The Millennium Forum has just announced that former ‘Strictly’ star, Joanne Clifton will play the lead role of Alex Owens in the smash hit UK tour Flashdance – The Musical when it descends onto the stage for a week-long run in March.

Flashdance the Musical will perform at the cityside venue from Mon 19^th to Sat 24^th March as part of an extensive tour to 23 venues.

Having played to critical acclaim since August, Joanne Clifton is joined on stage by cast Ben Adams, Colin Kiyani, Rikki Chamberlain, Garry Lee Netley, Carol Ball, Sia Dauda, Hollie Ann Lowe, Simeon Beckett, Rhodri Watkins, Demmileigh Foster, Emily Kenwright, Ameila Rose Fielding, Alex Christian, Matt Concannon, Verity Jones, Ross Meagrow and Sasha Latoya.

Joanne Clifton is thrilled to be performing in this high energy dance musical:  ‘I am already having the best time ever on this tour and so am delighted to be staying on for 2018.  We have so much fun on stage and off, and I really am dancing like I’ve never danced before!’

Flashdance – The Musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of 18-year-old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer.  When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream.

Take your passion and make it happen!

Flashdance – The Musical performs at the Millennium Forum from Mon 19^th to Sat 24^th March 2018.  Tickets are now available from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

Ulster University’s Belfast Campus on York Street will play host to an extraordinary international exhibition, “Fashion & Freedom” which runs from the 9^th -28^th October, as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival.

Fashion & Freedom is part of 14-18 NOW, a five-year programme of arts experiences connecting people with the First World War.  14-18 NOW commission new work by leading contemporary artists across the spectrum of visual arts and design, theatre, film, dance, digital, music, poetry and mass participation events, inspired by the period 1914-1918.

One of the most significant evolutions at home during the First World War, was the huge change in women’s lives. More than one million women went to work for the first time. Some in munitions factories, driving buses and ambulances and inthe London Underground.

With new responsibilities women experienced new freedoms, including their clothing.  Tight corsets and heavy skirts were replaced by more natural and fluid silhouettes.

A century later, this era has inspired “Fashion & Freedom”, an ambitious, multi-faceted exhibition which examines the First World War fashion legacy, for the 21^st Century.

Richard Wakely, Festival Chief Executive says, much of this year’s Festival programme in one way or another touches upon the human and socio-political consequences of conflict and warfare from World War One through to the present day civil war in Syria. “Artists and events reflect on freedoms lost, freedoms gained and freedoms still to be won and none more so than the group exhibition, Fashion and Freedom, which is based on contemporary reflections of the costumes and clothing worn by women in the period 1914-18. The lives of Irish women during that period were impacted in many different ways. The campaign for female suffrage effectively ceased on the outbreak of the war but the contribution of women to the war effort was central to the extension of the franchise to women in 1918.”

“This local and all island context is reflected in new works specially contributed by students from the Ulster University’s Belfast School of Art which will sit alongside original and evocative designs by Holly Fulton, Roksanda, J JS Lee, Vivienne Westwood, Emilia Wickstead and Sadie Williams and several short new films from SHOWstudio and Luke Snellin. This is a terrific and thought provoking exhibition that is free to the public and not to be missed.”

180 students from the Textile Art, Design and Fashion and Ceramics, Jewellery and Silversmithing courses worked with staff, artists and designers in residence in an intense workshop focused on producing artwork, products and accessories on the suffragette theme.Embracing the mantra “Deeds not Words” they created a range of outfits, badges, brooches, emblems, jewellery and accessories with a colour palette purple, white and green, reflecting the suffragette movement’s colours and the central role handicrafts played. Fabrics are embellished with beading and embroidery. Household items such as whisks and pastry cutters have been transformed into jewellery.

Alison Gault, Ulster University Lecturer in Textile Art, Design and Fashion, said: “Ulster University is delighted to host this prestigious exhibition in its Belfast campus.  The show pays tribute to an era of radical change in women’s lives, which resulted in a huge shift in fashion, and will include pieces from leading female designers.

“It is the first time the exhibition has showcased in Northern Ireland and it’s a massive privilege for our students to be part of such a significant event.  Ulster University staff worked in collaboration with our artists in residence and students to add new pieces with a local context to the display.

“I am also honoured to have my own design showcased in the exhibition.  My work took inspiration from my grandmother, Lizzie Moore, who lived during this period and was a part of the suffragette movement.  In homage, I created a knit apron dress made from linen to reflect a time when Belfast was the linen capital of the world.”

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added, “As Principal Funder of the Belfast International Arts Festival, the Arts Council is proud to support this impressive exhibition inspired by women, through National Lottery and public funding.  By programming this high-quality, ambitious exhibition, featuring some of the biggest names in fashion, the Festival continues to bring the highest quality, top international work to Belfast; I would encourage everyone to go along.”

This is a large scale undertaking with an emotive theme.  Visitors will enjoy equally, the talents of our future stars, alongside the impressive work from international icons of fashion.

The Ulster University’s Belfast Campus also plays host to a panel discussion on Saturday 14^th October, “Women at Work”.  For more information on the 191 shows in this years’ Festival, please visit www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com.

The Rapparees will take to the stage at The Portico in Portaferry on Friday 20 October at the last Lough Lively Sessions event.

The Belfast-based band have been filling concert halls and theatres for 15 years and their rousing ballad style has captured audience’s hearts both at home and abroad.

The Rapparees are quintessentially a traditional vocal harmony band harking back to the likes of The Clancy Brothers, but with a modern kick. Their contemporary treatment of classic ballads and self-penned material will have any audience stomping and singing along.

At The Portico concert, the band will be showcasing lots of exciting new material alongside some of their old favourites. A night not to be missed!

Tickets cost £10 and are on sale now  at www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or www.porticoards.com. Show time is 7.30pm.

The Lough Lively music events are supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Join Cancer Focus NI on Sunday 29th October at Victoria Park, Belfast, 12 noon and turn yourself PINK for local breast cancer research.

The Pink Run will be a 5k course around the park which is an achievable distance for all ages and abilities. We are looking for runners, joggers and walkers to take part and get covered head to toe in pink powder!

To get involved or for more information please visit www.cancerfocusni.org/pinkrun

The newly refurbished organ in the Guildhall will have its moment to shine next month as the venue hosts the city’s first Organ Festival, with a packed programme featuring some of the very best local and international musicians.

The Festival is supported by the Royal College of Organists, in association with Derry City and Strabane District Council, The Honourable the Irish Society and Viscount Organs.

From October 19-21 music fans can enjoy a series of workshops, lunchtime recitals, evening concerts and master classes led by leading experts such as Catherine Ennis and Daniel Moult, and showcasing the talents of celebrated composers and artists Neil Martin and Paddy Glackin.

The programme was launched by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, who said: “As a music lover I am delighted to launch the Organ Festival, which is a fantastic opportunity to experience the work of some outstanding performers set against the stunning backdrops of the Guildhall and St Columb’s Cathedral.

“The festival also offers the opportunity for some of our younger musicians to learn more about the organ and its history, as I’m sure many will not be aware of the intricacies of the instrument and its unique sound. Our lunchtime organ recitals over the summer were extremely popular so I look forward to welcoming many more visitors throughout the Festival.”

Among the highlights of the programme will be the Battle of the Organs when top musicians Catherine Ennis and Daniel Moult test their keyboards skills to the limit, refereed by top recorder player Sir Roger Gifford. There will also be the chance to enjoy a Gala Evening of classical and traditional Irish music beautifully performed by Belfast composer and musician Neil Martin and Irish fiddler Paddy Glackin. The programme also features a special lunchtime recital at St Columb’s Cathedral with prize-winning new talents Matthew Breen and Thomas Maxwell, as well as recitals by exceptional local musicians Donal McCann and Stewart Smith.

Secondary schools are invited to join in a series of workshops throughout the festival and participants will have the opportunity to take part in an exciting competition courtesy of Viscount Organs, with the chance to win an organ and 50% of the first year’s tuition fees for free.

Council’s Visitor Services Manager Margaret Edwards said: “The Organ Festival will be a wonderful celebration of music and offers the chance for people to hear the Guildhall organ played by some outstanding musicians. The instrument was first built in 1891 and is the second largest of its kind in N. Ireland, so it really is an impressive piece, and this is a unique opportunity to hear it at its best.”

For more information and further details of the Organ Festival

Tel 028 71 376 510, Email guildhall@derrystrabane.com or follow the Guildhall on Facebook

Cahoots NI invite you to join them at The Web Theatre, Newtownards on Wednesday, 18 October to solve the dark and devious mystery of The Assistant’s Revenge.

A phone rings in the dead of night. Sam Sullivan, a small-time private eye hears a frightened voice on the end of the line.  “Someone’s trying to kill me.”

The voice leads him to a strange travelling show at the edge of town where he meets Felix, an escapologist and his assistants Molly and Crystal, one of whom appears to have murder in mind. Sullivan is plunged into a world of danger and deceit and a case with more twists and turns than a ten-inch corkscrew.

Expect music, glamour, magic, death-defying escapology and maybe even a little murder!

Suitable for ages 7+, The Assistant’s Revenge is a theatrical detective story for children and adults alike from the multi award-winning Cahoots NI; a murder mystery with a magical twist created by Charles Way, Paul Bosco McEneaney and Ursula Burns.

Speaking about the production, Director Paul Bosco McEneaney said; “We can’t wait to watch our younger audiences solve this mystery with their families.”

Tickets cost £4 and are on sale at www.ardsarts.com. Show times are 1pm and 6pm.

 

The ‘Johnny Cash Roadshow‘ returns to Theatre at The Mill on Thursday 5 October.

 

This is a show not to be missed by the avid fan or casual listener, it is also the only show to be endorsed by the CASH family!

 

Fronted by respected singer/songwriter Clive John and featuring the best June Carter in the business prepare for a musical and emotional rollercoaster.  The UK’s No1 Tribute is unrivalled by any other that truly celebrates the career of music legend, Johnny Cash.

 

The show will take audiences from the 1950’s to 2002 and all the stops in between. All the greatest hits are included, with songs from the latest five decades of the man in black’s career. All this accompanied by emotive and evocative screen images.

 

Tickets available from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online at theatreatthemill.com

 

The finest talent in traditional music will play an intimate gig in Limavady’s Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday 13^th October.

The Atlantic Arc Orchestra brings together some of the most respected traditional musicians from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Brittany. Trailblazers in a new wave of traditional music, it pushes boundaries in the collaboration of Irish, Scottish and English musical ancestry with new traditional music.

The ensemble features eight renowned names in traditional music – Dónal Lunny (bouzouki & Musical Director), Pauline Scanlon (vocals), Pádraig Rynne, (concertina), Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle), Jarlath Henderson (Uilleann pipes, whistles, vocals); Ewen Vernal (bass) and John Blease (drums, percussion). Each a master in their musical craft, the concert will harness their collective musical energy in a performance that will captivate long established audiences and those new to traditional music.  With cabaret-style seating and a complimentary refreshment, this is an event not to be missed.

To book your ticket contact Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on 028 777 60650 or for more information visit www.roevalleyarts.com

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of TITANIC the movie, Titanic Belfast, the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, is hosting a blockbuster line-up of events from 19th November – 19th December 2017.

20 years ago the blockbuster film, telling the story of the luxury liner’s fateful maiden voyage through the love story of passengers Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet), premiered on screens and became one of the top grossing films of all time. The story lives on in hearts and minds across the world but nowhere more so than in Belfast – the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship.

To mark the occasion, Titanic Belfast which has been described by TITANIC movie director, James Cameron, as ‘magnificent and dramatic’, is hosting the following line-up:

Titanic Tea and Movie Experience – 19th November

Enjoy the movie in Oscar-winning style whilst being treated to a red-carpet Afternoon Tea with a themed cocktail or a glass of fizz by the replica Grand Staircase. From £35 per person, to book visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

TITANIC Drive In – 29th November

For a unique night to truly remember, from the comfort of your car, indulge in heritage and watch TITANIC under the stars at the location where the famous ship was designed, built and launched, in partnership with Cool FM. Golden Tickets for this free ‘star’ event can be won via www.titanicbelfast.com or its social media sites.

Movie Magic at Titanic Belfast – 19th November – 19th December

There has never been a better time for movie fans to visit Titanic Belfast’s nine interactive galleries, which tell the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through to her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. For one month only, guests can star in their own Titanic Experience by following a movie magic trail, enjoying themed hospitality and re-creating their own ‘meet me at the clock’ photo opportunities on the green screen to name a few. There will be something special in store for those called Jack and Rose and a chance to win a trip of a lifetime. Special activities will also mark the day itself – 19th December.

Titanic Belfast was crowned ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards, with over  1 million votes cast from over 216 countries beating off stiff competition from eight global finalists, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the Las Vegas Strip, USA, Machu Picchu, Peru and Guinness Storehouse, Ireland. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

The Grove Theatre Group returns to the Millennium Forum with the family favourite classic “The Wizard of Oz” from Wednesday 11^th October to Saturday 14^th October 2017.

 

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is perhaps one of the best known of all musicals, famous for songs such as ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’.  Equally well known for wonderful characters such as Dorothy, The Scarecrow, Tinman and the Cowardly Lion the story is one of a little girl who tries to protect her dog Toto from the horrible Miss Gultch and sets off on an amazing dreamlike journey to the land of Oz.  Along the way Dorothy meets good witches, bad witches, the amazing Munchkins, the Winkies and the evil monkeys.  She travels through the enchanted forest and battles the Wicked Witch of the West in her lair, all the while wearing her magical ruby shoes.  When she and her new found friends, the Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion eventually get to meet the great ‘Wizard of Oz’, they find that all is not as they expected.

The production is a wonderful story of self-discovery, told with the aid of excellent sets, colourful costumes and lighting, special effects and featuring a cast of experienced and talented actors.  With music and choreography of the highest calibre this production of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ promises to be a magical journey along the ‘yellow brick road’ into a fantasy world where entertainment is guaranteed.

This show features local performers including Laura Brown and Orfhlaith McGee sharing the role of Dorothy; Lana Campbell and Jemma McGlinchey sharing the role of Glinda; Eddie O’Donnell as the Scarecrow; Kieran Connor as The Lion; Roderick Canning as the Tinman; Hugo Crumlish as Professor/Wizard; Kate Robinson and Micaela McGillian sharing the role of Wicked Witch of the West; Paul Doherty as the Guard/Uncle Henry; Jenni O’Hagan and Grace Doherty sharing the role of Miss Gultch; Sharon Sweeney as Aunt Em and many more talented actors and actresses of all ages.  With the production team including Stephen Carlin as Choreographer, Trevor Burnside as Musical Director, Jim Whiteside on drums the show promises to be one not to miss.  Nicole Doherty, Roderick Canning and Martin Mullan complete the production team in various roles.

The Grove is pleased to announce that a share of the proceeds from the show on Thursday 12^th at 7.30pm will be donated to Foyle Search and Rescue in support of the fantastic work they do for our City.  The show runs from Wednesday 11^th October to Friday 13^th October nightly at 7.30pm.  There are also two matinee performances on Saturday 14^th October at 1.30pm and 5.30pm and an 11am performance on Thursday 12^th October.  Tickets can be booked by contacting the box office at Millennium Forum on 71264455.