There’s comedy, drama and song on the bill at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre, as February kicks off with a jam-packed line-up of events.

‘Dirty Dancing In Le Shebeen’ sees the return of the loveable Maggie Muff, in the sequel to ’50 Shades Of Red, White & Blue’. Maggie and her buck-eejit sidekick Big Sally Ann are planning Sally’s part in Le Shebeen. She wants to recreate the last dance from ‘Dirty Dancin’ in le Shebeen’ on her birthday night. But in the world of ‘The Muff’ things don’t run as smoothly as you’d think. This production takes place on Wednesday 4^th February. Tickets are priced £18. Please note there is content of an adult nature including sexually explicit language.

‘King Blue’ is a new bluegrass band in the traditional vein bringing together some stalwarts of the Irish Bluegrass scene from the last twenty years in a show peppered with original songs and fast paced tunes. Clem O’Brien, regarded by many as the country’s premier Bluegrass vocalist and guitarist has played this music at the highest level for over twenty years, touring as a featured artist with the world renowned Chieftains. Sean Mckerr has been playing Mandolin for twenty years, and recently featured as the bass player in the World International Bluegrass band at the IBMA convention in Nashville. Mel Corry is also a veteran of the Dusty Millers Bluegrass Band and the Mean Eyed Cats, and earlier this year toured with New York based Buddy Merriam and Backroads. Caolan Derby holds down the bass duties in King Blue. His expertise as a bass player defies his youth and he plays with a variety of styles from aggressive rockabilly to slow waltzes. King Blue will perform on Friday 6^th February at 8pm. Admission is £11.

On Saturday 7^th February, Peter Corry returns to the Market Place Theatre with an evening celebrating some of the greatest songs from the movies. Peter will take you on a journey down memory lane with some of the most iconic and memorable songs ever written for films from the past to the present.  From the heat of Casablanca to the fun of Mamma Mia, the sultry Moulin Rouge to the wonderful World of Disney…..acclaimed international singer Peter Corry will delight you with a host of movie memories. Tickets are priced £22.50 each.

In their most dangerous show ever, ‘The Nualas’ break the mould they made previously with a deluge of new songs, higher harmonies, different keys and slightly shorter dresses, if that’s possible! And there’s more – expect new Nuala revelations, harder laughs, slicker riffs, and even tighter foundation wear! When this show previewed in Dolan’s of Leitrim at least three Gardai and a relationship counsellor had to be called. LOCK UP YOUR HUSBANDS. You have been warned. The Nualas will perform on Saturday 7^th February at 8pm. Tickets are priced £16.

Tickets for all performances can be booked 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.

This Sunday, The Cloth Ear at The Merchant Hotel will host a special Burns’ Night dinner, offering people a taste of Scottish culture right in the heart of Belfast.

The evening will offer guests an opportunity to join in global celebrations of the life and work of popular Scottish writer, Robert Burns on Burns Night itself – Sunday 25^th January – the anniversary of his birthday.

Guests can enjoy a traditional three-course Burns Night supper, including a performance from a piper, the addressing of the haggis with a dramatic reading of Burns’ famous ‘To a Haggis’ and a dram of whisky for just £30 per person.

The special three-course menu includes Pork belly and black pudding fritters with apple and ginger chutney followed by Haggis with neeps, tattie puree and crispy onions, followed by poached raspberry cranachan and a dram of whiskey to toast the haggis.

Guests will also receive a complimentary copy of Burns: The Ulster Connection booklet, with compliments of the Ulster-Scots Agency. The booklet examines the local links of the popular Scottish writer, whose works are said to have once been as prevalent as copies of the bible in homes across Northern Ireland.

For further information and to reserve a table, call 028 9026 2719.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (January 25 – 31).

• You Must Be Joking, Grand Opera House, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, January 28. Jimmy Cricket returns home to the Grand Opera House with some of his friends for a great night of comedy and joining him will be the First Lady of Irish Comedy, May McFettridge.

• Be Wild about Wildlife – Beginners Birding, Murlough National Nature Reserve, January 31. Discover the wildfowl and waders of Dundrum Inner Bay and marvel at their epic journeys. This event is a great day out for birding beginners.

• Frozen Sing-along, The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, January 31. Join in for an afternoon of family fun with this special sing-along screening of the hit Disney musical ‘Frozen’. Now you can really Let It Go at this special screening which will feature the song lyrics on the big screen! Join Anna, Olaf and friends on their epic adventure to find Anna’s sister Elsa, Queen of Arendelle.

• Scottish Ceilidh, The Burnavon, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, January 30. The Ceilidh is back! Come and enjoy a great evening of Scottish Country and Ceilidh dancing. With the help of experienced dance leaders, see how it is done and then join in. You don’t need to have danced before, just come armed with your best dancing shoes and a sense of fun.

• Sandi Thom, Millenium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, Co Londonderry, January 29. Over the last six years since Sandi Thom arrived on the scene she has sold in excess of one million albums, won various awards and been given an Ivor Novello award for excellence in song writing for songs such as, “I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair”. Her latest release ‘Flesh and Blood’ saw her work with The Black Crowes making this concert an event not to be missed.

• Paper Marbling in Armagh Public Library, Abbey Street, Armagh, Co Armagh, until 31 March. Armagh Public Library has launched a small exhibition to display a range of paper marbling, which uses colour in intricate patterns to ornament the end pages of many of its early books. Visit to view a variety of examples within the Library’s collection that highlights the skills of various artists throughout Europe.

• Derek Ryan, Ardhowen Theatre, Dublin Road, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, January 29-31. If you love country music you will love singing sensation Derek Ryan who enjoyed success as lead singer in popular Irish band D-side and went on to create four critically acclaimed solo albums.  His writing ability was seen in his debut hit ‘God’s Plan’ that received considerable airplay and used in Irish dance halls and in sell-out concerts in England and Scotland.

• Brian Kennedy Live, The City Hotel Derry, Queens Quay, Co Londonderry, January 30. Get up close and personal at this intimate evening with Brian Kennedy and experience his voice, musicianship and personality.

• Drew Holcomb, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Co Antrim, January 31. Drew will perform an intimate gig with guitarist Nathan Dugger at the Island Arts Centre. Drew Holcomb and his band have developed their sound through extensive touring, performing alongside John Hiatt, The Avett Brothers and Ryan Adams.

• Princeton University Orchestra – Featuring soloist Iarla Ó Lioná, Ulster Hall, Belfast, January 31. The Belfast première of the Princeton University Orchestra tour features acclaimed Irish soloist, Iarla Ó Lionáird. Conducted by Michael Pratt, musical arrangements of sean-nós songs for tenor and orchestration by American composer, Dan Trueman, will make this an exhilarating event for music lovers.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

Down

Ards Arts Centre will host a Poetry Workshop facilitated by Kelly Creighton this Saturday 24th January.   Suitable for all levels who seek constructive feedback and wish to be inspired.   Participants will look at published poems and examine them.  The majority of the session will be dedicated to writing exercises, visiting techniques and learning how to redraft and edit your work.  Booking essential.  Call 028 9181 0803.

Armagh

Sean O’Casey’s ‘Juno & The Paycock’ is one of the true classics of the Irish theatre. The play looks at the effects of the civil war on a Dublin household already crippled by economic hardship and the efforts, mainly by the mother, to keep the family on an even keel.  Presented by one of Northern Ireland’s leading Amateur Theatre Companies at the Market Place Theatre Friday 23^rd and Saturday 24^th January.

Fermanagh

Gay Byrne – Live On Stage is Ireland’s King of Broadcasting one man show. Gay will bring this highly praised show to The Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen for one night only on 22nd January 2015.

Tyrone

Sing along to Goldilocks this Saturday 24^th January at the Strule Arts Centre Omagh. Kids can sing and dance to all their favourite songs including ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’, ‘If You’re Happy and You Know It’ and ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ and many more.  Throughout the show there are interactive moments and adventures that will have everyone laughing, playing and singing.  Featuring fantastic costumes, an amazing stage set and colourful lighting, it will be an experience for all the family to remember and cherish.  Performances at 1pm and 3pm

Derry

Following rave reviews on opening night, Ballywillan Drama Group’s  production of  Hairspray at the Riverside Theatre Coleraine that will blow away those mid-winter blues continues until the 31^st January.

Antrim

Burns and Benadonnor – Giant’s Causeway Friday and Saturday.   Celebrate Burns night with a Hairy Haggis Trail in the Visitor Centre.  Listen to the piper and enjoy Scottish specials in the Causeway Hotel and Cafe.

Belfast

Newtownbreda Presbyterian Church is the venue for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Panto this Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th January.  Harnessing the enthusiasm and acting/singing/dancing talents of boys, girls and grown-ups from the local community, this production promises to provide a great night’s entertainment, or afternoon if you go to the Saturday matinee!  With the cast ranging in age from 6 to 65, and the score utilising musical classics as well as modern pop favourites, anyone who is looking to blast away their January blues could do worse than bring the family to the Ormeau Road for a very reasonably priced evening of fun.  Tickets are £7 for adults and £4 for under-18s.

The search for Ulster men and women who want to be part of the region’s Derry-Londonderry-Doire team in the next Clipper Round the World Yacht Race has been launched this week.

Organisers of the world famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race have announced they will visit Derry-Londonderry and Belfast next month to meet prospective local crew members and Derry City Council has revealed it wants business partners to get behind the Derry~Londonderry~Doire team for the 2015-16 series and help make its third race campaign the most successful to date.

Clipper Race organisers, including former crew members, are touring Ireland and will host a free talk at Derry-Londonderry’s Guildhall on Friday 6 February at 6.30pm, and then Belfast’s Odyssey Complex on Saturday 7 Feb at 12.00pm, for those interested in finding out more about getting on board the world’s longest and most unique ocean challenge.
Huge crowds lined the Foyle to welcome home the Derry~Londonderry~Doire yacht and the international Clipper Race crew members last June. During the stopover, more than 250,000 people also attended the city’s 2014 LegenDerry Maritime Festival which was held in conjunction with the race fleet’s arrival.

Seventeen Irish crew members took part in the last Clipper Race. One of those was University of Ulster nurse, Breidge Boyle, 52, from Newtonabbey, who was a crew member on board  the Derry~Londonderry~Doire yacht during its journey across the North Atlantic in the last race.

Breidge says: “If you want to push your limits and do something truly amazing that will change your life forever, the Clipper Race is it. When I look back at what I have done I know I have accomplished something truly extraordinary. It’s given me some really, really good core values, strength to dig deep when times are tough and real ability to work in and lead a team. I urge anyone to take on the challenge.”

80 per cent of crew places for the 2015-16 race are now filled but there are still places available on most legs. Founded by legendary sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world in 1968/9 and is truly unique. It is the only event where people from all walks of life, regardless of previous sailing experience, can race around the world under sail. Crew can sign up to complete either the full circumnavigation or one or more of the eight race legs.

The Clipper 2015-16 Race will be the tenth edition of the biennially held event. It sets sail on Sunday, 30 August 2015 from the South of England and will arrive in Derry-Londonderry in July 2016 during the final, homecoming leg of its 40,000 nautical mile circumnavigation.
The full recruitment tour dates and locations are as follows:

-Saturday 31 January – Dublin – National Yacht Club, 10.30am

-Monday 2 February – Cork – Royal Cork Yacht Club, 6.30pm

-Wednesday 4 February – Galway – Harbour Hotel, 6.30pm

-Friday 6 February – Derry/Londonderry – Guildhall, 6.30pm

-Saturday 7 February – Belfast – Odyssey Complex, 12.00pm

To attend the event, please RSVP to Della Parsons, Clipper Race Recruitment Manager at dparsons@clipper-ventures.com.

Europe’s tallest man sails into town to launch Stena Line’s BIGGEST EVER hotel break sale

EUROPE’S tallest man sailed into Northern Ireland today to reveal details of ferry company Stena Line’s biggest ever hotel breaks sale.

Stena Line’s massive January sale, which runs from January 20 until January 28 for travel until June 15, offers holidaymakers a choice of cut-price deals with savings of up to 40% when you buy your ferry and hotel together, with a choice of more than 2,500 hotels across Britain.

So to give the company’s unprecedented sale some ‘stand out’, or rather ‘stand up’, appeal, Stena  enlisted the help of Neil Fingleton from Newcastle (Co Durham) who at a staggering 7’ 7” ¾ stands head and shoulders (…and torso!) above any other living person in Europe.

“January is the key time of the year, especially with the travel industry, when people are looking to max out on great value deals which is why we have developed a range of hotel and travel breaks with  up to 40% off, our BIGGEST ever sale!” said Stena Line’s Head of Travel, Orla Noonan.

Orla Continued:  “Our short nine day booking window opens up a large range of popular travel calendar dates between now and June 15 for our customers including romantic Valentine’s trip, Half term, an Easter break, May Day long weekend or just simply an opportunity get away from it all for a few days.  For a small £50 deposit you can secure a great value get away at the time you want to go, so why not BIG up 2015 with a Stena Line hotel break. ”

Prices start from *£99 per person sharing for a two night hotel break including return ferry travel by car and you can choose from some of Britain’s most popular hotels including Travelodge, Hilton, Radisson Blu and Park Inn.

For more details on Stena Line’s biggest ever hotel break sale visit www.stenaline.co.uk.

*Subject to availability.  Terms and conditions apply.

Mount Stewart’s world famous house and gardens are set to be reunited with their historic demesne after more than 50 years.

The news comes as the National Trust today announced plans which will see the area which the conservation charity looks after increase from 100 to 1000 acres

The £4m investment from the National Trust comes as the £7.5m project to restore the house at Mount Stewart enters its final weeks.

Announcing the news, Jon Kerr, National Trust Manager at Mount Stewart said: “This year as we celebrate the completion of the house restoration project at Mount Stewart, we will begin another new chapter in its history as we reunite the house and garden with its historic demesne.

“With a story dating back hundreds of years, the landscape will now extend beyond the house and garden on the shores of Strangford Lough to include the surrounding 1,000 acres of rolling parkland and woodland which make up the demesne. In time, visitors will be able to explore extensive woodland, previously unseen walled gardens, farmland and a range of historic monuments and buildings.

“Combined with a newly restored house and one of the top gardens in the world – in years to come this will create a destination which offers a fascinating insight in to the stories of the Stewart family. I really believe that Mount Stewart is an extraordinary place, and it deserves to be safeguarded and protected for many generations to come.”

Lady Rose Lauritzen, granddaughter of Edith Lady Londonderry, welcomed the news: “The number of people visiting Mount Stewart continues to rise every year and the pleasure it gives to so many people will be enhanced by the opening of the demesne. This will eventually enable visitors to walk, ride or cycle around the old rides, and enjoy the beauty of the wildlife and wild flowers in a totally unspoilt part of Northern Ireland.

“Mount Stewart for me is more like a relation or a best friend and having experienced so much pleasure all my life surrounded by the exquisite thousand acres, I feel very strongly that it should be shared by everyone. I know for the Trust this is an important long term investment.”

Heather Thompson, Director for the National Trust in Northern Ireland said: “Our £4m investment in the demesne is in addition to the £7.5m house restoration project which will complete in April 2015 – a clear demonstration of the National Trust’s commitment to conservation that will leave a legacy for everyone in Northern Ireland to enjoy, forever.

“This is a really special opportunity to open up access to a truly beautiful part of our countryside. Looking after the wider demesne will require a huge amount of work and we will be developing a range of plans over the next few years, in preparation for opening this amazing landscape to our members, supporters and visitors.”

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Arts Council and HMRC who helped guide us through the Acceptance in Lieu (AIL) process which has made this possible. As part of the same AIL process we will also see an amazing collection of historic items returning to the house. So this really is a big year for Mount Stewart!

“I would also like to thank the Garfield Weston Foundation which is helping to fund this important project and also the Lauritzen family who have worked so closely with us to make this a reality.”

Although visitors will not be able to access the full demesne for a number of years, the Trust has already opened up areas of the previously unseen Walled Garden and Dairy.

Neil Porteus, Head Gardener at Mount Stewart said; “Once the powerhouse of the demesne, the Walled Garden provided plants, raised mainly from seed, supplied by plant collectors from around the World, and produced a wide variety of fruit and vegetables to serve the house and feed the estate staff.

“A significant project in itself, restoring the Walled Garden in years ahead will incorporate the return of an extensive collection of the best scented period roses. In the open quarters of the orchard there are plans to plant a selection of fruit trees. Over the longer term we will once again grow soft fruit in the restored Vineries and Peach Houses.”

The newly restored house at Mount Stewart will open a range of exciting new rooms to visitors in April with a UTV documentary airing later in the summer. Meanwhile the world class gardens are open to visitors to enjoy throughout the year.

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to start making plans to try out something different and exciting to fill the months ahead so whether you plan to spend time with friends at an event, get outdoors for an active break or enjoy some ‘me time’, Northern Ireland has it all.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has listed some wonderful ways to make 2015 a memorable one in what promises to be an eventful year ahead.

“With the new year well and truly upon us, 2015 is shaping up to be a great year for action-packed, world famous golfing events and thrilling motor races, to name a few.  Northern Ireland is literally jam-packed with fun activities, unforgettable events and interesting things to see and do,” said NITB’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley.

To help get you started, NITB has highlighted a range of things to try in Northern Ireland this year;

Exciting Events

Banish the post Christmas blues with lunch time helpings of theatre, music and comedy at the Out to Lunch Festival. All events are served up with a delicious hot lunch and take place in the Cathedral Quarter from January 2 – 25.

If it’s a thrilling new event you’re after then the Red Bull Crashed Ice at Stormont Estate on February 20-21 is the place to be.  This is an extreme winter sporting event of ice cross downhill which will see over 140 competitors race down a heart pumping, specially designed assault course in what is sure to be a breath taking spectacle.

Bring the kids along and treat your family to a fantastic day out at the Belfast Children’s Festival from March 6 – 13. The festival is aimed at children up to 14 years old and events take place both in and out of school time for schools, groups and families to attend. The outstanding international and local productions cover a range of genres that will excite and inspire children.

If it’s international arts and culture that you’re after then Féile an Earraigh will be right up your street. The festival takes place in Belfast from March 10 – 17 and is a celebration of Irish music and language.

Golf lovers everywhere will be looking forward to the Irish Open 2015 which returns to Northern Ireland once again this year. The event will be hosted at the Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle from May 28 – 31 and attendees can watch golfing heroes such as Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy as they battle it out at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.

Following the huge success of the Giro d’Italia in May 2014 the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland will take place this year and the prestigious cycling sportive will consist of two routes through Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes. The event will start from Titanic Belfast on June 21 so be sure to mark this very special date in your diary.

For all things nautical, The Tall Ships Race will return to Belfast from July 2 – 5 and the event will see up to 80 magnificent ships anchored in the Belfast harbour and Titanic Quarter areas. The festivities will be accompanied by the LIDL Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, with fun activities for all the family to enjoy.

The beautiful island town of Enniskillen will host the Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival from July 23 – August 3. The festival will host a range of engaging arts activities for all ages to experience and is inspired by the work of Nobel Prize writer Samuel Beckett

The Galgorm Castle Golf Club will also be hosting the Northern Ireland Open Challenge from August 6 – 9 which is a great opportunity to see some of Europe’s top golfers take on one of Ireland’s finest golf courses.

European Heritage Open Days will take place throughout Northern Ireland from September 12-13 and offer a unique opportunity to visit some of our most intriguing buildings, many of which are not normally open to the public, and all for free

Explore the Great Outdoors

If you’re New Year’s resolution is to get outdoors and be more active then Northern Ireland is the perfect place to be as it is just brimming with exciting places to see and explore.

The Slieve Gullion Forest Park in Co Armagh will see the opening of the Giants Lair early in 2015, an exciting new children’s story park and kids will be further entertained at a new adventure playground at Belfast Zoo.

2015 will see the launch of some unmissable new visitor attractions in Northern Ireland. The Gobbins at Islandmagee will be welcoming visitors Summer 2015 and is set to be one of Northern Ireland’s must-visit destinations.  The Gobbins recreates a major attraction from the early 20^th century which has been updated and reopened allowing visitors and outdoor types with a sense of adventure to experience the Irish Coast in a way not seen since it was first built in 1902.  The challenging, dramatic, two-mile-long cliff-face path will include spectacular tubular and suspension bridges, a staircase, caves and tunnels carved through the rock and spectacular views

For something a little less taxing, take a refreshing winter walk along the Lagan Towpath which runs between Belfast and Lisburn through a variety of wetland, riverside meadows and mixed woodland or alternatively explore the Sperrins in Co Tyrone where you can take in the stunning unspoilt countryside of the Glenelly Valley or Gortin Glen Forest Park.

Get Sporty

If you’re a sports enthusiast then there are lots of events for you to look forward to this year. The Circuit of Ireland Rally will run from April 2 – 4 in counties Antrim and Down and allows motor enthusiasts the chance to watch Europe’s top drivers pit their skills against testing roads amidst stunning landscapes.

The Vauxhall International North West 200 takes place on the Causeway Coast from May 10 – 16 and is one of the world’s top motorcycle races which follows a famous triangle circuit between the towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine.

If it’s a fun filled day out with lots of exciting things to do all in the one place then why not try out We Are Vertigo near Belfast. It is Northern Ireland’s premium indoor adventure centre and only indoor trampoline park and is home to a range of exciting activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

If you feel like being a bit of a dare devil, Todd’s Leap in Ballygawley or The Jungle in Moneymore offer activities including clay pigeon shooting, zipline ,zorbing as well as off road driving.

Learn Something New

For something a little different why not try the Long Line Surf School in Limavady, Co Derry~Londonderry. Make this year the year you learn to ride the waves with fully trained surf coaches with ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) and Beach Lifeguard qualifications.

If you would like to become a ‘master chef’ and impress your friends and family with delicious meals, the Belle Isle cookery school in Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh offers private cookery lessons as well as themed classes such as Family Favourites, Fresh from the Sea and Made in Italy.

Welig Heritage Crafts in Portaferry is perfect for anyone feeling crafty and adventurous in 2015 as they teach a whole host of workshops including basketmaking, blacksmithing, felting, wood or stone carving and spinning.

Treat Yourself

It might be something you always say you will do so be sure to make a date with one of Northern Ireland’s luxurious spas. Special spa offers are currently available at the Galgorm Resort & Spa in Ballymena, Corick House & Spa in Clogher, Lodge Hotel in Coleraine, and the Merchant Hotel in Belfast.

Take things down a notch and enjoy a scrumptious Afternoon Tea with friends or loved ones as you unwind with a selection of finger sandwiches and delicate pastries.  Afternoon Tea is available around Northern Ireland at the Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen, Corick House in Clogher, the Everglades Hotel in Derry, The Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh, The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, the Slieve Donard in Newcastle, the Argory in Dungannon and the Merchant Hotel in Belfast.

For more information on things to do in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre.

As January draws to a close, The Market Place Theatre in Armagh continues to brighten those dark winter nights with the best in live entertainment.

Grainne Duffy is a unique talent, raw and powerful, edgy and elegant. So far in her short career, Grainne has already graced the stage at Glastonbury for three electric performances and has toured much of Europe. Recently Grainne was asked to open for Jools Holland on his tour and she and her band graced the stage for three rapturous nights. Her wonderful mix of blues rock and soul in her own material and her treatment of a few carefully selected standards charged with true emotion and feeling can win over any audience and leave you begging for more. Grainne will perform at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Saturday 31^st January at 8pm. Tickets are priced £14 each.

Then on Sunday 1^st February, it’s time for a few laughs! Over to comedy legend Jimmy Cricket!

“I’m the Irish Comedian who has the funny hat and wears my wellies on the wrong feet. I’m coming home to take part in a great night of comedy and bringing some of my comedy friends with me. There’s the First Lady of Irish Comedy, May McFettridge. Remember to choose your seats carefully, don’t arrive too late and do not under any circumstance leave your seat during the performance or May will find you. Then there’s Neil Dougan, he’s one of Mammy’s new comedy favorites. He was bitten by the comedy bug following his first ever visit to a comedy club, then two weeks later walked onto the same stage with his own routine and some antihistamine tables, Savlon and a wee plaster just in case he got bitten by another bug! My old mate Gene Fitzpatrick will be telling stories from his new DVD ‘Turning Back the Years’. I must close now but can’t wait to get home and tell you all the news from my mammy. P.S. Hosted by May McFettridge’s driver . . . John Linehan!”

Tickets to see Jimmy and his pals are priced £18.

Tickets for all performances can be booked 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.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (January 18 – 24).

• The Bee Gees Story, Millenium Forum, Newmarket Street, Derry~Londonderry, Co Londonderry, January 23. Enjoy this live concert tribute, featuring their incredible songs spanning over four decades. The six piece live band blends the classic hits, acoustic medleys, songs written for other major artists and dance floor fillers, to tell the story of the Bee Gees.

• Dirty Dancin in le Shebeen, MAC, 10 Exchange Street West, Belfast, until January 25. Have ‘The Time of Your Life!’ as the loveable Maggie Muff is back with a bang in the highly anticipated sequel to 50 Shades of Red White and Blue. This one-woman show will have you crying with laughter as you are invited to follow the antics of Maggie and Big Sally-Ann in their new adventure.

• Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia – Coppelia, Grand Opera House, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, January 20. Perfect for first-time ballet goers, families and everyone in-between this is a charming performance set in a doll maker’s workshop. Coppelia is a light-hearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers that follows mischievous Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz and the eccentric toymaker Dr.Coppelius as they are brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes.

• Grainne Duffy, Courtyard Theatre, 585 Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, January 24. Grainne Duffy is a unique talent, raw and powerful, edgy and elegant. Influenced by bands such as The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac and The Pretenders, Grainne sings a wonderful mix of blues, rock and soul that encapsulates the audience.

• An Evening with Dominic Kirwan, Ardhowen Theatre, 97 Dublin Road, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, January 24.  Dominic Kirwan, one of Ireland’s best and most popular concert performers, embarks on a nationwide concert tour that stops off in Enniskillen. Dominic’s show features songs from his many albums as well as others from right across the country and pop music spectrum.

• The Newry Pantomime – Cinderella, Newry Town Hall, Bank Parade, Newry, Co Down, until January 24. It’s time to raise the curtain for one of the main Newry events of the year, a popular, exciting and fun event that aims to raise money for charity. It also gives many young people an opportunity to appear on stage and show off their talents.

• International Gala, The Braid Arts Centre, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, Co Antrim until January 24. Ballymena Inter-Ethnic Forum in Partnership with The Braid Arts Centre presents the Annual International Gala. Join the showcase and celebrate the talent among the diverse cultures that live in the Ballymena Borough, regionally and in the UK.

• Juno & The Paycock, Market Place Theatre, Market Street, Co Armagh, January 23-24. Sean O’Casey’s ‘Juno & The Paycock’ is one of the true classics of the Irish theatre. The play looks at the effects of the civil war on a Dublin household already crippled by economic hardship and the efforts, mainly by the mother, to keep the family on an even keel.

• The Sunshine Boys by Neil Simon Street, Strule Arts Centre, Town Hall Square, Omagh, Co Tyrone, January 18. Follow the enticing story of Al and Willie who were once a top-billed comic duo.  Now they aren’t even speaking.  When they are invited to appear in a ‘History of Comedy’ retrospective, a grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memories, miseries and laughs.

• David Meade: Million Dollar Mind Reader, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Co Antrim, January 24. The BBC Million Dollar Mentalist David Meade is taking to the stage hot on the heels of his ground-breaking USA TV special which saw him beat all odds and become the first mentalist ever to crack a Las Vegas Casino.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.