The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is keeping the excitement going with a range of fabulous entertainment throughout January.

Get ready for an upbeat night of solid gold 60s hits and 80s contemporary genius as Barry Steel celebrates the musical legacy of the Roy Orbison in ‘The Roy Orbinson Story’.  Barry has been stunning audiences with his uncanny ability to recreate the vocal talents of the legendary Roy Orbison, winning rave reviews across the globe.  Barry Steele will perform The Roy Orbinson Story on Saturday 11 January. 

On 17 January, Dublin-born Ryan O’Shaughnessy takes to the stage. After playing the character Mark Halpin in RTE’s long running TV soap Fair City, Ryan began a career in music, going on to compete in TV shows such as The Voice of Ireland, Britain’s Got Talent and The Hit. During this time, Ryan’s self-penned song ‘No Name’ accumulated over 45 million hits on YouTube. He was then signed to Sony RCA in the UK, where he worked on his debut EP that reached No.1 in Ireland for two consecutive month.  His latest album ‘Back to Square One’ shows a clear maturity in his songwriting and musical taste, and he has just released his brand new single ‘Civil War’.

New for 2019, we bring you the magic of the big screen with a series of monthly film screenings, starting off with Lost in Translation on 24 January. See website for details of upcoming film screenings.

On 25 January, Kabosh Productions presents The Box, which reveals the incredible story of Olive Swanzy, a nurse from Co. Down who served during World War I. During her time in service, Olive kept autograph books that documented her time and those she encountered.   Watch as ‘The Box’ comes to life and tells the story of the men and women who placed their thoughts, hopes and dreams in the care of Olive’s autograph books.

Then to end the month on a high note we have the acclaimed one-man show, Frank Carson:  Rebel without a Pause, written and performed by Dan Gordon. The show takes us on a journey with Frank from his Belfast boyhood – where life was so tough even the arms on the chairs had tattoos – through his adventures in the army, and into the world of showbiz where he entertained Royalty, delighted Pope John Paul II and never forgot where he came from. A whirlwind comedy drama celebrating the man, the myth and the mouth – it’s a cracker!

Further details of events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked at 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.

Seamus Heaney HomePlace is delighted to announce The Unthanks will be taking to the Helicon stage as part of the Summer Events Programme.

Where does a band go after a symphonic journey that peaks with orchestral performances at the Royal Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall? Back to the beginning of course. Before fronting one of the most artistically brave and revered banks working today, Tyneside sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank grew up singing songs without accompaniment, in weaving, unschooled vocal harmony.

As if to prove that creativity should never be about ambition or aspiration, The Unthanks move on from their recent orchestral explorations by going back to what they know and do best – singing in unaccompanied harmony – joined on this tour by Unthanks member Niopha Keegan to make a vocal trio.

The three have already established a band within a band in The Unthanks, with the success of haunting harmony signature pieces like Magpie, recently brought to wider attention by Mackenzie Crook’s beautifully poignant series, Detectorists. On this tour, they fully explore their rich and unique vocal combinations, with brand new material and arrangements, alongside more familiar Unthanks material.

“They run from the root of folk music to the very tip of the branch.” Elvis Costello

“There are few times when you hear an album or discover a band and they stalk immediately to the heart of everything you love and hold dear.” Maxine Peake

“The Unthanks are capable of such beauty that sometimes I can hardly bear to listen to them. And sometimes, when I know I need it, I’ll listen to them to open me up and clean me out.” Martin Freeman

Tickets are available on the Seamus Heaney HomePlace website www.seamusheaneyhome.com and are priced at £22 per ticket.

 

The team behind the Santa Special trains, brought extra festive cheer to less fortunate families as they enjoyed a special steam train ride, whilst meeting Santa Claus!

Whitehead Railway Museum and The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) teamed up with the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul (SVP) on Saturday 1^st December to take around 100 parents and children on a magical journey, stretching from the city centre, along the scenic coastline to Whitehead town and a trip to Whitehead Railway Museum.

Children met Santa and his elves on the steam train and received a specially-chosen Christmas gift. Passengers travelled in style in one of the society’s enchanting steam locomotives, No. 85 Merlin, built in 1932. A Salvation Army band played atmospheric Christmas music, giving passengers a Christmas send-off.

Siobhan Dillon, Whitehead Railway Museum’s General Manager said, “The Santa Special is a wonderful experience for children and families alike. We are grateful to all those involved from the RPSI and respective charities who made this trip a memorable and magical day out.”

Kirsten Hewitt, the Salvation Army’s regional homelessness manager, said: “Christmas is ultimately about love. To bring children and families together is special and we are so grateful to everyone involved, we simply could not do the work we do without the generous support of others.”

Ulster Hall, Belfast: Saturday 28^th September 2019

More than 30 years ago, Ben Elton exploded into the national consciousness hosting Channel 4’s ground breaking Saturday Live. Now, after a 15 year absence, the Godfather of modern stand-up returns to the medium he did so much to define. Back on the road with an all new stand-up show, Ben promises to try and make sense of a world which appears to have gone stark raving mad.

As Ben says: “The last time I toured I was still smarter than my phone. Things have definitely taken a funny turn.”

The 53 date tour kicks off in Dublin on 27 September and then travels across the UK culminating in Torquay on 30 November.  Tickets for all shows will go on sale on Monday 10 December.

‘Just give him a stage and a microphone and Ben Elton is the best. No contest.’

The Sunday Times

‘There is nothing, absolutely nothing to beat Ben Elton live!’

Evening Standard

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 10^th DECEMBER at 10am

Tickets for the Ulster Hall are available:

In person at the Ulster Hall box office

By Telephone: 028 9033 4455
Book On Line: www.waterfront.co.uk / www.ulsterhall.co.uk

In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour): Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

CHRISTMAS SHOPPER

Travel in style from Whitehead or Carrickfergus to Belfast to do your Christmas shopping! Leave the car at home and enjoy the coastal scenery from your steam train as you head up to Belfast, where the attractions range from St George’s Market to the Christmas Market at City Hall, and of course all the shops and restaurants.

Produce your ticket and get a free Tea/Coffee on your way to Belfast.

Adult £10 / Child £5

For more info on tickets visit: https://bit.ly/2BSCsY6

AFTERNOON TEA

☕🍰 AFTERNOON TEA ☕🍰

The perfect Christmas present for an Afternoon Tea lover. Share this experience with a loved one and spend quality time together between Christmas and New Year!

🍰Dine in our atmospheric Edwardian Tea Room
🍰Enjoy delicious homemade treats
🍰Tea is served in our finest china
🍰£18 p.p
🍰Sat 29th Dec @ 2pm

☕Booking is essential as spaces fill up fast! Book now to avoid disappointment!☕ For more info and to book visit: https://bit.ly/2UhqXjV

 

 

Conleth Hendron and Annie Campbell get ready to ring in 2019 in Belfast’s most luxurious cocktail lounge, the Observatory in the Grand Central Hotel, where there will be a fabulous Roaring 20’s Cocktail Party on New Year’s Eve. Book your table for the night and you can sip on the finest cocktail and drinks selection and take in the unique views of Belfast and beyond. Tickets are priced at £100 per guest and include a welcome cocktail, 1/2 bottle of Bollinger, seasonal Tapas at 10pm and live musical entertainment from jazz & swing singer, James Huish and a piper at Midnight. To purchase, call the Observatory on 028 9023 1066.

NYE package availablepackage – £170pp sharing to include your ticket to the Roaring 20’s Cocktail Party, luxurious overnight accommodation with a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room, Full Irish Breakfast and 1pm check-out on New Year’s Day

If you’re looking for a festive night out in December then Portico in Portaferry is the place to be. It’s got a cracking line up of Country music celebrities coming plus not one but two carol concerts!

Country music stars Hugo Duncan, Dominic Kirwan, Owen Mac, Stephen Smyth and Country Harmony are all coming to Portico on Thursday 13 December. Starting at 7.30pm, the concert will be full of festive favourites all delivered in fine Country style.

Tickets cost £17 or £5 for the Under 25s. Concerts at Portico always finish in good time for the last ferry. For further information or to buy tickets visit www.porticoards.com or buy in person at The Rock Bakery in Portaferry.

On Tuesday 11 December ‘The Peninsula Choir Sings Christmas!’ Starting at 7.30pm, this all female choir are launching their new Christmas CD with a celebratory concert singing songs from the new album. The choir will be joined by special guests including Kirkistown Primary School choir. Tickets cost £6 or £3 for Under 18s and can be purchased online www.porticoards.com or at the door.

Begin the Christmas break, on Saturday 22 December at 7pm, with the NewQuay Singers at Portico’s beautifully atmospheric annual service of Nine Lessons and Carols. This year the choir will sing works by Lauridsen, Rutter, Wilcocks and Shaw amongst others plus the usual favourites for the congregation to sing. No tickets but donations will be requested (suggested donation £10).

 

Tickets are flying out the door for this year’s pantomime spectacular, ‘Aladdin’, at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre.

‘Aladdin’, will combine dazzling costumes, stunning sets, mischievous fun and thrilling musical numbers all wrapped up in an adventure unlike any you will have ever witnessed….oh yes it will!!

Leave winter behind this Christmas and escape to balmy oriental nights as The Market Place Theatre takes you on a high-flying, magical carpet ride headed for the exotic and mystical lands of the East.

Join a cast of well-loved characters including old Widow Twanky and her poor son Aladdin, and let your imagination take flight with this action-packed and mesmerizing pantomime. Times are tough but Aladdin’s life is dramatically changed when he falls in love with the most beautiful woman in the Kingdom. Enter the evilest baddie in the Kingdom, Abanazer. Will the evil Abanazer destroy Aladdin’s dreams to get rich and marry the Princess? A high-flying adventure you won’t want to miss.

Performances will run from Saturday 1 December, right up to Sunday 23 December, at a variety of times to suit all ages! Ticket prices range from £10 to £15.

To book your tickets for the most exciting pantomime of the season, phone the Box Office now on [028] 3752 1821. The house is sure to be packed to the rafters for this annual festive hit, so book now, before it’s too late! There are BSL signed, captioned and relaxed performances during the run. Please contact the Box Office for full details.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre 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.

It’s that time of year when nostalgia rules and that’s exactly what’s coming up at The Crescent.

If you were lucky enough to have experienced the epic parties in The Crescent Gym during the 90s and early 00s then you are in for a treat.  Even if you didn’t you are still in for a treat. Get ready as, on Saturday 8^th December, The Crescent will take a trip down memory lane, take back the Crescent Gym and give it a reboot for the first ever The Crescent Moon Club.

Just like back in the day The Crescent Moon Club will provide the best music Belfast and Northern Ireland has to offer.  The first event will feature three acts and a late night DJ set. The line-up for the evening includes:

Amy Montgomery is an Irish singer, songwriter with a powerful and raw voice. Together with Michael Mormecha (Drums) and Zach Trouton (Keys), the threesome deliver a fresh, edgy and original live performance.

Waking Android is the coming together of two well-known figures on the Belfast hip-hop scene, dsgrace & Kronus. Officially formed in October 2016 the duo have been  touring all over the country in the lead up to the release of Adrenochrome  which arrived in July 2017 to much fanfare across Irish hip-hop and beyond.

Headlining the event is the incredible The Tragedy of Dr Hannigan. The brainchild of Belfast’s musicians Tony Wright and Dean Stevens this blues-rocking duo slammed onto the Belfast music scene in 2017.

Belfast based duo Dimebag DJs will take you into night with a mix of disco, funk and electro beats.

The Crescent Moon Club event organiser Peter McCloskey said:

“ What a privilege it has been to create the first ever The Crescent Moon Club which will take place in the room where it began all those years ago.  Not only will there be an air of nostalgia but great anticipation for the brand new music acts who will perform on the evening.  We are delighted to bring to audiences some of the finest music acts from Belfast and across Northern Ireland. It’s an incredible line up for the first ever event and we hope this will become a regular event fixture at The Crescent.”

Roger Courtney, Director of The Crescent added:

“ We are very excited to launch the first ever The Crescent Moon Club. This is a great opportunity to show off one of Belfast’s best kept secrets for live music. This is guaranteed to be a fantastic evening but be quick as tickets won’t be around for long!”

The Crescent Moon Club (9pm-2pm) is an over 18s event with a Bring Your Own policy. Tickets can be pre booked at £15 or pay on the door for £18. For further details and to book tickets visit www.crescentarts.org

The Creative Peninsula Craft Fayre is taking place in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards on Friday 30 November and Saturday 1 December 2018, 10am – 5pm.

An array of local craft makers and artists will once again be giving you the opportunity to purchase a range of unique, local, handcrafted products.

The festive Fayre, now in its sixth year, is organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council. Join over 25 craft makers and artists in the galleries of Newtownards’ Arts Centre, including local ceramicist Ellen Cunningham, owner of Cula Ceramics, who is just back from exhibiting at a major exhibition in China.

Relax, enjoy complimentary refreshments and shop for that inspirational gift. Free gift wrapping is available. Admission is free.

On Friday the very talented harpist Ruth Corry will be performing between 12 – 1pm.

Then on Saturday florist Jill Hunter of ‘Wild and Wonderful Flowers’ will be demonstrating on how to decorate Christmas wreaths and festive arrangements throughout the day.

Speaking about the event, Emily Crawford Arts & Heritage Manager with Ards and North Down Borough Council said: “The Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre presents a unique opportunity to purchase a beautiful Christmas gift that is hand crafted in our Borough. You will find a variety of quality hand-crafted items ranging from art prints and illustrations, to pottery, papercraft, textiles and silver jewellery to name a few. Join us in the opulent setting of Ards Arts Centre’s galleries for a superior seasonal shopping experience.”