The next film in the Linenhall Film Club’s Spring season is the visually stunning The Good, The Bad, The Weird, South Korean director Kim Ji-woon’s homage to Sergio Leone’s seminal The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, set in the lawless badlands of Japanese-occupied 1930s Manchuria. A psychotic dandy gangster, a bounty hunter and an opportunistic small-time thief find themselves in a race to secure a stolen map, pursued by an international syndicate of bandits, some double-dealing drug dealers, and the amassed forces of the Japanese imperialist army. A film filled with train robberies, gun battles, knife fights, opium dens, horse chases and tense Mexican stand-offs, constant tonal surprise, occasional violence, offbeat comedic moments and grand action set-pieces. Energetic, stylish, outrageous - yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds.
Beauty Queen of Leenane workshops
In a series of five informal, fun-filled, workshops, multi-award-winning actor and director Donna Ruane will guide you through Martin McDonagh’s play The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Participants will work with this script and do some role building work based on the characters in the piece. On the fourth night of the series you will attend London Classic Theatre’s performance of the play at the Linenhall, which will be analysed and critiqued on the final night. Workshops will take place on Wednesday nights from 8pm to 9.30pm commencing January 27. Only a few places remain. Booking is essential. Booking and further information from the Linenhall. Tel: 094 9023733
Eduardo Niebla returns
Hailed as one of the world's great guitarists, Eduardo Niebla returns to the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Monday February 1 at 8pm for a scintillating evening of dazzling flamenco jazz.
Eduardo’s lyrical, breathtaking music has garnered huge respect within his adopted UK homeland and also internationally. Continually seeking out new musical terrain, he traverses the worlds of pop, jazz, and world music, as documented on his amazing 22 albums to date (he is currently working on his 23rd ). He is accompanied for the concert by fellow guitarist Ricardo Garcia, and you can expect a spellbinding evening of passion, verve, and fleet fingered virtuosity from one of the most potent forces in flamenco jazz fusion. A night of passion, invention and musical excitement is on the cards.
Classical violin takes centre stage
There’s a wonderful opportunity to hear top Irish violinist Geraldine O’Grady in concert with daughter and fellow-violinist Oonagh Keogh at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Thursday February 11 at 8pm.
Geraldine O’Grady has been in the forefront of Irish music since she graduated from the Paris Conservatoire and has had a distinguished international career as recitalist and soloist with major symphony orchestras. Geraldine’s daughter, Oonagh Keogh, is a graduate of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and has an honours MA from the University of Limerick. She has performed extensively as a soloist and is a member of the much-acclaimed Irish Chamber Orchestra. Accompanying them on the night will be pianist Margaret O’Sullivan.
Jon Kenny to bring the New Year laughs
Top Irish comedian Jon Kenny is guaranteed to bring a ray of comic sunshine to the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Thursday January 28 at 8pm with his sparkling new show I’m Not Says I… I’m Fine.
With our newspapers full of stories of doom and gloom and bad weather, an evening of hilarious comedy with former D’Unbelievable Jon Kenny is just what the doctor ordered. I’m Not Says I …I’m Fine heralds a return for Jon to the type of work that made his reputation as one of the most talented and best-loved comedians in Ireland. Jon uses the changing face of contemporary Ireland as the scaffold on which to build his hilarious observations and characters. Running through such contrasting experiences as supporting Munster rugby to visiting a health spa, he delights in emphasising the humour in everyday life. This is a thrilling experience for lovers of comedy everywhere. So turn off your televisions and radios - they’re only making you depressed - and come out for an evening of guaranteed craic.
Mayo artists’ show continues in January
Continuing to draw the crowds at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar is the Mayo Artists’ Show, on show until the end of January. Entitled Flight of Fancy, the biennial celebration of the visual arts in Mayo offers a feast for the eyes and something for all tastes. Featuring some 180 works selected by acclaimed Mayo-based artist Veronica Bolay RHA, the show offers visual creativity in all manner of media - painting, print, photography, fabric, sculpture, and more - and presents a fascinating snapshot of the breadth of arts practice in the county. The exhibition runs until Saturday, January 30.
