National Opera House Events Guide

EVENTS GUIDE New events being added all the time. Be first in the know by subscribing to events on Facebook.com/NationalOperaHouse or visit our website Nationaloperahouse.ie 1

Tommy Fleming 27 JAN

FRIDAY 8 P.M.

E30 O’REILLY THEATRE

Tommy Fleming has many times been described as the Voice of Ireland and is one of Ireland’s top entertainers with over 5 million You Tube hits and over 3 million album sales worldwide. Tommy is regarded as one of the finest singers worldwide and is currently enjoying a hugely successful career. After 25 years honing his craft, Tommy is now taking his place at the forefront of popular music across the globe. The mere mention of a Tommy Fleming concert has ‘sold out’ signs being displayed at venues from Dublin to Darwin within the space of minutes.

J.B Priestley’s

An Inspector Calls Bridge Drama

DATES & TIMES SEE BELOW

E15 JEROME HYNES THEATRE

Thursday 26 January 8 p.m.

Friday 27 January 8 p.m.

Saturday 28 January 8 p.m.

Thursday 16 February 8 p.m.

Friday 17 February 8 p.m.

Sunday 26 February 8 p.m.

Monday 27 February 8 p.m.

2

All Ireland Champions, Bridge Drama return to the National Opera House with one of JB Priestley’s best known plays, An Inspector Calls.

When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner is shattered by his investigation into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the very foundations of their lives which will never be the same again.

Wallis Bird

Support from Sam Vance-Law 28 JAN

SATURDAY 8 P.M.

E25 O’REILLY THEATRE

Wallis Bird brings her fifth studio album on tour next year. Wallis describes Home which is going to be released on the 30 September 2016, as a ‘thank you letter’ to her muse and partner. Indeed, even its cover features the two of them locked in an affectionate embrace. With a collection of songs that encompass joy, serenity, mystery and passion, the album never sacrifices the indelible character at its centre. After two years focused on the record, Bird is eager to get out on the road again. Her short warm-up tour of Europe around the album’s release sold out fast, and the new tour sees Bird taking in not just Europe but Japan and Australia too.

The Children of Lir Celtic Opera

3-4 FEB

FRI-SAT SEE TIMES TO RIGHT

E12 MATINEE E25 EVENING O’REILLY THEATRE

3 February 12 p.m.

3 February 8 p.m.

4 February 8 p.m.

From its humble beginning as an imaginative Folk/Rock stage show in the early 1970’s, Brian O’Reilly’s musical rendition of The Children of Lir has survived the greatest test of all, time itself.

For schools interested in attending, this show is suitable for ages 8+.

3

The Dead

Presented by The Performance Corporation & Breda Cashe

10 FEB

FRIDAY 8 P.M.

E20/E18 O’REILLY THEATRE

An award-winning drama with music based on James Joyce’s best loved short story. Following a sold-out run at Dublin’s Project Arts Centre, this acclaimed version of The Dead is on national tour.

Four singers accompanied by a string quartet conjure all the humour and heartbreak of a family gathering on a snowy night in Dublin.

“Composed by Ellen Cranitch with libretto by Tom Swift, this handsome chamber opera adaptation from Performance Corporation and Breda Cashe sweetly honours the dead” The Irish Times

4

Keith Barry Hypnomagick

Hypnomagick will be Keith’s craziest, most magical and hypnotic show to date. Prepare to have your mind blown with original, never seen before feats of mind-reading and magic, coupled with hilarious hypnotic demonstrations that will leave your sides aching with laughter.

11 FEB

SATURDAY 8 P.M.

E30 O’REILLY THEATRE

5

The Girlfriend Cabaret Written and performed by Elizabeth Rose-Browne 11 FEB

SATURDAY 8 P.M.

E18 /E16 JEROME HYNES THEATRE

The Girlfriend is back for a ‘One-night-standup’ comedy cabaret! Elizabeth Rose-Browne’s hit comedy show returns to Wexford, just in time for Valentine’s Day, with an eclectic mix of music and musings inspired by every girlfriend you ever knew or ever got rid of!

6

Valkyries

Presented by Wexford Sinfonia Featuring Orla Boylan Conducted by Fergus Sheil

12 FEB

SUNDAY 8 P.M.

E20 O’REILLY THEATRE

Wagners famous Ride of the Valkyries and an extract from Die WalkĂźre feature an extra large wind and brass section, including six harps and eight French Horns. Internationally acclaimed soprano, Orla Boylan, will join us to sing Wagner and Alan Smale, former leader of the National Symphony Orchestra, will guide us through this teutonic ring of fire. Once again, Maestro Fergus Sheil conducts.

7

The Three Little Pigs

Presented by Miriam Lambert Puppeteer 18 FEB

SATURDAY 12/2 P.M.

E8 JEROME HYNES THEATRE

Presented by Miriam Lambert, this interactive solo puppet production. Experience the Three Little Pigs’ adventures and their encounter with a very hungry Big Bad Wolf. Miriam has been at the heart of the Irish puppetry industry since her childhood, having grown up with the Lambert Puppet Theatre in Dublin. Duration: 45 minutes.

Des Bishop One Day You’ll Understand 18 FEB

SATURDAY 8 P.M.

E25 O’REILLY THEATRE

Des is old enough now to know that when his Mom used her favourite expression, “one day you will understand”, that she was often correct.

However, sometimes she was just hiding from having to explain the complexities of life. Through laughter, Des attempts to make sense of the world today and life in general.

8

Goitse 25 FEB

SATURDAY 8 P.M.

E17/ E15 JEROME HYNES THEATRE

The multi-award-winning quintet Goitse have made a name for themselves as one of the most sought after bands amongst connoisseurs of Irish traditional music.

Their fourth album, Inspired by Chance, has received rave reviews as the band continues to take the traditional Irish music scene by storm.

Stayin’ Alive

A Tribute to the Bee Gees 9 MARCH

THURSDAY 8 P.M.

E25 O’REILLY THEATRE

Now in their 19th year as the world’s premiere tribute to The Bee Gees, Stayin’ Alive continue to tour all corners of the globe with their No 1 show dedicated to the magic of the Brothers Gibb.

Astounding audiences with their uncanny likeness and eerily accurate sound, Stayin’ Alive continue to rock venues with their faultless recreation of timeless Bee Gees Classics!

9

Sleeping Beauty

The Royal Moscow Ballet

“Whimsical ideas … charming tone … vibrant classical style” The New York Times

10 MARCH

FRIDAY 8 P.M.

E25-E32.50 O’REILLY THEATRE

After a complete sell-out performance of Swan Lake at the National Opera House in 2016, the Royal Moscow Ballet brings every child’s favourite fairytale to the stage, Sleeping Beauty.

This is the classic story of love and innocence, mystery and magic set to Tchaikovsky’s enchanting score.

10

An Evening with Michael Harding 11 MARCH

SATURDAY 8 P.M.

E18/E16 O’REILLY THEATRE

Michael Harding is one of Ireland’s most distinctive writers and storytellers and his recent memoirs Staring at Lakes and Hanging with the Elephant have touched a chord with audiences throughout the country. Now he comes to the National Opera House with his latest book, Talking to Strangers.

Levy Sekgapane (Tenor) & Albie van Schalkwyk (Pianist) Presented by the National Opera House 24 MARCH

FRIDAY 8 P.M.

E15 O’REILLY THEATRE

Young Tenor Levy Strauss Sekgapane, born in Kroonstad in South Africa, started his international career singing Conte d’Almavia in Il barbiere di Siviglia at the Deutsche Oper Berlin and Don Ramiro in La Cenerentolaat at Hamburg State Opera. Winner of the 2015 Hans Gabor Belvedere Singing Competition, Levy will be accompanied by Albie van Schalkwyk who has established himself as a performer in a number of fields over the past 30 years and is one of the leading chamber musicians and vocal accompanists in South Africa.

11

Opera Theatre Company presents

Handel Acis & Galatea

“Entertaining, charming, challenging or experimental, Opera Theatre Company never fails to excite” Belfast Telegraph

25 SATURDAY E30/E27 MARCH 8 P.M. O’REILLY THEATRE

One of Handel’s most treasured works, Acis and Galatea is a high point of baroque repertoire. It tells a pastoral tale of the love between Galatea and Acis. Their joy and passion for each other is established through lyrical arias and joyous ensembles.

But things become darker with the arrival of Polyphemus, who is determined to have Galatea for himself.

Sung in English, Acis and Galatea is directed

by Tom Creed, with stage design by Paul O’Mahony, lighting design by Aedín Cosgrove and costume design by Catherine Fay. 12

Derek Ryan 26 MARCH

SUNDAY 8 P.M.

E25 O’REILLY THEATRE

Derek Ryan has become one of Ireland’s leading entertainers and makes a welcome return to Wexford for a performance of chart hits along with a sprinkling of country classics.

His theatre shows contain much of the music featured on his studio albums including many of his own self penned songs, God’s Plan, Life Is A River and Hold On To Your Hat. 13

Mary Black Irish Tour

1 APRIL

SATURDAY 8 P.M.

E35 O’REILLY THEATRE

“… a versatile vocalist who brings energizing qualities of pop and jazz to her foundation in traditional music.”

Los Angeles Times

Mary Black is delighted to be back touring in Ireland in 2017. With so many platinum albums to her name there will be no shortage of great songs and some surprises too. Mary has chosen some of her favourite venues for this tour and is bringing her world famous band of musicians: Bill Shanley (guitar), Pat Crowley (piano and accordion) , Nick Scott (double bass) and Richie Buckley (saxaphone).

14

The Bugle Babes Present Sister!

1 APRIL

SATURDAY 8 P.M.

E20/E25 JEROME HYNES THEATRE

Singing the Billboard hits from the golden eras of swing and jive, The Bugle Babes are a 1940’s style close-harmony trio inspired by The Andrews Sisters and the Hollywood stars of stage and screen.

Whether adorned in retro military uniforms of soft satin dresses, The Bugle Babes style is pure Vintage from their Victory Rolls all the way down to the toes of their seamed stockings.

“Fantastic” Pat Kenny

15

Tom Crean

Antarctic Explorer

“This magnificent revelation of a fascinating character simply compels a standing ovation” The Irish Times

6-7 APRIL

THURS-FRI E20/E18 8 P.M. JEROME HYNES THEATRE

Tom Crean, the intrepid Antarctic explorer and one of Ireland’s unsung heroes, is brought to life in this dramatic and humorous solo performance by Aidan Dooley. Hear the riveting true stories of Crean’s Antarctic explorations as one of the few men to serve with both Scott and Shackleton and survive the three famous expeditions: Discovery, (1901-1904); Terra Nova (1910-1913); and Endurance (1914-1916).

16

The Cavern Beatles 15 SATURDAY APRIL 7.30 P.M.

E25/E22 O’REILLY THEATRE

The show is a magical history tour through the works of the greatest pop music phenomenon, The Beatles. Replicating in both sight and sound, the excitement and energy of Beatlemania, the psychedelic era of Sgt. Pepper, and the creative masterpieces of The White Album and Abbey Road. With their widespread appeal being more apparent than ever in the varying age groups that continue to follow the band, The Cavern Beatles are widely regarded as being as close to the real thing as they are ever likely to get.

The King is Back Ben Portsmouth Live

19 WEDNESDAY E28/E25 APRIL 7.30 P.M. O’REILLY THEATRE

Ben, a multi talented musician, singer and songwriter had Elvis’ DNA in his blood from an early age. His father was an avid Elvis fan and Ben grew up on a diet of Elvis songs.

Having honed his musical talent Ben started his journey as an Elvis Tribute Artist in 2005 when he formed the Taking Care Of Elvis band. Audiences quickly realised that this was someone with a special talent. He looked like Elvis, sang like Elvis and had an on-stage charisma that had audiences believing at times they were watching the King himself. This talent saw Ben rapidly rise through the ranks of Elvis Tribute Artists.

17

Ballet Ireland presents

Giselle

7 MAY

SUNDAY 7 P.M.

E15-E25 FAMILY E70 O’REILLY THEATRE

Love. Betrayal. Redemption. A haunting story of love and betrayal, choreographed

by Ludovic Ondiviela (former Royal Ballet dancer). Betrayed by Albrecht, Giselle dies broken-hearted, but her spirit returns to protect and forgive her now-repenting lover from death at the hands of the vengeful Wilis.

Ballet Ireland’s 21st century telling of this romantic classic reminds us of how it feels to have your heart broken, but still yearn to love.

18

Walking Back to Happiness Music of the 60s, 70s & beyond 20 MAY

SATURDAY 8 P.M.

E20/E18 JEROME HYNES THEATRE

Patricia has performed to audiences around Ireland and Germany, as well as the Cavern Club in Liverpool, hailed as the birth place of The Beatles.

With a wide vocal range Patricia will perform the hits of Dusty Springfield, Karen Carpenter, Shirley Bassey, Celine Dion, Patsy Cline, Nancy Sinatra, Petula Clark, Olivia Newton John, Barbra Streisand, Cilla Black and many more!

Rebecca O’Connor Simply the Best

27 MAY

SATURDAY 8 P.M.

E28/E25 O’REILLY THEATRE

Rebecca is the only artist in the world to be personally endorsed by the superstar.

Following her phenomenally successful tour throughout Ireland in 2016, Rebecca O’Connor Simply the Best as Tina Turner is bringing her Internationally acclaimed show to the National Opera House in Wexford for the very first time.

“It was like a freight train came through Cork and blew the doors off the theatre, it was so powerful and dynamic” says Eibhlin Gleeson, GM of Cork Opera House.

“Rebecca is an amazing singer and performer, I was mesmerised… a night you’ll never forget.”

Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac 19

Pigalle 16 JUNE

FRIDAY 8 P.M.

E20/E25 JEROME HYNES THEATRE

“My personal favourites of the Festivities” The Chichester Observer

Chanteuse Derby Browne performs her personal tribute to ‘The Little Sparrow’, Edith Piaf, with performances of La Vie En Rose, No Regrets, Autumn Leaves and Under The Bridges of Paris. Edith Piaf was born on the streets of Paris, and rose from the Parisian slums to international stardom during the 1940’s until her untimely death at 46.

Pigalle is packed with Piaf’s French chanson from the cabarets and cafes of Paris, with romantic interludes from Parisian tea-shops, carnivals and market-places.

Accompanied by David Wray (piano) and Derek McKenna (accordion).

20

Daniel O’Donnell Back Home Again Tour 2017

20-21 AUG

SUN-MON 8 P.M.

E42.50 - E47.50 O’REILLY THEATRE

Daniel O’Donnell brings his new show back to Ireland next year for a nationwide tour titled Back Home Again, Daniel’s first Irish tour in 4 years. The Irish singer made record-breaking chart history earlier this year by becoming the first recording artist in the history of the UK Artist Album Chart to have charted at least one new album every year since 1988, an unprecedented and unbroken 29 year span, surpassing everyone from Michael Jackson, The Rolling Stones, Madonna and Irish strongholds U2. Along with this, Daniel makes regular appearances in the Billboard World Music Chart.

21

MEDEA

LUIGI CHERUBINI

MARGHERITA JACOPO FORONI

RISURREZIONE FRANCO ALFANO

PRIORITY BOOKING 25 March – 15 April

Become a Friend Today

22

Wexfordopera.com/signup

66th Wexford Festival Opera

Medea

By Luigi Cherubini (1760 - 1842) 19, 22, 28 OCT THURS, SUN, SAT E25 - E145 3 NOV FRI O’REILLY THEATRE Opéra comique in three acts by Luigi Cherubini.

Liberto by Francois Benoit Hoffman (Italian version by Carlo Zangarini) based on Euripides’ tragedy of Medea and Pierre Corneille’s play Médée, sung in Italian. The drama’s title character is a notorious figure from Greek mythology, a sorceress whose main claim to fame is the event that brings down the curtain on Cherubini’s opera: She murders her own children. And that’s only the last part of her story.

Leading up to that, she killed her brother. Then, as Medea’s father was chasing her out of town, she dismembered the brother’s corpse and scattered the pieces behind her as she fled, knowing that dad would have to delay his pursuit to give each body part a proper burial!

Priority Booking 25 March - 15 April. Become a Friend at Wexfordopera.com/signup General Booking from 15 April. Book online at Wexfordopera.com

23 23

66th Wexford Festival Opera

Margherita

By Jacopo Foroni (1825–1858) 20, 26, 29 OCT FRI, THURS, SUN E25 - E145 1,4 NOV WED, SAT O’REILLY THEATRE Melodramma semiserio in 2 acts by Jacopo Foroni Ser Matteo’s nephew Roberto wishes to marry the orphan Margherita, but she is in love with the soldier Ernesto. Ernesto’s sister Giustina arrives to tell him his regiment is leaving soon. Ernesto and Margherita decide to marry the next day. Margherita gives Ernesto a ribbon as a love token which he attaches to his cape. Ernesto’s colonel, Count Rodolfo then arrives saying he needs Ernesto to help him escape a duel. In the process of helping the colonel, Ernesto loses his cap.

Giustina arrives to report a man has been attacked in the forest, but that she has found one of the attackers cap. It turns out to be Ernesto’s and he is arrested. Margherita arrives at the jail to argue for Ernesto’s release, but Roberto says he will only release Ernesto if Margherita gives him her hand in marriage. In the end the Count confesses that he was the person attacked, and it was Rodolfo who attacked him. Ernesto and Mergherita are reunited and marry.

24

Priority Booking 25 March - 15 April. Become a Friend at Wexfordopera.com/signup General Booking from 15 April. Book online at Wexfordopera.com

66th Wexford Festival Opera

Risurrezione

By Franco Alfano (1875–1954) 21, 27, 30 OCT SAT, FRI, MON 2, 5 NOV THURS, SUN

E25 - E145 O’REILLY THEATRE

Libretto by Cesare Hanau based on the novel Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy, sung in Italian Based upon Tolstoy’s novel of the same name, Risurrezione is set in Russia and deals with the maid Katiusha and her ill-fated affair with Prince Dimitri Nekludoff. Pregnant and abandoned by him, Katiusha is forced into prostitution for survival, but is eventually arrested and sentenced to Siberian prison. At the conclusion, the lovers are briefly reunited and issues resolved, leading to their metaphoric resurrection.

Priority Booking 25 March - 15 April. Become a Friend at Wexfordopera.com/signup General Booking from 15 April. Book online at Wexfordopera.com

25

The Fureys Live in Concert 6 SATURDAY JAN 18 8 P.M.

E28/E25 O’REILLY THEATRE

After a near sell out concert last time round, legendary Irish band The Fureys return to the National Opera House for another great night of Irish Music, songs and stories in 2018. Hear them sing their timeless classics I Will Love You, When You Were Sweet 16, Red Rose Cafe and more. They will also play songs from their new CD The Times they are a changing.

26

Booking Information We offer a wide range of cultural events year-round in our award-winning performance spaces; The O’Reilly Theatre and The Jerome Hynes Theatre.

Opera

New events are being added all the time.

Be first in the know by subscribing to events on Facebook.com/NationalOperaHouse or visit our website: Nationaloperahouse.ie

Comedy

Theatre Dance Music Family Community

Do you like to sing?

Would you like to perform in the National Opera House? Why not take part in

SINGFEST

a fundraising event in aid of Wexford Festival Opera open to individuals singers and choirs Sunday 12 March, O’ Reilly Theatre Programme Requim by Gabriel Faure Gloria by Antonia Vivaldi Featuring national choirs plus Orchestral Ensemble conducted by Kevin O’Carroll Rehearsals 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Concert performance 4 p.m.

Tickets only E20 Email for more details and scores on singfest@wexfordopera.com

27

How to book at the National Opera House In Person The box office is located in the foyer of the National Opera House, High Street, Wexford.

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 5:30pm.On performance days, the Box Office opens for two hours prior to performances.

By Phone Our Box Office phone number is: 053 912 2144/1850 4 OPERA Box Office phone lines are open from 9:30am to 5:30pm Monday to Saturday.

Online You can see a list of all current events on our website: Nationaloperahouse.ie You can buy tickets on this website 24 hours 7 days per week.

The National Opera House High Street, Wexford, Ireland 053 912 2144 1850 4 OPERA Nationaloperahouse.ie

28