Comedy writing and acting duo Caroline Curran and Julie Maxwell have teamed up for a bawdy and hilarious take on the perennial Christmas classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’.

This year’s big festive show at Theatre at The Mill ‘It’s a Wonderful Wee Christmas’ combines all the charm of the original heart-warming story with some added Belfast banter.

This is the fourth Christmas show penned by and starring the two best pals and they have brought together the familiar team of Paddy Buchanan, Jimmy Doran and Abi McGibbon and director Finn Kennedy.

Julie said: “It’s my favourite film because it has such a big heart and I knew that it would transfer well to modern day Belfast where family and friends are all important, especially at Christmas.”

Instead of 1940’s small town America it’s set in modern day Belfast where an angel is more likely to get wings by downing a can of Red Bull than helping out a troubled soul and ‘Every time a Bell rings…..’  it means last orders at the bar.

Central to this seasonal tale is Geordie Bailey, the big hearted manager of the Credit Union who is the heart of his community, helping his cash-strapped customers eke out enough to enjoy Christmas.

Just like the Jimmy Stewart character, Geordie’s ambition to travel and see the world has been stymied and he reaches the end of his rope when his office is robbed on Christmas Eve.

Stepping in to save the day is very unorthodox angel, Clara Crackingbody, a potty-mouthed force of nature far removed from the gentle Clarence Peabody of the Frank Capra version.

Clara descends from ‘upstairs’ to convince Geordie that life is worth living and ‘no man is a failure who has friends’.

It’s a Wonderful Wee Christmas is full of topical jokes. In this modern day Belfast fable nothing runs smoothly – bus lanes, the Glider or ‘Stormount’ but daily life goes on with a combination of resignation and black humour.

Will Clara Crackingbody get her wings? Will she help save Geordie and the credit union? Find out in ‘It’s a Wonderful Wee Christmas’ at Theatre at The Mill from December 4-31.

For tickets go to www.theatreatthemill.com or call Box Office T: 028 9034 0202

Young Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice patients and their families had the chance to enjoy some festive cheer at the exclusive launch of Titanic Belfast’s Magical Christmas Experience.

Titanic Belfast invited the families to the world leading attraction to see Father Christmas arrive and launch the Magical Christmas Experience.

The event enabled families to start the festive season at the visitor attraction where they stepped through the Old Curiosity Shop to enter into the Elves’ Workshop, join Mrs Claus at her cosy kitchen, hear Christmas tales, enjoy festive games, badge making, look up their names on the naught or nice list and meet Father Christmas himself.

Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive Judith Owens, commented: “Christmas is a truly magical time of year and our Experience is all about embracing festive cheer and creating unique memories, which couldn’t be more important for the children and their families. We are delighted to support Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice by adding some sparkle to families this festive season, and hope the Experience will be a shining memory for them.”

Grace Stewart, Head of Children’s Services at Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice said: “We are delighted that Titanic Belfast invited our patients and their loved ones to a very special Christmas experience. Christmas can be a challenging time for some, so it is important families get opportunities like this to be together.”

Titanic Belfast’s Magical Christmas Experience runs until 23 December. To book, visit www.titanicbelfast.com

The Dicken’s mystical Christmas fable – ‘A Christmas Carol’ is brought to you at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh, on Sunday 25 November.

Olivier Award winner, Guy Masterson, brings us Dickens’ classic festive fable. Famed for bringing multiple characters to vivid life, Masterson recreates Scrooge, Marley, the Fezziwigs, Tiny Tim and more, in an enchanting performance that will dazzle and linger long in the memory.

Guaranteed to get you into the Christmas Spirit – in more ways than one!

‘Just when you thought you’d seen enough Christmas Carols to guide you to your grave, along comes one of the best yet!’ BBC Radio.

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.

 

North Down Museum’s Christmas Craft Market is taking place this weekend, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 November.

 

A popular date on the shopping calendar, the market will be packed with a total of 20 local artists and crafters providing an array of handmade goods, ideal for those special stocking fillers.

Come along and browse the stalls which will be dotted around the historical museum building – start your Christmas shopping or even finish it!

Coffee Cure, the museum café will be open throughout the event where visitors can enjoy tea, coffee, lunch and snacks.

There will be live music in the café from 1pm – 3pm on both days. Up and coming talent Courtney Craig will be performing on the Saturday and popular local artists Rachel McCarthy and Stephen Macartney will be playing on Sunday.

Speaking about the Christmas Craft Market, North Down Museum Manager, Heather McGuicken said; ‘The Museum’s Christmas Market is a fun and festive way to purchase unique, local, hand crafted items for your loved ones.  Come and see something different while shopping this year’.

 

The market runs from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday 24 and 12pm to 4.30pm on Sunday 25 November. Parking and admission is free at North Down Museum.

For more information on the Christmas Craft Market and other events and exhibitions, visit www.northdownmuseum.com

 

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

This year’s Christmas spectacular, ‘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!!

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. Tickets are selling fast, with the best availability remaining on the last week.

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.

 

This Christmas, the MAC is delighted to announce it will once again be collaborating with award-winning children’s theatre company Cahoots NI for a magical production of the classic fairytale, The Elves and The Shoemaker.

Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.

Based on the much-loved story by the Brothers Grimm, The Elves and The Shoemaker is the uplifting story of a kind-hearted tradesman who has fallen on hard times and is assisted by a mischievous band of nocturnal fairy folk. Suitable for all ages, audiences will need to keep their eyes peeled for some of the fairyland’s best-known characters who just might pop up to make it Belfast’s funniest, festive family show.

As ever with the MAC’s Christmas shows, expect a unique twist on the traditional fairytale format with a funny script co-written by Simon Magill and Stephen Beggs, under the direction of Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, and an enchanting festive score from Garth McConaghie.

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC has said, “Simply put, this year’s Christmas show promises to be absolutely spectacular. With the inimitable Sean Kearns as our eponymous shoemaker and some stellar performances from the likes of Clare Barrett and Jolene O’Hara, we’re really excited to revive this classic story for a modern family audience.”

Paul Bosco McEneaney adds: “We are very excited to be back at the MAC this Christmas after the huge success of Under the Hawthorn Tree in September. The Elves and the Shoemaker is packed with Cahoots NI’s signature magical touch and we cannot wait to welcome audiences into the Elfin world we have created!”

The show will run from Tuesday 27^th November until Saturday 6^th January, but with tickets selling out fast, book now to avoid disappointment! Avail of discount prices when you purchase a Family Saver ticket, valid Monday to Friday, which will save you 10% when you purchase 4 tickets or more.

This has been the busiest year for school bookings, with schools making a visit to the MAC an annual Christmas tradition. MACtile Tours, the MAC’s award-winning initiative to make the theatre a more relaxing experience for children with Autism Sensory Disorders, continues to bring the magic of theatre to more and more audiences. School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.

School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC For more information about the show or to book tickets for your festive family trip to the MAC, visit themaclive.com.

As part of the NI Science Festival, Titanic Belfast and The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), are calling all whizz kids to get involved with its annual STEM Quest (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths challenge).

To date, over 170 teams from across Northern Ireland have competed, with Lumen Christi triumphing last year.

Titanic Belfast and CCEA are now on the lookout for this year’s best science, technology, engineering and maths Key Stage 3 (1st – 3rd year) quiz teams of four to compete and test their knowledge against their peers from across the region, in a bid to become Northern Ireland’s top team.

The teams will compete in a ‘University Challenge style’ Grand Final, hosted again by well-known personality, Joe Lindsay, at Titanic Belfast on 12^th February 2019. The closing date for entries for the STEM Quiz is 19^th January 2019, spaces are limited and will be given on a first come first serve basis. To enter, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Siobhan McCartney, Titanic Belfast’s Learning and Outreach Manager, commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to host our fourth STEM Quest Challenge supported by CCEA. To date, we have seen over 170 schools compete, and it is brilliant to see so many schools, teachers and pupils get involved and compete at such a high standard every year, especially as the need for Northern Irish STEM graduates grows. We are looking forward to this year’s competition so if you are science mad, geek chic or a mathematical whiz kid get your teacher to sign up and get involved!”

Justin Edwards, CCEA’s Chief Executive commented: “CCEA are delighted to be working together with Titanic Belfast on this year’s STEM Quest challenge, as part of the NI Science Festival.  NI’s young people continue to display an interest and enthusiasm in STEM, with our latest figures showing that over 40% of all GCSE entries are STEM subjects. The competitive, learning, fun environment that the STEM Quest challenge offers learners is wonderful and something which CCEA are delighted to encourage”.

The event is just one of the Titanic Belfast’s learning and outreach activities. It now a total of eight workshops and three guided tours and was recently awarded the prestigious Sandford Award for Heritage Education, joining leading historic houses, museums, galleries, such as Hampton Court Palace, Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol and Edinburgh Castle.  For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com/learning.

This November Birmingham Royal Ballet brings the sunniest and funniest of ballets to the Grand Opera House with the ever-summery La Fille mal gardée (The Wayward Daughter).

Lise has a choice to make. Loaded country bumpkin or penniless, hunky farmhand? Of course, there’s no contest, but her mum has other ideas. Heels are dug in and sparks fly, as a mother-daughter battle ensues.

Mixing spectacular classical ballet with slick comedy, a clog-dancing dame and a super-cute pony, as well as live music by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, this is sure to be fantastic entertainment for you, your friends, and all your family!

★★★★ ‘Enchantingly and hilariously silly’ The Daily Telegraph
★★★★ ‘Unmissable’ The Daily Express
★★★★★ ‘If there is a happier ballet than Fille, then I do not know of it’ The Birmingham Post

 

Free Pre-Performance Talk
Friday 9 November 6.30pm. Call box office on 028 9024 1919 to reserve your place

A unique opportunity to hear about what it takes to be performance ready. Hear how Birmingham Royal Ballet stages its magnificent shows and what life is really like on the road. Talks are given by dancers of the Company as well as various members of staff .

Company class on stage
Saturday 11.45am | £10

Ever wondered what a ballet dancer does to prepare for a day of rehearsal and performance? This is your chance to watch an open Company class on stage and find out.

BOOK NOW

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Mid-Ulster!

From the switch on of a mile of Christmas lights in Cookstown, to the Christmas Market in Magherafelt, and a Magical Kingdom in Dungannon, you’ll be spoilt for Yuletide cheer this year in Mid Ulster.

The feast of festive events, organised by Mid Ulster District Council, kicks off on Friday 23^rd November at 6.30pm in Cookstown, with the switch on of the Christmas lights in the town.

Magherafelt Christmas Market is back bigger and better than ever this year, on Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th November, bringing more than 25 artisan food and craft stalls with tempting treats and wares for you to buy.

The switch on of Magherafelt’s Christmas lights, and accompanying street party and fireworks display will take place on Saturday 24^th from 6.30pm – 8.30pm in the town centre.

Meanwhile in Dungannon, over the weekend 24^th and 25^th November, Ranfurly House, and Hill of The O’Neill, will once again lead you into a Magical Christmas Kingdom, with a host of festive themed family entertainment including the lights switch on on the 24^th from 5.30pm.

The following weekend sees the turn of Maghera and Coalisland to launch their festive celebrations, with Christmas in Maghera celebrations happening in The Lurach Centre, Maghera Walled Garden and the town centre from 3pm on Saturday 1^st December. Mid Ulster’s Christmas celebration finale happens in Coalisland town centre from 3.30pm on Sunday 2^nd December.

For full details of these and other festive fun happening across the Mid Ulster District visit www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas.

 

Also, I noticed when I clicked the link on your website it took me through to our general what’s on page so can you make sure the link is taking you to just the Christmas events- the link is www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas.

One of Belfast’s biggest and most prestigious music events will take centre stage at the historic Ulster Hall on Thursday 15 November.

The NI Music Prize will mark its 6^th year by taking over Belfast’s famous music venue. The event celebrates the most exciting up and coming musical talent across the North and crowns the Northern Ireland album of the year.

Belfast City Council is supporting the event through its Amplifier project, which aims to enhance the city’s musical offering in line with the aspirations of its Belfast Agenda.

As the NI Music Prize continues to grow in stature year on year, organisers have introduced a number of new categories. Nominees have now been shortlisted for best single; best live and the Oh Yeah Contender Award, with winners being announced on the evening by a number of special guests.

In addition, one of the highlights of the evening will see Snow Patrol front man, Gary Lightbody awarded with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award.

BBC Radio Ulster’s Rigsy will compare the event, which promises to shine a light on local talent with many of the nominees across all four categories taking to the stage to perform.

Looking ahead to a packed night of entertainment Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, said; “The NI Music Prize shines a light on the amazing musical talent across Belfast and the wider region. The awards are growing from strength to strength, and it is fitting that they will now take place in the historic and unique surrounds of the Ulster Hall.

“Some of the world’s best known musicians have performed on that stage, and I have no doubt that the NI Music Prize will act as a springboard for our local talent to experience bigger things in their musical careers.

“It promises to be a fantastic night and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the show.”

The Ulster Hall has welcomed world famous acts through its doors, with artists and bands such as U2, Coldplay, Thin Lizzy, The Clash, The Rolling Stones, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, The Who, AC/DC gracing the stage to perform.

Charlotte Dryden, Chief Executive of the Oh Yeah Music Centre is excited about hosting the event in Ulster Hall. She said; “The Oh Yeah Music Centre is delighted to be able to bring the NI Music Prize back to the Ulster Hall. There is a tremendous amount of high quality music being produced in this part of the world, so much so that we felt confident enough to extend the number of categories to four this year.

“We are very proud of our music community and to be able to showcase just a small fraction of our best talent on one of the most iconic stages in Belfast is fantastic.

“Thanks to Belfast City Council and the Amplifier Fund for getting behind our plans to celebrate our very own home-grown and world class talent right here in Belfast.”

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, British Council, PRS, PPL, Invest Northern Ireland, Help Musicians NI and Tourism Ireland also support the NI Music Prize.

The NI Music Prize is part of a wider programme of events as part of the Sound of Belfast 2018. Organised by Oh Yeah Music Centre and supported by Belfast City Council, it aims to highlight and promote a great musical city. To find out more visit www.soundofbelfast.com.

Belfast City Council is giving away five pairs of tickets via an online competition. Applications can be made via the council website at https://dof.belfastcity.gov.uk/NIMusicPrize2018/

 

The event is open to the public and tickets for the evening cost £10. They are available via Ulster Hall website at tinyurl.com/NIMPrize.