Art and Theatre
Things to do in Dublin: Art and Theatre
Martin McDonagh’s work is known and loved by both theatre and film audiences alike. The Cripple of Inishmaan is set on the small Aran Islands community of Inishmaan (Inis Meáin) off the Western Coast of Ireland in 1934, where the inhabitants are excited to learn of a Hollywood film crew’s arrival in neighbouring Inishmore (Inis Mór) to make a documentary about life on the islands. “Cripple” Billy Claven, eager to escape the gossip, poverty and boredom of Inishmaan, vies for a part in the film, and to everyone’s surprise, the orphan and outcast gets his chance…. or so some believe.
Smock Alley Theatre is delighted to announce our 4th Festival of New Work – SCENE + HEARD 2019. A festival of new work across Music, Theatre, Comedy, Circus, Dance, Drag, Children’s Theatre & Spoken Word. We asked artists to bring their most original ideas to our stages to inspire our audiences, and to encourage them to give honest feedback on the works in development. These artists delivered. With over 105 companies showcasing new work this year, the fabulously restored 17thcentury playhouse that is Smock Alley Theatre will come alive with the most playful, inventive, absurd, terrifying, comic and heart wrenching performances from Ireland’s rising and established theatre, radio, stand-up, spoken word, musical, drag and dance stars. The 2019 programme offers the best tasters of never-before-seen works in progress from all corners of the island. A variety of wild and wonderful performances are programmed within 60 minute slots at very happy prices. Theatre delicacies abound with stories overheard on the bus in Routeless, twitter meltdowns in 140 Characters, moving statues in Pilgrimville, self acceptance in Belly, an epidemic of disappearances in Have You Seen This Girl?,a new take on Waterford Crystal (the horse not the manufacturer), resurrection of the dead in The Common Task, and crazy weeding shenanigans in Gone Full […]
Fresh from Edinburgh Fringe, Ireland’s top comedy trio Foil, Arms & Hog return to road with their new show Craicling. With their great chemistry and witty humour, audiences can expect belly laughs right from the start! Foil, Arms & Hog announce seven extra dates to Vicar St with new show Craicling due to popular demand. Former children and regular eaters Foil, Arms & Hog return to Vicar St with their new show. Craicling is a fast-paced sketch show featuring a class on how to hold a baby, a Gregorian chant about life as a monk and the assassination of a classically trained actor. Best known for their YouTube videos (100 million online hits), their live show is what they’re most proud of. Foil, Arms & Hog’s show on March 10th will be suitable for Deaf / Hard of Hearing patrons. A sign language interpreter will be present during this performance.
As the world’s leading TV hypnotist, mentalist and brain hacker, Keith Barry has been blazing a trail across the globe for many years. His mind-blowing skills have been showcased in over forty international television shows, including his most recent series, You’re Back in the Room. The first hypnotism format on TV in the UK for several years, this show garnered huge audiences and proved to be a big prime-time hit for ITV. As well as his own hugely successful US TV series, Deception with Keith Barry, Keith has appeared many times on some of the most prestigious US shows such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Jimmy Kimmel Show and The Conan O’Brien Show. He has also brain-hacked many celebrities including Woody Harrelson, Bono, Nicole Scherzinger, Morgan Freeman and many more. One of Keith’s recent projects saw him working as chief mentalist and hypnotist consultant for the blockbuster movie, Now You See Me. Shot in New Orleans and Paris, it starred Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman, Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo and Michael Caine and grossed over $360M at the box office. His huge success in working extensively with Woody Harrelson, who plays a mentalist, ensured he was hired as chief magic […]
All of Edna O’Brien’s novels published during the 1960s were ruled “indecent and obscene” under the Censorship of Publications Act. This started when the publication of The Country Girls caused outrage. It was banned in Ireland by the authorities and publicly burned by the clergy. Notoriety quickly turned to fame and this coming of age story of two young women in 1950s Ireland became a best-seller.
Peace Proms promises to be a huge celebration of youth, music, energy and sheer talent on an epic scale. Peace Proms is an outstanding production, suitable for all the family – young and old! The critically acclaimed Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland will perform with the Belfast Children’s Peace Choir which is made up of 3,500 Primary School children from all over Northern Ireland. The choir will sing a programme filled with family favourites including Disney and Pop Medleys, and powerful peace anthems like Michael Jackson’s ‘Earth Song’. The programme is packed full of fun and has something for everyone – there’s even a Disco Medley.
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake returns with a fresh look for the 21st century. Retaining the iconic elements of the original production loved by millions around the world, Matthew Bourne and award-winning designers Lez Brotherston (Set & Costumes) and Paule Constable (Lighting) will create an exciting re-imagining of the classic production. Thrilling, audacious, witty and emotive, this Swan Lake is perhaps still best known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble, which shattered convention, turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm. Collecting over thirty international accolades including an Olivier Award and three Tonys on Broadway, Matthew Bourne’s powerful interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece is a passionate and contemporary Swan Lake for our times. All prices include a €1 facilities fee per ticket. Telephone & Internet bookings are subject to a maximum s/c of €6.85 per ticket/ Agents €3.30.
The biggest selling comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Jason Byrne’s inspired, original brand of high-energy intelligent lunacy ensures that there is no other comedian like him and his sell out shows have attracted accolades including the highly coveted Perrier Newcomer Award Nomination and the Perrier Award Nomination.
Three retired nuclear scientists. A crumbling cottage by the sea. The fallout from life, love and nuclear power stations. Previews: from Thursday 28 February 2019 Opening Night: Wednesday 6 March 2019 Matinees: Sat – 2.30pm Evenings: Mon to Sat – 7.30pm
Des Bishop is coming home after spending over a year in China. He has some fun stories to tell about that: from working in a restaurant in the North East for a month to trying to find a wife in a Marriage park; plus some great journeys with Leo his co-worker from the Abrakebabra days. But he also can’t wait to tell you about all the things he missed about home: democracy, milk, sarcasm and so much more. Most importantly though, Des just can’t wait to speak English without being censored. Absence makes the heart grow funnier, so come and check out this unique show.
The Gloaming have performed an unprecedented 24 sold out concerts at NCH since their inception, celebrated a #1 Album, won a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award, won a Meteor Choice Music Prize Album of the Year, and topped multiple ‘performance of the year’ polls.
Following an assortment of incredible sold-out Vicar St dates this year, we are delighted to announce the Blindboy Podcast will return to Vicar St in March 2019. Blindboy’s increased notability away from his band Rubberbandits, has allowed for him to explore wider avenues and create perhaps outrageously mind-altering brainchildren which can only be described as courageous, yet bonkers. With a number one selling book under his belt and a podcast that has reached interest not only in Ireland but internationally, the satirist could possibly single-handedly change people’s mind set on mental health and the deafening stigma it surrounds. Outspoken, informed and empathetic, Blindboy engages his audience with an unusual touch of realism. There is a very authentic feeling of “freedom” Mr Boatclub exhumes which allows his listeners and participants to openly speak their mind without judgement and no topic off limits – certainly an air of belonging encircling the space you find yourself in when listening or in company of Blindly. His latest innovative creation, The Blindboy Podcast does not only indoctrinates mental health issues but reaches further into a wide spectrum of current topics, may it be gun laws, feminism, racism or a bit of history. Blindboy has it covered.
Tayo Aluko & Friends A rollercoaster journey through African-American actor and singer Paul Robeson’s remarkable life, highlighting his pioneering and heroic political activism. Features Ol’ Man River and other famous songs, much fiery oratory, and a defiant testimony to the House Un-American Activities Committee. First-rate … an admirable introduction to a great pioneering performer” (★★★★) The Guardian “A stunning piece of musical theatre…. high quality drama, first class singing” Fringe Review, Edinburgh Fringe, 2010 “A brilliantly put together history lesson delivered as art.” Dirt & Candy “Never less than utterly believable” British Theatre Guide “Simply told but immensely powerful” The Scotsman “A must-see experience, a treasure of a show. TOP PICK!” DC Theater Scene Recommended Age : 12+ Running time : 85 mins
Decadent Theatre Company 4 – 9 Mar 2019 | 7:30pm | 2:30pm on Sat 9th | Main Space A young boy leaves home for the first time, a man begins a job for which he is not qualified, a pensioner receives a mysterious package. As each man confronts the significance of these events, they are forced to take stock of themselves, their feelings, and of the decisions they have made. Painting a vivid picture of life in contemporary Dublin, award-winning playwright Conor McPherson (Seafarer, The Weir and Shining City) weaves together a moving and funny tale of loves lost and found, the consequences of big dreams and the significance of even our smallest choices. Port Authority is a play for anyone who has ever chosen the rational over the risky, who has ever drawn away from the possibility of brilliance, being left to wonder what might have been. Directed by Andrew Flynn Cast: Garrett Keogh, Patrick Ryan and Jarlath Tivnan Read More & Book Tickets here.
The X Factor Live Tour is returning for 2019 and tickets will go on general sale at 9am on Friday (19th October) from all usual outlets. X Factor Digital Presenter, Becca Dudley, will be returning as host this year on The X Factor Live Tour. Becca has been hosting MTV UK programming since 2012 and presents multiple shows across the network, as well as covering worldwide music events with World Stage from Brazil to Belgium. In addition to her TV work, Becca DJs reggae, hip hop and dancehall across the UK and festivals, including Glastonbury. Becca is also a presenter on Apple Music’s global radio station Beats 1 and in 2016 she launched her own music platform DEADLY, which encompasses live music, radio and video content. The X Factor Live Tour 2019 starts in Nottingham on 15th February 2019 and will travel across the UK and Ireland to finish at 3Arena Dublin on 5th March and Belfast’s SSE Arena on 6th March. The X Factor Tour has thrilled over three million people since it began 14 years ago, making it one of the UK’s most successful annual arena tours. So get your tickets to The X Factor Live Tour 2019 […]
Returning for its 6th year along with an extra date, Dublin Comic Con : Anime Edition brings media guests from TV and film, Comic creators, artists, fans and professionals together for a weekend of talks, workshops, demos, interactive activities and all around great family fun with stronger focus on Anime, think of it as the best of DCC August mixed with some amazing Anime guests, panels, cosplay and more! Our flagship show is also returning the 11th and 12th of August 2018 If you are not a hugr anime fan, don’t worry we will have sci-fi, pop culture, media guests, sets etc for the non Anime fans too. Come along to meet actors from your favorite TV shows/Movies, Comic Artists and writers or partake it one of the many activities over the weekend including workshops, compete in some casual gaming or go try your hand against some tougher competition in our E-Sports area, attend panels, watch SFX artists turn attendees into monsters, see our photo ops with lifesize movie sets and costumes, raise money for charity in our Wasteland area with a variety of games and much much more!
Celebrating the memory and music of a true Irish musical legend. Dublin singer/ songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist Chris Kavanagh was raised on Irish music and has been singing Irish folk songs since he was three years old. His performances capture the depth and passion of the great man he was so heavily influenced by. Over the past sixteen years he has amazed audiences abroad and has sold out prominent Irish venues such as Vicar Street & The Cork Opera House, with the regular attendance of Luke Kelly’s family. Chris released his own album of original material “Voice Of The People” in 2011 and shortly afterwards performed with The Dubliners for two weeks on their German tour. He is joined on stage by Hilary Kavanagh (singer/songwriter/bass player), Joe Finn (Uilleann pipes/Flute/Whistles/Fiddle) & Michael Howard (Guitarist / Singer/songwriter)
Material Memories – a workshop using drawing and light With artist Sophie Behal Saturday 9 March 2019 | 3pm – 4pm Location: Temple Bar Gallery + Studios Free admission, click here to book your ticket. Is your head chock-a-block with memories? From the big things like your first day at school, to the little things like what you had for breakfast this morning, there are so many memories crammed into everyone’s mind, some hazy and some moments stay crystal clear. In this workshop for all ages we will explore TBG+S’s current exhibition Efference Copy Mechanism by Ronan McCrea. We will draw out our memories on plastic and project them large-scale onto the gallery walls. Using coloured-lighting gels and moving elements we will animate them and add to them, weaving different peoples memories together, looking at similar events from different angles. Sophie Behal is a visual artist working mainly in sculptural installation, which can include audio, text, photographic and performative elements. Her work is characterised by an attention to the inherent qualities of materials and their relationship to time. It strives to sit in a space between thinking, language and making. Sophie recently completed an MA in Art + Research Collaboration through IADT, and […]
He is Britain’s first Black judge, a fine singer and keen cricket lover. Finding himself stranded in the Heart of Empire, Nigerian Tunji Sowande muses on Black liberation struggles worldwide. He insists he is no political aficionado, but is content to contribute through his music and songs. “A fascinating play” (★★★★) The Guardian “Another triumph … that thrills and touches” (★★★★★) British Theatre Guide “Immensely enjoyable.” (★★★★) One4Review “A superb play” (9/10) Liverpool Sound and Vision “Every socialist, anti-racist and ¬anti-imperialist will love this” Socialist Worker “Prepare to be bowled over” Wirral Globe Recommended Age : 14+ Running time : 85 mins
The iconic Marple mystery from the world’s best-selling author of all time will be adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff (Flowers for Mrs Harris, Birdsong) and directed by Melly Still (Coram Boy, My Brilliant Friend). Times are changing. Girls are wearing trousers and Hollywood has come to a sleepy English village in the shape of a beautiful film star. Miss Marple is left to feel that the world has no need of her now until a mysterious death calls into question the past of all those present. Everyone’s version of events is different. Can Miss Marple unravel the tangle of lies? A Wales Millennium Centre and Wiltshire Creative Production