Roscommon Arts Centre - Spring 2025 Programme of Events

SPRING 2025

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

Box Office: 090 662 5824 roscommonartscentre.ie

PERFORMANCES

PAGE

9 Jan

Legends of the 60s

Music

11

11 Jan

Frances Black

Music

17 Jan

Jerry Fish

Music

PERFORMANCES

PAGE

21 Feb

RCYT 25th Anniversary

Theatre/Film

25

12

22 Feb

Luke Thomas & the Swing Cats

Music

26

13

27, 28 Feb

Patrick Feeney

Music

27

18 Jan

Dirtbirds

Comedy

14

1 Mar

Jarlath Regan

Comedy

28

24 Jan

Bernard O’Shea

Comedy

15

4 Mar

Lisdoon-Nirvana

Theatre

29

25 Jan

Sharon Shannon

Music

16

7-15 Mar

Roscommon Drama Festival

Theatre

30

Jan - Apr

Literary Leafings

Literature

17

20 - 22 Mar

Evolution Stage School

Dance

31

30 Jan

Trawled

Theatre

18

26 Mar

A Big Egg

Schools

31

1 Feb

Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Tom Dunne & Alan Connor

Music

19

28, 29 Mar

Crokey Players

Theatre

32

7, 8 Feb

Druid | Three Short Comedies by Sean O’Casey

Theatre

20/21

2-4 Apr

Up in the Clouds

Schools (off-site)

33

13 Feb

Man & Board

Dance

22

4 Apr

Grey Matter

Schools

34

15 Feb

Conal Gallen

Comedy

23

12 Apr

McDermott School of Ballet

Dance

35

19 Feb

Little John Nee

Music/Comedy

24

17 Apr

Michael Harding

Literature

36

1 – 3 May

Roscommon Youth Theatre

Theatre

37

Box Office: 090 662 5824 | roscommonartscentre.ie 2

VISUAL ART

PAGE

True Colours Shining Through

SEATING PLAN

10

RESIDENCIES & ARTIST SUPPORTS Producing Know How - Making your idea a reality

8

Residencies

9

Artist Hot Desk

9

Artist Café

9

KALEIDOSCOPE: ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION

PAGE

25 Jan, 22 Feb, 29 Mar, 26 Apr

Printmaking Workshops

4

1 Feb, 1 Mar, 5 Apr

Bricí Spraoi

4

Fridays 21 Mar to 6 Jun

Language Explorers Storytelling Workshops

5

8 Mar

Gallery Days

5

Tuesdays

Songbirds

6

Wednesdays

Elderberries

6

Mondays

Roscommon County Youth Theatre

7

Box Office: 090 662 5824 roscommonartscentre.ie 3

KALEIDOSCOPE: ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION PRINT MAKING WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS WITH ANDY PARSONS Join us for the last Saturday of each month where you can try your hand at printmaking. Suited to people who want to learn processes from scratch, or re-visit techniques to find out ways that they can be used at home or in a studio.

Each session will cover: making large scale relief prints, creating lithographs using polyester plates, printing drypoints using a portable table top press, and how to integrate printmaking into other art and craft areas, printing on 2D and 3D objects and integrating collage and photography.

SATURDAYS 25th JANUARY, 22nd FEBRUARY, 29th MARCH, 26th APRIL | 11AM - 1PM | €10 | BOOKING ESSENTIAL

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FOR ADULTS

BRICÍ SPRAOI AND THE IMAGINATION PLAYGROUND

Join us for the first Saturday of each month with Bricí Spraoi and the Imagination Playground.

This huge play space and set is designed to encourage child-directed free play, for the whole family to take part in. The famous big blue foam blocks come in various shapes and sizes - squares, channels, chutes, balls, connectors and more allowing children and their families to have hours of fun. What creations will you make?

Come and find out!

SATURDAYS 1st FEBRUARY, 1st MARCH, 5th APRIL 12.30 - 3.30pm | ADM FREE

FAMILY WORK SHOP

KALEIDOSCOPE: ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION LANGUAGE EXPLORERS

STORYTELLING WORKSHOPS

AGES 3-6 YEARS

WITH RAQUEL MONTERO CALERO We invite families to join Raquel to create a short story, through creativity, drama and imagery. Workshops are in English, but we encourage families to embrace their home languages.

Raquel speaks many languages including English, Spanish, Italian, French and we look forward to hearing which languages you can speak. Roscommon Arts Centre is delighted to partner with Mother Tongues to deliver these early years workshops for families.

GALLERY DAYS WITH MARIAN BALFE

FAMILY WORK SHOP

Join us for some playful experimentation with materials, techniques and ideas and learn a little bit about the work on show in our gallery in a fun way with the brilliant Marian Balfe.

It’s the perfect weekend family activity!

SATURDAY MARCH 8th | 12pm & 2pm ADM FREE | PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL

FRIDAYS FROM 21st MARCH TO 6st JUNE | 11am - 12pm ADM FREE | PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL 5

KALEIDOSCOPE: ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION SONGBIRDS Over 50 and like to sing? Then sign up for our free weekly choral sessions with the brilliant Cathy Jordan.

From folk songs to traditional Irish airs, these sessions accommodate both experienced singers and those just finding their voices.

Check website for dates.

TUESDAY AFTERNOONS 2 - 3.30pm | ADM FREE

6

ELDERBERRIES CREATIVE MOVEMENT AND DANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS

The fabulous Catherine Donnelly invites you to get moving in these gentle classes.

Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes, no previous experience is necessary. Suitable for people who are independent and mobile.

WEDNESDAY MORNINGS FROM JANUARY 15th - APRIL 9th 10.30 - 11.15am | €7 per SESSION (seated)11.30am - 12.30pm €10 per SESSION | 12.30pm Cuppa and chat

KALEIDOSCOPE: ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION ROSCOMMON COUNTY YOUTH THEATRE

New Term, New Adventures at Roscommon County Youth Theatre!

Ready to unleash your creativity? Join us for a fun-filled, action-packed term of weekly theatre workshops where imagination knows no bounds! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-timer, our popular workshops offer theatre training, teamwork, and endless fun.

Grow your confidence, develop new skills, and make lasting friendships in a supportive, exciting environment. From improvisation to performance, every workshop is a chance to explore, express, and create. Come be a part of something special—your stage awaits!

Enrolment via website: www.roscountyyouththeatre.ie RECOMMENCING MONDAY JANUARY 20th JUNIORS 4.30 - 5.30pm | SENIORS 5.45 - 7.15pm 7

ARTIST SUPPORTS

PRODUCING KNOW HOW -

MAKING YOUR IDEA A REALITY

WITH KATH GORMAN, FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF PROMENADE

Have you ever been interested in producing your own event, or wonder where do you begin to get a project or idea off the ground? This event is for artists, communities and people who want to put on arts events and learn more about the roles of the Producer and Production Manager.

Delivered by Kath Gorman from Promenade who provides strategic, advisory and creative producing support for artists and organisations. Recently partnered with Roscommon County Council to deliver Planning for Outdoor Performance (POP). POP’s focus was on building capacity and confidence for groups running outdoor arts events and included online training, pilot outdoor arts events and the production of an outdoor arts guide. For further details see here: roscommoncoco.ie/en/services/community/arts-office/pop-planning-for-outdoor-performance.html Light lunch provided

SATURDAY 15th FEBRUARY | 11.30am - 3.30pm | €7 | BOOKING ESSENTIAL 8

ARTIST OPPORTUNITIES & SUPPORTS

RESIDENCIES

ARTIST HOT DESK

ARTIST CAFÉ

Our 2025 residencies will be announced on Thursday December 12th 2024 and closing date to apply is Friday 31st January 2025.

The Arts Centre is a space where people and ideas connect, where everyone has equitable access to the arts whether to create, learn, inspire, or be entertained.

If you are an artist of any discipline, living locally, we invite you to come along on selected Saturday mornings and meet like-minded creatives over tea and coffee.

We are delighted to be able to offer free desk space for anyone working in the arts – makers, performers, designers, technicians, producers, programmers – but must be booked in advance.

The Café’s will include presentations, a chance to connect and network with other artists and facilitators and a chance to see our current exhibition.

Our facilities include a desk for your own use, WiFi access, Tea and coffee. Please email the arts centre with your preferred days and any access requirements or questions you may have.

Check out www.roscommonartscentre.ie for upcoming dates.

We are delighted to offer four residencies in 2025, and announce a new partnership with Motion Chapel, a new arts organisation and residency space dedicated to the Circus Arts in County Roscommon. More details to be found on our website.

9

VISUAL ART PROGRAMME August 2024 saw Roscommon celebrate its first Pride. Roscommon Arts Centre celebrated this moment for the LGBTQIA+ and local community by commissioning artist Jessica Weber Patterson to work on a series of engagement activities with the local Foróige LGBTQIA+ youth group, Roscommon Pride and the local community.

Jessica documented the local community in the lead-up to the first Pride in the arts centre and on the streets. This exhibition is a culmination of public workshops, portraits, and installation art from the Pride celebration and community. Testimonies were also collected which inspired the exhibition title, “everyone here is welcome to come and show their true colours.”

Donegal based Jessica Weber Pattersonis a socially engaged multimedia artist specialising in collage, print, and photography. Previous exhibitions include At the End of the Rainbow Lies Belfast, a photography series from 2019.

The collaborative project portrayed some of the vibrant and resilient LGBTQIA+ community of Belfast.

Jessica will continue to work with the community through workshops, in advance of the exhibition launch in February 2025 and during the exhibition run.

EXHIBITION OPENS 6pm THURSDAY 13th FEBRUARY AND RUNS UNTIL THURSDAY 27th MARCH 10 10

TRUE COLOURS SHINING THROUGH JESSICA Weber Patterson

JANUARY PROGRAMME Join a multi award-winning all-star cast of musicians and singers Stephen, Raymond and Chris for the musical masterpiece that is the “Legends of the 60’s Show”.

The show with the ultimate feelgood factor will transport you all the way hand clapping, swinging and singing back to that magical golden decade that was the 1960’s. Whether you come to relive your childhood memories or you just simply want to see what your parents have been raving about for all these years, this is the No.1 live show to see.

Performing high quality tributes to icons like Elvis, The Beatles, The Monkeys, The Rolling Stones, Roy Orbison, Tom Jones, Cliff Richard, The Beach Boys and the Drifters to name but a small few, all in one night, let us deliver to you an entertaining musical live experience featuring over 40 iconic hit songs never to be forgotten!

THURSDAY 9th JANUARY | 8pm | €26 Brilliant from Start to finish!

Will have you on the edge of your seat all night!

11

TALK TO ME

Frances Black Frances Black is an award-winning Irish singer. A pure vocal tone and an energetic stage presence has made Frances one of Ireland’s most popular singers.

Frances’ first solo album “Talk to Me” became an instant hit when released in 1994, it spent eight weeks at number one in her native Ireland. Since then she has released many award winning albums and continues to tour and perform around the world.

Her success was followed by a string of successful albums, including “The Sky Road”, “Don’t Get Me Wrong” and “How High the Moon” which further solidified her position as one of Ireland’s most beloved singers.

“One of Ireland’s SATURDAY 11th JANUARY | 8pm | €30 most loved singers” On the Right Trax 12

JANUARY PROGRAMME Jerry Fish, indie legend, showman extraordinaire and ringmaster of exceptional renown is back, with his first LP in 15 years.

The new album entitled ‘Dreaming of Daniel’ feat. MayKay (Fight Like Apes) is a labour of love for Jerry. Featuring songs by the late, great Daniel Johnston, it was released in November 2024.

Jerry explains: “I felt compelled to record and release an album of Daniel’s work, not alone is his lyrical wit and honesty an inspiration to me and a multitude of artists the world over, we have so much fun performing his songs live. The album ‘Dreaming of Daniel’ captures the joy we experience on stage performing Daniel’s songs, it’s infectious.

Jerry Fish is one of Ireland’s most enigmatic and entertaining performers with his now legendary live shows, a unique live theatrical experience that dissolves all boundaries between performer and audience.

FRIDAY 17th JANUARY | 8pm | €25

13

JANUARY PROGRAMME

DIRTBIRDS Ireland’s Queens of Comedy are back with their brand -new show “Girls World Tour”.

After their last sell out tour, which received standing ovations across Ireland and the UK, DirtBirds are bringing their highly relatable and spot on observational comedy back to the stage.

With a mix of stand-up and sketches this hilarious new show explores the fascinating female mind and answers burning questions like: Why do we enter 1000 calories into our Noom app when we’ve really consumed over 6,000?

Why do we hold onto tights when they’ve ladders in them?

Why do we keep buying creams that we KNOW won’t stop our faces from sliding down our necks?

SATURDAY 18th JANUARY | 8pm | SOLD OUT “DirtBirds comedy is based on observing everyday situations and turning them into very intelligent stand -up, sketches and stories”

14

The Independent

JANUARY PROGRAMME

Bernard O’Shea, the ‘Desperate House Husband,’ invites you on a hilarious escapade into the stay-at-home parenting world. Brace yourself for comical tales of domestic appliances with sinister intentions, yearning for a peaceful night’s rest, and even covert playground reconnaissance operations.

It’s a laugh-out-loud journey through the trials and tribulations of modern family life!

FRIDAY 24th JANUARY | 8pm | €22

15

JANUARY PROGRAMME

Sharon Shannon In June 1989 Sharon was rehearsing and demoing tracks for her first album, when she was whisked away to the Glastonbury festival with The Waterboys.

In the 30 years that have elapsed since then, Sharon has recorded 10 studio albums, 5 live albums, 4 ‘Best of…’ compilations and 3 live concert DVDs. She has received many awards including being the youngest ever recipient of the Meteor Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2009. She has collaborated, recorded and toured with everyone from Willie Nelson, Bono, Johnny Depp, Shane MacGowan and John Prine, to Nigel Kennedy and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and had many hit records including ‘The Galway Girl’ with Steve Earle, ‘It’s Christmastime Again’ with Wallis Bird and ‘Go Tell the Devil’ with Imelda May. SATURDAY 25th JANUARY | 8pm | €30 + BOOKING FEE 16

Join local writer Louise G Cole for a celebration of the written and spoken word in a series of informal poetry and prose readings inspired by Roscommon’s annual literary broadsheet, Autumn Leaves.

LITERARY LEAFINGS WITH LOUISE G. COLE

Louise will be sharing some of her own work and that of other authors, and she will be joined by invited guests who have been published in Autumn Leaves 5. At the end of each session there will also be an open mic, offering an opportunity for anyone to share a poem or story (their own or someone else’s) for others to enjoy.

Now in its fifth year, Autumn Leaves is an initiative by Roscommon Arts Office which offers publication to writers with a strong connection to the county, showcasing the wonderful literary talent in our area.

Louise G Cole is the current editor of Roscommon’s literary broadsheet Autumn Leaves. She was a 2018 Hennessy Literary Award winner who (temporarily) had a Dublin pub re-named in her honour, and her poetry was subsequently chosen by Carol Ann Duffy for the final UK Laureate’s Choice series. Louise won the New Roscommon Writing Prize in 2019, the Strokestown Poetry Festival Roscommon Poets’ Prize in 2017 and 2020, and in 2021 was awarded a Literature Bursary by the Arts Council of Ireland. In 2024, one of her poems was included in a permanent public display in Chapel Lane, Roscommon. Louise runs a weekly creative writing group in Castlerea.

More at: www.louisegcolewriter.com.

SATURDAYS 25th JANUARY, 22nd FEBRUARY, 29th MARCH, 26th APRIL 2 - 3pm | €5 | BOOKING ESSENTIAL 17

JANUARY PROGRAMME

Trawled

When Adventure

Becomes Survival

A jaw-dropping true story set on the Coral Sea, Australia.

What begins as a thrilling adventure soon spirals into a harrowing tale of survival against all odds. Trawled is a one-man biographical drama set on a prawn trawler. Twenty-five years after his life-changing experience, Wexford man Eoin Ryan brings the wild waves of the Coral Sea, Australia to life in this authentic story about surviving suicide.

Set against the meticulously crafted backdrop of a realistic stage, Trawled is a sixty-minute tour de force of storytelling that unfolds with the cinematic intensity of a blockbuster film.

THURSDAY 30th JANUARY | 8pm | €18

‘Trawled – When Adventure becomes Survival is a story of epic proportions. And it’s true’ - Theatre Thoughts 18

FEBRUARY PROGRAMME “On The Road Again” promises to be a fun evening of songs and stories as Fiachna Ó Braonáin from Hothouse Flowers, Tom Dunne from Something Happens & Alan Connor hit the road together in 2025. Despite having shared stages across the world over several decades, Tom Dunne of Something Happens and Fiachna Ó Braonáin of Hothouse Flowers had never actually performed together until they were invited to do so on RTE Radio 1’s Ray Darcy show where they performed a Christy Moore song, “John O Dreams” and a Willie Nelson song, “On The Road Again”. Ray D’Arcy loved it, Fiachna Ó Braonáin and Tom Dunne had a ball... and were joking they should do more of it! Or perhaps… only half-joking!

ON

THE ROAD AGAIN

AN EVENING WITH FIACHNA Ó BRAONÁIN, TOM DUNNE & ALAN CONNOR

Songs & stories

Since then several coffees were had and they decided to make it happen! Their respective bands were from different musical worlds but Tom Dunne and Fiachna Ó Braonáin were always united by a love of performance and songwriting and were very taken with what those different schools of thought could bring to their coffee table. Since then they have been working on what songs they could perform together including some new songs neither have performed publicly before.

Multi Instrumentalist Alan Connor was then drafted in to add some Piano, Guitar and Percussion to the dynamic duo! Alan Connor has toured with Sharon Shannon for over ten years and regularly performs with Something Happens and Frances Black. He is also a member of RTE’s “The Late Late Show” House Band since 2021.

SATURDAY 1st FEBRUARY | 8pm | €31 19

FEBRUARY PROGRAMME DRUID PRESENTS

THREE SHORT COMEDIES BY SEAN O’CASEY DIRECTED BY GARRY HYNES Saint Correlliolanus, come on, and deliver us from utther desthruction!’

In spring 2025, Druid are hitting the road once more for an 11-venue national tour of Three Short Comedies by Seán O’Casey.

Following their record-breaking 2024 tour of O’Casey’s The Shadow of a Gunman, Druid return to Roscommon Arts Centre with these classic rip-roaring one-act plays by one of Ireland’s greatest playwrights. Set in a post office, A Pound on Demand (1939) is the tale of Jerry and Sammy who badly need a quick injection of cash to continue their night on the town.

In Bedtime Story (1951), poor John Jo Mulligan learns the hard way that inviting members of the opposite sex to Miss Mossie’s lodging house comes with serious consequences.

All hell breaks loose in The End of the Beginning (1937) when Darry Berrill and his wife Lizzie agree to swap their household roles - and that’s before Darry’s clumsy friend Barry arrives.

These short tales of misadventure will be directed by Garry Hynes and performed by Druid ensemble members Marie Mullen, Rory Nolan and Marty Rea, alongside Venetia Bowe, Caitríona Ennis and Liam Heslin.

FRIDAY 7th FEBRUARY | 8pm | SATURDAY 8th FEBRUARY | 8PM | TICKETS €30/€27 20

FEBRUARY PROGRAMME

Since 1975, Druid have been criss-crossing the country to bring world-class theatre to audiences in their own communities.

This new national tour marks the beginning of their 50th anniversary programme in 2025.

21

FEBRUARY PROGRAMME

MAN & BOARD Sharing traditional love songs and lullabies, Man & Board brings old traditions into a new place, a new time. At first Man & Board is an an unlikely pairing of Rob Heaslip’s moving body with a ritualised wooden board with which he sings, he dances, he wins and he loses.

Dig deeper to find a solo, arguably a duet infused with autobiographical and queer undertones.

An impassioned show about tradition, heritage, and masculinity where a gay father celebrates his own Irish cultural heritage as he passes it on to his adopted son.

Man & Board premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in 2024 and Roscommon Arts Centre is proud to host its Irish premiere.

THURSDAY 13th FEBRUARY | 8pm | €18/16

22

FEBRUARY PROGRAMME

CONAL GALLEN Having been described as “Ireland’s Funniest man in Ireland’s Funniest Show “, it’s easy to see why! It really is non-stop laughter all the way!

With 40 years on stage and having recorded over 40 albums, there are very few comedians around with the wealth of jokes he brings. No rehearsals, no taking time off to write and learn a “new script”, every show is different! It’s as it happens on the night!

Blessed with a fabulous singing voice, this is entertainment with a capital E!

SATURDAY 15th FEBRUARY | 8pm | €29 23

FEBRUARY PROGRAMME

Zeitgeist jukebox “A thing of delicate beauty, I wept the whole way through” The Bell Harbour Bullhorn On a night such as this, some folk meet up at an old warehouse in response to a notice on a lamppost. An invitation to join the oddest band that ever was in the making of the greatest album of the twenty-first century. Primitive recording equipment sits ready for use; the clock ticks… it’s now or never. Zeitgeist Jukebox is an immersive theatre experience framed by Little John Nee’s masterful storytelling; a soulful antidote to the disconnection of our times, and a testament to the healing power of music.

Sit back relax and laugh. Should the music move you jump up and join the band.

Little John Nee is a prolific writer and performer based in the west of Ireland he has developed a singular style of musical storytelling theatre he describes as gentle punk. In 2016 he was elected to Aosdána, honouring artists whose work has made an outstanding contribution to the creative arts in Ireland. He has received an Irish Times Theatre Award “Best Sound Design” for “Sparkplug” while the RTE radio version of the show won a Special Mention Award at Prix Italia. In 2024 his new show “Nettle Horse” toured extensively including performances at the Irish Cultural Centre London.

WEDNESDAY 19th FEBRUARY | 8pm | €20 24

FEBRUARY PROGRAMME

N ROSCOMMON COU

TY YOUTH THEATRE

H T U O M R U O OPEN Y THE MAKING

OF

Get ready to sparkle and shine because it’s time for the Red Carpet Premiere of our documentary, Open Your Mouth – The Making of!

Put on your glam and glad rags and join us for an unforgettable night! Experience the magic behind the scenes as we unveil exclusive footage, heartfelt interviews, and emotional moments that brought Open Your Mouth to life.

This isn’t just any screening—it’s a celebration of 25 amazing years of RCYT! We’ll take a trip down memory lane, highlighting all the incredible moments that make the youth theatre special. And guess what? We’ve got surprises and treats in store for you!

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the magic of young people and their creativity Join us for a night filled with joy, inspiration, and a whole lot of fun!

Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss this!

For further info contact Catherine at roscommoncoyt@gmail.com or 086 874 7024 FRIDAY 21st FEBRUARY | 7pm | ADM FREE | PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL 25

FEBRUARY PROGRAMME

LUK E THOMAS TH E K IN G’S OF T HE SWI NG TOU R 2025 After a triumphant 2024 including a stellar set at Electric Picnic and Headline slot at Cork Jazz Festival, Luke and his band are back with a brand new show celebrating 100 years of SWING MUSIC from the 1920’s to the modern day!!

Featuring all your favourite SWING and Big Band songs like Sing Sing Sing, Puttin On The Ritz, Mack The Knife to Crooning classics like Mr. Bojangles, Fly Me To The Moon, New York plus many more performed by THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS - Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats!!

An absolute must for all SWING music fans. As seen on The Late Late Show, Ireland AM, The Today Show, The Six O’Clock Show and every major radio station in the country...

With two #1 Albums, 3 TV Concert Specials, 8 personally requested performances for President Higgins and countless sellout tours you can’t afford to miss this show.

Catch Ireland’s King Of Swing and his band when they come to town next spring!!

SATURDAY 22nd FEBRUARY | 8pm | €27 + €1 BOOKING FEE 26

FEBRUARY PROGRAMME

Patrick Feeney

Patrick Feeney was born to sing and from the tender age of four he wanted to be on stage with his father who played in a local band. His phenomenal success, especially over the past few years, is summed up in three words from the title of Patrick’s first album, back in 2003 – that title says it’s all…

Thanks to You. It’s 18 years since the then teenager released that debut album, and while he has recorded countless songs since, he still lives by the motto that it’s thanks to you, the fans, that he is such a success today.

Patrick has legions of fans across Ireland and is a regular guest on TV and Radio. Patrick is known nationally for his remarkable tenor voice. He has won many prestigious awards over the years and is a versatile performer. Why not join one of our finest for an unmissable night of inspirational Country and Gospel?

THURSDAY 27th FEBRUARY |8pm | FRIDAY 28th FEBRUARY | 8pm | TICKETS €27 27

MARCH PROGRAMME

JARLATH REGAN IN BITS

The Brand New Standup Comedy Show From “Yer Man” Off Instagram.

After 2 years of making us laugh out loud into our phones, hundreds of millions of views, thousands of seats filled across Ireland and the U.K. - Jarlath Regan is finally here with a totally new barnstorming standup show like nothing you’ve ever seen before. “The jewel in the Irish comedy crown” (The Examiner) In a world of relentlessly bleak news and constant negativity, take a break and make space for laughter and watch “a master at work”(Patrick Kielty). You’ve watched his clips on Instagram, you’ve shared his standup with your friends and family on TikTok, now it’s time to see Jarlath Regan’s funny bits live and in person.

The brand new standup show from the man behind some of the most hilarious viral standup comedy clips is finally here. After selling out every single seat on his “Yer Man” tour in 2024, Jarlath is on the road again and travelling around the world with a completely fresh, never before seen standup comedy show guaranteed to have you “In Bits”.

“Downright hilarious…

SATURDAY 1st MARCH | 8pm | €25 + €1 BOOKING FEE comedy genius” The Irish Times 28

“Had the audience shaking so violently with laughter they probably could have charged their phones” Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

MARCH PROGRAMME

LISDOON-NIRVANA

BY FRANKIE MC CAFFERTY For anyone who’s ever been young and dreamed of going to a festival and finding Nirvana…LisdoonNirvana is a dramatic monologue with live music, written and performed by Frankie McCafferty. Based on the last music festival at Lisdoonvarna in July 1983, the piece follows one young guy, Macker, and his friends making the Odyssean trip from Donegal to Clare. Travelling on the pillion of his friend’s two-stroke motorbike, they encounter 80s Ireland and young people from all over making the same pilgrimage. Laden with camping gear and cheap alcohol smuggled across the border, wearing a converted Garda riot control helmet stuffed with bin bags, and a pair of swimming goggles, our hero undergoes a rite of passage as he ventures out into the big bad beautiful world. Through his eyes we see the Folk and Rock glory of the Irish Glastonbury- and a country in transition, with a backdrop of recession, church oppression, emigration and Troubles. But right now Macker’s 17. There’s Smithwick’s in the rucksack. And rumour has it that the girls from the North are bringing hash and condoms. So that’s alright Mama…

Written and performed by Frankie McCafferty and directed by Charlie Bonner.

TUESDAY 4th MARCH | 8pm | €20 29

MARCH PROGRAMME

ROSCOMMON D R A M A F E S T I VA L 2 0 2 5

Roscommon Drama Festival, under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland (ADCI) showcases the very best in Irish Amateur Drama. This year’s adjudicator is Irene O’Meara, ADA (Association of Drama Adjudicators). Drama groups from all over Ireland will be participating in both the Open and Confined sections as they attempt to make it to the All-Ireland Drama Festival.

Friday 7th Saturday 8th Sunday 9th Monday 10th Tuesday 11th Thursday 13th Friday 14th Saturday 15th

Kilmeen Drama Group Bradan Players Newtownstewart Theatre Company St. Patrick’s Drama Group Cornmill Theatre Corofin Dramatic Society Bunclody / Kilmyshall Drama Group Kilmuckridge Drama Group

The Wasp by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm Little Gem by Elaine Murphy The Remains of Maisie Duggan by Carmel Winters Woman and Scarecrow by Marina Carr A Whistle in the Dark by Tom Murphy The Weir by Conor McPherson The Beacon by Nancy Harris Juno and the Paycock by Sean O’Casey

Open Open Confined Confined Open Open Open Confined

FRIDAY 7th - SATURDAY 15th MARCH | 8pm | €17 | 9 NIGHT SEASON TICKET €88 / 5 NIGHT TICKET €70 *PLEASE NOTE THAT SATURDAY 15th PERFORMANCE COMMENCES AT 7.30pm 30

MARCH PROGRAMME

A BIG EGG

By Steven Lee

WHAT A FEELING! EVOLUTION STAGE SCHOOL

The students of Evolution Stage School return to Roscommon Arts Centre with an all singing, all dancing show suitable for all the family!

THURSDAY 20th MARCH | 7pm FRIDAY 21ST MARCH | 7pm SATURDAY 22nd MARCH | 2pm & 7pm TICKETS €18.50 ON SALE TUESDAY 18th FEBRUARY

SCHOOLS SHOW From the new “Story Time” series of family musicals by the creators of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly. For Jack and his little sister Molly Easter is all about eggs. But how big can an egg get? And what wonderful surprises might there be inside?

Based on the picture book by Steven Lee and performed with a magical mixture of live action, animation and puppetry, this scrumptious, sing-along musical is guaranteed to make children love Easter (and each other) more than ever before.

WEDNESDAY 26TH MARCH | 10am 31

MARCH PROGRAMME

MATCHES AND OLD FLAMES CROKEY PLAYERS

The sell-out Irish comedy play by Tommy Marren – writer of ‘It’s the Real McCoy’, ‘3 Hail Marys’ and ‘Nobody’s Talking To Me’ – hits the road again and promises audiences another night of rip-roaring comedy.

Maureen Corcoran decides to find love for her two maturing sons (Joe and Pat) who have no interest in marriage. She spots an advertisement in the Ireland’s Own magazine where two equally ‘mature’ ladies (Daisy and Rose) are on the lookout for romance and without consulting her sons Maureen invites the ladies to come and inspect the ‘talent’ for themselves!

However, Joe and Pat hatch an intricate plan that will surely scare the ladies off – or will it? It’s just one hilarious catastrophe after another as no obstacle is going to put Daisy and Rose off the ‘scent’!

Get ready for wall-to-wall comedy with rare diseases, tongue twisters, a missing wife, an overdue eternity ring, a ‘dodgy’ sponge cake and news of an old flame all adding to the mayhem and madness – not to mention the ‘sting in the tail’ at the very end!

Starring Tommy Marren, Eileen Slevin, Mary Marren, Kieran Brennan, Mary Barry and Anthony Brennan this is one night of comedy where love is put to the test like never before!

FRIDAY 28th MARCH | 8pm | SATURDAY 29th MARCH | 8pm | PRICE €26/24 32

APRIL PROGRAMME

SCHOOLS SHOWS

UP IN THE CLOUDS ANNA NEWELL & RIVERBANK ARTS CENTRE

A chilled-out adventure for children and young people with complex needs.

Performed inside a dreamy white tent to just 3 audience members at a time. Up In The Clouds drifts its audience off to a gentle magical place full of exquisite live harmony singing, air and space and gentle object play, with the shows designed so that the performers can respond to each individual child/young person. A spa for the soul….

Touring The Network For Extraordinary Audiences in 2025 funded by Arts Council Ireland, Up In The Clouds will play special schools and early years settings for children with complex needs across Ireland as well as The Civic, Tallaght.

WEDNESDAY 2nd APRIL | THURSDAY 3rd APRIL | FRIDAY 4th APRIL

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APRIL PROGRAMME

GREY MATTER A new play for young audiences by Paul Curley and Ger Clancy

SCHOOLS SHOWS

A scientist. A parrot. A lifelong friendship. Grey Matter explores the joyful relationship between a boy and his pet (African Grey) parrot as they journey through life together, experiencing the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

Performer and writer Paul Curley in collaboration with designer and puppet-maker Ger Clancy bring this captivating play for young audiences to life, asking us to consider who we are, and how we get to know ourselves. Directed by Bjarne Sandborg of Teater Refleksion (Denmark) and Ian Cameron (Scotland) along with designers Sarah Jane Shiels, Ciara Fleming and composer Denis Clohessy, Grey Matter promises to be a treat for audiences young and old.

Suitable for ages 8yrs +

FRIDAY 4th APRIL |10am & 12pm | €5 Grey Matter was originally commissioned by Draíocht and produced with the support of The Arts Council YPCE Project Award, Draíocht, Riverbank Arts Centre, Creative Hubs - Dublin City Council Arts Office and Meitheal CPS – A Branar Initiative. This presentation has been funded by an Arts Council Touring Award.

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APRIL PROGRAMME

McDERMOTT SCHOOL OF BALLET

Ballet Spectacular Join us this April as the Senior Students from the McDermott Ballet School, Roscommon take to the stage. This wonderful ballet will bring the audience on a magical journey.

SATURDAY 12th APRIL | 3pm & 7pm | €15 TICKETS ON SALE ON TUESDAY 4th FEBRUARY 10am

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APRIL PROGRAMME

AN EVENING WITH

MICHAEL HARDING As he walks the Camino and talks to his father.

Michael Harding’s father had a profound effect on his life. In 2023 Michael walked the Camino de Santiago, and wrote a volume of memoirs entitled, I Loved Him from the Day He Died. Join Michael as he brings to life the Camino walk and the father who shaped his life.

THURSDAY 17th APRIL | 8pm | €25

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APRIL PROGRAMME

ROSCOMMON YOUTH THEATRE

The Wind In The Willows Get ready to embark on a whimsical journey down the riverbank in this enchanting stage adaptation of The Wind in the Willows!

Join Mole, Ratty, Badger, and the wildly adventurous Toad as they set sail on thrilling escapades, from daring getaways to heartwarming friendships, all set in a world brimming with magic, mischief, and merriment.

This vibrant production brings Kenneth Grahame’s beloved classic to life, capturing the timeless tale of loyalty, courage, and the magic of home. With every twist and turn, you’ll be laughing, gasping, and swept away in a land of whimsy and wonder.

Perfect for all ages, this joyful celebration of nature, adventure, and the power of belonging will leave you smiling, nostalgic, and yearning for the simple magic of youth. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey—come relive the wonder of The Wind in the Willows like never before!

THURSDAY 1st & FRIDAY 2nd MAY | 11am| €12 *SCHOOL SHOWS FRIDAY 2nd & SATURDAY 3rd MAY | 7pm | €14/12 37

ROSCOMMON ARTS CENTRE INFORMATION Roscommon Arts Centre is located on Circular Road, Roscommon. Co Roscommon.

Box Office: 090 6625824 Tuesday – Friday 10am – 5.00pm Saturdays: 11am – 4pm.

On performance evenings, box office hours: 7.15pm – 8.30pm.

The Gallery is open to the public during centre opening hours.

Please note tickets should be collected at least fifteen minutes before the advertised start time. Alternatively tickets can be collected from the box office during opening hours.

RESERVATIONS: Reservations will be held pending payment until 48 hours before a performance.

Group reservations are to be held until two weeks before a performance. In order to comply with fire regulations, each person, even babies, must have a valid ticket for performances. Please check your reservation at time of booking as there is room for human error and mistakes cannot always be rectified at a later stage. There are no refunds or exchanges on tickets, unless events are cancelled/re-scheduled.

If you are unable to attend an event please contact us and we will endeavour to assist you.

ACCESSIBILITY: Roscommon Arts Centre is a fully accessible venue. The centre is a level access building with no steps. There are two front doors by which to access the building – the main door is automatic and brings you directly to the box office.

The second door is located at the gallery/workshop side of the building, beside the disabled parking bays. This a manually operated door and is the access door to also use for the workshop space. There is lift access to our workshop space. There are two disabled parking bays located outside the gallery/workshop entrance.

Wheelchair spaces for performances in the auditorium must be allocated at the time of booking. They are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. We can accommodate up to 8 wheelchairs in the front row.

The number of wheelchair spaces available can vary depending on the technical specifications of each performance. Wheelchair users do not need to book spaces for gallery openings as this space is located on the ground floor and fully accessible. Patrons who identify as having a disability/visual/hearing impairment are entitled to discounted concession priced tickets and are welcome to bring an attending carer/complimentary guest free of charge to events.

They will be accommodated where possible beside the person, when this is not possible due to limited availability, we will endeavour to accommodate the guest as close as possible.

Guide Dogs and Service Animals are welcome in the centre. To ensure that the needs of all our patrons can be met please tell us when booking if you have any special requirements and we will endeavour to facilitate you. Phone our Box Office on 0906 625824 or email artscentre@roscommoncoco.ie.

LATECOMERS: We regret to inform you that latecomers are not admitted under any circumstances.

This policy is stated clearly on the back of all tickets and as part of the online booking facility which you agree to, by clicking acceptance of the terms and conditions. Staff also inform patrons at time of booking.

Shows commence promptly at the advertised start time. Roscommon County Council’s Code of Conduct for Customers and members of the public, clearly states the harassment of staff and behaviour which is disruptive will not be accepted and in this instance you will be asked to leave the premises.

PAYMENT: Payment can be made by cash, debit card or cheque. Cheques should be made payable to Roscommon County Council.

TICKET PRICES: Where an alternative price is advertised, this applies to children & young people, full time students, senior citizens (65+), the unwaged (with social welfare cards), the disabled and to those with restricted mobility. ID cards may be required. e1baby tickets are available for selected children’s performances.

PAYMENT: Payment can be made by cash, debit card or cheque. Cheques should be made payable to Roscommon County Council.

TICKET PRICES: Where an alternative price is advertised, this applies to children & young people, full time students, senior citizens (65+), the unwaged (with social welfare cards), the disabled and to those with restricted mobility. ID cards may be required. e1baby tickets are available for selected children’s performances.

COMEDY EVENTS: Comedy Events are suitable for over 16’s unless otherwise advertised. ID cards my be required.

GET INVOLVED: Roscommon Arts Centre invites you to become involved in what’s happening at the centre. You can sign up on our website at www.roscommonartscentre.ie or by contacting us at the box office on 090 66 25 824.

Roscommon Arts Centre reserves the right to alter/cancel performances. Roscommon Arts Centre reserves the right to refuse admission.

Roscommon Arts Centre, Circular Road, Roscommon Box Office: 090 662 5824

Tuesday to Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 11am - 4pm

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www.roscommonartscentre.ie

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