typhoon jet (sponsored by B&E Security Systems) will give crowds a thrilling show of power on both Saturday and Sunday as it displays its jaw-dropping manoeuvrability.

Also, hotly anticipated is the breath-taking aerobatics of the Wildcat display team (sponsored by Portrush Atlantic Hotel), the extremely popular Muscle Bi-plane (sponsored by Barry’s Portrush) and Team Raven (sponsored by JP Corry), who will be making their first ever appearance at the show.

Vietnam veterans Huey and Loach and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Spitfire will once again wow crowds with their distinctive flypasts.

Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond the organisers control the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster and Hurricane, as all Merlin powered aircraft, remain grounded for safety reasons.

There will be a stunning pyrotechnic aerial display in Portstewart (sponsored by Morelli’s) on the Saturday evening that will also include a packed programme of family entertainment, live music from The illegals and a magnificent seafront fireworks display.

Looking forward to the show, Richard Baker, Director of Leisure & Development at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “Air Waves Portrush is truly going from strength to strength and is a signature event for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. It’s an event that captures the imagination of not only dedicated aviation enthusiasts, but young and old from across the island of Ireland.

“We are expecting over 200,000 spectators to attend the show over the two days and they will certainly not be disappointed as we have worked tirelessly to ensure we have once again grown this year’s show by bringing new attractions to both the air and the ground.”

This year’s event has an enhanced visitor experience on the ground with live music, street entertainment, fun zone, Motor Village and the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market.

The Ulster Aviation Society and the Ulster Gliding Club will invite visitors into a bygone era with its collection of vintage flying machines and gliding aircraft.

The STEM Village will make a welcome return after its successful debut last year bringing together a range of employers and education providers aimed to showcasing career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Richard added: “With huge crowds anticipated on both days, we are working closely with the PSNI and Translink to ensure we minimise traffic congestion as much as possible.

“Translink is providing additional capacity on trains and buses and we would encourage as many visitors as possible to use these services, as well as the free park and ride shuttle bus. “

The official Air Waves Portrush 2017 souvenir programme is now on sale from selected outlets in Portrush, Portstewart, Coleraine and Ballymoney and Visitor Information Centres throughout the borough of the Causeway Coast and Glens.

For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or search for Air Waves Portrush on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

The Department for Communities has launched the 20th year of the European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) Weekend on 9 and 10 September 2017.

The theme for the 2017 event is Heritage and Nature: A landscape of possibilities.  History and culture will be brought to life at over 370 properties, some of which are only open on this weekend, and a wide range of events. All events are free of charge and many are family friendly, meaning that everyone can take this opportunity to explore. This year’s programme features a wide variety of special events such as walking tours and history re-enactments.

The programme was launched by the Director of Historic Environment Division at the Department for Communities, Iain Greenway, at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office.  The Harbour Commissioners Office is a Grade A listed building with significant antique furnishings and artworks.  Built in 1854 and extended in 1895, the Harbour Office’s style of architecture reflects an Italian palazzo with impressive stained glass windows depicting industry, commerce and enterprise and mosaic floors on the ground floor and first floor lobby.

Some highlights for European Heritage Open Days 2017 include:-.

Ram’s Island – Sandy Bay, Lough Neagh – you can take a free tour of this intriguing island and learn about its diverse history and wildlife. Features of the island include a round tower from the remains of a 1000 year old Celtic monastic settlement, and the ruins of the O’Neill family’s nineteenth century summer house, the caretaker’s cottage and a 200 year old exotic planted garden.

Northern Ireland’s Secret Bunker, Portadown – Find out how our country would have coped if the Cold War had ever turned hot. Tours by original crew members dressed in period uniform, WWII ‘Battle of Britain’ equipment and uniforms and expert demonstrations of how the Observer Corps intercepted enemy aircraft.

Adults’ Cryptic Challenge & Children’s Puzzle Challenge, Belfast City Hall – Are you and your family partial to puzzles? Kids crazy for conundrums? Test your brain power and explore the grounds for a cryptic challenge.

Guided Bus Tour of Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark – a guided tour of some of the major sites within the UNESCO Global Geopark, including The Cavan Burren, Cornagee Viewpoint, Blacklion, Hanging Rock, Claddagh Glen with optional nature walk. Includes a guided tour of Marble Arch Caves.

The Director of Historic Environment Division at the Department for Communities, Iain Greenway  said: “In this the 20th year of European Heritage Open Days, I am delighted that over 370 properties are opening free of charge during the weekend of 9-10 September, many of which do not usually open to the public.  I hope you enjoy the variety of our historic environment on offer.  EHOD provides a great opportunity to see behind closed doors and I would encourage everyone to visit the properties on offer.  Brochures are available at tourist information centres, libraries and are available to download at https://discovernorthernireland.com/ehod”

When the European Heritage Open Days began, 67 properties opened and now in this, our 20th year, 370 are opening.  Last year over 60,000 people came to visit the properties so why not join us this year?

Whilst all events are free some require pre-booking. To avoid disappointment check out www.discovernorthernireland.com/ehod or @ehodni on Twitter.

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce the arrival of their latest Arts & Heritage Guide.

The Autumn guide, covering the September to December period is absolutely packed with a huge range of exhibitions, music, theatre and arts events taking place across the borough, offering opportunities for everyone to enjoy what the Arts & Heritage programme has to offer.

Highlights from the latest guide include the Aspects Festival which is taking place from 14 – 24 September which presents another packed programme of events celebrating Irish writing. With Frank McGuinness, Carol Drinkwater, Bernie McGill and Colm Tóibín among the glittering list of wordsmiths and friends. There will also be workshops, children’s events, music and theatre in addition to readings and interviews.

The Friday Night Live series at Ards Arts Centre is back with a bang in September and you can also enjoy live music in the beautiful surroundings of Bangor Castle with the Music In The Chamber series. December welcomes festive favourites with a special Christmas Number 1’s night and the annual family friendly Ulster Orchestra concert to get you in the Christmas spirit!

If hands-on arts and crafts activity appeals why not sign up for one of our many Creative Classes and make someone special a Christmas gift? Choose from jewellery making, soap-making, wreath-making and ceramic decorations to name just a few!

North Down Museum has a busy few months ahead too. Within the pages of the new guide, you’ll find details of a whole host of talks, exhibitions and events taking place from September – December. Highlights include the “Not So Scary Halloween” event, the Christmas Craft Market and the wonderful Flappers Fashion Show which is back by popular demand.

The museum is also proud to present the “Little Black Dress” Exhibition. Taking place from 29 November, this exhibition will explore this fashion icon and will feature a variety of shapes and styles from over the years. On display will be dresses from Down County Museums, National Museums Northern Ireland as well as beautiful dresses from the wardrobes of local women.

Pick up your copy of the Arts & Heritage Autumn Guide from Arts Ards Centre, North Down Museum or our Visitor Centres or download from www.ardsarts.com or www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

The latest iteration of the traditional pub – let’s call it the ‘pub deluxe’ – takes off from where ‘90’s gastropubs and hipster craft beers left offer, and is edging its way into the luxury sector.

Leading the charge is The Garvan O’Doherty Group, with the refit of the bar at Da Vinci’s Hotel which reopened last month.  The iconic bar at Da Vinci’s Hotel closed for 4 weeks for £100,000 investment works. The makeover has changed the space from traditional Irish pub to a more contemporary and luxury pub.

Tyrone Fitzgerald, General Manager of Da Vinci’s Hotel says ‘The bar at Da Vinci’s Hotel is the heart of the hotel, it is essentially where it all started for the hotel complex. We were conscious when making over this space that the core focus had to be our iconic horseshoe bar counter.  We wanted the bar counter to act as the centre stage and all other elements of the project to work on enhancing this element of the space. We changed all the furniture, soft furnishings, flooring, wall coverings and restrooms.  The bar is still recognisable because why would you ever completely change such an impressive bar.’

The rise of the pub deluxe is down to many factors, not least of which is the pervading foodie culture.  After cafes, bistros and wine bars, it’s now the pub’s turn for an upgrade.  ‘People expect high quality food and drink everywhere they go now.  They’re also eating out often and at any number of different informal concepts.  The bar can go back to being a bar again.  The changing demographic has given bars a reason to be successful again.’

For Da Vinci’s Bar, it goes beyond great food and great drink.  ‘When people go out today, they want an experience.  We want them to walk through our bar door and just say ‘Oh, I’m going to have a bit of craic in here. We now serve food all day and have live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening’

As Da Vinci’s Bar switches up its offering to embrace fine wines, cocktails and even table service, the luxury pub makes a clean break from down-to-earth gastropub aesthetic.  The new look is indulgent and opulent but modern.

Before you panic the, rest assured that while the look is ‘luxe’, the pub deluxe experience itself is anything but elitist.  It’s possible to leave Da Vinci’s Bar, enjoying a stunning cocktail and pint of beer for just over £10.00.  Bar food prices are really reasonable ranging from £5 – £16.95 and the menu is served daily until 9pm.

The bar refurbishment is the first phase of the development of the Da Vinci’s Hotel complex to be completed. Phase two will start in October with the redevelopment of the Spirit Bar space.  In addition to the new bar, restaurant, kitchen developments, attention will also be given to the exterior of the building and there will be a big focus on training and development for staff.

Da Vinci’s Hotel Complex is the flagship venue for The Garvan O’Doherty Group and is clearly repositioning itself now to re-establish its position as a market leader.

Mr Fitzgerald concluded ‘We are so excited to reopen and show our loyal customer our brand-new look. This refurb will help us cement us yet again as the venue for a great night out.  The refit of the bar at the hotel is up market but still maintains the warm hospitality that Da Vinci’s bar is renowned for. The bar is stunning, and offers great food and excellent service in a relaxing atmosphere.  We’ve already had lots of positive feedback.  I’m delighted we can offer this level of service and dining to our customers, and I’m excited to see all the future developments unfold in the coming 12 months for our hotel complex.’

Great beer & cocktails, great food, beautiful design, exceptional service: the pub deluxe is a concept we already love, only better. We’re not to call time on that! So call into Da Vinci’s Bar to see the final result for yourself.