Dara O’Briain is back at the Royal

Fri, Jan 13, 2012

Dara O’Briain returns for one night only at The Royal Theatre Castlebar on Thursday, February 23. Dara is the biggest Irish comic to have emerged in recent years. Having become a huge star in Ireland he moved to the UK, and went from being a sold-out festival favourite in Edinburgh to selling out theatres across the UK and mainstream television success. His television work includes hosting popular TV shows such as Mock the Week and a run hosting The Apprentice: You're Fired! on BBC 2, along with the Three Men in a Boat series with Griff Rhys Jones and Rory Mc Grath which has run for a number of series.

It’s the Real McCoy ready to roll into the Royal

Fri, Jan 13, 2012

It is already being hailed as one of the funniest Irish comedy plays to ever hit the stage. After sell-out shows in Claremorris, Tubbercurry, and other venues as well as a US tour that includes Chicago and Milwaukee, Midwest Radio presenter Tommy Marren brings his action-packed play It’s the Real McCoy for two nights only to the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, on Thursday March 29 and Friday March 30.

Mayo pianist to release debut solo album

Fri, Jan 13, 2012

Award-winning Irish pianist, Maria McGarry, from Ballyhaunis, will launch her first solo CD album, 20th Century Piano Masterworks this Sunday, January 15 at the Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, Dublin. The CD, to be released on the Seven Cedars Music label, is a collection of early 20th century European piano repertoire by the composers Alban Berg, Arnold Schoenberg, Enrique Granados, and Olivier Messiaen.

A graduate from the most prestigious programme at the New York's Juilliard School, Maria McGarry has performed at leading venues in Europe, the United States and Asia.

St Patrick’s Drama Group are back with Drinking Habits

Fri, Jan 13, 2012

It seems like not that long ago they were last on stage, but the hard working St Patrick’s Drama Group from Westport are coming back to the stage very soon with a new production. The group will be putting on a five night run in Scoil Phadraig, Altmount Street, from Tuesday January 24 to Saturday January 28, of their new production of Drinking Habits. This comedy will be directed by Liz Browne with Nuala Currid producing the performance. The group’s productions are always not to be missed events and Drinking Habits promies to hit the right notes once again. Tickets are now on sale from Dyras Jewellery Shop, Bridge Street, Westport, 098 25558 or from the box office on 086 8609981. Get your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Man 1, Bank 0, an improbable true story for our times

Fri, Jan 13, 2012

Patrick Combs is an average guy. An average guy who, in 1995, decided on a whim to deposit one of those fake cheques so common in junk mail. Man 1, Bank 0 is Combs’ amazing-but-true story of how he deposited a $95,093.35 junk-mail cheque marked ‘non-negotiable’ into his own bank account and about what happens after his bank clears it. He’s rich – or is he? This outrageously funny and dramatic comedy that quickly becomes a staggering and funny David vs Goliath-like real-life adventure, returns to Ireland after a hugely successful tour in June 2011 and smash hit sold out shows in New York, Montreal, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

What happens after the bank cashes the ridiculous check? To name only a few things: angry banking officers threatening “jail time” and “death”; the nation’s leading authority on banking coming out of retirement; astonishing legal twists; and worldwide media coverage (including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Good Morning America, and calls from Letterman and Leno).

New Irish theatre takes to the stage at the Linenhall

Fri, Jan 13, 2012

Shortcut to Hallelujah, Ballinrobe playwright Mick Donnellan’s latest play, comes to the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar for two special performances on Wednesday January 18 and Thursday January 19 at 8pm.

Carrowbeg Enterprises at the Custom House

Fri, Jan 13, 2012

Custom House Studios later this month will host an exhibition of artworks from Carrowbeg Enterprises Art Project. The exhibition will be opened by Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Cllr Austin Francis O’Malley on Thursday, January 26 at 7.30pm. The exhibition will include works by six participants who have been engaged in an ongoing printmaking and fine art workshop over the past six months under the guidance of Grainne O’Reilly and Caroline Masterson. The participants are Trish Kelly, Peggy Kierney, Anna Rose Lowery, Marie Maguire, Gerry O’Malley and Martina Walsh.

The Wilful live at the Basement tonight in Brennan’s Lane

Fri, Jan 13, 2012

Ballina will be rocking again tonight, thanks to The Wilful at Brennan’s Lane, Garden Street, Ballina. Galway-based covers band The Wilful are sure to get everyone in high spirits for the weekend ahead. The Wilful are a hard working covers band who have been touring the country to the delight of audiences everywhere they go, with their blend of rock and rocked up pop covers. They will be rocking things up Live in Basement. For more information see www.brennanslane.ie

The Pitch comes to Breaffy GAA Club

Fri, Jan 13, 2012

The iconic GAA themed play The Pitch by Shane Connaughton will have its only Mayo showing for 2012 in the Breaffy GAA Clubhouse on Tuesday January 24 commencing at 8pm. Tickets are €10 each and a limited number will be on general sale. This promotion is part of the GAA Social Initiative, which is supported by Calor, and Moth Productions has agreed to bring this nationally acclaimed drama, which has captivated audiences throughout Ireland for the past 12 months, to The Breaffy Clubhouse.

The production, which has a cast of three with the former Leitrim senior footballer Seamus O’Rourke in the lead role of Philly, tells the story of a man who is the ultimate club footballer. He will be easily recognised as his ‘alter ego’ can be found in most clubs in Ireland. Philly, who lived, played and breathed for his beloved club and jersey, is in a tormented state.

Billy Ocean to take the Royal by storm

Fri, Jan 06, 2012

Billy Ocean is the biggest black recording star Britain has ever produced, one who has sold more than 30 million records in his lifetime. And he is coming to the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, on Bank Holiday Sunday May 6.

Katie Kim comes to the Linenhall as part of the Certain Three Tour

Fri, Jan 06, 2012

Now in its third year, the Certain Three Tour comes to the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar next Thursday night, January 12 which will include Katie Kim, The Lost Brothers and Puzzle Muteson. The creation of Irish based booking agency Word of Mouth, the idea is to feature three acts each with something different to offer and send them out as a triple bill with an alternating running order. The two previous tours have featured O Emperor, We Cut Corners, Alessi’s Ark and The Ambience Affair amongst others.

The slow-burning subtlety of Katie Kim’s latest album, Twelve, might never have come into existence if a computer bug hadn’t wiped out 50 songs singer Katie Sullivan had been working on.

Neil Delamere doubles up at the Royal Theatre

Fri, Jan 06, 2012

Following the sell out success of his show on March 30, Neil Delamere has announced a second date in the Royal Theatre, with the national tour of his highly anticipated new show Restructuring. Equally hilarious on and off script, do not miss this five star comedy maestro as he performs in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, on Friday March 30 and Saturday March 31.

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