Lally the Scut, a new play by the critically acclaimed Northern Ireland playwright Abbie Spallen and featuring a cast of 12 well known faces from Northern Ireland stage and screen, will premiere at the MAC this April.

A co-production by Tinderbox Theatre Company and the MAC, Lally the Scut is an unflinching satire that promises to be unmissable.

With Spallen’s incisive writing, direction from Michael Duke and with the largest cast to date on the MAC stage, the production will be one of the biggest moments in theatre this year. Set in a borderland town the uproarious, occasionally macabre and always compelling, Lally the Scut draws a line in the mud for Northern Ireland.

Roisin Gallagher, Richard Clements, Alan McKee and Gerard McCabe will be among the stellar cast of actors who will bring the pathos and humour of this affecting story to life.  Audiences can expect to experience a full gamut of emotions and will recognise the plight of characters, who struggle to deal with obstacles from local politics to local gossip. A riveting drama, with plenty of twists, the story centres on how one community pulls together (or not) when a child goes missing.  Who will help Lally and her lost child?  Spallen’s treatment of the story plays out as a commentary on wider Northern Ireland society, and hints at bigger questions on how we best move forward.

Áine McVerry, Director of Marketing & Communications, the MAC said: “Audiences are set to be captivated by this powerful drama which is premiering exclusively at the MAC. We are really excited to be working with Tinderbox and Abbie on this new piece of writing – this really is Northern Ireland theatre having a moment. Earthy, irreverent, honest, disturbing, forceful and funny, the production features some well-known theatre faces and we are thrilled to be working with the 12 strong cast who are all from Northern Ireland. ”

Michael Duke, Tinderbox Artistic Director and Director of Lally the Scut, said: “Lally the Scut is a hugely original and completely enthralling play. We are delighted to work with Abbie Spallen and the MAC to produce work of this scale and imagination, and to work with 12 of the country’s most talented actors to create a spectacular show”.

Tickets are on sale now from themaclive.com starting from just £12.  The show runs from 14^th April – 2^nd May, exclusively at the MAC.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is set to host three superb musical performances over the coming fortnight, showcasing the musical legacy of Roy Orbison, the hits of the Rock ‘n’ Roll era and one of the country’s up-and-coming traditional bands.

From the producers of ‘Do You Come Here Often’ comes a great new show, ‘The Rock ‘n’ Roll Years’. Relive all the memories of a decade that saw the birth of pop, from the ballads of Ruby Murray, Perry Como and Dean Martin to the early rock ’n’ roll of Buddy Holly, Brenda Lee and Bill Hailey. Starring Clubsound, Jackie Fullerton, Trevor Kelly and many more. ‘The Rock ‘n’ Roll Years’ will take to the stage on Saturday 18^th April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £20 each.

On Thursday 23^rd April, Barry Steele presents his award winning, critically acclaimed theatrical concert ‘Roy Orbison & Friends.’ Using both Original and film footage from the era, and backed by his fabulous band, Barry Steele will take you through a journey in time as he brings the character of Roy Orbison back to the centre stage, where it truly belongs. Add to the mix special friends Paul Molloy and Boogie Williams celebrating the musical legacy of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, you have yourself a spectacular fusion of good old “Rock n Roll” and contemporary musical genius all on one stage. Tickets are priced £19 each.

Described by Irish Music Magazine as ‘a full bodied pipe and whistle extravaganza’, Belfast based Réalta carry on the Bothy Band tradition of taking tunes by the scruff of the neck and firing excitement through them like hot flames! With a sound based on the twin uilleann piping talents of Conor Lamb and Aaron O’Hagan, propelled by a dynamic accompaniments on guitar, bouzouki and double bass, Réalta make full use the intricate melodies and driving rhythms that make Irish music so loved throughout the world. Having toured alongside Altan in Germany, Switzerland and Greece and won the prestigious ‘Danny Kyle Award’ at Celtic Connections Glasgow, these young musicians have earned a reputation for delighting audiences with the enthusiasm, energy and passion they bring to traditional music. Realta will perform on Friday 24^th April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 each.

Tickets for all events can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com 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.

Fashion lovers are in for a treat this weekend, as The Merchant Hotel’s fabulous Fashion Teas return in sensational style.

On Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th April, the  5*star hotel’s Rita Duffy Suite will provide a striking setting for four individual Fashion Teas, showcasing cutting edge spring/summer collections from a hand-picked selection of Northern Ireland’s top boutiques and designers. Excel Clothing, Art on Fashion, Harper, Gráinne Maher, Goddess & Swift and Ruedi Maguire will wow guests with their spring summer collections, alongside a fabulous champagne afternoon tea.

Models from Style Academy will provide a round table fashion show, allowing guests to get up close and personal to the new season collections whilst sipping Moet et Chandon Champagne and enjoying melt in the mouth patisseries. Guests will also be able to shop the collections hot off the catwalk, with pop-up boutiques for each retailer housed in The Merchant for the entire weekend.

On Saturday 11^th April, designer boutique, Excel Clothing will open the spring Fashion Teas 2015 series with a collection that is sure to impress (12.30pm). Quirky homegrown label, Art on Fashion will be joined by decadent accessories from designer boutique, Harper at The Merchant (3pm). And in another exciting partnership, leading NI milliner and jewellery designer, Grainne Maher will showcase her latest collections alongside striking spring/summer pieces from Belfast based atelier, Goddess & Swift. Closing the spring Fashion Teas on Sunday 12^th April, NI designer Ruedi Maguire promises to impress with a solo show featuring his dramatic collection of new designs (2pm).

Leading designer store, Excel Clothing has been at the forefront of the local fashion scene for almost three decades. With stunning contemporary stores in Bangor and Newtownards, Excel is home to designer brands including Hugo Boss, Armani, Ted Baker, Barbour, Paul Smith, CP Company, Michael Kors and Belstaff, alongside other contemporary brands including French Connection, UGG Australia, Tommy Hilfiger, Farah Vintage, Calvin Klein. Showcasing their news sping/summer collections at The Merchant’s Fashion Teas, Excel will present a fashion-forward show including Armani, Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Michael Kors and Pinko.

In a fitting fashion pairing, luxury designer boutique, Harper at The Merchant Hotel and quirky homegrown label, Art on Fashion will come together for the second Fashion Tea.

Exclusive Northern Ireland stockists of Christian Louboutin, Charlotte Olympia and Rachel Zoe, Harper at The Merchant’s coveted red soled heels will be a key feature in this opening show, with a mix of classic shapes and colours and fashion forward styles ensuring fashion lovers are well heeled for spring summer. Taking the work of cool and edgy international artists and transforming it into stunning garments, Art on Fashion creates wearable pieces of art for your wardrobe.  Their latest collection is characterised by sophisticated elegance, featuring bold contemporary graphic artworks and nostalgic retro prints in a spectrum of colours to create a look that is suitable for all occasions. Staking out new territory with the latest bodycon silhouettes and asymmetric dresses, the new Art on Fashion collection offers unique, stand-out contemporary pieces that would be a timeless addition to any capsule wardrobe.

In another exciting fashion marriage, Top NI milliner and jewellery designer, Gráinne Maher joins forces with Belfast atelier Larissa Watson and her artisan clothing label, Goddess & Swift.

Gráinne Maher will showcase a range of striking new millinery pieces at The Merchant’s Fashion Teas, alongside her popular Pluck & Devour contemporary jewellery range. A selection from her SS15 collection ‘Bláthanna’, which debuted at London Fashion Week, promises to be a real show-stopper. The collection includes a range of statement Perspex millinery, jewellery and limited edition bags with a colour palette punctuated by rich pinks and pale greys. Combining traditional materials with Perspex and Swarovski, her work is sultry, sculptural and perfectly balances form with function.  Perfectly complimenting Gráinne’s pieces, the Goddess & Swift collection will include its new ‘Irish Siren’ range, populated with Irish Linen sculpted dresses, hand dyed umbre and hand-printed silks and Tailored Irish tweed, creating classic, enduring pieces.

Rounding off the spring series of Fashion Teas, NI designer, Ruedi Maguire will showcase a selection of pieces from his current RUEDI spring/summer 2015 collection, featuring pretty florals, muted pastels and bold pops of colour. Guests will also get a sneak peek into the future, with a preview of his forthcoming autumn/winter collection, ‘future perfect’, with contemporary space-age inspired pieces, accented with pops of neon.

Tickets to The Merchant’s Fashion Teas cost £35 per person and include an exclusive fashion show of your choice, served with champagne afternoon tea.  Tickets can be purchased by calling The Merchant Hotel’s events team on 028 9026 2717. Funds raised from a luxury ballot at the events will be donated to The Merchant’s 2014 charity partner, The McDermott Oncology Haematology Day Unit at the Ulster Hospital, Belfast.

The Merchant’s Fashion Teas will return once again to showcase autumn fashion trends from a range of top local designers and boutiques on Saturday 11th  and Sunday 12th April 2015. For further information and to book tickets, visit themerchanthotel.com or contact The Merchant Hotel’s events team on 028 9026 2717.

Northern Ireland’s favourite vintage shopping event, the spectacular Frock Around The Clock Vintage & Handmade Fair, will be returning to Bangor for its Spring into Summer extravaganza, appearing at Clandeboye Lodge on Sunday 19^th April.

The event will showcase over 50 high quality vintage dealers and creative designers from all over Ireland, specialising in vintage, handmade and upcycled fashion, jewellery, furniture, homewares, collectibles, stationery, art, artisan food, haberdashery, photography, children and baby goods, and so much more! With all this under one roof it will be easy to find unique treasures for you, your family, and your home.

Creative Director Becky Moore says ‘We are delighted to be returning to Bangor after a 2 year break, and to be back bigger and better than ever with over 50 fantastic exhibitors. This event will also feature the pop-up Vintage Rocks Hair Parlour – passionate and creative, the talented Vintage Rocks stylists will be on hand to offer glamorous vintage hair styling on the day and will also be running a draw for the chance to win vouchers for a Pamper & Style at the Vintage Rocks salon! Come along for some fun and a great day out, browse and shop the unique treasures on offer, eat cake and have some vintage pampering – it’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon.’

Now in its 7^th year of delighting customers from all over Ireland, Frock Around The Clock still remains dedicated to sourcing the best in vintage dealers and fresh creative talent, so in addition to many of the old favourites there will also be a number of fresh faces to be seen at the 19th April event, providing a spectacular variety of unique, quality and interesting things to see and buy. Whether you are in search of stunning fashion accessories, authentic vintage treasures, beautifully handcrafted designs, or delicious edible goodies, this event has it all!

The impressive exhibitor list will include The Honeysuckle Bee and Me, creators of beautiful handcrafted goats milk soap and natural soy wax candles, Norma Jean Vintage, offering a fabulous selection of vintage collectibles, The Natural Room Emporium, connoisseurs of authentic vintage furniture and homewares, I of The Needle, purveyor of stylish fabrics & haberdashery,  Tiny Tower Vintage, specialists in vintage china, linens, eiderdowns and collectible books, Bluebird Bakery, creators of scrumptious sweet treats, Vintage Aggy and Molly, showcasing exquisite handmade dolls created from antique haberdashery, and Emily Loves Vintage offering beautiful, limited-edition eclectic jewellery.

The Spring Into Summer Frock Around The Clock Vintage & Handmade Fair will take place from 12-5pm on Sunday 19^th April 2015 at Clandeboye Lodge, 10 Estate Road, Bangor BT19 1UR.  Admission costs only £3 for adults, and children go free. More information on the event and the exhibitor list can be found at frockfairsni.com and on facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.

The Navan Centre & Fort is always the place to be at Easter for guaranteed family fun, and this year is no different with our very own version of ‘The Ugly Duckling’

From Saturday 4^th – Tuesday 7^th April enjoy the story of the Ugly Duckling which will be sure to have your family enthralled as we have songs, dance, quack crafts and lots more ‘eggs-citing’ activities.

With shows at 10.00am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.00pm & 4.30pm this should be a cracking Easter @ the Navan Centre & Fort.

Easter is value for money at Navan with tickets costing just £6.50 per person, under 2 year olds are free of charge. Booking is essential on www.armagh.co.uk/easter

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (April 6 – 12).

• Bangor Easter Parade, Bangor Town, Co Down, April 6. The spectacular parade will be taking place at 3pm on Easter Monday when over 200 children and young people from local youth and dance groups across North Down will take part in the spectacular Pirate Parade. Look out for pirate ships, colourful bands, pirates, dancers and live music. This is an extravaganza not to be missed! From 3pm.

• Aquaholics Puffin Express Sea Safari, Ballycastle Harbour, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, April 6. Enjoy the beautiful north coast from the sea including sights like the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.  Then head over to Rathlin Island and enjoy the spectacular sights of West Lighthouse and the bird sanctuary from the water. After two hours, the safari returns to Ballycastle. And be on the lookout for dolphins, seals and a wide range of seabirds. From 2pm.

• Eggstreme Egg Hunt and Bunny Cruise, Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, April 5-6. Roll up, roll up or roll down as the case may be for the Share Easter Bunny Hunt and Cruise. Participants can undertake our picture orienteering challenge followed by a cruise aboard the Inishcruiser. Family Fun Day, suitable for all ages. 10am or 2pm start times.

• Easter Sea Safari Sightseeing Boat Trips, Clearsky Adventure Centre, Castle Ward Estate, Co Down, April 5-6.Everyone loves the sightseeing tour of Strangford Lough with its abundance of nature and wildlife. See the SeaGen, Angus Rocks Lighthouse, surface whirlpools and some of the many seals at Cloughy Rocks Nature Reserve. You might see a pod of porpoise or even a basking shark! Suitable for age 3 years plus. Trips leave from Strangford Pier and run hourly throughout the day.

• Easter Country Music Showtime Concert, Newcastle Centre, Central Promenade, Newcastle, Co Down, April 7. Newcastle Centre goes country at Easter when Ireland’s first lady of country music Susan McCann takes the stage to top the bill on this special, Easter Country Music Showtime with the stars concert, which has now become an annual event for country fans. Begins 7.30pm.

• Easter Extravaganza at Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre, Florencecourt, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, April 6-7. Why not come along and celebrate Easter at one of Europe’s finest show caves. A range of activities will be available and this promises to be a great day’s fun for all the family. First tour begins at 10am.

• 44th International Pan Celtic Festival, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Great James Street, Derry~Londonderry, Co Londonderry, April 7-12. Now in its 44th year, the Pan Celtic Festival returns to the City following an incredibly successful first year in 2014. The festival is a celebration of the cultural links between the nations of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man. Musicians, singers and dancers arrive from all of the Celtic countries to share their cultural nuances in this family-friendly Easter event.

• Monteverdi Vespers, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh,Co Armagh, April 10. ‘Soundworld of Venice’ comes to Armagh to offer a rare chance to hear Venetian music played on original instruments of the period. St Patrick’s Cathedral will be filled with the sights and sounds of 17th Century Venice with a performance of the Vespers of 1610 by Claudio Monteverdi, considered a masterpiece of its type. From 8pm.

• Jack, The Alley Arts and Conference Centre, Railway Street, Strabane, Co Tyrone, April 11. Join Black Air Theatre Company this Easter holiday as they bring this classic fairytale to life. A must see show for all the family! Show starts at 2pm.

• Easter Carnival Games, W5 at Odyssey, Belfast, until April 12. Join W5 this Easter for an old fashioned, fun family day out, with a modern technology twist! Throw balls to knock down virtual milk bottles, pop virtual balloons or smash virtual plates!  What cracking fun!

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Easter Getaway, Couples Retreat, Finn Lough Lakeside Lodges, Leggs, Enniskillen. From £150. Take a break this Easter and enjoy a little chilled out romance by the lakeside. Your package will include a stay in a luxury suite room with roll top bath, rain shower, fluffy robes and slippers. You will also receive daily breakfast, one 3 course evening meal and an Easter picnic hamper to be enjoyed by the lakeside. To book call 028 6863 1957. Available until 12 Apr 2015.

• 2 Night Special, Ferry Lodge, Portaferry. From £100. Enjoy a break in this wonderful corner of County Down. After your day touring the countryside you can return to the comfort of Ferry Lodge and the warmth of an open fire plus everything you need for an enjoyable stay. To book call 07771 890 973. Available until 30 Apr.

• Easter Break, Ballymultimber Cottages, Limavady. From £210. A beautiful cottage from which to explore the north coast. Bring the children and make the most of the gorgeous beaches and forest walks. The annual Easter Egg Trail at the breath taking Downhill Demesne is on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th. Downhill is only 5 miles from the cottages. To book call 07734 154 835. Available 3 Apr 2015 – 6 Apr.

• Weekend or mid week spring breaks, The Boat House, Ballygally, Larne. From £210. Special spring short break where you can enjoy three nights for the price of two. The Boat House Ballygally is a unique self catering family holiday hideaway on the world famous Antrim Coast Road, overlooking a secluded beach and slipway. Take advantage of two nights either mid week or weekend in luxury self catering accommodation with the third night free!  To book call 028 2858 3158. Available until 30 Apr.

For further information, contact TNI on 028 9023 1221 or view on www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

Students, young people and festival lovers are invited to gain valuable work experience and boost their CVs all while enjoying the music, mystery and magic of Northern Ireland’s leading music and arts festival.

With most employers looking for go-getting types who can show a can-do attitude and willingness to get stuck in on the practical side of things, what better way to gain some experience in event management, communication and of course have a bit of fun at this year’s Sunflowerfest?
Volunteers from across Britain and Ireland will assist in getting Tubby’s Farm ready for the influx of visitors as well as being the face of the festival over the 31st July to 2nd August 2015
Volunteers are needed to help set up and decorate festival grounds and to assist during the festival by guiding visitors throughout the 12 acre festival site including The Enchanted Glade of Mystery & Surprises, the Kidz Zone and Sunflower Bliss, the Therapists & Healers and eco-village area. In addition to these ‘realms,’
Sunflowerfest also includes five performance stages, numerous camp sites for families, singles and artists, and a number of facilities for food and drink.
“Now in our sixth year, we are planning the largest festival yet, with over 5,000 guests expected at Tubby’s Farm,” said festival organiser Michael Magowan. “Sunflowerfest’s mission is to provide a family-friendly and all-inclusive festival atmosphere set in the idyllic countryside in Hillsborough, County Down, and our volunteers are of the utmost importance in ensuring that Sunflowerfest runs smoothly and is enjoyable for guests of all ages and persuasions. Our volunteers fill the cracks and make sure that Sunflowerfest is easy, fun and safe for everyone.”
“By striving together to make a difference, the tremendous team of volunteers at Sunflowerfest have helped to build the festival from strength to strength throughout the years,” added festival organiser Vanessa Magowan. “Joining our team provides an excellent opportunity for those hoping to be part of something bigger than themselves as well as building their volunteer experiences and enjoying the unique atmosphere Sunflowerfest has to offer.”
Highlights of this year’s festival will include performances by Dreadzone, Senser and over 100 other art and music acts; The Enchanted Glade of Mystery and Surprises featuring performances of A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream by Tom Finlay in keeping with the Steampunk theme of the festival; Gus Leudar’s “Invisible Forest”, a surround sound audio hologram art installation and chill-out space and of course the Kidz Zone activities including poetry, storytelling, arts and crafts and circus workshops.
Volunteers must be aged 18 or over and can register their interest in helping at the 6thannual Sunflowerfest online at www.sunflowerfest.co.uk/applications.