What's On

Roscommon Drama Festival 2010

Friday 5th - Saturday 13th March | 8pm | €14 / €12

An exciting mix excellent amateur drama will take centre stage for the nine nights with groups from all over the country competing for awards and nominations to the All Ireland Finals.   Roscommon Drama Festival’s choice of plays offers something for all audiences; from comedy to tragedy, classic plays to contemporary drama and lots more in between.  Wexford native Pauline Byrne as been appointed adjudicator.

Friday 5th - Aristocrats by Brian Friel. Thurles Drama Group

Set in Ballybeg Hall in County Donegal, the decaying home of Districy Justice O'Donnell, where those who congregate for a wedding stay to attend a funeral. Chronicling the lives of three sisters and their 'peculiar' brother, the play reveals the way 'in which the ache of one family becoems the micrcosm for the ache of society'. Poignant, tense and humorous it is a warmly humane and intelligent study of Irishness and unhappiness, class and family relations.

Saturday 6th - Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group

Considered by many to be both Miller's masterpiece and a cornerstone of contemporary American drama. This Pulitzer Prize winning play revolves around the last twenty-four hours in the life of Willy Loman, the hard-working sixty three year old travelling salesman whose ideas of professional, public success jar with the realities of his provate desires and modest accomplishments.

Sunday 7th - Blythe Spirit by Noel Coward. Bridge Drama Group

Blithe Spirit is one of Coward's most frequently revived comedies. This classic mocks the tradtions of love and marriage. Novelist and socialite Charles Condomine unintentionally calls up the ghost of his first wife when he visits the 'happy medium' Madame Arcati. As Elvira infiltrates the lives of Charles and his second wife, Ruth, comic mayhem ensues.

Monday 8th - The Last Apache Reunion by Bernard Farrell. D.A.D.S.

The Last Apache Reunion deals with a group of men at their school reunion, trying to relive their past, and, to the dismay of their wives, cover up what they would prefer to hide.

Tuesday 9th - I Do Not Like Thee Dr. Fell by Bernard Farrell. Compantas Lir

Bernard Farrell's first full-length play which proved to be an instant success both here and abroad. Six people gather in a locked room for Encounter Therapy that promises to probe into their lives. They get more than they bargained for when Joe Fell savagely exposes their real social and sexual secrets in this send-up of Americal group therapy.

Wednesday 10th - The Salvage Shop by Jim Nolan. Shoestring Theatre

Set in Garris, a small coastland town. The gracve notes are silent at Garristown Brass Band but alcoholic bandmaster and opera buff, Sylvester Tansey is hanuted by personal betrayal and the memory of a glorious past and won't let go of the baton. As the band moves to replace him, Sylvie clings to the lifeline of the Annual Regatta. Meanwhile his son Eddie, euphonium player in exile, invokes the intervention of the great Luciano Pavarotti as he struggles to forge a reconciliation with his father.

Thursday 11th - The Mai by Marina Carr. Phoenix Players

The Mai is a moving story of four generations od women from the one family in the midlands. Centred on the figure of The Mai, a forty-year old woman, struggling to save her marriage and the happiness of herself and her children, the play explores how history repeats itself - no matter how tragic the results.

Friday 12th - Hedda Gabler by Henrik Ibsen (John Osborne adaptation). K.A.T.S.

Hedda Gabler presents one of the most controversial and elusive heroines in theatrical history. This adaptation by John Ocborne of Henrik Ibsen's classic play tells the story of Hedda, recently married and bored with life, she craves nothing more than the power to determine someone's fate. The arrival of an ex-lover gives her the chance she's been waiting for. 

Saturday 13th - Canaries by Bernard Farrell. Kilmuckridge Drama Group

Canaries is the hilarious comedy about Tommy, Marie and Marie's father who go on holiday to the Canary Islands and meet up with Jane, Richard and their gang. Drinking, lying, partner-swopping and amusing incidents follow and Tommy and Marie end up having a holiday that they will never forget - but not necessarily for the right reasons.

Bookings can now be made at Roscommon Arts Centre Box Office on 090 66 25824.  For information on this years festival programme log on to www.roscommondramafestival.com

 

Book Tickets

Peelo School of Dance Dance Craze

Saturday 20th March | 2pm & 7pm | €12

 A wonderful display of Classical Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern Jazz and Musical Theatre by the pupils of the Peelo School of Dance, Roscommon.Book Tickets

Sanctuary Players Callaghan's Place

by John McDwyer

Friday 26th - Saturday 27th March | 8pm | €15 / €12

Paul and Mary Dolan struggle to come to terms with the departure of their daughter, Frances, to university. The arrival of a mysterious Englishman and his friendship with Frances creates a backdrop to tragedy, with concerned neighbours failing to stem the tide of their suspicion and anger. For all its serious undertones, “Callaghan’s Place” is peppered with scenes of outrageous humour in true McDwyer style.Book Tickets

Last Laugh Comedy Club Young, Gifted & Green

Wednesday 14th April | 8pm | €10

3 Comedy Acts, 1 show, Too Funny……….Is this THE best value for a comedy night out in Ireland? ‘Young, Gifted & Green’ showcases some of the country's most talented and popular young comedians working in the country, many of whom regularly headline shows in their own right. This gig features three acts ... and you get to see them all for only a tenner! Come and see the future of Irish comedy - today!Book Tickets

Talon - The Best of The Eagles

Hotel California Tour

Thursday 15th April | 8pm | €20

Recognised throughout the industry as the definitive exponents of recreating the immensely powerful vocals and exact musical reproduction of the Eagles, Talon’s new production promises to deliver yet another stunning show for existing and new fans alike. The first half features each track from the iconic Hotel California album which spawned classic hits such as New Kid In Town, Life In The Fast Lane, Wasted Time, Last Resort and of course the anthem of a generation - Hotel California.

The second half of the concert delivers all the classic hits taken from all the Eagles albums evoking nostalgic memories by way of great lyrics, harmony, melody and not forgetting those guitar solos which in themselves have become instantly identifiable in their own right.

 

Talons ability to go from strength to strength in delivering bigger and better shows year on year continues with what promises to be an event not to be missed. Relive all the tracks from Hotel California plus all the hits from all Eagles albums right up to their latest release, Long Road Out Of Eden.

 

Talon tickets always sell quickly, so early booking is advised.

 Book Tickets

The Reel Thing presents Gerry 'Banjo' O'Connor & friend

Thursday 22nd April | 8pm | €14 / €12

Hailed many as the best banjo in Irish trad circles, Gerry O'Connor has brought the banjo to places that no other player has tread before. He has travelled the world both as a soloist and as a member of the highly acclaimed ‘Four Men and a Dog’, experimenting with everything from Irish to bluegrass to African and Asian, and back. Gerry's journey continues with his most recent solo recording, ‘High Up Low Down’, which features his unique treatment of Irish traditional music, American bluegrass and ground-breaking new compositions. Book Tickets

Roscommon Lamb Festival presents The Joe Dolan Tribute Show featuring Pascal Brennan

Wednesday 28th April | 8pm | €20

The ‘Joe Dolan Tribute Show’ fronted by Roscommon man, Paschal Brennan has toured nationwide for the past eighteen months to phenomenal responses from audiences. Paschal fronts a seven-piece band in the show, which includes a full brass section and guarantees to leave the audience calling for more….and more and more!. The show comes to the arts centre as part of the Roscommon Lamb Festival’s 2010 celebrations. Book Tickets

Roscommon Lamb Festival presents Rig the Jig

Friday 30th April | 8pm | €20 / €18

‘Rig the Jig’ met in the mid 1990’s through mutual friends and their love of music, igniting a spark that has since grown into one of the brightest and warmest lights in today’s Irish folk music scene. Whilst some of the faces may have changed over the years, ‘Rig the Jig’ has proven itself as a by-word for wonderfully organic, talented and energetic performances of music and song. Come along for a guaranteed entertaining night of music to co-incide with the lamb festival, where the group will launch their new DVD ‘Rig the Jig Live in Dublin’.Book Tickets

Bealtaine 2010

Celebrating creativity in older age

Saturday 1st - Monday 31st May | various times | Free

Bealtaine is the national arts festival celebrating creativity in older age. Join over 55,000 people all over the country, taking part in events involving music, art, dance, cinema, writing, theatre, heritage and more. This May the arts centre has arranged for lots of events to get you out and active, such as cinema with ‘Dean Spanley’, music from the oldies with ‘Strictly Swing’, and theatre with the wonderful ‘The One Who Kills Shooting Stars’. So why not get a group together or indeed come along by yourself and embrace the opportunity to meet new people! 

Bealtaine is your chance to try something new or to come back to something you haven't done for years, with a host of complimentary classes and workshops throughout May, you’d be mad not to come along and join in the celebrations.

Yoga with Kristy

Every Tuesday in May, Kristy Verenga will host free yoga classes for those of you over 50. The classes will be geared towards older people and no experience is necessary. You should wear loose clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel. You must pre-book sessions at the art centre box office. Places are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Tuesday 4th - Tuesday 25th May. Please contact the box office for more information on times. Free entry.

Jumpstart Dance & Movement with Catherine Donnelly

If you’ve been tempted to start our weekly dance class, then why not take advantage of the free classes we’re running in May as part of our Bealtaine festival to see if you enjoy it. Gentle movement from head to toe to tunes you’ll recognise and be able to sing along to, under the watchful eye of our regular tutor Catherine Donnelly. Wednesday 5th - Wednesday 26th May, 11am - 12pm. Free entry.

Tin Whistle classes with John Wynne

If you want to learn to play a musical instrument, then the tin whistle is a good place to start and who better to start you off than our very own John Wynne. As part of our Bealtaine celebrations, John will host free weekly classes throughout May for those of over 50 who have never played the whistle or who may not have picked one up for manys a year. Under John’s watchful eye, you will learn the basic techniques and an old tune or two. Places are limited and should be reserved at the box office. Thursday 6th - Thursday 27th, 12pm - 1pm. Free entry.

 

Book Tickets

Upstate Live presents The Ones Who Kill Shooting Stars

Wednesday 5th May | 8pm | €14 / €12 **Special Bealtaine ticket €10**

Henry is on the look out for German submarines but all he really wants to do is fire his flare gun, Alice has decided to run away from home again, and Edward’s wife is blowing kisses at him. There’s also the issue if the body of an American pilot which needs to be buried.  Conall Quinn’s new play is a surreal tale of love and death set on a County Louth beach during World War II. ‘The One who Kills Shooting Stars’ follows the hopes and dreams of a trio of local characters and their fascination and interactions with the washed-up remains of fallen American airmen.  An original and highly entertaining work by a writer currently generating a lot of interest in Ireland, this promises to be a highly entertaining night of theatre.Book Tickets

Mick Flavin's Variety Show

Friday 7th May | 8pm | €20

Mick Flavin has been singing his way to success over the past 23 years. With almost twenty recorded albums, he is one of the most successful entertainers in Irish country music. A robust vocalist capable of conveying startling emotion he boasts a catalogue of unique songs that include the memorable ‘The Old School Yard’. For ‘Mick Flavin’s Variety Show’ he will be joined by the quick-witted funnyman and humorous storyteller Frank Forde, and one of Ireland's youngest talents singer/songwriter Kevin Logue. This is a guaranteed great night of comedy and country in a show that rolls the cream of the crop together. Book Tickets

Last Laugh Comedy Club Karl Spain

Wednesday 12th May | 8pm | €16

Karl Spain was born and still lives Limerick, but he has travelled in between.  Funnyman Spain is probably best known in Ireland for his TV series ‘Karl Spain Wants a Woman’, which was a huge success in that he not only got huge ratings but he also found himself a woman. Karl recently flexed his TV presenting muscles further with the series ‘Karl Spain Wants To Rock’. As well as all this, he has also performed stand up on television all over the world including the US, the Middle East, Australia and even as far away as England. Regular Last laugh MC John Colleary will support Karl for yet another super-sized evening of laughter and fun.Book Tickets

City Theatre Dublin in association with Back of the Hand Productions presents God's Official starring Mick Lally

Wednesday 19th May | 8pm | €18 / €16

Two football fans have just seen their side crashing into the relegation zone after a referee dis-allowed a perfectly good goal, allowing the opposition to roar down to the other end of the pitch and score. The referee's decision is final...or is it? The two lads plot to take matters into their own hands, kidnap the ref and force him to change his mind on the all-important goal with hilarious and unexpected consequences. ‘God’s Official’ was a massive hit at the Edinburgh Festival and with the 2010 World Cup just around the corner this madcap comedy is the perfect opportunity to get into the spirit of the game. Starring legendary actor Mick Lally, George McMahon (Mondo - Fair City) and rising star Edwin Mullane.

Book Tickets

Declan O'Rourke

Saturday 22nd May | 8pm | €20

Having won the praise of a host of industry giants including Chris Rea, Paul Weller, Paul Brady and Snow Patrol, Declan O’Rourke has been enjoying a crazy two years since the release of his second record ‘Big, Bad, Beautiful World’.  He has toured with Paulo Nutini and Snow Patrol and has heaped up multi-platinum sales, Meteor nominations, and a string of sell-out performances. Declan has devoted most of the last year to songwriting, in time for the release highly-anticipated third album next autumn. This is Declan O'Rourke’s first visit to Roscommon Arts Centre, so why not make a date and hear him sing some of his best loved tunes.Book Tickets

The Reel Thing presents Padraig Rynne, Tola Custy & Paul McSherry

Thursday 27th May | 8pm | €14 / €12

Strokestown Park House

Following last summer’s successful Reel Thing season in Strokestown Park House, we are once again moving our traditional music programme into the galley kitchen of one of the county’s most significant historic houses. This traditional trio will blow you away with their musical talents. Performing together since 2003, they are also founder members of Ireland’s hottest and most exciting band of our current generation ‘Guidewires’. Their music consists of both new and old tunes with a few sets from abroad thrown in for good measure. What makes this line-up so different is their arrangements of these musical pieces. Included in this intimate concert will be many new and previously unheard sets. Book Tickets

Moonfish Theatre Company The Secret Garden

Thursday 3rd June | 11am | €5/child (one complimentary teacher ticket with every 20 children)

When Mary Lennox's parents die she is sent from India to live with her reclusive uncle in his great, empty mansion on the Moors.

Alone in the big house, Mary finds solace in the strange tales told by the locals, of a secret garden that was locked away ten years ago and left to run wild. Then one day, she finds a key buried deep in the earth - a key that will change her life forever.

Adapted from the classic children's book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this show weaves a thrilling, magical tale of hope and wonder that draws its audience into the mysterious world of hidden places, where anything is possible. Suitable for children aged 6+

Book Tickets

The Reel Thing presents Tiarnan O'Duinnchinn & Laoise Kelly

Thursday 24th June | 8pm | €14 / €12

Strokestown Park House

Tiarnán is an award-winning uilleann piper from Monaghan who started playing as a child in the Armagh Pipers Club. A four-time Fleadh Ceoil All-Ireland winner and has two Oireachtas titles, he has been touring and performing professionally at home and abroad for the last fifteen years and has often played and presented radio and television programmes. Tiarnán will be joined by harpist Laoise Kelly who is widely acknowledged as one of Ireland’s most acclaimed traditional harpers. She has pioneered a new style of traditional harping which has seen her represent Ireland at the World Harp Festival and perform for dignitaries including President Mary McAleese. This months Reel Thing programme continues in the galley kitchen of Strokestown Park House.Book Tickets

Minutiae

curated by Linda Shevlin

Friday 26th February - Wednesday 31st March | viewing during centre opening hours

Linda Shevlin’s artistic practice is concerned with the relationships between the built & the natural environment, how we historise and monumentalise the spaces we inhabit and engage with. What concerns her art practice also filters through to her curatorial selection where notions of time and place and our inhabitation in the world come into play.  In this show, Shevlin is selecting work that is visually arresting with an emphasis on pieces with a strong aesthetic.  Using moving image and installation works to represent a “non-linear narrative", Minutiae invites viewers to engage with works which at first seem disconnected, yet on closer inspection share common themes. Shevlin's research on these themes titled “Re-imagining the Heirarchy of Monuments” has been published in the Architectural Association of Irelands journal “Building Material”.    

Visual Art Tour & Workshop ProgrammeA tour & workshop programme aimed at school groups (primary & secondary), third level and general interest groups is planned to support this exhibition. Spaces are limited and must be pre-booked via the box office. Sessions are free of charge and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

 

Anna Boyle Campaign

Friday 9th April - Thursday 13th May | viewing during centre opening hours | All welcome

Anna Boyle’s work has evolved from expressionist painting and is inspired by emotionalism within a social context. The Corrib Gas Project is the primary subject for this exhibition and the installation features a series of large paintings containing texts from the media, health warnings and political posters which act as a prescribed format for living, but instead generate products of anxieties, fears and phobias.  The paintings perform and amplify realities, negotiating concerns of alienation and separation.  Painted marks are suppressed and opposed, transforming the texts into tools for social commentary - while attempting to reconcile, they also speak to something deep and real within us. 

Anna graduated from NCAD with a BA in Art and Design Education in 2001 and with an MFA from University of Ulster in 2003. Her most recent solo exhibition ‘Rotten Yellow’’ was held in Triskel Arts Centre in 2009. Other solo exhibitions include ‘Flag, Derry/Londonderry’ in Context Gallery, Derry 2008, ‘We’re Going To Die’, Old Museum Arts Centre, Belfast 2007 and ‘Its not clear at this stage…’, Draίocht Arts Centre, Dublin.  Anna Boyle lives and works in Dublin.

Padraig Cunningham Lost and Found

Friday 21st May - Thursday 24th June | viewing during centre opening hours | All welcome

This series of work is related to the notion of ‘site’ - our influence upon it and how this informs the cultural construct of landscape. The project is partly influenced by Padraig’s move from an urban to a rural environment and the notion that the history of his current house, not only builds a separate narrative of the site that contrasts with the day-to-day reality, but also reflects the way we interpret notions of landscape in general. What is the relationship between real and imagined spaces, how connections are made and meaning is formulated, is at the base of this work. 

Cunningham has been exhibiting continuously since graduating with from DIT in 1996 including at the Ashford Gallery in the RHA, Galway Arts Centre, The Model & Niland Centre, The Cross Gallery and The Dock. After re-locating to Boyle, County Roscommon in 2005, Cunningham was Artist in Residence in the Dock. In 2009 Cunningham was awarded a place on the Trade residency, an international residency working with the artist Darren Almond, funded by Roscommon and Leitrim arts offices, which concluded with the Trade conference and an exhibition entitled ‘Sequence’. Cunningham also co-founded the artist collective, ‘the alter/native project’ and initiated the fringe event of the same name as part of the Boyle Arts Festival last year. 

Visual Art Tour and Workshop Programme

Friday (selected dates; April - June 2010) | Workshops must be pre-booked through the arts centre box office | Free

Curator and artist Linda Shevlin continues her tour and workshop programme for groups who wish to engage with and learn more about the artists and work on show in the gallery space. These free sessions take place on Friday mornings and must be booked in advance at the box office on 090 6625824.

School, community and other interest groups are all welcome to participate. Please contact us for further information. Sessions normally last 1.5 hours.

Image: Alice Maher, Beautiful Mouth, 2006, Cast Bronze Sculpture

Roscommon County Youth Theatre

Sundays | 2.30pm

Roscommon County Youth Theatre continues to meet every Sunday afternoon at the arts centre. If you are 14 or over and wish to take part in weekly workshops in improvisation, dance, percussion, characterisation, physical theatre, set design, street theatre and much much more, then why not sign up today.

Contact Catherine Simon, Director, Roscommon Youth Theatre on 086 874 70 24 or Roscommon County Arts Office 090 6637285.

Catherine Simon presents Theatre Time drama classes

Thursdays | 4.15pm - 5.15pm | €120/term

A ten-week course where children are guided through a journey of magical fantasy, meeting and creating various characters as they go. Your child will work on vocal and physical exercises, explore acting techniques and look at stories from classic fairytales to legends. This course promises lots of fun and is a great opportunity to nurture your young one’s creative imagination whilst encouraging the growth of self confidence and social skills. The term ends in a grand finale with an informal performance for family and friends. Not to be missed! Theatre Time is suitable for 4 to 13 year olds.

15th April – 17th June                                       

4.15pm – 5.15pm          

                       

Book Tickets

Kristy Verenga Yoga

Tuesdays | 6.45pm | €55/term

Summer Term 27th April - 1st June

The ancient practise of yoga is a great way to get fit, improve flexibility, learn how to relax and improve one's health and peace of mind. Yoga can assist in combating stress, physical tension, toning the muscles and improving posture through movement, meditation and breathing thereby rejuvenating body, mind and spirit. Classes tend to book out, so early booking is advisable.

 

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John Wynne Tin Whistle & Flute Classes

for children & teenagers

Wednesdays | 4pm & 5pm | €105 - Summer Term

Summer Term: 21st April - 2nd June

 

A multiple All-Ireland winner, John has many years experience tutoring young musicians at workshops and festivals around Ireland and abroad. His classes at the arts centre are small and intimate, ensuring students get one to one tuition, returning students and newcomers are all welcome. Ages 7+  

4pm – 5pm:  Tin Whistle

(Beginners/Intermediate)                                               

5pm - 6pm:  Tin Whistle (Advanced) & Flute (intermediate/Advanced)             

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Fiona Doherty Fiddle & Banjo Classes

for children & teenagers

Wednesdays | from 4.45pm | €90/term

Summer Term: 221st April - 26th May

Fiona Doherty has been a traditional music teacher for over 25 years and currently teaches in schools as well as running her own classes and tutoring at summer schools including Scoil Éigse. Her primary instrument is the fiddle, but she also teaches banjo, flute and tin whistle.  Her classes are specifically tailored for children and young people Aged 8+ 

4.45pm -5.30pm: Beginners

                                            

5.00pm – 6.00pm Intermediate /Advanced

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Catherine Donnelly Flex UR Feet

Wednesdays | 11am | €5 / class

Catherine Donnelly continues her series of this very popular dance class, specifically designed for those aged 50 and over. Come along on Wednesday mornings to get your weekly fill of exercise, meet new people and build your physical stamina through a series of comfortable movements, in a small class. Ease yourself into your exercise routine, have a laugh and be sure to stay for the cup of tea at the end of class. Classes can be paid for weekly. Newcomers always welcome.

Check out our free dance classes with Catherine during May as part of our Bealtaine Festival.Book Tickets