Caustic, Sobering and Hilariously Funny! – Brand New Play at Millennium Forum

She’s back!  Irene Melaugh returns to the Millennium Forum next week with the second in her trilogy from the ‘Dumped Divorcee’ stables – ‘The Dumped Divorcee Support Group Rides Again!’ and it’s a scream!

On at the Forum for four nights starting Wednesday, January 31^st, the follow-on from the original critically acclaimed show, with a cast that includes some ‘new and outrageous characters’, according to Irene.

‘The Dumped Divorcee Support Group’ saw the divorcees ride off into the sunset with
their new partners to live happily ever after. Right? Wrong!

Part one of the trilogy saw the three childhood friends start another chapter in their lives with new partners.

But Rosie and Eileen are now homeless and now living with Maura in her two bedroomed house and the situation is explosive. Eileen has been de-robed and thrown out of the convent. Rosie has left her man because he was wearing out all her clothes. And Eugene. . . . . well, there’s another story!  Looking forward to the first night, the lady herself said this one will have everything and even a Roger will make an appearance!

“I really had a ball writing The Dumped Divorcee Support Group Rides Again” said Irene. “It’s a story that more and more people can identify with. A story of divorce, of being thrown back out there into the jungle of dating among the wild and idiotic characters these less than lucky women attract.”

“Yes, the Three Degrees – Maura, Rosie, Eileen and the increasingly desperate Eugene decide to give The Dumped Divorcee Support Group one more try. It couldn’t be any worse than the first disaster. Could it?’’ laughs Irene.

In a word, yes! The cow-clapped Roger-Over-And-Out reappears from Donegal and attempts to sweep Maura off her feet. Eileen’s ex-husband Jack has decided that even though he’s had a sex change and is now Jacklyn, he wants Eileen back!

As for Rosie, she lives in the hope that just one normal man will find his way to the group.

So, for a great night’s craic and side-splitting comedy why not come along to the Millennium Forum, Wednesday-Saturday, 31^st Jan.-3rd February.

The Dumped Divorcee Support Group Rides Again performs at the Millennium Forum from Wed 31^st Jan to Sat 3^rd February. Tickets are now on sale from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

As many celebrate the poetry of Robert Burns this week during Burns Night, Seamus Heaney HomePlace are preparing for ‘Pronounced in the Place’ (Friday 16th – Sunday 25th February), a series of events inspired by the essay by Seamus Heaney on Burns’s poetry, including conversation with John Gordon Sinclair (Gregory’s Girl), and music from Elsafty, Armstrong and Browne and Scottish songstress, Eddi Reader.

The essay celebrates Seamus Heaney’s love for the poetry of Robert Burns, his belief in the power of words and poetry to connect rather than divide and the joy of language found in Ulster Scots, Gaelic and the everyday colloquial phrases of Ulster.

Pronounced in the Place is supported by The Executive Office through District Council Good Relations Programme supported by Mid Ulster District Council.

The series of events kicks off on Friday 16th February with ‘Collapsing The Distance’ a discussion panel that will explore the tradition, language and culture of Ulster Scots and how it relates to Heaney’s arguments in Burns’s Art Speech. The panel comprises Damian Smyth, Matthew Warwick, Frank Ferguson, Nelson McCausland, Carol Baraniuk and John Erskine.

No celebration of Seamus Heaney’s ‘Burns Art Speech’ would be complete without Robert Crawford. A friend of Heaney’s, Crawford is Burns’s biographer and editor of the original collection in which that essay appeared. His talk on Saturday 17th February will provide new ways of seeing, of hearing and of feeling Burns’s poetry.

So, Sing On With Eddi Reader (SOLD OUT) will showcase her 2013 album ‘Sings the Songs of Robert Burns’ on Saturday 17th February, in what promises to be a highlight of the mini-festival!

A growing interest in the life and work of Ian Cochrane suggests a revival of his reputation as a writer of note. Originally from Cullybackey, County Antrim, Cochrane’s novels explored village life in Northern Ireland in the 1960s and 1970s, using dark humour and Ulster Scots language to create a strong sense of people and place. ‘Cullybackey Gothic: An Ian Cochrane Revival’ (Thursday 22nd February) includes the launch of a new edition of Cochrane’s novel ‘F for Ferg’.

Cathal Buí Mac Giolla Ghunna (c.1680-c.1756) was a Gaelic lyricist, songmaker and poet with firm connections to the Bréifne/ Fermanagh area but who ranged all over Ulster. Native of Benburb, Dr. Charles Dillon’s lecture on Saturday 24th February will examine the work of Cathal Buí and establish his place in the vibrant legacy of Gaelic poetry and song of south Ulster in the period.

Elsafty, Armstrong & Browne will provide a vibrant evening of music and song in the penultimate event in the series on Saturday 24th February as they evoke the unique sound of early Ireland, combining the unmistakable voice of Róisín Elsafty, one of our finest sean-nós singers, with the hauntingly beautiful sound of the medieval Irish harp, played by Ireland’s foremost historical harper, Siobhán Armstrong, woven together with Ronan Browne’s flutes, whistles and 170-year-old pipes.

Scottish actor and novelist, John Gordon Sinclair is no stranger to success. His breakout role as Gregory in the 1981 film Gregory’s Girl made him a household name. Now, with three novels under his belt, he is as respected for his writing as he is for his performing.

John has made no secret of his love for Robert Burns and has recorded several of his poems for the BBC. This entertaining event on Sunday 25th February to close the programme will see John chat to Hugh Odling-Smee about his writing, acting and love of the spoken and written word.

For further information and to book for any of the events, visit www.seamusheaneyhome.com or call Box Office on 028 7938 7444.

 

An exciting on-stage reading adventure is coming to Limavady.

Over the course of one day, ‘To Kill a Mocking Bird’, a classic of modern American literature, will be presented chapter by chapter in a unique initiative called ‘Book Your Chapter!’

Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, with support from Libraries NI, is seeking 31 individuals or groups to present each of the 31 chapters on stage – you can read it, act it, dance it, put it to music, film it, puppet it or present it in another language.

Readers, performers, local personalities, community groups and young people are invited to bid to present their favourite chapter. Whatever your age, language or medium, we want ideas big and small.

The Harper Lee novel, first published in 1960, has appealed to readers for generations thanks to its well-loved characters Scout and Atticus, Jem and Tom Robinson and enduring themes of justice and childhood, racism and disability that will resonate with many different people.

Information on the 31 chapters and the form to bid for your favourite chapter, is available through Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre and Libraries NI website.

Forms can be returned at any time up to Friday 2^nd February.

A wide range of different ideas will be presented to audiences on Wednesday 21^st March – bringing the book to life on stage in an epic and memorable way.

For more information please contact Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on 028 7776 0650, email edel.murphy@rvacc.co.uk or to download an application form go to www.roevalleyarts.com

ENDS

LAST TIME EVER TO SEE “BRITNEY: PIECE OF ME” EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TOUR

Tickets For Her Award-Winning and Record-Setting Show Go On Sale Saturday 27 January at 9am

Go To https://www.britneyspears.com/

LOS ANGELES, CA (January 23, 2018) – Legendary pop icon Britney Spears has announced her exclusive last time ever, limited tour of her award-winning and record-breaking show, “Britney: Piece of Me.”

For the first and only time, “Britney: Piece of Me” will visit Dublin’s 3Arena on 20 August for fans that were not able to see the show in Las Vegas.

This tour follows Britney’s record-breaking, four-year headlining residency, “Britney: Piece of Me” at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, where Britney received rave reviews from both critics and fans alike since opening in Dec. 2013.  As the first contemporary superstar resident in the city, Britney and Caesars Entertainment pioneered the groundbreaking paradigm shift and revitalized the modern era of entertainment in Las Vegas in Planet Hollywood’s world-class theater. With over 250 shows, the record-setting residency was sold out on a regular basis, generating over $140 million gross revenue and selling nearly 1 million tickets.

“Britney: Piece of Me” was voted the “Best Resident Performer,” “Best Production Show,” “Best Bachelorette Party” and “Best Bachelor Party” by readers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal.  Hollywood’s biggest names, such as; Beyoncé, Jay Z, Lady Gaga, Anna Kendrick, Nick Jonas, Miley Cyrus, Kirsten Dunst, Chloë Grace Moretz, Calvin Harris, Sia, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry and Steven Tyler have all attended “Piece of Me.”

This exclusive US East Coast and Europe tour is the last time anybody will see the show.  Initial demand for the “Britney: Piece of Me” tour, which will visit intimate venues on the US East Coast to really capture the look and feel of the Las Vegas show, is overwhelming, with only limited tickets available.  Elizabeth Arden, the exclusive global licensee of the award-winning Britney Spears fragrances since 2004, will be one of the sponsors of the “Britney: Piece of Me” tour.  Pepsi is a proud partner of the US East Coast “Piece of Me” tour, continuing a relationship with Britney that has lasted for more than 15 years.

Multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning pop icon Britney Spears is one of the most successful and celebrated entertainers in pop history with nearly 150 million records worldwide. In the U.S. alone, she has sold more than 70 million albums, singles and songs, according to Nielsen Music. Born in Mississippi and raised in Louisiana, Spears became a household name as a teenager when she released her first single “…Baby One More Time,” a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 smash and international hit that broke sales records with more than 20 million copies sold worldwide and is currently 14x Platinum in the U.S. Her musical career boasts countless awards and accolades, including six Billboard Music Awards and Billboard’s Millennium Award, which recognizes outstanding career achievements and influence in the music industry as well as an American Music Award and the 2011 MTV Video Vanguard Award. So far, Spears has earned a total of six No.1-debuting albums on the Billboard 200 chart and 22 top 40 hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100 — four of which went to No. 1. Spears has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and won for Best Dance Recording in 2005.

Her cutting-edge pop concert Las Vegas residency, “Britney: Piece of Me,” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino has been voted “Best Show in Las Vegas” and “Best Bachelorette Show in Las Vegas.”  Spears also has been creating fragrances for over ten years, and currently has over 20 fragrances available in over 85 countries around the world.

 

Tickets from €69.50 including booking and facility fees go on sale this Saturday at 9am

 

Benjamin Gould brings his sparkling comic wit to Shakespeare’s Macbeth at Theatre at The Mill on Thursday 1 February.

 

Seamlessly fusing modern comedy and drama with classical verse, this adaptation brings new life, energy and insight to the classic play. This is ‘Macbeth’ like you’ve never seen it – physical, guttural and intelligent – full of energy, comedy and all of the darkness and death that keeps audiences coming back to Shakespeare’s classic.

Following on from our sell-out production ‘Shakespeare’s Women’, Commedia of Errors Theatre Company return, doing what they do best. ‘That Scottish Play’ is a brand-new show adapted, directed and performed by Benjamin Gould and features local actors Rosie McClelland and Conor Hinds. Three performers play all of the characters of the original Shakespeare play. This adaptation has been given a complete Commedia dell’Arte makeover; keeping all of its truth and tragedy and combining it with our trademark physical theatre, slapstick comedy and stunning mask play.

The production is a perfect introduction to both Shakespeare and Commedia dell’Arte, and is perfect for people new to the genre, whilst offering new insights to old hands.

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The 33-mile way marked walking route stretching from Portstewart to Ballycastle, passes iconic locations including the Giant’s Causeway and Ballintoy Harbour; made famous by its use in the award-winning HBO television series Game of Thrones.

 

Other sights along the rugged shoreline include secluded white sandy beaches, quaint fishing villages, ancient castle ruins and clifftops boasting some of the finest coastal views in Europe.

Celebrating all that is great about walking in Northern Ireland, award categories this year included favourite walk destination and routes as well as the best views, festivals and events with over 1,900 votes being cast via WalkNI.com

Jayne Woodrow who manages WalkNI.com commented, “Our most competitive awards to date, with its spectacular views, sandy beaches and rugged clifftop paths, it’s easy to see why the Causeway Coast Way came out on top. We highly recommend exploring this trail for yourself, whether you walk it in its entirety over a few days or discover it in sections.”

Delighted to hear of the area’s achievements, The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE explained, “People often visit familiar attractions in the Causeway Coast and Glens, such as the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Many have yet to discover the phenomenal views from the Causeway Coast Way which make it an attraction in itself. It’s fantastic to see the clifftop walk recognised as the best coastal walk in Northern Ireland and we look forward to welcoming more walkers to this area of unique natural beauty.”

Visit WalkNI.com for a full list of award winners and for more information the winning trails, upcoming walking festivals, events and downloadable walk guides.

HASTINGS Hotels has commenced its recruitment drive for the Grand Central Hotel starting with the prestigious role of General Manager.

Northern Ireland’s leading collection of hotels is creating up to 150 positions for the new hotel which opens its doors in June following a £53M investment.

Other roles also currently being recruited include Operations Manager, Front Office Manager, Housekeeping Manager, Food & Beverage Manager and Executive Head Chef.

Mark McGurnaghan, Group Human Resources Manager for Hastings Hotels said: “When the Grand Central opens it will be Northern Ireland’s largest hotel and an exciting place for people in the hospitality industry to work.

The position of General Manager will be a demanding role and we require a confident, hospitality experienced professional who can drive the standards of service synonymous with the Hastings Hotels Group through strong leadership of the 150 employees,” Mark continued.

“Following on from this, we will then begin recruiting for staff at all levels for each department throughout the Grand Central. As NI’s largest independent hotel group we pride ourselves on providing guests with a first-class service every time and as part of this we carry out in-depth training and employee development programmes making Hastings Hotels an excellent company for people with a passion for hospitality to work for,” Mark concluded.

The Grand Central Hotel will bring the new era of modern hotel luxury to Belfast with its timeless design, classic service and true style that promises all guests a captivating experience. With 300 luxurious bedrooms, a range of dining options, rooftop lounge, retail units and a range of superbly appointed offices, it will be the ideal base for leisure and business guests.

For further information on the role of General Manager and the other jobs currently being recruited go to www.hastingshotels.com/jobs or to register your interest for positions at the Grand Central Hotel due to be recruited in the coming months email Mark McGurnaghan – mmcgurnaghan@hastingshotels.com

Don’t miss out on O Duo’s exciting family classical concerts this February mid-term!

 

Ards and North Down Borough Council welcomes the award-winning percussionists O Duo to Portico, Portaferry on Friday 16 February and Bangor Castle on Saturday 17 February, as part of a Moving On Music tour.

The pair performs an incredible mix of classical music suitable for the whole family alongside popular classics from TV and film; expect everything from Chopin to Harry Potter and audience participation delivered with humour and energy by two impeccable musicians.

Their huge selection of percussion including marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, drum kit, African and Brazilian drums, and a multitude of handheld instruments, is sure to have you tap, slap, and click for days after.

O Duo has performed across the world from the BBC Proms to Al Bustan and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and is renowned for their phenomenal artistry. As inspiring educators they have been appointed Artistic Directors of the Children’s Classic Concerts series in Scotland.

Fill your midterm break with the sounds of O Duo. Best suited for ages 5+.

 

FRI 16^th FEB 7PM

PORTICO, PORTAFERRY

TICKETS: £5

WWW.PORTICOARDS.COM

T: 028 4272 8808

Having sold out last time at the MAC, Looking Deadly is back in Belfast next week for 2 nights only.

The Mac caught up with actor Keith Singelton to chat about the show, the laughs and the love of acting!

How did you come up with the show concept?

Niamh came up with the idea for the show. Niamh is full of ideas. Most of them are good. Niamh worked at a Funeral Directors many moons ago. She used to make the wreathes and apply the make-up to the deceased. It was during this time that the first seed for ‘Looking Deadly’ was sewn.

What can we expect on the night?

I’d say expect a whole heap of laughs, bags of characters, a top storyline and two performers sweating as if they were doing a marathon, but in fact, they are just spinning a coffin.

Tell us a little about your character. 

Which one? We both play many. I’ll tell you about Paddy & Eddie. I love them in the play. They are two oul lads who have got one eye on the free bar and one eye on the widow. Old and decrepit, that won’t stop them from getting the most out of a sad occasion, even it means fighting each other to the death!

Do you find it hard to keep a straight face when acting such hilarious scenes?

We pull so many faces during the show and hardly any of them are straight! I think the show moves at such a pace that there’d be no time for finding ourselves hilarious. Niamh is the funniest person I know and I’m constantly laughing with / at her, but once the show starts we are in the zone! And by zone, I mean, biting our lips works well.

What do you love most about being an actor?

The attention. My Girlfriend gives me none. She did at the start but I’m cursing the day she learned how to ‘switch off’. Ah no, I love the variety. One week I could be Peter Pan (admittedly a fairly old looking Peter Pan), the next I could a Funeral Director. I still find acting so exciting. I’m at it fifteen years now and I’m like a kid at Christmas when a new job is about to start.

Why should people come see this show?

Because it is unofficially the greatest show EVER! Or, because it’s no fun performing to no people. Ahem, or…. It’s superbly entertaining. Jam packed with the craic but also full of heart. It’s only an hour long but you might be wondering how we get so much into the hour. Sometimes, we do the show in fifty seven minutes, but that’s only when Niamh has been eating Pick ‘n’ Mix.

One of music’s true legends, Sir Van Morrison, returns to the Millennium Forum on Sunday 6 May as part of The City of Derry Jazz Festival

 

The multi award winning singer, composer and performer will be showcasing songs from his most recent studio albums Roll with the Punches and Versatile – as well as dipping into some of his greatest and best known hits from undoubtedly one of the most revered back catalogues in music history.

Late last year Van Morrison released two albums, Roll with the Punched and Versatile, positive proof that Van Morrison is built differently to other artists. One of very few British recording artists to warrant the description ‘living legend’, Van is currently working at a rate to put musicians a third of his age to shame; an ethic that harks back to his early days as a recording artist who’d easily release multiple brilliant long players within the space of a year.

While Roll with the Punches saw Van revisit many of the definitive rhythm and blues records that have stayed with him all his life, Van’s latest album Versatile, sees him delve further back into recorded music’s archives to interpret some of the 20^th century’s greatest vocal jazz standards.

“Recording songs like these – especially the standards – gave me the chance to stretch out vocally and get back to the music that originally inspired me to sing – jazz!” – Van Morrison

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr. Maolíosa McHugh said he is delighted Van Morrison is making a long awaited return to the City of Derry Jazz Festival in 2018 saying it was a huge coup for the festival. He said:

“The Council, as organisers of the City of Derry Jazz Festival, is delighted to be working alongside the Millennium Forum & MCD to secure this top quality act for the festival. The last time Van Morrison performed as part of the Jazz Festival was back in 2012 and we are delighted to have him back this year. We are confident he will be a huge draw for jazz and blues music fans from all over the island of Ireland and are looking forward to another hugely successful May Bank Holiday weekend of festival fun.”

Don’t miss this very special performance by one of music’s most inspirational artists at this year’s City Of Derry Jazz Festival.

Tickets go on-sale this Friday, 19 January at 9am and are priced £64.50 and £70.50.  Telephone the Box Office on 71 264455 or visit millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.