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OUR MUSIC NI PRESENTS

MID-ULSTER BRASS BAND SPECTACULAR H

Wed 3 June | 8pm | £12.50 | £10 (conc)

FEATURING POYNTZPASS SILVER BAND, HAMILTONSBAWN SILVER BAND, DUNGANNON SILVER BAND & ST MARK’S SILVER BAND

This will be a night to remember as four of the finest brass bands in mid-Ulster join forces to play a selection of brass band classics, both old and new. Some swing, some marches, and even a little Joe Dolan, all enhanced by the fabulous vocal talents of Gerarda McCann, who will be accompanied by trombonist Bob Quick, as they swing you through the evening backed by the fabulous James Cunningham on keyboard.

COUNTRY SHOWTIME PROMOTIONS PRESENTS

MICHAEL ENGLISH H

Thurs 4 June | 8pm | £30

Fans can look forward to an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment as Michael English and his superb band present an all-new show filled with his biggest hits, including ‘Locklin’s Bar’, ‘TuamBeat’, ‘Nearest to Perfect’ and many more.

Michael will also showcase Irish classics from his latest album at the piano, as well as timeless country favourites made famous by legends such as Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Charley Pride, and many others.

One of the biggest names on the Irish music scene, Michael English continues to sell out theatres and concert venues not just in Ireland, but also across England, Scotland and the USA. His live shows are renowned for their energy, musicianship, and connection with audiences, ensuring that every night is a true celebration of music.

MAX RODDY: PETER PAN

Sat 6 June | 8pm | £15

Max Roddy has rocketed to fame in just 17 months and now he brings his wildest show yet, ‘Peter Pan’. With over 40 million views online and bookings from the UK’s top comedy clubs, he’s become the must-see act of the year.

His chaotic, childish, never-still energy makes every show feel explosive and unpredictable. If Peter Kay and Lee Evans had a hyperactive prodigy, this would be him. Catch Ireland’s fastest-rising star before he truly takes off - this is the comedy event you don’t want to miss.

Contains strong language. Recommended for age 16+.

This event will take place in our Studio Theatre with an unreserved, theatre style seating layout.

LM SCHOOL OF DANCE PRESENTS LIGHTS,

CAMERA, BROADWAY!

AH

Sat 6 June | 2pm & 6.30pm | £15

Founded in 2017, LM School of Dance is proud to present their exciting showcase, ‘Lights, Camera, Broadway!’ a vibrant performance suitable for audiences of all ages.

This dynamic show celebrates the talent and dedication of over 200 dancers, featuring a wide variety of styles including ballet, modern jazz, lyrical, contemporary, acro, and hip hop. With something for everyone, it promises an entertaining and inspiring experience from start to finish.

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of dance.

DFK PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY PRESENTS

MATILDA THE

MUSICAL JR AH

Sun 7 June | 6.30pm | £12.50

£8 (under 12s) | £36 (family of 4)

DFK Performing Arts Academy presents Dennis Kelly’s ‘Matilda the Musical JR’, a fun, colourful and energetic musical that reimagines Roald Dahl’s classic book in a creative and unique way.

A girl with amazing wit, smarts... and special powers! Matilda is unloved by her cruel parents, but manages to impress her

schoolteacher, the sweet, loveable Miss Honey. However, her school life isn’t smooth sailing, the school’s horrible headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, loathes children and loves coming up with new ways to punish them if they break her rules. But Matilda has braveness and cleverness in great amounts and could be the one to save the school!

DFK Performing Arts Academy is an all-ability, cross-community performing arts group bringing local children and youth together to experience drama, dance, singing and theatre opportunities.

THE BELFAST MA: YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE

Fri 12 June | 8pm | £23

The Belfast Ma’s latest 5-star show is a riotous comedy full of heart, hustle, and a plot to die for.

The stakes have never been higher! With bills mounting, a baby arriving, and a bank balance that’s just not balancing, Sadie needs a miracle... or a master plan. With a wee bit of scheming, a willing husband, a suspicious son, and a mate who knows far too much, Sadie concocts the perfect solution.

But can she pull off the scam of the century without ending up on Belfast Live? If you loved the Belfast Ma before, wait ‘til you see what she’s at now. But sure, it has to be done. After all, You Only Live Once.

A hilarious comedy based on everyone’s Ma.

Contains strong language. Recommended for age 16+.

OFF THE RAILS DANCE PRESENTS

Fri 12 June | 8pm | £15

Experience the raw energy of 1990’s Northern Ireland. BPM is a visceral collision of contemporary dance and a thumping DJ set, immersing you in the era-defining spirit of the Acid House generation.

Amidst the conflict, the dance floor was a sanctuary, a neutral ground where pulsating bass dissolved divisions. More than a party, it was a ritual of rebellion and pure human connection.

Step into the BPM Club and transport yourself to the heart of 90’s rave culture. Get up close with the cast and lose yourself in a sea of old-school bangers in this immersive nightclub experience. Whether you spent your nights at The Arena, Lush!, Shine, or the Coach, this is your chance to relive the energy that changed history.

The energy doesn’t stop when the performance ends. Your ticket includes bonus extra time following the performance to dance and hang out. Enjoy a final 45 minute set of curated music and grab a drink!

STAGE STARS YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS SHOWTIME! AH

Sat 13 June | 2.30pm & 7pm | £15

Stage Stars return to the stage for their spectacular 12th anniversary celebration! Showcasing the incredible talents of 150 young performers from across Armagh, this vibrant production brings together a dazzling mix of classic hits and contemporary favourites from the world of musical theatre.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of toetapping tunes, high-energy performances, and show-stopping moments that are sure to entertain audiences of all ages.

‘GREER STEERS THE BAND FROM MUDDY WATERS TO STEELY DAN, WITH SOME

EASE MARLBANK.NET

RONNIE GREER BLUES BAND WITH KEN HADDOCK

Sat 20 June | 8pm | £16.50

The Ronnie Greer Blues Band together with special guest Ken Haddock return to The Market Place for their annual concert, always a much anticipated and sold-out event. Awardwinning blues guitar legend Ronnie Greer’s distinctive guitar playing, melding authentic Chicago blues licks with tasty jazz nuances, is critically acclaimed as world-class.

THE LADYKILLERS

Featuring some of the finest musicians and singers in the country, including Anthony Toner on guitar and vocals, John McCullough on keyboards, and special guest, the incomparable Ken Haddock on vocals and acoustic guitar, this is a show not to be missed. Early booking is highly recommended.

This event takes place in our Studio Theatre with an unreserved, cabaret style seating layout.

THIS IS A MAGNIFICENT BAND, OF WORLD CLASS BLUES IN BRITAIN MAGAZINE

(DEMENTIA FRIENDLY SCREENING)

Thurs 23 June | 11am | £5 (includes tea/coffee & biscuits)

Dir: Alexander Mackendrick | 1955 | 105 Mins | Certificate PG

Considered by many as the finest British comedy ever made, ‘The Ladykillers’ follows the hilarious capers of a group of small-time crooks, taking on more than they can handle in the form of their sweet elderly landlady, Mrs. Wilberforce (BAFTA Award-winning actress Katie Johnson). The criminal gang, posing as a string quartet, are unprepared for their landlady’s meddling when one of the ‘musicians’ cases gets caught in a door, revealing the group’s true identity. Featuring Alec Guinness, Peter Sellers and Herbert Lom, ‘The Ladykillers’ is a true classic.

Our dementia friendly screenings are open to all, but have been tailored with care, attention and insight, to be accessible for people living with dementia. This event will take place in our studio theatre with an unreserved, cabaret-style seating layout.

PAMELA CASSELLS SCHOOL OF PERFORMANCE PRESENTS

HEART OF HAMELIN AH

Tues 23-Wed 24 June 7.30pm | £20

A haunting musical that unravels the mystery of 130 lost children. Experience the magic of a piper’s melody that forever changed a town. Led by an exceptional youth cast, follow us on a journey through the tune-filled streets of Hamelin.

Join us for the premiere of this exciting, original musical production by Pamela Cassells Totton and Jonny McGuinness.

London’s National Theatre makes world-class theatre that is entertaining, challenging and inspiring. And now, they make it for everyone.

NT LIVE: LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES

Thurs 25 June | 7pm | £15 | £13 (student)

BAFTA Award-winner Lesley Manville (‘Phantom Thread’) joins Aidan Turner (‘Rivals’) in a striking new staging of Christopher Hampton’s celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one misstep can mean ruin.

Marquise de Merteuil is a master in the art of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path.

Filmed live on stage at the National Theatre, Marianne Elliott (‘Angels in America’) directs this thrilling game of love, lies, and social warfare.

This event will take place in our Studio Theatre with an unreserved, tiered seating layout.

National Theatre Live is National Theatre’s ground-breaking project to broadcast the best of British theatre to venues in the UK and internationally, and The Market Place Theatre is delighted to be involved. With state-ofthe-art filming techniques, tailored to each play, you can now attend every performance as it happens, in all its glory. This is theatre for everyone.

Please watch the website where details of future screenings will be announced.

Thurs 25 June

8pm | £30 H

Donegal-based vocal group Onóir are a modern Irish folk quartet, who sing male vocal harmony-focused songs and musical arrangements. The band has been continuously on tour with their sell-out theatre show since 2023 with over 40,000 people having experienced the show. The group formed in August 2020, when four Donegal musicians: Tom McHugh, Declan Gaughan, Deane Connaghan, and Diarmaid McGee, joined forces to create a contemporary version of the famous Irish folk ballad, ‘The Auld Triangle’, the music video which went on to be seen by over 3.5 million people worldwide.

Onóir’s new ‘Brotherhood’ tour takes the latest evolution of their theatre show all across Ireland, the UK, Europe, and the USA. This is a show that is not to be missed.

ONÓIR

- A DONEGAL POWERHOUSE

IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE

JMG MUSIC GROUP PRESENTS

Fri 26 June | 8pm | £26.50 H

Prepare for a boot-stomping, heartthumping journey through the golden age of country music!

This award-winning production has been hailed as the Best Country Tribute Show, captivating over 350,000 fans and racking up more than 2,000 five-star reviews along the way. Featuring stunning renditions of legendary hits from Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Hank

Williams, Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Alan Jackson, Luke Combs, and many more, this unforgettable night of music brings Nashville to life like never before.

The show delivers a dazzling mix of powerful vocals, authentic costumes, and first-class musicianship, backed by a stellar live band and spectacular lighting and visuals. Whether you’re a lifelong country fan or a newcomer to the genre, The Legends of American Country Show promises to transport you to the heart of Nashville and back in one magical night.

SEVENTH AVENUE ARTS PRESENTS

SIMON & GARFUNKEL THROUGH THE YEARS

Sat 27 June | 8pm | £22.50

A REAL MASTERPIECE

BBC RADIO

RICHHILL DANCE STUDIO PRESENTS

Critically acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest tribute shows, ‘Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years’ continues to delight audiences across the globe. Featuring stunning vocal harmonies from world-class musicians, this spectacular concert transports you on a journey through the epic songs and history of the much-loved Simon and Garfunkel.

Collectively known as Bookends, Dan Haynes and Pete Richards have been fronting ‘Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years’ since its creation in 2011. Alongside stops in London’s West End, the show has toured extensively around the UK, Europe, United States and Australia, attracting packed houses night after night. Featuring all the major hits such as ‘The Sound of Silence’, ‘Mrs Robinson’, ‘The Boxer’ and the iconic ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, don’t miss out on this phenomenal show.

2026 AH

Fri 3 & Sat 4 July | 7pm

£18 | £14 (concession)

Richhill Dance Studio returns to The Market Place Theatre due to popular demand, with their spectacular stage production of ‘Gotta Dance’. This all-singing, alldancing extravaganza will entertain audiences of all ages and has been a huge sell out in all their previous shows. With adorable performances from children as young as three to the outstanding routines from senior students who will have you thinking you are in the West End!

This is a great family event for all to enjoy and something you won’t want to miss!

Group booker discount not available for this performance.

Sat 18 July | 4.30pm & 7.30pm £15 | £13.50 (children) AH

Get your head in the game and join us for a fun-filled, high-energy production of Disney Channel’s smash-hit musical, ‘High School Musical JR’. Bursting with unforgettable songs, exciting dance numbers, and all the spirit of East High, this is a show packed with heart, friendship, and plenty of Wildcats energy.

When basketball star Troy Bolton meets the clever and talented Gabriella Montez, their unexpected decision to audition for the school musical shakes up the social order at East High. As the Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians, and Skater Dudes struggle to break free from the ‘status quo’, friendships are tested, confidence is discovered, and everyone learns that being yourself is worth singing about.

GIFT VOUCHERS

THE MARKET PLACE THEATRE ARMAGH

A Market Place Theatre Gift voucher makes an ideal present for a loved one, friend or colleague and is ideal for any occasion including that elusive Christmas or Birthday present.

Gift Vouchers are available in any denomination and can be purchased from The Theatre Box Office.

JOHN HEWITT SOCIETY PRESENTS

THE JOHN HEWITT INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL 2026 H

A FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE, THE ARTS & IDEAS

MON 27 JULY-FRI 31 JULY

The 39th annual Summer School and literary festival offers another attractive programme with an international flavour of in-person events with readings, talks, workshops, panel discussions and evening shows, featuring wellknown writers, esteemed speakers and highly acclaimed performers from throughout Ireland and the UK. Whether you come for an event or two, a full day or the week, there is something on offer for everyone.

Acclaimed speakers will address this year’s theme: Living as Other Women Lived: The Politics of Challenge and Success

John Hewitt’s profound connection to his wife, Roberta Hewitt, has been well documented. To her he was a dedicated companion and tireless supporter of her ambitions and causes. In a wider sense, this mirrors the profound allyship that he had for the political, cultural and artistic battles of women in Britain and Ireland during his lifetime. This year’s John Hewitt International Summer School sets out to explore the challenges that Roberta and John Hewitt championed in their lifetimes. We will celebrate the victories achieved then and since and seek to examine how successful and embedded these gains have been and explore what work is further required to accomplish these goals.

Well-known prose writers who will read from and discuss their recently published work in the always popular In Conversation Lunchtime series include Booker shortlisted Andrew Miller (27 July) Sarah Gilmartin (28 July), the new Laureate for Irish Fiction, Éilis Ní Dhuibhne (29 July), Jan Carson (30 July) and Mary Costello (31 July), while the Debut Novelists’ slot (31st July) will feature Andrew Cunning and Ruth McKee in conversation with Jan Carson. Louise Nealon will speak at Armagh City Library (also 28 July) and the best-selling author and standout star of The Traitors, Harriet Tyce will be the special guest in a Crime Fiction Special hosted by Stuart Neville (27 July).

Among the acclaimed poets in the JHISS 2026 programme are Isabelle Baafi & Matthew Rice (28 July), Moyra Donaldson & Connie Voisine (29 July) and Jessica Traynor and Abeer Ameer (30 July). Annemarie Ní Churreáin, Mícheál McCann and Grace Wilentz will feature in the ever-popular Gallery Goes event (31 July). One of Northern Ireland’s best-known poets, Sinéad Morrissey, will be In Conversation about her critically acclaimed new memoir (27 July).

No Alibis Bookstore returns and will be open throughout the JHISS week.

Then you had lived as other women live, warmed by a touch, responsive to a glance, glad to endure, so that endurance give the right to share each changing circumstance.

(FROM ‘SONNETS FOR ROBERTA’) ‘THE COLONY’: JOHN HEWITT, 1949

The programme also provides Creative Writing workshops with established writers, as well as an exhibition of work by Brigid O’Brien and a photography exhibition by James Hughes.

Further details on all events will be on the John Hewitt Society and Market Place websites.

HARRIET TYCE IN CONVERSATION WITH STUART NEVILLE

Mon 27 July I 8.30pm I £16

Multi-award-winning Armagh writer, Stuart Neville, has invited some of the most popular and critically acclaimed crime writers to join him to discuss their work for this annual festival highlight.

Stuart Neville’s debut novel, ‘The Ghosts of Belfast’ (published in the UK as ‘The Twelve’), won the Mystery/Thriller category of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, and was picked as one of the top crime novels of 2009 by both the New York Times and the LA Times. He has been shortlisted for various awards, including the MWA Edgar, CWA Dagger, Theakstons Old Peculier Novel of the Year, Barry, Macavity, Dilys awards, as well as the Irish Book Awards Crime Novel of the Year.

BECOMING MARVELLOUS

Tues 28 July | 8.30pm I £15

Written and performed by Cathy Carson

Returning to JHISS in response to popular demand, this powerful performance takes us back to 1970s Belfast, where young Danielle navigates a life as dangerous at home as it is in the streets. A story packed with tears, laughter and heart, ‘Becoming Marvellous’ is a triumph in survival and resilience.

Cathy Carson is a celebrated writer and spoken word performer whose work combines poetry and storytelling to explore human connection. In 2022, she was shortlisted for The Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Performer, and her one woman show ‘Becoming Marvellous’ won the award for Best Spoken Word show.

Harriet Tyce, criminal barrister and standout star of Series 4 of BBC’s The Traitors, is the million-copy Sunday Times bestselling author of five novels. After practising as a criminal barrister in London for nearly a decade, she subsequently completed an MA in Creative Writing - Crime Fiction at the University of East Anglia. Her ﬁrst novel, ‘Blood Orange’, published in 2019 to huge critical acclaim and this was followed by three bestsellers; ‘The Lies You Told’, ‘It Ends at Midnight’ and ‘A Lesson in Cruelty’. Her ﬁfth novel, the addictive thriller, ‘Witch Trial’, was published earlier this year.

CATHY CARSON REACHES INTO YOUR VERY BEING AND SQUEEZES YOUR HEART FOR EVERY LAST DROP OF EMOTION KAREN MOONEY

WORK IS THE CURSE OF THE DRINKING CLASSES BY NEIL TITLEY

Wed 29 July I 8.30pm I £15

Starring Will Govan and directed by Rebecca O’Connor. Set in Paris in 1898, Will Govan plays an exiled Oscar Wilde looking back on his extraordinarily colourful life and ruminating on love, fame, family and misfortune with his infamous wit and irreverence in this hilarious but ultimately tragic story of a life.

A CLOAK OF WISDOM

Thurs 30 July I 8.30pm I £13

Featuring Liz Weir, Vicky McFarland and Anne Harper

‘A Cloak of Wisdom’ is a cross-media storytelling performance that seeks to reframe and reclaim the narrative of the feminine voice in a way that empowers, inspires, and provokes reflection. ‘A Cloak of Wisdom’ examines the spectrum of the feminine voice - from Goddess to serving girl; fairylore to the horrors of the mother and baby homes.

This one-person play draws on Wilde’s letters, essays and anecdotes to bring this literary genius to life in a 60-minute performance which will appeal as much to those who know little about the man as it will to those who admire his work.

This play has delighted audiences in hundreds of venues across the world, including the USA, Canada, India, Hong Kong, Uruguay, Zimbabwe, Bahrain and Ethiopia.

Through a blend of storytelling, live music and visual imagery, audiences are invited to explore and consider themes such as birth, death, revenge and our disconnect from ‘mother earth’ and the impact this is having on our landscapes.

‘The Cloak of Wisdom’ carries the power to reach into hearts. It is a splendid work that deserves to be witnessed widely. This unique collaboration brings together three visionary artists: Liz Weir, an internationally celebrated storyteller with over 50 years of experience, Vicky McFarland, a pioneer in immersive storytelling and Anne Harper, a musician, composer, storyteller and longstanding environmental activist.

Fri 7-Sat 8 Aug

2.30pm [Sat only] & 7.30pm £18 | £15 (conc) AH

Harvard’s beloved blonde takes the stage by glittery pink storm in this fun and upbeat adaptation of the hit film and award-winning Broadway musical.

IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT

(Dementia Friendly Screening)

Legally Blonde JR. follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. When Elle’s high school boyfriend, Warner, dumps her and heads to Harvard, claiming she’s not “serious” enough, Elle takes matters into her own hands, crafting a showy song-and-dance personal essay and charming her way into law school. Befriending classmate, Emmett, and spunky hairdresser, Paulette, along the way, Elle finds that books and looks aren’t mutually exclusive. As Elle begins outsmarting her peers, she realises that law may be her natural calling after all.

Legally Blonde The Musical JR. is a fabulously fun journey of self-empowerment and expanding horizons. The show’s instantly recognisable songs are filled with humour, wit and sass - leaving cast members and audiences alike seeing pink!

An incredibly talented cast of young performers, the best of Northern Ireland’s budding musical theatre, dance, and singing talent, will take to the stage for the Northern Ireland Musical Theatre Collective’s production.

Thurs 13 Aug | 11am | £5 (includes tea/coffee & biscuits)

Dir: Frank Capra | 1959 105 Mins | Certificate PG

Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert team up for laughs as mismatched lovers in this 1934 screwball comedy classic. Spoiled Ellie Andrews (Colbert) escapes from her millionaire father (Walter Connolly) who wants to stop her from marrying a worthless playboy. En route to New York, Ellie gets involved with an out-of-work newsman, Peter Warne (Gable). When their bus breaks down, the bickering couple set off on a madcap hitchhiking expedition.

Complications fly when the runaway heiress and brash reporter fall in love. Directed by Frank Capra, ‘It Happened One Night’ was the first movie to be honoured with all five major Oscars; Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2

(Dog Friendly Screening)

Sat 15 Aug | 11am

£5 | £3 (children)

Furry Friends Free

Dir: Chris Renaud | 2019

86 Mins | Certificate U

Max the Jack Russell’s world flips upside down when his owner Katie gets married and has a baby, Liam. Feeling left out and overly protective, Max struggles, until a trip to the countryside introduces him to Rooster, a no-nonsense farm dog who teaches him courage and responsibility.

Back in the city, Max’s friends dive into their own wild missions: Gidget battles a horde of cats to save Max’s beloved toy, while Snowball, aspiring superhero, and Daisy team up to rescue a white tiger cub from a cruel circus owner. Adventures everywhere!

There is a limited number of dogs that we can facilitate, and we can only permit one dog per adult attending. We will provide bowls of water, blankets to cover seats or for lying on the floor. We request that dogs remain on leads throughout the duration of the film - feel free to bring them outside at any point. Please bring any toys that may make your dog more comfortable, and we kindly ask that owners clean up after their dogs if they create a mess, with the cleaning products provided.

This event will take place in our studio theatre with an unreserved, cabaret-style seating layout. Please note that the sound levels for the film will be lowered to allow for our canine audience!

BELVOIR PLAYERS PRESENTS

NO HOPE HERE BY VIV BRENNAN A

Sat 22 Aug | 8pm | £18

Belvoir Players proudly present the high-energy Belfast comedy, ‘No Hope Here’. Rab Devlin has quietly profited for years from flipping houses under the Housing Executive’s nose, until his wife places a newspaper ad that blows his cover spectacularly. To dodge trouble, Rab invents a story of paramilitary intimidation, only to find himself “protected” by loyalists, republicans and the RUC all at once. As each group arrives in disguise, Rab desperately tries to keep their identities hidden from one another.

Misunderstandings multiply, tensions rise and chaos erupts in this sharp, hilarious farce where every lie backfires and escape seems impossible.

RIVER TALL THEATRE PRESENTS

IN THE HEART OF THE COUNTRY

H

Thurs 27-Sat 29 Aug 7.30pm | £25

‘In The Heart of The Country’ tells the story of a young couple who meet at a dance in the Parochial Hall and share their love of country music. Their friendship turns into young love despite the protestations of both their families, the fathers in particular, albeit for totally different reasons.

However, the political landscape of the country is about to change and spreading throughout the North was the clamour for Civil Rights. Meetings were set up and marches planned. Sean and Beth, our two young country stars are caught up in this wave of protest.

‘In The Heart Of The Country’ reflects this evocative time in our recent history. Farming communities, the bedrock of our society, were often seen as the places where farming needs transgressed all perceived differences. However, harmony was cruelly broken in this rural heartland, and one wonders would it ever be the same again.

JP MAC PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

CASH

RETURNS:

THE MAN IN BLACK H

Fri 4 Sept | 8pm | £27

The Man in Black is back!

Join us in celebrating the iconic music of Johnny Cash and June Carter featuring Europe’s premier Johnny Cash, JP Mac, and with Karen Lyttle as the ever sassy and fantastic June Carter along with an amazing cast of musicians and their very own ‘Carter Sisters’ on backing vocals.

Experience this high-octane show that will take you back through the years, picking out all the best songs from Johnny and June’s back catalogue of iconic hits including, ‘Jackson’, ‘Ring Of Fire’, ‘Hurt’, ‘Ghost Riders In The Sky’, and many more! Hotter than a pepper sprout, this much-revered show will take you right back to the magic of the Grand Ole Opry and the fever pitch atmosphere of the mess halls at Folsom Prison and San Quentin.

THE MARKET PLACE THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH AC CREATIVE EVENTS PRESENTS

ROBIN HOOD

Written by Stephen Beggs

A bullseye of a panto! With the dastardly Sheriff in his castle cooking up evil plans, only one band of heroes can stop him! It’s time for the legendary Robin Hood, the fearless Maid Marian, and their hilariously hopeless merry band to rise to the challenge. But will they save the day… or will the wicked Sheriff have the last laugh?

Step into Sher-you-wood Forest, where mischief, magic, and mayhem are always in season! This brand-new pantomime reimagines the classic tale with a fresh, fun-filled twist. Prepare for laugh-out-loud comedy, daring sword fights, spectacular songs, dazzling sets and costumes, and heaps of audience participation that will leave everyone cheering (and booing!) for more. Will Robin win Marian’s heart? Will the Sheriff finally get what’s coming to him? There’s only one way to find out…

So gather your merry band of friends and family, don your green tights (optional - but encouraged!), and prepare to be swept away on a thrilling, side-splitting journey into the heart of Sher-you-wood Forest.

PREVIEW OFFER

SAT 28 NOV | 11AM & 3PM

OFFER £17.50 | £15 (CONC)

TICKETS FOR ALL OTHER PUBLIC PERFORMANCES £20 & £17.50 (conc)

SCHOOLS PERFORMANCES & PRICES: Contact The Box Office 03300 561 025

PUBLIC PERFORMANCES Sat 28 Nov 11am & 3pm | Fri 4 Dec 6.30pm | Sat 5 Dec 11am, 3pm & 6.30pm

RELAXED PERFORMANCE Sat 5 Dec 11am BSL SIGNED PERFORMANCE Sat 12 Dec 5pm

CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE Thurs 17 Dec 6.30pm

WORKSHOPS

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR ADULT AND CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS

Enrolment closes seven days prior to workshop date. Summer season workshops are suitable for ages 16+. Workshops are designed for people coming to a subject for the first time or for those with a casual or leisure interest. Workshops are suitable for wheelchair users. Breaks and lunch breaks for full day courses are arranged by the tutor on the morning of the workshop.

There are no catering services available at the Market Place Theatre. Participants should bring their own lunch or avail of the many cafés, restaurants and shops close to the venue. Tea and coffee will be provided in the workshop room free of charge throughout the workshop. Children attending workshops should bring a drink and small snack.

SWALLOWS IN FLIGHTWILLOW WEAVING

Sat 6 June | 10am - 2pm | £40

Join willow artist Soheil for a relaxed and inspiring workshop where you will learn to weave a pair of handcrafted willow swallows. Using locally sourced natural willow, Soheil will guide you step-by-step through the techniques of shaping, binding and weaving, helping you create a pair of elegant swallows in flight, perfect for hanging at home or gifting.

Designed for beginners and craft enthusiasts alike, this hands-on session offers a calming creative experience and the chance to explore traditional willow-working skills in a friendly, supportive setting. All materials provided.

Max No: 8 | Suitable for age 16+

Tutor: Soheil Roohipour

CARRICKMACROSS LACE FLOWER

Sat 13 June | 10am - 2pm | £35

Join lace artist Sarah Hughes for a relaxed and inspiring beginners’ workshop where you’ll learn the beautiful heritage craft of Carrickmacross lacemaking. Guided by Sarah you will create a simple flower motif in this traditional Irish lace style, appliquéd onto layers of organdie and net.

You will be guided through the basic stitches and techniques used to make Carrickmacross lace; couching, guipure works, pops and loops. Templates and lace-making materials are provided, along with all the instruction and guidance needed to have you hooked on this fantastic heritage skill and helping to keep the craftsmanship of classical lace-making alive. Feel free to take a lamp to assist with visibility when stitching.

Max No: 8 | Suitable for age 16+ | Tutor: Sarah Hughes

INTRODUCTION

TO WOODCARVING

Sat 13 June | 10am - 5pm | £65

This Introduction to woodcarving class with Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach you the skills needed to produce a bespoke relief woodcarving. You will learn about the unique properties of wood, along with the many shapes and sizes of woodcarving chisels and how to use them safely and effectively. This class is ideal for beginners or for anyone wishing to take their newfound skills to the next level.

The tutor will provide several different woodcarvings to choose from. Due to the use of sharp tools during the class, sturdy boots or shoes should be worn. Opentoed or low-cut footwear is not suitable and may mean you cannot participate in the workshop. The tutor will supply safety gloves but if you have your own tight fitting safety gloves feel free to bring them along.

Max No: 8 | Suitable for age 16+ | Tutor: Steve Ryan [Green Woodwork Ireland]

PAINT YOUR PET

Sat 27 June | 10am - 3pm | £40

Unleash your inner artist and celebrate your furry friend at our upcoming ‘Paint Your Pet’ workshop! Led by artist Michelle Wilson, this relaxed and creative session is perfect for all skill levels. Michelle will guide you step-by-step through the process of capturing your pet’s unique

SILVER PENDANT - DELFT SANDCASTING WORKSHOP

Sat 27 June | 10am - 4pm | £65.00

Explore the traditional principles of delft sandcasting in this new one-day jewellery workshop. Working with professional tools and fine delft clay, you will select a wax model each featuring a range of motifs like stars, flowers, and leaves. Prepare a two-part mould, learning how to pack, vent and register the sand for a clean cast. You’ll then heat up and pour molten silver into your mould. Once cooled you will open the mould to reveal your pendant and carry out essential post-cast finishing techniques including sprue removal, filing, sanding and hand-polishing.

personality on canvas using the grid method, ensuring you leave with a masterpiece you’ll be proud to hang at home. Simply send us a photo of your beloved companion for sizing and get ready for a fun afternoon of colour and creativity.

All materials supplied. Please bring an apron or wear an old shirt to protect clothing.

Max No: 12

Suitable for age 14+

Tutor: Michelle Wilson

All materials are included as well as full access to specialist tools and equipment.

Max No: 10 | Suitable for age 16+ | Tutor: Tara Campbell

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS

AT THE JOHN HEWITT INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL 2026

MON 27, TUES 28 & THURS 30 JULY

2.45pm - 4.45pm | £80 for three-day workshop course

Develop your writing skills under the direction of esteemed facilitators who are all experienced tutors and published authors. With a choice of genres to choose from, each workshop runs over three days, and each intensive interactive session lasts for two hours. Spaces are limitedadvance booking is essential.

Poetry: From the Notebook to the Page with Nessa O’Mahony*

Poetry: Three Lines and their Wide-reaching Influences with Csilla Toldy*

Poetry: Breaking the Page. Writing Experimental Poetry (Advanced) with Nicole Yacurba

Short Story Writing: with Wendy Erskine

Writing Your Novel: with Bernie McGill

Story Building: How to Plan and Structure Your Novel with Stuart Neville

Memoir: Writing Your One Wild and Precious Life with Maureen Boyle

Gothic Flash Fiction Workshops: with Jennie E. Owen*

Full details on all workshop courses and facilitators will be available on the John Hewitt Society and Market Place Theatre websites and in the JHISS 2026 brochure.

w johnhewittsociety.org

*Supported by The Open University

ART CAMP FOR KIDS

Mon 3 August - Fri 7 Aug (One Week) | 10.00am - 1.00pm (Early drop off from 9.30am available)

£65.00 for the full week | Siblings: £55.00 each for second or third child

Art Camp is back for 2026 with an exciting line up of new artists, new techniques, new materials and new ideas, but just as much fun! You will be introduced to a mix of famous artists from history and some new modern masters during the week to inspire your artwork. We will explore and experiment with a variety of different art forms both inside and outside. There will be some painting, sculpting and action painting, as well as some time left every day for you to unleash your own creativity.

Let’s not forget about all the new friendships that will be made throughout the week too! The camp ends with an exhibition showcasing all the artwork made during the week. It will be messy, colourful and pressure free. Creativity at its best!

CARRICKMACROSS LACE SUMMER SCHOOL | SUMMER BOUQUET

Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Aug (Three Days)

10.00am to 3.00pm | £100

Join award-winning lacemaker and visual artist Theresa Kelly for this three-day Carrickmacross lace workshop creating a personalised summer bouquet design. You will use traditional lace techniques of couching, covered appliqué, guipure bars, open whip loops, pops, fillings stitch and Catherine wheel.

Floral designs may include peony roses, peace lilies, roses and a variety of foliage. All materials are provided; however, attendees are encouraged to bring a small lamp to shine on their work for increased visibility.

Max No: 12

Suitable for beginner and intermediate lace makers age 18+

Tutor: Theresa Kelly

THAI COOKING

Sat 22 Aug | 10am - 12pm or 1pm - 3pm | £35

The best Thai food comes from using the freshest ingredients, along with the skilful art of preparation and combining the right ingredients at the right time to create an exceptional dish. Unlock the secrets of Thai cooking and master the art to impress your loved ones at home. In this workshop you will be engaging your five senses to achieve these authentic Thai flavours.

This class is designed for people of all experience levels, from total beginners to seasoned cooks looking to broaden their horizons.

By understanding commonly used ingredients, cooking techniques and traditions, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to cook your own delicious Thai feasts as you create a three-course meal. You will taste and eat some of the food you have prepared as part of the workshop experience. All ingredients are supplied. Please bring an apron and take-home food containers. Please notify the tutor of any allergies prior to attending the course. Inform Box Office at time of booking to receive tutor email address.

Max No: 10 | Suitable for age 16+

Tutors: Thai Arts NI

A VIBRANT SUMMERACRYLIC PAINTING

Sat 22 Aug | 10am - 4pm | £50

Join artist Máiréad Duffy for this relaxed and natureinspired summer painting workshop designed for artists of all levels. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or looking to refresh your painting skills, Máiréad will take you through the steps to depict nature using vibrant acrylic paints on canvas. Over the course of the day, you’ll learn essential techniques such as colour mixing, layering, brushwork, and creating texture. With step-bystep guidance and plenty of time to experiment.

All materials are provided so just bring your creative curiosity and a willingness to play with paint.

Enjoy a creative summer atmosphere, meet fellow art lovers, and leave with new skills and a canvas you’ll be proud of. Please bring an apron or old shirt to cover clothing.

Max No: 10

Suitable for age 16+

Tutor: Máiréad Duffy

ASYMMETRIC FORAGING BASKET WITH DRIFTWOOD HANDLE

Fri 28 & Sat 29 Aug | 10.00am - 5.00pm | £125

On this two-day course you will weave with home grown willow varieties to create an asymmetric foraging basket. This workshop is designed for anyone eager to move beyond round basketry and explore new weaving techniques. Previous weaving experience is highly recommended.

You will master techniques such as weaving and spacing oval bases, selecting rods for stakes and weavers, staking up, pull down wale, French rand, and the 5-behind-2 border. Learn how to perfect the finishing touches on your basket by attaching a driftwood handle and applying professional trimming and tidying techniques. Basketmaking is a very physical activity and therefore requires reasonable stamina and hand strength.

You will also have the use of very sharp tools throughout the day’s work. Please bring a notebook and pen and wear closed-toe shoes.

Participants are encouraged to collect their own driftwood handle to make the basket more personal, however the tutor will also have some handles available to choose from.

Max No: 6 | Suitable for age 16+

Tutor: Soheil Roohipour

DISTANT ECHOES MARK MAGEE

15 May - 4 July | Gallery

Mark Magee is an Irish painter whose practice merges social realism with strategies of montage to interrogate memory, cultural identity, and the poetics of place.

Magee revisits the urban landscapes of 1970s Lurgan, where the intimacy of childhood recollection intersects with the political realities of the Troubles. His works re-stage these environments through a visual palimpsest of figures from pop and cultural icons such as Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust to the emergent punk scene, alongside spectral presences from his own past. In doing so, Magee creates a dialogue between nostalgia, trauma, and collective imagination.

CARNIVAL OF CREATIVES SOUTHERN REGIONAL COLLEGE

4 June - 4 July | Foyer Walls

Carnival of Creatives is a vibrant group exhibition showcasing contemporary work by students from the Southern Regional College Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design course. Bringing together fine art painting, digital photography, graphics and textiles, the exhibition celebrates both traditional and experimental approaches to media and materials. Each piece represents the culmination of two years of dedicated study, exploration, and creative growth.

The students’ work reflects a rich range of inspirations drawn from diverse artists and designers, further enriched by their educational visit to Glasgow. This experience, alongside their academic journey, has shaped a body of work that highlights individuality, imagination, and the evolution of personal artistic voices.

THESE EXHIBITIONS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOHN HEWITT INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL 2026

HOME BRIGID

O’BRIEN

27 July - 5 Sept | Gallery

Home explores what it means to have a place of comfort, privacy and security, an everyday reality still out of reach for many.

STORYTELLERS JAMES HUGHES

27 July - 5 Sept | Foyer Walls

Tellers of stories devoted to a cause beyond the self; people who create connections by sharing human experience as a voice of culture.

This portrait exhibition spans four decades of James Hughes’ work and features twenty-five portraits and narratives of literary figures such as poets, writers and songwriters including Padraic

Fiacc, Ciaran Carson, Michael Longley, Jan Carson and others.

James Hughes is a Northern Irish photographer and artist, whose photographic practice ranges from social documentary through to fine art photography.

A celebrated photographer, with many exhibitions and awards, his work is represented internationally in museums and galleries.

In her immersive nine-foot drawings, Wicklow artist Brigid O’Brien depicts people simply living: resting, working, playing. Each large-scale drawing brings viewers directly into the intimate world of the figures portrayed.

These ordinary moments speak to the profound stability a home provides. Inspired by witnessing a young homeless family trying to create intimacy in a public space, the moment evoked sadness, anger, and an understanding that the security of home is neither guaranteed, nor evenly granted. O’Brien reflects on the ongoing housing crisis, reminding us that the pathway to stability remains steep for many; yet she holds on to a conviction that we have a capacity to do better. Visitors, especially children, are invited to respond creatively to the drawings by writing, drawing or sketching their own reflections on what home means to them in the gallery and adding their work to the exhibition.

PROTECT YOUR TICKETS

Nothing is more disappointing than not being able to attend an event you’ve been looking forward to. When you purchase refund protection, at least you won’t be left out of pocket.

We’ve partnered with Booking Protect to offer customers the world’s most flexible and comprehensive refund protection cover. Simply select additional refund protection at the checkout or when booking through our Box Office, and you’ll have peace of mind that you can request a full refund if certain unexpected circumstances occur, and you have to miss an event. We hope this option will give you even more flexibility and security when purchasing tickets with us!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

BOOK IN PERSON

Box Office Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm. On performance evenings the Box Office will remain open until 7pm for all bookings and until the performance start-time for tickets for that night’s show only.

BOOK ONLINE | FURTHER INFORMATION

Full customer information and ticket booking available at visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

BOOK BY TELEPHONE

Mon to Sat from 9.30am to 4.30pm. On performance evenings we take telephone bookings until 7pm. The easiest way to pay is by credit or debit card.

BOOKING FEE

Please note there is a £1 per ticket booking fee for tickets purchased online or by phone.

The H symbol beside some of our events indicates that the performance is being presented by an independent promoter | organisation which is hiring the theatre.

The A symbol indicates that the performance is being presented by an amateur theatre group or organisation.

TICKETS CANNOT BE EXCHANGED OR REFUNDED

Once purchased, your ticket is your property. The Market Place Theatre cannot refund its value to you, nor exchange it for any other ticket under any circumstances. If you cannot attend the performance for any reason, you have the option of selling or giving your ticket to another person.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE

Customers using wheelchairs or those who require special assistance attending an event should contact the Box Office in advance so that appropriate assistance can be arranged.

Tickets for performances can be sold on behalf of the production company. In this case, VAT (if applicable) is accounted for by the production company.

MARKET PLACE THEATRE BEAT THE QUEUE

PRE-ORDER YOUR INTERVAL DRINKS

You can pre-order your interval drinks at any of our bars before the performance to avoid queuing at the interval. Our bars serve a wide range of beers, spirits, wines and soft drinks.

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