Íontas Theatre Event Guide | Sept - Dec 23

AT A GLANCE

OCTOBER

AT A GLANCE

DECEMBER

PLEASE NOTE DOORS OPEN 20 MINUTES BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE TIME UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE

Please check out our website and Facebook pages for additional events and activities. These may be included in our programme as the season progresses.

PLEASE NOTE: Row Q is available for qualified seating (wheelchairs and accessibility)

To book these and for group bookings please contact the Box Office directly on 042 975 3400/401

FOREWORD

Another Season fast approaches here in Íontas, and we look forward to presenting you a wonderful line up of activities and entertainment for the rest of 2023. With our ever growing selection of music, arts & family fun, there’s sure to be something for everyone on our action packed upcoming program.

After the great success of Michael Gallen’s Opera ELSEWHERE back in 2019, we are delighted to be hosting his company once again for his new Opera project THE CURING LINE. Michael will develop this Opera here in our theatre, and open the doors for an exclusive sneak preview in early September, before taking it on tour to theatres internationally. A monumental project for both Monaghan & Ireland on the opera scene.

The rest of our Music Line up is particularly special this year, with heavyweights Susan McCann & Paddy Casey, and North East are looking forward to bringing the smash musical ALL SHOOK UP to us in November, after their hugely successful 9to5 last year. In the run up to Christmas the music continues, with The Muckno Singers, A Starling Blue Christmas, and the legendary Phil Coulter. We also welcome back Dyad from England, with their incredible storytelling hit “A Christmas Carol”, which will be a truly special and festive drama experience this December.

And indeed what would a new season be without a bit of Drama?! And we certainly have no shortage this Autumn… Our friends Quintessence in Drogheda & Dundalk are bringing their wonderful production “The Curious Case of Albert Cashier”, a theatrical triumph, storytelling the life of a local woman who travelled from Clogherhead and fought for Lincoln in the civil war, but spent the remainder of her, (or should we say his) life as a man. This exceptional production is not to be missed, and we are delighted to welcome them this September.

Our local group The Castleblayney Players will bring two productions this October… “No Going Back” is a dramatic tale of two brothers in the aftermath of the Irish Civil War. Written by Blayney’s own Joe Hanratty, No Going Back focuses on the difficulties of family & identity on the border, and how in turbulent times, it is often hard to let go. We will also have Martin McDonagh’s classic play “The Beauty Queen of Leenane”. Both hilarious and heartbreaking, this story of a woman trapped in a life with her mother is one that resonates constantly with any audience who experiences it. A real treat.

This December we are delighted to be hosting the much anticipated ALL IRELAND ONE ACT DRAMA FESTIVAL FINALS. With 11 one act Plays over just 3 days, ticketholders are guaranteed an action-packed weekend. Blayney Film @ Íontas is going as strong as ever, with 4 more beautiful screenings in the coming months, several of which have been awarded very heavily in the film community. We also have a great ongoing selection of artwork on display in our gallery, including our Artist in Residence, Orlagh Meegan-Gallagher, so be sure to stop by and check out our exhibitions.

The laughs will continue to come thick and fast with the amazing Gearóid Farrelly, one of Ireland’s most celebrated comedians. Conal Gallen returns with his new comedy Play “Up The Poll”, and we have Bernie’s New adventure “Absolutely Flabulous”. There’s lots on for the kiddies too, including Joe The Magician from RTÉjr, who amazes and entertains everyone lucky enough to behold his magic! We also have a special treat with the debut performance of “The Land of 100 Little Hills” a poetic adventure for kids. Based on Kavanagh’s poem A Christmas Childhood, this exciting and thought provoking spectacle contains music, puppetry, poetry, and is brought to us by our dear friends in the Kavanagh Centre & Ceol Connected. We are proud to host Ceol connected once again as they develop the final stages of this wonderful production on our stage.

We must also thank Monaghan CoCo, Creative Ireland, Pobal and all those who continue to support our endeavours here in Íontas. Finally, after 18 wonderful years, we must sadly say goodbye to Castleblayney Library, who have called Íontas their home since we opened in 2005. We wish Helen and the whole team, all the very best in their new home at Muckno, where they will continue to grow & thrive. We will always be proud that they are a part of our story here, and can’t wait to see their new campus in action!

On Behalf of Darren, and all the Staff here at Íontas Theatre, Arts & Community Resource Centre, we thank each and every one of you for using our building, and for supporting the Arts in all it’s forms throughout Co. Monaghan & beyond. We look forward to seeing you all in the coming Months…

David Maine | Íontas Arts Co-ordinator

Guímid séasúr iontais daoibh!

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EVENT CO-ORDINATOR

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Íontas Arts & Community Centre - home to everyone.

Whether you are attending one of the performances at our renowned Íontas Theatre or attending dance class, getting creative in our arts room, catching an exhibition in our gallery space, attending music practice, rehearsals or an afterschool club, learning to cook or using the centre to study after school - everyone is welcome. We are a Conference Centre and are also home to the Gallery Café, Íontas Créche, and Íontas Day Care. We are proud to facilitate other tenants that also do invaluable work for the community including Blayney Blades, Castleblayney Trust, Muckno Community Employment, Golden Translations, Monaghan Sports Partnership and Castleblayney Community Gardens.

(042) 9753400/401

SEPTEMBER

OTHERWORLD

BY SHORE COLLECTIVE

Runs: Thursday 1st SeptemberTuesday 10th October

Many myths and legends throughout many cultures express ideas of an afterlife and a realm of supernatural beings. Spirits were thought to travel between worlds or layers of existence, usually along an axis such as a giant tree, a river or a mountain.

In Celtic mythology many stories depict spirits, ghosts, fairies and the supernatural alongside a parallel reality. A tradition of oral storytelling in Ireland made sense of the mystery of existence in the real world and the passage to another world.

Contemporary ideas of the “otherworld” may refer to inner feelings, gaming and the online universe, fantasy fiction, aliens and avatars and ever changing environments where urban landscapes appear to be in conflict with the natural.

Shore Collective are a studio based group of artists in Craigavon.

THE CURING LINE

Date: Friday 8th September

Time: 8pm | Tickets: €15

The Curing Line is the new production from firebrand music-theatre company Straymaker, led by Castleblayney native Michael Gallen.

The show centres around Cora: receptionist for a dealer of car-parts, foster-sister, weekend raver; endowed through unwanted circumstance with the ability to cure ailments of the breath. Amidst a dense fog of uncertainty about her own origin and caught within the clenched fist of 1990’s small-town Ireland, Cora’s ‘cure’ is the thread that connects her to genealogy, to community and to her own sense of identity. When a moment of crisis causes that thread to fray, she is faced with the prospect of being the point in history where a powerful form of healing is irrevocably lost - an unravelling with seismic personal and societal consequences.

The world of The Curing Line is one in which the sublime and the ridiculous, the carnal and the mystic intermingle and become confused. The show stretches and subverts operatic form, with a tight-knit core of singers and musicians playing a range of gnarled, mischievous characters that colour and misguide Cora’s odyssey. Drawn from archival and ethnographic research into the waning indigenous traditions of healing and the ‘making’ of cures, The Curing Line is a meditation on the death of culture, on the human being as an environmental force, and on what it truly means to be healed or to heal.

Funded by Monaghan County Council Arts Office, Creative Monaghan and the Arts Council of Ireland

BLAYNEY FILM @ ÍONTAS PRESENTS

WAJIB

Date: Wednesday 13th September

Time: 7.30pm

Tickets: €7 / €25 for Membership (4x films

Season Ticket)

Architect Shadi returns from Italy to his native Nazereth for his sister’s upcoming marriage. He has reluctantly agreed to honour his “wajib” or duty, to accompany his father in hand-delivering invitations for the wedding. Forced to spend time together after many years apart, past tensions and differences between father and son come to the surface. But as their journey continues, both men also start to get to know and understand each other better... In Wajib, Palestinian director Annemarie Jacir uses a centuries-old custom as a simple device to explore familial and intergenerational tensions for contemporary Palestinians. Real-life father-and-son Mohammad and Saleh Bakri (The Band’s Visit) infuse their characters with warmth and humour. The result is a poignant yet entertaining drama.

96mins (Palestinian, Arabic) 2017 CLUB

Íontas Arts Presents:

Culture Night: Céilí at the Commons 2023

To celebrate Culture Night, come along and get your legs flicking and your pulse bouncing to the rhythm, as we honour the revival of a great Castleblayney tradition from years gone by… The Céilí at the Commons!

With Music, Dancing, Activities, and Lessons, there will be something for everyone on this fun and festive evening. There will be instructors to help beginners along with dances, and fun demonstrations of different styles, both for beginners and some more advanced traditional forms. There will be a food stall and activities for kids too, a perfect evening of family fun, to indulge in the culture & heritage of our town!

Anyone is welcome to come along and join in this free event open to everyone, of all ages. Kindly supported by Monaghan CoCo, The Arts Council, & Carrick/Blayney Municipal D. Office.

When: Friday 22nd September ’23 - 6pm to 9.30pm approx. Where: Lower Commons outside Old Coach Inn, Castleblayney.

Who: Everyone welcome, all ages - FREE FAMILY EVENT.

QUINTESSENCE THEATRE IN ASSOCIATION WITH DROICHEAD ARTS CENTRE PRESENTS

THE CURIOUS CASE OF ALBERT CASHIER

Date: Friday 22nd September

Time: 8pm | Tickets: €18

In this original new play devised by the company, Quintessence Theatre use their innovative physical ensemble storytelling techniques mingled with multi-media of stunning projection and emotive music to dramatize the incredible true story of the Clogherhead-born Transgender soldier.

Belvidere, Illinois, 1862: A young Irishman, Albert D.J. Cashier, enlists with the Union Army in the Civil War and becomes a decorated hero. But unknown to his comrades, Private Cashier is waging an internal war all of his own. When he is fifty years a veteran an indiscreet doctor reveals to all of America that Cashier was assigned female at birth, born under the name Jennie Hodgers, from Clogherhead, Co. Louth, Ireland.

From that day on Albert’s greatest battle truly begins: for identity, selfhood, and truth.

LISA RICHARDS PRESENTS

GLAMOUR HAMMER GEARÓID FARRELLY

Date: Saturday 23rd September

Time: 8pm Tickets: €21

After some time sitting on the couch we are back to real life. Trousers instead of tracksuit bottoms and coffee and a biscuit instead of four gin and tonics and half a cheese cake. In this show Gearóid takes a look at the litany of things in our lives that just don’t measure up. Everything from his generic-looking cat to Shania Twain.

He will also be examining the big issues that really sell tickets like mental health (INSERT SOMETHING SEARINGLY HONEST), Masculinity (grrrr) and relationships (sexy stuff as opposed to splitting bills) and how we’re living in a time when we can say anything we like and it becomes the truth.

“A Force To Be Reckoned With” - Irish Independent

THERE IS NO EVIL BLAYNEY FILM @ ÍONTAS PRESENTS

Date: Wednesday 4th October

Time: 7.30pm

Tickets: €7 / €25 for Membership

(4x films Season Ticket)

Winner of Berlin Film Festival’s prestigious Golden Bear, There is no Evil unfurls as a quartet of separate stories about disobedience and personal responsibility in present-day Iran.

Four men are compelled to fulfil a task that will have irrevocable consequences. Family man Heshmat’s everyday ordinary life conceals a terrible secret. Pouya, a soldier, is ordered to perform a state-sanctioned execution. Javad, on military leave, proposes to his beloved, but the death of a family friend changes everything. Bahram is a physician who is unable to practice. The visit of his niece compels him to reveal the reason for his life as an outcast.

Director Mohammad Rasoulof simply asks, do we have a choice when enforcing the inhumane orders of despots?

150mins (Persian) 2020 CLUB

CASTLEPLAYNEY PLAYERS IN ASSOCIATION WITH CAISLEÁN

THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

NO GOING BACK JOE HANRATTY

Date: Friday 6th & Saturday 7th October

Time: 8pm | Tickets: €16/€14

It’s a Post Civil War Ireland. There’s no going back for brothers Tom & Michael, as they try to move on with their lives, but a troubled past begins to impact their futures.

The reasons why people got involved in the War of Independence (1919-1921) and the Civil War (1922-23) are many and varied, some idealistic, others more personal. Such is the case of brothers Michael and Tom Thompson.

In this play by Joe Hanratty, set in the border region in 1924, a year after the end of the Irish Civil War, the brothers try to move on with their lives, but the past keeps coming back and will eventually shape their futures.

This Project is supported by Monaghan County Council, Monaghan County Libraries, and the Dept of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports & Media.

WHERE WE USED TO SWIM ORLAGH MEEGAN-GALLAGHER

Runs: October 11th - November 28th

Íontas are proud to present this exhibition of Artwork by our Community Artist in residence for 4 years running. Orlagh has done stellar work in local Community based activities through many elderly day care Settings, and now soon a mentorship program with younger artists.

Over the last few years my work has taken me to the water’s edge, lakes, rivers and most often, to the sea. The ocean has become the focus of my work, particularly the place where the land meets the water…that transition from solid to liquid, from tangible to intangible from definite to unpredictable, fascinates me. I go to the places that I have a strong connection with, places my parents took us to as children, places I took my children to and now visit as adults together, places I have always gone to for peace and headspace, places that remind me both of joy and of loss. Each place has its memories and moods. I go in the quiet times, the rainy days, the cold Winter months, the evenings, in order to have these places to myself…to absorb the sounds and smells, to soak in the light and absorb the ever changing colours. I paint the mood, the atmosphere of these places and imbue them with the tones of my own memories and now, the new memories my children are making as they travel and send me back photos of their own encounters with water as life ebbs and flows like the tide.

Orlagh

Launch Evening TBC so keep an eye on our Notices!

STRING OF DIAMONDS TOUR SUSAN MCCANN

Date: Friday 20th October Time: 8pm | Tickets: €28

Ireland’s First Lady Of Country Music, Susan McCann brings her very special “String Of Diamonds” Concert Tour to Íontas on Friday 20th October 2023.

After a hugely successful concert tour last year, Susan McCann is delighted to be bringing her own concert tour back on the road this year. It is sure to be a wonderful night of music and entertainment with Susan as she takes a trip down memory lane performing along with her live band. Susan’s special guest for this tour will be her granddaughter, Sinead, who will be joining Susan on stage and performing some special duets including the hugely popular “Grandpa Tell ‘Bout The Good Old Days”. Also joining Susan on stage will be her husband of over 50 years, Denis Heaney, playing accordion who has been her manager and mentor for all those years. “Dennis and I are a team. It wouldn’t have worked without him by my side. He is a quiet guy and when I recorded The Wind Beneath my Wings I did it for Dennis,” she says.

There is no stopping Susan, who is a household name in Irish Country Music and even after over 40 years in showbusiness she continues to diversify, forge new career paths, win awards and gain even greater admiration for her talents from fans and music industry chiefs both at home and abroad. Get your tickets early as this is guaranteed to sell out!

JOE THE MAGICIAN LIVE!

Date: Saturday 14th October Time: 3pm | Tickets: €16

It’s Joe the Magician from RTÉjr! And he’s bringing his spectacular children’s comedy magic and illusion show to Íontas Theatre for one spectacular afternoon of mind boggling fun!

Joe’s show fuses laugh out loud comedy magic with absolutely jaw dropping spectacular illusions live on stage. It’s a rollercoaster theatrical ride that reinvents children’s entertainment.

Tables will fly, a friendly ghost will magically fly into the audience and charm kids and grownups alike! Joe will even make it snow live on stage! That’s just for starters!

Joe’s hugely popular TV show ‘abraKIDabra’ has been one of the most watched shows on RTÉjr and on the RTÉ player and now Joe stars in his new educational comedy show ‘Dizzy Deliveries’ where Joe is a magical delivery man.

“Joe Daly is Ireland’s leading children’s magician”

- The Irish Times

CEOL CONNECTED AND MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL PRESENTS

TRADOODLE FESTIVAL

FAMILY DAY

Date: Sunday 22nd October

For all information and tickets go to www.tradoodle.ie

Tradoodle Festival is back! Come along to Tradoodle Family Day on Sunday 22nd October where you can expect lots of fun for all the family.

Tradoodle Festival Family Day will transform Íontas Theatre spaces from top to bottom. Children will enjoy workshops in music, song, dance, puppetry, storytelling, creative arts, crafts, as well as sessions & our family concert extravaganza. In partnership with Music Generation Cavan/ Monaghan, the Tradoodle Big Band will make a return visit to the Íontas stage for some toe-tapping tunes.

Limited capacity at all events so booking is essential

Tradoodle Festival is Co. Monaghan’s traditional arts festival for children presented by Ceol Connected in association with Monaghan Council Council, Creative Monaghan, Music Generation Cavan Monaghan and local partners. Funded by the Arts Council.

CASTLEBLAYNEY PLAYERS PRESENTS

THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE

BY MARTIN MCDONAGH

Date: Thursday 26th - Saturday 28th October Time: 8pm | Tickets: €16/€14

In the lonely, rolling mountains of Connemara, we find Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely woman in her early 40’s, and Mag, her manipulative, aging mother.

Maureen dreams of a life of love, happiness & freedom, but sadly tethered to her mother, she is trapped… Doomed to care for the aging crone…

Mag’s interference in Maureen’s first and potentially last romantic relationship sets in motion a chain of events that are as tragically funny as they are horrific.

Part of his “Leenane Trilogy” Martin McDonagh’s classic play has won many awards through the years, and Castleblayney Players are proud to present this thought provoking and laughter inducing tragi-comedy this October. Not to be missed!

NOVEMBER

EFFI BRIEST BLAYNEY FILM @ ÍONTAS PRESENTS

Date: Wednesday 1st November

Time: 7.30pm

Tickets: €7 / €25 for Membership (4x films Season Ticket)

Rainer Werner Fassbinder had been wanting to adapt Theodor Fontane’s classic German novel Effi Briest ever since he first picked up a film camera. Originally intended to be his feature debut, the project took years to get off the ground and finally surfaced in 1974, in the process becoming his most expensive production to date as well as one of his most ambitious.

Dubbed ‘the German Madame Bovary’, Effi Briest tells of a seventeen-year-old girl (played by Hanna Schygulla) who is married off by her parents to a wealthy Baron (Wolfgang Schenk) more than twice her age. Lonely and dissatisfied, she seeks solace in the companionship of her husband’s friend, Major Crampas (Ulli Lommel).

Beautifully recreating late nineteenth century Germany and gorgeously shot in black and white, Effi Briest also serves to showcase Schygulla, here giving her first star performance for Fassbinder.

140mins (German) 1974 CLUB

UP THE POLL CONAL GALLEN

Date: Friday 3rd November

Time: 8pm | Tickets: €28

Conal Gallen and his writing partner and son, Rory have just written their 7th Comedy Play! And it is guaranteed to have audiences in stitches once again!

Bridie Murphy is a lovable battle axe, living in Shitholey with her husband, Willie. But when election time comes around, things start to liven up. Father Big Mad Mickey O’Reilly, Betty Head and her son, Dick, all become involved. Whether by choice or by accident. If you only thought that politics was corrupt, wait until Bridie sticks her oar in.

As one political commentator put it, “She even makes Trump look intelligent!”

Early booking is strongly advised.

Recommended age: 16+

RISING STARS SHOWCASE

Date: Monday 13th - Saturday 18th November Time: 7.30pm | Tickets: €17

RISING STARS SHOWCASE 2023

Rising stars are delighted to be returning to the stage to showcase a variety of dance, singing & drama throughout the night. From musicals including Annie, The Heathers & Matilda, comedy, hip hop, contemporary & lyrical dance, this show has something for everyone to enjoy.

Keep an eye out on our socil media pages for Ticket release date.

NORTH EAST MUSICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS

ALL SHOOK UP

Date: Tuesday 7th - Saturday 11th November Time: 8pm | Tickets: €21

Last year, the North East Musical and Dramatic Society (NEMS) brought you the smash hit musical “9 to 5” . This show had three AIMS nominations for best choreographer, best comedian and best opening scene.

The society have had a successful year and have gone from strength to strength in bringing the American jukebox musical “All Shook Up” - with music from the Elvis Presley songbook, and with a book by Joe DiPietro. This production is full of fast dance routines, witty lines and memorable songs.

Keep an eye out on our social media pages for Ticket release date.

PLEASE NOTE: As this is an A.I.M.S. Monitored performance, it must begin at 8pm SHARP

Please come early to avoid refusal into the theatre.

AMA MUSIC AGENCY PRESENTS

PADDY CASEY

Date: Saturday 25th November

Time: 8pm | Tickets: €26

Having been at the forefront of the Irish music scene since his multi platinum selling debut album ‘Amen (So Be It)’, Paddy Casey’s career has taken him all over the globe touring with acts like The Pretenders, R.E.M, Ian Brown, Blondie and Tracy Chapman to name a few. Closer to home he has played all over Ireland, including a sold out Dublin Castle, RDS and a record-breaking week long run in The Olympia Theatre, alongside special guest spots with U2, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan and more.

‘Won’t Take Much’ the brand new single from Paddy Casey is set for release across all digital platforms with ‘Turn This Ship Around’ .

An evening not to be missed! Tickets are selling fast, so grab them before they’re gone!

THE LAND OF 100 LITTLE HILLS

Date: Tuesday 28th November

Time: 10am & 12pm | Tickets: €8

Inspired by Patrick Kavanagh’s A Christmas Childhood poem, this is a touching story about a young boy whose life was full of wonder, fantastical adventures with his friends, and a deep connection with nature and the world around him.

However, after growing up moving away from home, he somehow lost his wonder along the way. Can his childhood book of memories help him to rediscover it? Can he reconnect with the magic of childhood once again?

Using a combination of live music, puppetry and animation

The Land of a Hundred Little Hills is a joyful, moving, and action-packed musical tale.

A unique, authentic gig theatre experience for children ages 6+ that vividly and intimately celebrates the wonder childhood; exploring how the ordinary can become extraordinary in the eyes of a child.

School and group discounts apply. Contact Box Office.

Coproduced by Ceol Connected, the National Concert Hall and Draíocht Arts Centre. Commissioned by the Patrick Kavanagh Centre and Monaghan County Council and funded by the Arts Council.

NEW LIFE RUTA MEDELIENE

Date: Thursday 30th November - Tuesday 30th January

Born in Kaunas City, Lithuania, Ruta graduated Kaunas Art College as a Creative Event Designer. When Lithuania became independent from the Soviet Union, many companies were forced to close, suddenly cutting her very successful career short. Arriving in Ireland in 2001, Ruta found a whole new creative flare, and a new self-expression, first making jewellery, and very soon painting once again.

“In my work, I enjoy playing with colour… Combining them, and using them to convey different moods. I never liked the static image, so my painting is often abstract, but I am constantly experimenting to find my own style.”

Now living in Doohamlet, Ruta has found a special place here in the Castleblayney community, and we are proud to exhibit her work, in celebration of this “New Life”.

DECEMBER

ALL IRELAND ONE ACT DRAMA FINALS

Date: Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd November

Time: All Day

Castleblayney Drama Festival is delighted to be hosting this prestigious event in 2023.

Over the weekend, eleven one-act plays (under one hour) will be performed by the groups who have qualified for the Finals from the One-Act Circuit. There will be four sessions over the three days, culminating with the awards ceremony on Sunday night.

In early Autumn, check Castleblayney Drama Festival and Iontas Theatre social media for information on tickets.

LEAVE NO TRACES BLAYNEY FILM @ ÍONTAS

Date: Wednesday 6th December

Time: 7.30pm

Tickets: €7 / €25 for Membership (4x films Season Ticket)

Poland, 1983. 18-year-old Grzegorz Przemyk and his older friend Jurek are arrested without cause by the local militia. At the police station, the pair are brutally beaten. Soon after, Grzegorz dies from his injuries.

Jurek is the only witness to what happened, and his account of his friend’s death soon captures the attention of local and international media. However, the oppressive communist regime is intent on covering up what actually happened. The secret service, state media, courts and militia start doing everything in their power to discredit Jurek - including by putting intense pressure on the people closest to him.

Inspired by an infamous chapter in Polish history, Leave No Traces is a powerful study of corruption and injustice. Directed by Jan P. Matuszynski.

160mins (Polish 2021 15A

MUCKNO SINGERS AND MUCKNO JUNIOR CHOIR PRESENTS

GRINCHMAS IN CASTLEBLAYNEY

Date: Friday 8th & Saturday 9th December

Time: 8pm | Tickets: €17

It’s the most wonderful time of the year as Grinchmas comes to Castleblayney!

Join us on 8th & 9th December for a spectacular performance of “Grinchmas in Castleblayney” This family-friendly show will bring the beloved holiday classic to life! Follow the Grinch as he tries to steal Christmas from the people of Castleblayney , only to discover the true meaning of the holiday. With catchy songs, heartwarming moments, and plenty of laughs, this is a show that will delight audiences of all ages.

So gather your loved ones and get into the holiday spirit with Grinchmas in Castleblayney!

DYAD PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Date: Tuesday 12th December

Time: 8pm

Tickets: €20/€18

The award-winning Dyad Productions, (A Room of One’s Own, I, Elizabeth, Austen’s Women, Female Gothic) who have toured their sell-out festive show Christmas Gothic since 2015, now bring their magic to Dickens’ classic and perennially relevant ghost story.

It’s Christmas Eve, and the miserly misanthrope, Ebenezer Scrooge, is about to have a ghostly night he’ll never forget. Dicken’s festive, immortal tale of redemption and compassion is brought to life in Dyad’s inimitable solo style.

Draw near for an evening of mistletoe and merriment in the company of Marley, Fezziwig, and Cratchit et al to discover the true meaning of Christmas: tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hope for the future.

Ebenezer lives in us all, and this glorious tale reminds us how not to give in to the Scrooge within.

Taking inspiration from Dickens’ original performances of his own work and utilising the brilliant narrator of the novel to bring the story to life, the piece is performed by Andrew Margerison (Frantic Assembly’s Fatherland, Macbeth), and directed by Rebecca Vaughan.

Intelligently adapted, beautifully performed... entrancing’ - (British Theatre Guide)

STARLING BLUE

Date: Thursday 14th & Friday 15th December Time: 8pm | Tickets: €25

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without ‘ A Starling Blue Christmas’ concert in Íontas theatre. For many, this annual event marks the start of the Christmas countdown and festivities. As always, Starling Blue will treat us to their unique harmony rich, renditions of traditional carols, hymns and festive favourites. Start your Christmas with Starling Blue!

PHIL COULTER FOUR SCORE AND THEN

Date: Sunday 17th December Time: 8pm | Tickets: €35

Having clocked up a major milestone last year, some commentators may have assumed that his ‘Phil Coulter at Eighty’ National tour was a sort of lap of honour, a last hurrah for his followers. Wrong!

At over 30 shows across the country the fans had their say, with packed houses and standing ovations. It was definitely not time to say, Goodbye. They wanted more of that Coulter magic, the songs, the stories and the touch of Tranquility.

After 55 years at the very top of his game, Phil has achieved the status of legend in the music business. But his enthusiasm and energy have never waned. He loves his audiences, and has happily jumped straight back into planning another show and a new tour, with fresh collections of memories and melodies.

Audiences really responded to the different qualities that his Special Guests brought to the evening, so he’s delighted to welcome back his glamorous and ever popular wife Geraldine Branagan, and rising star and young turk... George Hutton.

As the man said, fashions may fade but quality is timeless.

Blayney Blades

What the Blayney Blades offer

• Annual Seminar

• Aontas Adult Education Day

• Health & Wellbeing

• Courses & Training

• Counselling

• Networking

• Blayney Blades International

• International Women’s Day

• Monday Talks

• Personal Development

• 1 Day Events

• Excercise and Dance Classes

• Monthly Coffee Morning

• Supporting Women & their Families

• International Saturday School

ACTIVITIES

MUSIC: Muckno Singers. Join and perform!

Weekly Wednesdays 8pm. Monthly directed, weekly self directed. Contact Tara: 087 9208043

@muckno.singers2014

MUSIC: Muckno Junior Choir. Join and perform!

Weekly Wednesdays 6.30pm. Monthly directed, weekly self directed. Contact Tara: 087 9208043 @muckno.singers2014

MUSIC: Brass Instruments with Bernard O’Connor

Weekly Monday 7pm-9pm

Contact: 086 0462424

MUSIC: Traditional Music Lessons with Francis in association with Tullycorbet Comhaltas Ceoltoirí | Weekly Fridays 4pm-6pm

Contact: 087 2895396 @tullycorbetcomhaltas

DANCE: Line Dancing with Rositta. Come along and enjoy the fun. All ages groups welcome, No Partner Required. | Weekly Tuesday at 7pm Contact: 087 6717807

DANCE: Irish Dancing with McMahon School (3+ years)

Weekly Wednesday at 5pm

Contact: 087 2469606 @McMDance

YOGA: Yoga with Aimee Harte

Bring harmony between mind and body | Thursday evenings Contact Aimee: 087 7734963 or book your place at aimeeharteyoga.com

PILATES: Pilates with Amanda

My name is Amanda casey and I have been a fitness instructor for 20 years . I have mainly specialised in Pilates over the last 7 years. Pilates promotes mobility and strength of all the major muscle groups in the body in a balanced fashion, whilst also having a key focus on the deep core muscles. It improves posture, flexibility, strength, balance and body awareness. I teach Pilates for all fitness levels and age groups. | Contact Amanda: 0861650426

@Amandacaseyfitness

SOCIAL: Socialable Souls with Julie

We are a skills development group for children that struggle socially in social and play situations. Each week we tackle different social skills topics. We do all of this through play, prepared resources and structured activities. Our group is for all children aged from 4-12, with or without a diagnosis of a special educational need who would like help to learn appropriate play skills and to form friendship bonds with their peers | Contact Julie: 086 3923468

SPEECH & LANGUAGE: Speech & Drama Classes with Jessica

The aim of the classes are to develop children’s communication skills whilst promoting clear, confident and expressive speakers. Children engage in drama activities and 1:1 work with their Drama teacher, each week they will learn a small piece of poetry or theory depending on their grade. There is an exam at the end of the third term with the Ulster Academy of Speech and Drama. Each term is 9 weeks involving making new friends and developing confidence. Contact Jessica: 087 0691741

BOOKING INFORMATION:

OPENING HOURS

Mon-Fri 10am-6pm

Show nights 7pm or 1 hour before performance

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Latecomers will be admitted during the first available break in a seated performance where possible.

Please note €1.00 box office admin fee will apply for all tickets sold. This is included as part of the advertised price.

Please notify box office staff on any special requirements or assistance you may need when booking.

A loop system for those when hearing difficulties available at the theatre. Please check with our staff when booking.

Unfortunately, once purchased tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded.

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