The finest talent in traditional music will play an intimate gig in Limavady’s Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday 13^th October.

The Atlantic Arc Orchestra brings together some of the most respected traditional musicians from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Brittany. Trailblazers in a new wave of traditional music, it pushes boundaries in the collaboration of Irish, Scottish and English musical ancestry with new traditional music.

The ensemble features eight renowned names in traditional music – Dónal Lunny (bouzouki & Musical Director), Pauline Scanlon (vocals), Pádraig Rynne, (concertina), Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle), Jarlath Henderson (Uilleann pipes, whistles, vocals); Ewen Vernal (bass) and John Blease (drums, percussion). Each a master in their musical craft, the concert will harness their collective musical energy in a performance that will captivate long established audiences and those new to traditional music.  With cabaret-style seating and a complimentary refreshment, this is an event not to be missed.

To book your ticket contact Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on 028 777 60650 or for more information visit www.roevalleyarts.com

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of TITANIC the movie, Titanic Belfast, the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, is hosting a blockbuster line-up of events from 19th November – 19th December 2017.

20 years ago the blockbuster film, telling the story of the luxury liner’s fateful maiden voyage through the love story of passengers Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet), premiered on screens and became one of the top grossing films of all time. The story lives on in hearts and minds across the world but nowhere more so than in Belfast – the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship.

To mark the occasion, Titanic Belfast which has been described by TITANIC movie director, James Cameron, as ‘magnificent and dramatic’, is hosting the following line-up:

Titanic Tea and Movie Experience – 19th November

Enjoy the movie in Oscar-winning style whilst being treated to a red-carpet Afternoon Tea with a themed cocktail or a glass of fizz by the replica Grand Staircase. From £35 per person, to book visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

TITANIC Drive In – 29th November

For a unique night to truly remember, from the comfort of your car, indulge in heritage and watch TITANIC under the stars at the location where the famous ship was designed, built and launched, in partnership with Cool FM. Golden Tickets for this free ‘star’ event can be won via www.titanicbelfast.com or its social media sites.

Movie Magic at Titanic Belfast – 19th November – 19th December

There has never been a better time for movie fans to visit Titanic Belfast’s nine interactive galleries, which tell the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through to her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. For one month only, guests can star in their own Titanic Experience by following a movie magic trail, enjoying themed hospitality and re-creating their own ‘meet me at the clock’ photo opportunities on the green screen to name a few. There will be something special in store for those called Jack and Rose and a chance to win a trip of a lifetime. Special activities will also mark the day itself – 19th December.

Titanic Belfast was crowned ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards, with over  1 million votes cast from over 216 countries beating off stiff competition from eight global finalists, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the Las Vegas Strip, USA, Machu Picchu, Peru and Guinness Storehouse, Ireland. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

The Grove Theatre Group returns to the Millennium Forum with the family favourite classic “The Wizard of Oz” from Wednesday 11^th October to Saturday 14^th October 2017.

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is perhaps one of the best known of all musicals, famous for songs such as ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’.  Equally well known for wonderful characters such as Dorothy, The Scarecrow, Tinman and the Cowardly Lion the story is one of a little girl who tries to protect her dog Toto from the horrible Miss Gultch and sets off on an amazing dreamlike journey to the land of Oz.  Along the way Dorothy meets good witches, bad witches, the amazing Munchkins, the Winkies and the evil monkeys.  She travels through the enchanted forest and battles the Wicked Witch of the West in her lair, all the while wearing her magical ruby shoes.  When she and her new found friends, the Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion eventually get to meet the great ‘Wizard of Oz’, they find that all is not as they expected.

The production is a wonderful story of self-discovery, told with the aid of excellent sets, colourful costumes and lighting, special effects and featuring a cast of experienced and talented actors.  With music and choreography of the highest calibre this production of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ promises to be a magical journey along the ‘yellow brick road’ into a fantasy world where entertainment is guaranteed.

This show features local performers including Laura Brown and Orfhlaith McGee sharing the role of Dorothy; Lana Campbell and Jemma McGlinchey sharing the role of Glinda; Eddie O’Donnell as the Scarecrow; Kieran Connor as The Lion; Roderick Canning as the Tinman; Hugo Crumlish as Professor/Wizard; Kate Robinson and Micaela McGillian sharing the role of Wicked Witch of the West; Paul Doherty as the Guard/Uncle Henry; Jenni O’Hagan and Grace Doherty sharing the role of Miss Gultch; Sharon Sweeney as Aunt Em and many more talented actors and actresses of all ages.  With the production team including Stephen Carlin as Choreographer, Trevor Burnside as Musical Director, Jim Whiteside on drums the show promises to be one not to miss.  Nicole Doherty, Roderick Canning and Martin Mullan complete the production team in various roles.

The Grove is pleased to announce that a share of the proceeds from the show on Thursday 12^th at 7.30pm will be donated to Foyle Search and Rescue in support of the fantastic work they do for our City.  The show runs from Wednesday 11^th October to Friday 13^th October nightly at 7.30pm.  There are also two matinee performances on Saturday 14^th October at 1.30pm and 5.30pm and an 11am performance on Thursday 12^th October.  Tickets can be booked by contacting the box office at Millennium Forum on 71264455.

The countdown begins for the opening night of the 2017 Belfast International Arts Festival, with only 4 days to go until the first performance.

The annual celebration of international contemporary arts is the highlight of the cultural year in Belfast and this year see 191 events over 23 days from 14 countries including 12 premiers.

A UK and Irish premier in the Lyric Theatre opens the festival on Friday 6 October, Compassion: The History of the Machine Gun, from the acclaimed Schaubuhne Berlin and director Milo Rau – named ‘the most controversial director of his time’ by Der Freitag.

Does Compassion have limits?

Rau never backs away from contentious topics and this play is no different.  Compassion takes the audience on a journey to the political hotspots of our time.

The semi-documentary double-monologue, based on interviews with NGO workers, clerics and war victims in Africa and Europe, deliberately ventures into contradictory terrain: how do we endure the misery of others and why do we watch it.

Compassion is in German and French with English surtitles.

Belfast International Arts Festival Director, Richard Wakely, is pleased to welcome the Schaubuhne back to Belfast.

“Many festival goers will recall the last visit by Berlin’s Schaubuhne Theatre in 2014 with their radical and exciting reworking of An Enemy of the People. We are absolutely thrilled that they are returning to open this year’s festival edition with the UK/Ireland premiere of Compassion: The History of the Machine Gun, a new play from Milo Rau, a major and often controversial voice in European theatre.”

The principal funder of the Belfast International Arts Festival is the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, added,

“The Arts Council is delighted to see Schaubühne Berlin returning to the Belfast International Arts Festival following their critically-acclaimed production of, An Enemy of the People, at the Festival in 2014.  This current production, a UK and Irish premiere, will continue to push the boundaries of theatre, excite and challenge audiences, and it’s all made possible through public and National Lottery funding.”

Further information on all of the 191 events and how to book your tickets for these can be found at www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com.  Tickets can also be booked in person at the festival box office in The MAC or by the phone on 028 9089 2707.

Regular updates can be found on the Belfast International Arts Festival Facebook page or at @BelfastFestival on Twitter.

The award-winning Giant’s Causeway will open its doors on Saturday 7 October offering the local community the opportunity to enjoy the full visitor experience, free of charge to thank them for their ongoing support over the busy summer season.

Visitors to the hotel on Friday 6 October can also enjoy live music, children’s entertainment and complimentary drinks and locally produced food between 7-9pm.

The Community Day will enable visitors to enjoy a guided walk, led by a visitor experience ranger; avail of an audio guide if visitors would prefer to explore the Causeway on their own; hop on the Translink shuttle bus to and from the Causeway and access the Visitor’s Centre where there will be free face-painting from 11am to 5pm.

As part of the celebrations, the Northern Ireland Potato Festival will also be hosted in the Causeway Hotel carpark with entertainment, food and drinks and celebrations within the hotel.  Organised by a local voluntary group, the annual potato event celebrates not only the humble potato but the Causeway’s link to potato-breeder John Clark OBE, who lived and worked at Innisfree Farm. The Farm had a Blue Plaque erected to mark the significance of John Clark’s work in 2013 and the farmhouse is now the base for the Giant’s Causeway administrative offices.

Speaking ahead of the community open day, site manager, Alastair Walker said: ‘Since opening the new Visitor Centre in 2012 we have held community open days twice a year. These days allow all visitors to come and enjoy the full visitor experience with no admission charge – we want people to understand and appreciate the importance of nature, to engage with nature more and it is our job is to help increase access to nature for everyone – forever.

“We are also delighted to once again be hosting our autumn open day in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Potato Festival, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of fun and educational activities. The National Trust’s conservation ranger team at the Giant’s Causeway work with the local community to continue to plant and grow potatoes at Innisfree Farm every year, supporting the area’s agricultural heritage.’

The staff look forward to welcoming families and community members to the weekend events which are a way of thanking the community for their ongoing support and reminding them of the all that the Giant’s Causeway and the Causeway Hotel have to offer.

The Community Open day runs on Saturday 7 October only – the last free admission is at 5pm and the centre closes at 6pm.  Usual admission charges will apply from Sunday 8 October, with National Trust members and under 5’s free of charge throughout the year.

How do you truly immerse the audience in a story? How do you tell the horrifying story of people buried in Syrian gardens?

That’s exactly what award-winning creator, Tania El Khoury has achieved with ‘Gardens Speak’ which premiers in Ireland as part of Belfast International Arts Festival.

The interactive sound installation portrays the oral histories of the people buried in Syrian gardens.  Gardens have been the resting place of many who adorned the streets during the Syrian uprising. Narrated by the friends and family of the deceased, the participating audience, glimpse into ten stories which can no longer be told by those who lived them.

Ten participants are literally immersed physically and emotionally in the life and death of 10 ordinary people.  The experience begins in a dark antechamber. Participants remove socks and shoes and enter the cemetery. They then lie down and listen to the voices from beyond the grave.

It may sound bizarre, but the The New York Times’ Charles Isherwoods described it as ‘A stark, moving theatre piece by Tania El Khoury, brings us into painful intimacy with the human cost of the war.’ “The experience was extraordinary, and emotionally wrenching.”  The Guardian review agreed, “Gardens Speak gives the silenced back their voices and provides a gravestone for those whose burial place often has to remain unmarked”-.

World-wide acclaim has continued this week as ‘Garden’s Speak’ has been announced as winner of the 2017 ANTI Festival International Prize for Live Art, in Kuopio, Finland.

El Khoury is an arab-performance maker. Her work consistently confronts western perceptions and narratives of the Arab world, particularly in relation to women.   Khoury has a fascination with oral history and storytelling.  Explaining ‘Garden’s Speak’ she says,

“Audiences quite literally have to dirty their hands to uncover the story and to make an effort to uncover the truth. I like the idea of putting your ear to the ground and hearing the stories that normally go unrecorded and unheard.  These burials are often an act of resistance. Funerals in Syria often lead to more deaths: there have been incidents of the shelling of cemeteries while funerals are taking place, and in some instances before the burial can take place the families are asked to sign documents exonerating the Assad regime of their loved one’s death.”

“I hope that by telling these stories it will remind us that it is human beings involved. During big historic events, it’s the small voices, the individual human voices that get lost. They are the history below, the histories that seldom get told.”

‘Gardens Speak’ runs from the 11^th to the 22^nd October in 12-13 Shaftesbury Square.

Booking tickets for this performance is essential. Bookings can be made online at belfastinternationalartsfestival.com, by calling 028 90892707 or in person at the box office in The MAC .  Follow Belfast International Arts Festival on Facebook and twitter @BelfastFestival for all the latest news.

The boisterous Bruiser Theatre Company are back at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre with the classic favourite ‘The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾’ Hilariously captured in his secret diary, adolescence doesn’t offer much for our Adrian.

His parents’ crumbling marriage, spots and bullies, his unrequited love for Pandora, and the erratic behaviour of his dog – his teenage world is an outrageous triumph of deadpan and deadly accurate satire. ABBA, Princess Di’s wedding, punks, Monty Python, and the Falklands campaign – all the cultural pageantry of a keenly observed era marches past the unique perspective of Sue Townsend’s creation: A. Mole, the unforgettable lad whose self-absorption only gets funnier as his life becomes more desperate. The performance takes place on Saturday 14 October.

On Friday 27 October, Castle Hill Theatre Group will produce Shelagh Stevenson’s, ‘The Memory Of Water’. Three estranged sisters, Teresa, Mary and Catherine, reluctantly return home on the eve of their mother’s funeral. As each sister comes to terms with the reality of the situation, family secrets, memories of the past, and their relationships with each other and their mother open old wounds.

Winner of the Olivier Award for Best New Play 1996, Shelagh Stephenson’s funny, sad and poignant play explores how memories are formed and their effects upon our lives. The sisters soon discover that their mother is not truly gone and plays a part in each of them.

There’s a George Orwell classic set for the stage on 28 October. ‘Down And Out In Paris And London’ tells the tale of a man drifting through life, in 1920’s Paris, scraping by in dead end jobs and generally soaking up the rich underbelly of Parisian life, finds himself falling helplessly short and discovering a very different view of life, looking up from below. With a keen understanding of social inequality and a wry sense of humour, he vividly recounts his experiences while down and out. This powerful performance from Phelim Drew brings Orwell’s classic to the stage with humour, empathy and wit.

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.