We in Kilkenny are lucky to have such a vibrant artistic community in our midst, so much so that we almost take for granted that there is probably live music or theatre options available seven nights a week in the city and across the county.
We are never stuck for something to do in the evenings as we are so well catered for with bands, theatre, children’s performances and art exhibitions etc. The Set Theatre has brought a new dimension to the ability to host live music in a stunning atmosphere and we also have a host of live music venues and indigenous venues such as Castillia Hall in Callan and Ballykeefe Quarry, which offer very special alternative venues to acts that visit Kilkenny.
This month alone we have a huge array of events laid on to entertain the masses and we really should get out and support them.
Castlecomer Pantomime is currently on stage in the Community Hall in Castlecomer and it runs until Sunday with a matinee also on Sunday afternoon. The talent on display is second to none and the comedy, music and dancing is a delight to watch. This is a great show for all the family — especially the kids. The adult humour will also be picked up by astute adult audience members.
Also this week The Watergate Theatre is home to Marina Carr’s ‘By The Bog of Cats’. In this performance some of our much-loved local actors take to the stage in what has been heralded as a particularly strong performance from one and all. The show runs until Saturday and by all accounts is one not-to be missed.
Next week the Watergate plays host to the Opera Theatre Company who will present their enchanting masterpiece — ‘The Magic Flute’ — by Mozart. And this is followed by comic Ger Carey who presents his show ‘Stand Up for Teenagers’ — a comedy show for young adults aged 15 - 19 years.
The following week from February 15, the local pantomime society in Gowran take to the stage with their quirky interpretation of ‘Pinocchio’. The Gowran society already has a reputation that precedes them and this show is certain not to disappoint.
Kilkenny is also lucky to be home to the National Craft Gallery of Ireland at the Design Centre in the city. There is always an exhibition of crafts on display here open to the public.
Across the road Kilkenny Castle is home to one of the country’s most important art galleries -— The Butler Gallery which is also open to the public.
Barnstorm is the national theatre dedicated to producing drama and theatre for young audiences and their headquarters are right here in the heart of the Marble City. The Adult Theatre Club attached to Barnstorm are presenting their annual performance this month — ’Bits, Bites and Pieces’. This is set to be a relaxing evening of wine, nibbles, monologues and more and will be performed in The Barn, Church Lane, Kilkenny on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 February at 8pm each night.
There really is no excuse for anyone to complain of being bored in Kilkenny! There is an array of artistic and creative performances and exhibitions on offer from now right through to the summer festival season. We are spoiled for choice. But there is always a danger that these activities will not go ahead unless we support them. There is nothing like live entertainment and children should also be introduced to theatre and music from a young age also to instil an appreciation of that arts from the onset!
So why not make a pledge to go and see one live event a month - you won’t be disappointed with what Kilkenny has to offer.
