www.downartscentre.com To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014 MAY / AUGUST 23 www.downartscentre.com THE MAN WHO SWALLOWED A DICTIONARY GREENSHOOT PRODUCTION PRESENTS
Located in the heart of Downpatrick, Down Arts Centre produces a programme of arts events throughout the year; including exhibitions, live theatre, music entertainment and comedy performances, as well as a wide range of workshops and classes.
BOOKING INFORMATION
The Down Arts team are pleased to let our customers know we now have online booking from our website www.downartscentre.com
You can still call us on 0330 137 4014 or drop in to book and collect tickets.
Open to the public Monday to Friday 10am – 4.30pm
Down Arts Centre
2 – 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick BT30 6BP
downartscentre@nmandd.org
downartscentre downartscentre1
NOBODY PUTS BERNIE IN A CORNER!
DATE: FRIDAY 5 MAY
TIME: 8PM
PRICE: £20
PRESENTED BY: ROZ SHERIDAN
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Join Bernie Jones on her crazy “Dirty Dancing” themed hen party and get ready to meet her madcap family and friends while you have “The Time of Your Life!”
Bernie is a single mother to her stroppy teenage daughter and from her living room runs an ironing service called “Let’s Get Steamed!”
When Bernie’s long-suffering driving instructor pops the question, she reluctantly agrees and sets the date!
Will she make it down the aisle or will she discover her real-life Johnny Castle? This high energy, hilariously funny comedy show features 90’s disco classics and some iconic songs from Dirty Dancing!
If you’re crazy for Swayze and fancy a bit of salsa in your karaoke, then join Bernie Jones for a wild night of fun and laughter and let’s get this party started!
GERALDINE O’KANE & COLIN DARDIS: AND OUR NEXT READER IS…
DATE: THURSDAY 11 MAY
TIME: 7.00PM
PRICE: FREE
PRESENTED BY: POETRY NI
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Poets Geraldine O’Kane and Colin Dardis host an open mic night, welcoming writers of all styles and experiences to come and share their work. Whether it’s poems, flash fiction, memoir or other prose, we want to hear it!
Hosts of the popular, long-running Purely Poetry open mic night in Belfast, Geraldine will be reading from her debut collection, Unsafe (Salmon Poetry) and Colin from his latest titles, Apocrypha: Collected Early Poems and All This Light In Which To See The Dead: Pandemic Journals 2020-21.
The mic then passes to you to read your own words, in a welcoming and supportive environment. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, the floor is open for you to share.
Performances
MOJO MICKYBO
DATE: SUNDAY 14 MAY
TIME: 8PM (bar available from 7pm)
PRICE: £15 / £13 CONCESSION
PRESENTED BY: BRUISER THEATRE COMPANY
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
The reason the play is seen through the eyes of children is that I wanted to show the absurdity of sectarianism. And I thought the best way to do that was through the innocence of children.” - Owen
McCafferty
Owen McCafferty’s play Mojo Mickybo is about a friendship between two boys growing up in Belfast –a friendship that at first is immune to the sectarian violence taking place around them, but which nonetheless is ultimately destroyed by it. The play’s action is set in Belfast over the summer of 1970. Mojo and his mate Mickybo are two nine-year-old boys from opposing sides of the sectarian divide. They are ‘thick as two small thieves’, playing headers, being mouthy, building huts, and spitting from cinema balconies. The action is played as theatrical flashback, often inhabiting a world of fantasy, such as re-enacting their favourite film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The two performers constantly slip in and out of roles and imaginary worlds, with the violence of The Troubles only obliquely impacting on them –until finally their friendship is destroyed in a way that they only later come to understand.
Under the meticulous direction of Lisa May, Bruiser Theatre company is proud to showcase both Northern Ireland’s talent and complex history through this critically acclaimed production. Winner of ‘Best Ensemble’ and Nominated for ‘Best Director’ at the Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards, 2022, Mojo Mickybo has received outstanding audience feedback and critical acclaim across the board. Contains Strong Language.
THE MAN WHO SWALLOWED A DICTIONARY
DATE: FRIDAY 19 MAY
TIME: 8PM (bar available from 7pm)
PRICE: £18/£16 CONCESSION
PRESENTED BY: GREENSHOOT PRODUCTIONS
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Following an outstanding success with, IN THE NAME OF THE SON in 2022, Green Shoot is delighted to be touring THE MAN WHO SWALLOWED A DICTIONARY, a new play by Bobby Niblock, about the life of ex UVF and PUP politician, David Ervine.
This one-man show chronicles the remarkable life of Ervine, from the backstreets of East Belfast to Long Kesh prisoner to political negotiations at the White House and Downing Street. From his personal family tragedies to becoming the man who is widely regarded as the man who did most to deliver the Protestant working class to support the Good Friday Agreement.
As well as being an important figure in the history of Ulster loyalism, Ervine was also known for his grasp of the English language and capacity for using ‘big words’ in television interviews, hence the title of the play. It’s a remarkable story, providing a great insight into not just the man but the Protestant community in the most turbulent period of the Troubles. Playwright, Bobby Niblock, who served time in prison alongside Ervine, has written several plays exploring the politics of the Protestant working class community. This production contains strong or offensive language.
Performances
KIERAN GOSS AND ANNIE KINSELLA
DATE: FRIDAY 26 MAY
TIME: 8PM (bar available from 7pm)
PRICE: £23
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
The Irish duo will be taking to the stage to perform tracks from ‘Oh, The Starlings’ their critically acclaimed debut duo album. Widely praised as a stunning piece of work, the album gained the attention of musicians and music fans from all over the world, receiving rave reviews. The duo will perform these works live along with some of Kieran’s stellar back catalogue of songs. Beautiful songs. Heart-breaking harmonies. And all delivered with warmth and charm. A show not to be missed.
“Oh, The Starlings is a thing of quiet beauty.” - Folk and Tumble“Oh, The Starlings, the debut album from Irish duo Kieran Goss and Annie Kinsella, is quite simply stunning. Great songs, beautiful harmonies and an artistic triumph. - Irish Times“Individually, they are both gifted singers but when they sing together, magic happens… the harmonies, the chemistry… just sublime.” Time Out Magazine -
A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS
DATE: SATURDAY 3 JUNE
TIME: 7.30PM
PRICE: £12
PRESENTED BY: ST PATRICK’S CHORAL SOCIETY
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
ST PATRICK’S CHORAL SOCIETY ARE PROUD TO PRESENT
“A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS”
Join us for an evening of celebration as we take you into the dazzling world of musical theatre! For one night only, St Patrick’s Choral Society will revisit some of our past productions and modern classics, so sit back and allow yourself to be swept away by epic scores and feelgood favourites.
We will take you on a tour of some of the West End and Broadways biggest shows from ‘Mamma Mia’, ‘West Side Story’, to ‘Calamity Jane’. Take in selections from classics such as ‘Gypsy’ and ‘A Chorus Line’ or from our Disney section ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Pocahontas’. This event is suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
Performances
OVER THE RAINBOW
DATE: SUNDAY 18 JUNE
TIME: 2.30PM
PRICE: £8/£5 CONCESSION
PRESENTED BY: DRAMABILITY
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Over the Rainbow is a singalong ‘Wizard of Oz’. It’s a reworking of the classic tale of Dorothy’s trip to the land of Oz and her quest to return to Kansas. While maintaining all the familiar characters and, for the most part, the original plot, the Dramability version will evidence the usual quirky humour and audience participation which have become such a feature of all their shows.
SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
DATE: SATURDAY 24 JUNE
TIME: 8PM (bar available from 7pm)
PRICE: £15/£13 CONCESSION
PRESENTED BY: HOTBUCKLE PRODUCTIONS
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
With dazzling wit and sharp characterisation, Austen’s captivating story of the romantic lives of the two very different Dashwood sisters – prudent Elinor and impulsive Marianne - is brought vividly to life in this new version by Hotbuckle.
Unfairly compelled to leave their family home and left almost destitute, the Dashwood sisters and their mother must make a new beginning. Both the prudent, sensible Elinor and the impulsive, open-hearted Marianne suffer great sorrows in their romantic relationships yet they finally find contentment and peace in their new lives.
“I wish, as well as everybody else, to be perfectly happy; but, like everybody else, it must be in my own way.”
Performances
CREATIVE WRITING
DATE: WEDNESDAY 17 MAY for 6 weeks
TIME: 7PM-9PM
PRICE: £45 / £42 CONCESSION
TUTOR: DR CATHERINE KELLY
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
These workshop-based classes are designed to support those who wish to explore and develop their writing skills. They will cover topics such as writers’ tools and sources, character, and plot, as well as looking at a variety of styles including short stories, scriptwriting and poetry. Opportunities to experiment with different types of writing will be provided to enable participants to find and enhance their own writer’s voice. Whether for fun or with a view to publication, this course aims to find ways to unlock imagination and to develop a greater awareness of craft.
OUTDOOR SKETCHING CLASS
DATE: DOWNPATRICK every Wednesday 19 July – 30 August
NEWCASTLE every Thursday 20 July to 31 August
TIME: 11AM - 1PM
PRICE: FREE
VENUE: DOWNPATRICK MEET AT DOWN ARTS CENTRE
NEWCASTLE: PROMENADE OPPOSITE STRAND BAKERY
TUTOR: MARTIN MCPARTLAND
Martin McParland introduces the art of outdoor sketching, and each week will move to different areas in Downpatrick and Newcastle. Bring along pencils, paper, a board to lean on and something to sit on.
DESIGN, SCREENPRINT AND SEW
DATE: SATURDAY 6 MAY
TIME: 10AM - 4PM (Sandwich lunch included)
PRICE: £55/£50 (CONCESSION)
TUTOR: RENÉ MULLAN
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
For Beginners, work with Artist René Mullan on this one-day immersive course. You will learn to screen-print on textiles, machine sew and finish your very own unique hand printed design.
Workshops & Classes
One Day Workshops
One Day Workshops
GARDEN OBELISKS
DATE: SATURDAY 13 MAY
TIME: 10AM - 4PM
PRICE: £80/ £75 CONCESSION
TUTOR: CLIVE LYTTLE
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
Join us to construct your own garden obelisk for sweet pea, beans or just use as feature indoors or out.
Using a pre-drilled frame Clive Lyttle from Welig Heritage Crafts will be facilitating this workshop. All tools and materials will be provided, no experience necessary.
NATURALLY SOAP
DATE: SATURDAY 20 MAY
TIME: 10:30AM – 1PM
PRICE: £30/ £25 CONCESSION
TUTOR: IRENE GOURLEY & PAMELA MAWHINNEY
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
If you are interested in making your own hand made soap using only natural ingredients, then this hands-on workshop is for you. Tutors, Pamela Mawhinney and Irene Gourley from local business Naturally Soap, will teach you the ancient craft of soap making using the traditional cold process method. The basic skills taught in this workshop will enable you to go home and make your own soap with ease. All materials will be provided; however, attendees must bring their own apron, disposable gloves, a small towel and wear long sleeves and full shoes.
SILVER NECKLACE OR EARRINGS WORKSHOP
DATE: SATURDAY 27 MAY
TIME: 10 AM - 4PM (Sandwich lunch included)
PRICE: £60/£55 CONCESSION
TUTOR: DIANE LYNESS
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
Under the guidance of goldsmith Diane Lyness. Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, shaping, texturing and polishing to create a beautiful piece of jewellery to take home. No previous experience is required. All you need to bring is an apron and bundles of enthusiasm!
PRINT YOUR OWN TOTE BAG AND T- SHIRT
DATE: SATURDAY 3 JUNE
TIME: 10AM - 4PM (Sandwich lunch included)
PRICE: £55/£50 (CONCESSION)
TUTOR: RENÉ MULLAN
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
For Beginners, work with Printmaker and Artist René Mullan on this one-day immersive course. You will learn to screen print on textiles and leave with your very own unique hand printed design on both a T-shirt and Tote bag.
LANDSCAPE NEEDLE FELTING
DATE: SATURDAY 10 JUNE
TIME: 10 AM - 4 PM (Sandwich lunch included)
PRICE: £55 / £50 CONCESSION
TUTOR: JENNIFER CUNNINGHAM
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
Join local artist Jennifer Cunningham in the Felt Picture Making workshop where you will be guided through creating a felted landscape. Using wool and embroidery techniques you will embellish and enhance your piece ready to be framed for taking home at the end of the Class. This class is suitable for beginners.
SILVER LINKED BRACELET WORKSHOP
DATE: SATURDAY 17 JUNE
TIME: 10 AM - 4 PM (Sandwich lunch included)
PRICE: £60/£55 CONCESSION
TUTOR: DIANE LYNESS
VENUE: DOWN COUNTY MUSEUM
Under the guidance of goldsmith Diane Lyness. Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, shaping, texturing and polishing to create a beautiful piece of jewellery to take home. No previous experience is required. All you need to bring is an apron and bundles of enthusiasm!
One Day Workshops
Kids & Teens
ALADDIN
THE ST PATRICK’S CHORAL SOCIETY ARE DELIGHTED TO PRESENT THEIR SUMMER YOUTH PROJECT FOR 2023!
Our Junior Summer Project will be the “shining, shimmering, splendid” Aladdin Jr! Based on the Academy Award winning Disney movie and hit Broadway show, “Aladdin Jr” features well known songs such as Arabian Nights, Friend Like Me, One Jump Ahead and A Whole New World.
For more information or to request a registration form, PLEASE CONTACT US VIA: stpatrickschoral@gmail.com
‘SUMMERTIME’ THEMED
ARTS
& CRAFTS WEEK
DATE: MONDAY 31 JULY – FRIDAY 4 AUGUST
TIME: 10:30 – 2:30PM (Children should bring a packed lunch)
PRICE: £50
TUTOR: LISA MURRAY & AINE McKENNA
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Join local artists Lisa Murray and Aine McKenna for a ‘Summertime’ themed arts and crafts week. Jam packed with fun activities where kids will learn to create their own work through a variety of art projects, including pottery, painting and collage.
PRESENTS FOR SUMMER 2023
‘SHORT FILM WEEK’
Calling all budding actors, dancers and film makers, Down Arts Centre presents a week long intensive program for 12 – 18 year olds of theatre workshops in acting and movement culminating in the making of an original short film devised by you!
DATE: MONDAY 21 - FRIDAY 25 AUGUST
TIME: 10AM - 4 PM
PRICE: £80
TUTOR: JENNY LONG & MICHAEL MCEVOY
FOOT NOTES by Alan
Thomson
DATE: THURSDAY 11 MAY – 17 JUNE
TIME: DURING OPENING HOURS
PRICE: FREE
This is a collection of my photographs taken over the last 3 years. All feature landscapes in County Down. I make my own ultra large format cameras, and these images are either printed directly from the negatives, or are the actual negatives, chemically reversed into positive images. They range from 11”x 12” to 20”x24”.
These are long exposure images of up to 4 minutes; hopefully they reflect the calm, contemplative nature of both this photographic process and the quiet places found all over County Down.
My cameras and equipment are heavy to manoeuvre and there is a very physical experience in making these works, involving some lengthy walks; the collected photographs in the exhibition form a visual diary of the last 3 years for me, hence the title, “footnotes”.”
INSPIRED BY
DATE: THURSDAY 22 JUNE – 26 AUGUST
TIME: DURING OPENING HOURS
PRICE: FREE
An Exhibition of work by Top Floor Art Studio Collective, joined by the ‘Our Stories’ Project Glebe House, Kilclief @ Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co Down. June Through August 2023.
Top Floor Art Studio Collective: a group of textile and mixed media artists that meet and work at Top Floor Art Gallery, Saintfield. Participating artists are Hazel Bland, Gerry Graham, Lynda Kelly, Carolyn MacDougall, Jaele McColgan, Janice McHenry, Bridget Pullen and Emma Whitehead. The Artists support and encourage each other’s practice, while collaborating in joint projects, and exhibitions.
The Collective also aim to encourage others to develop their creative skills through the delivery of bespoke workshops. Consequently, they are delighted to offer this Exhibition in partnership with their friends based at Glebe House, Kilclief, who have been involved in the ‘Our Stories’ project.
Exhibitions
DATE: WEEK BEGINNING 3 JULY
WEEK BEGINNING 7 AUGUST
TIME: DURING OPENING HOURS
The summer school this will take place during the weeks beginning 3rd July and 7th August and will be a mix of auditions/rehearsals for the Christmas panto and work on this year’s project - the grand launch of our ‘Stages’ cafe.
There will, of course, also be the usual fun and games and all kinds of summer silliness. Further details will be available on the Dramability facebook page and the Down Arts Centre facebook page closer to the event.
DRAMABILITY SUMMER PROGRAMME STAGES CAFÉ
This summer Dramability are delighted to bring their new venture to Down Arts Centre. Inspired by stage and screen they are inviting the public to join them in their new cafe for fun, music, coffee, and sweet treats. Bringing a touch of drama to your afternoon tea/coffee experience, the mixed ability group will be providing fun musical performances while serving a selection of yummy treats. Customers can simply sit back and enjoy the entertainment or even reserve a spot and join in themselves.
So, if you’re looking for something a wee bit different, do come and visit us. The cafe will be opening on very limited days and times so booking will be essential.
For further information, keep an eye on the new DAC facebook page where details of when and how you can reserve a table will be available.
Theatre In Residence
ÁINE McKENNA
Artist in Residence 2023
Local Designer/Maker Áine
McKenna specialises in creating beautifully unique ceramics for gift and home.
Following a degree in Fine and Applied art from University if Ulster she went on to do a Masters in Ceramic Design at Staffordshire University in the heart of the potteries, Stoke on Trent. During this time she had the unique opportunity to do an industrial placement with leading tableware manufacturer Dudson Ltd. and so began her love for surface pattern.
After graduation she went on to work for Royal Stafford/Poole pottery as a surface pattern designer. Utilising her skills as a fine artist she was able to create collections depicting hand painted elements and her illustrations for mass produced tableware. Having a strong affiliation with the pottery industry, she is hugely influenced by industrial techniques and processes and her fine art background is evident in the work she produces today.
Áine currently creates stunning translucent pieces from porcelain paper clay. The innovative designs are intended to amuse and delight the viewer as they learn it is not actually paper but ceramic.
With over 10 years experience working in ceramic design, Áine will now take up the post of Artist in Residence in Down Arts Centre, supported by Newry Mourne & Down Council.
The residency is designed to allow makers the opportunity to develop their practice and enhance their skills.
As Artist in Residence Áine will be on-site full time where visitors can see her at work. She will also deliver a programme of pottery classes available for both adults and children, all while developing a new body of work and curating exhibitions.
Áine’s work will be available to buy at the craft shop in Down Arts Centre.
To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
www.downartscentre.com
Artist In Residence
TRUTH LOVE OR PROMISE
DATE: FRIDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
TIME: 8PM (bar available from 7pm)
PRICE: £15
PRESENTED BY: NUALA MCKEEVER
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
Internationally-acclaimed writer and actor Nuala McKeever is back with a new one woman drama about identity, love and the power of friendship.
THE HEN DO
DATE: SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER
TIME: 8PM (bar available from 7pm)
PRICE: £23
PRESENTED BY: GBL PRODUCTIONS
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
It’s the follow up to last year’s smash hit ‘Bridesmaids of NI’ by Diona Doherty. Another great girl’s night out!
GREEN & BLUE
DATE: FRIDAY 20 OCTOBER
TIME: 8PM (bar available from 7pm)
PRICE: £15 / £13 CONCESSION
PRESENTED BY: KABOSH THEATRE COMPANY
VENUE: DOWN ARTS CENTRE
The award-winning Green & Blue explores the painful and humorous realities faced by the individuals who patrolled the border during the height of the conflict.
Autumn Highlights
DOWN ARTS CENTRE CRAFT SHOP
Down Arts Centre hosts a craft shop specialising in the best of craft both regionally and abroad. Artists include Gill Graham, Mount Ida Pottery and Ghost and Bonesetter plus prints from both Belfast and Seacourt Print Workshops.
Come in and collect that special gift or just a treat for yourself.
www.downartscentre.com To Book Tickets 0330 137 4014
BOOKING INFORMATION
The Down Arts team are pleased to let our customers know we now have online booking from our website www.downartscentre.com
You can still call us on 0330 137 4014 or drop in to book and collect tickets.
Open to the public Monday to Friday 10am – 4.30pm
Down Arts Centre
2 – 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick BT30 6BP
downartscentre@nmandd.org
downartscentre downartscentre1
