The Wonderful Story of Mother Goose brought to life in Castlebar

Fri, Jan 07, 2011

Mayo's longest running pantomime, the Castlebar pantomime, presents at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, from January 12 to 16 its production of The Wonderful Story of Mother Goose. Mother Goose, who is played by Castlebar pantomime dame supremo Walter Donoghue, has it all — family, friends, Fairyland fairies looking out for her, and a magical golden egg laying goose. Mother Goose lives with her beautiful daughter Jill Goose (Tara Kelly from Kiltimagh) and a loveable son Billy Goose (David Tobin) in their humble home in Merrilea. The only shadow on people's happiness in Merrilea is the aptly named Clarence Creep, Squire of Cheatham Hall (cleverly played by James Murray from Coarsepark, Castlebar). His brother was the previous Squire of Merrilea but strangely did not make out a will to protect his son Colin (Terry O'Hara) from a life of poverty and by law all rights as a squire were passed to Clarence Creep. Was this really justice or the work of the conniving Clarence Creep?

Meanwhile in Fairyland Mother Goose is recognised as a poor, hard-working, loving mother who has been drawn to the attention of the good Fairy Harmony (Paula O'Neill). However this opinion is not shared by the wicked fairy Discord (Antoinette Starken), who sets out to prove that mortals do not deserve the fairies’ blessings. The Fairy Queen (Karen Conway), takes up Discord’s challenge against the goodness of mortals, stating that if Discord can tempt Mother Goose into a selfish life Discord can have her throne, but if Discord fails, Discord will be taught a severe lesson. Will Discord succeed or will she fail only to be banished forever more from Fairyland? Or will the Fairy Queen's plan of sending Priscilla the magic goose (Annie Sheerin) to earth played save Mother Goose from the evil fairy Discord?

Tommy Flemming live in the Royal this month

Fri, Jan 07, 2011

In what promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated shows of the year, Tommy Flemming and the National Concert Orchestra will be kicking off the New Year in style with a performance at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar, on January 29 at 7pm.

Jedward are back in the Royal

Fri, Jan 07, 2011

Jedward are back for a sixth date in the Royal Theatre Castlebar on Sunday January 30 as the demand for their energetic performances shows no signs of slowing down. It has been an exceptional year for Jedward, with their own television series, becoming ambassadors for Childline, and numerous other brands as well as an exceptional year of touring and panto later this year.

The grumps fight back

Fri, Jan 07, 2011

Three of Ireland’s top grumps bring their new show to The Royal Theatre on February 27. After four sell-out UK tours and also tours of Australia, New Zealand, and loads of other places too hot to visit at this stage of your life, Grumpy Old Women comes to Castlebar.

I, Elizabeth a dazzling drama at the Linenhall

Fri, Jan 07, 2011

Rebecca Vaughan performs her spellbinding one-woman hit show I, Elizabeth at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Wednesday, January 26 at 8pm.

At a vital crossroads in history, a young queen steps from the shadows to unburden herself of her many troubles and reveal her innermost thoughts on marriage, succession, religion, war, and the challenges to her throne. But time is against her... Elizabeth the first: queen at 25, political phoenix and famously unmarried, she was the most educated woman of her age — but who was the woman beneath the crown? Using only Elizabeth's words, solo performer Rebecca Vaughan explores Elizabeth’s struggle to reconcile the desires of womanhood with the duties of sovereignty in an acclaimed production directed by Guy Masterson and Dyad Productions.

David Gearty exhibition at the Custom House

Fri, Jan 07, 2011

This January the Custom House Studios, The Quay, Westport, presents an exciting new exhibition of works by artist David Gearty. This exhibition of works by Gearty will open next Thursday, January 13 at 7.30pm and will be open every day until February 2011.

Xmas Mayhem at the TF Royal

Fri, Dec 17, 2010

Sharon Shannon, her Big Band, and some very special guests including Imelda May and Mundy take to the road again over Christmas to arrive at The Royal Theatre Castlebar on 27 December. Sharon Shannon specialises in upbeat, up-tempo performances which will clock in at over two and a half hours in length and give a much needed reprieve from the doom and gloom hanging over us. Renowned for her collaborations with everyone from Nigel Kennedy to Johnny McEvoy, Shannon reunites with some great friends for this tour. Dessie O’Halloran from Inishbofin returns for the tour after a resounding performance with Shannon at Navan Live earlier this year.

Des Bishop brings My Dad Was Nearly James Bond to Castlebar

Fri, Dec 17, 2010

Following a massively successful international tour, Des Bishop makes his highly anticipated return to Ireland and to The Royal Theatre Castlebar on Monday December 27. Inspired by his father’s recent diagnosis of lung cancer, Des’s latest critically acclaimed show My Dad Was Nearly James Bond tells of a remarkable life tinged with regret. In championing the real heroics of fatherhood, Des challenges many common regrets and the ridiculous ideals of manhood that real, un-slick, men try to live up to. The innate inspiration and dexterity behind this show guarantees an unforgettable and touching comedy experience.

Frankie Gavin and the De Dannan to bring the house down in Campbell’s Tavern

Fri, Dec 17, 2010

After wowing fans since reforming, Frankie Gavin and De Dannan are coming to Campbell’s Tavern, Cloughanover, for what promises to be a super show on Tuesday December 28. For many years traditional super group De Dannan were the forerunners in the Irish traditional music world, but after 33 years, 14 albums, and a number of changes in the line up, the group disbanded in 2003. In 2009 original founding member and world famous fiddle player Frankie Gavin unleashed a new De Dannan which features local man Eric Cunningham on percussion, flutes, and whistles. Tickets for the show cost €18 and doors are at 9.30pm in one of the most storied venues in the west.

Cinderella With A Kick in Ballina

Fri, Dec 17, 2010

Back for your Christmas entertainment for the first time in 14 years is the pantomime in Ballina. The cast and crew of Cinderella With A Kick are busy putting their finishing touches to what promises to be a hilarious and entertaining show for all the family.

Brendan Grace is back in Mayo with shows in Castlebar and Ballina

Fri, Dec 17, 2010

The greatest family comedian of our generation, Brendan Grace’s latest show features some new material and some old favourites from his vast repertoire over the last 39 years. His sense of timing and ability to read an audience is without equal. A brilliant character actor, his 'Bottler' character is legendary and is now featured at every performance.

Rock in the New Year with the Saw Doctors in the Royal Theatre

Fri, Dec 17, 2010

2010 has been a great year for The Saw Doctors with sell-out tours in Australia, USA, and the UK in the first half of the year, summer festival appearances at Glastonbury in June, Oxegen in July, and the V Festivals in August, culminating in the September release of the band’s long awaited new studio album, The Further Adventures of The Saw Doctors. And what better way to celebrate 2010 ticking into 2011 than by joining them for the biggest New Year’s Eve party in the west in the Royal Theatre, Castlebar.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.