From the award-winning company that took Little Gem around the world comes an explosive thriller written by one of Ireland’s finest actors. Robert, a successful Dublin lawyer, is working late in his office while Ray, the cleaner, is tidying up. They chat about golf, football and the weather but both have dark secrets and when Julia, Robert’s girlfriend, arrives on the scene those secrets are revealed in the most surprising and shocking way. A fast-paced, gripping comedy/thriller with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster, Chicane will keep you on the edge of your seat and entertain you like no other play.
Written by Anthony Brophy and Directed by Paul Meade.
Starring: Barry Barnes, Emmet Kirwan and Jane McGrath.
This show contains adult content and strong language.

SPECIAL OFFER: CODE WORD 'BLANCH'
Book 2 Tickets for Chicane and 2 Tickets for Fishamble's 'Big Ole Piece of Cake' (23-27 Nov) for €60
Phone Box Office now: 01-8852622

Andrew Stanley is one of the top comics working the worldwide comedy circuit today and is always high energy and quick witted enough to keep audiences thoroughly entertained. In the past 4 years Andrew has travelled to the Adelaide Fringe Festival twice, made his debut at the Melbourne, Sydney and New Zealand Comedy Festivals and was invited to the prestigious Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal.
This show contains adult content and strong language.

Love triangles, debt, murder plots and a lot of old blarney. When Hardress Cregan’s family falls on hard times, only his marriage to a wealthy heiress, Anne Chute, can save it from ruin. But there’s a snag – Hardress is already secretly married to the beautiful, and not so wealthy, Eily O’Connor; and Anne is in love with someone else, Hardress’ best friend Kyrle. Will love win over money? Will a murderous plot succeed? And can they all live happily ever after? This classic Irish tale of The Colleen Bawn is brought vividly to life in this lively and entertaining production from director Jimmy Fay (Playboy of the Western World, Ross O’Carroll Kelly: Last Days of the Celtic Tiger). Starring: Karen Ardiff, Liz Fitzgibbon, Michael Glen Murphy, Will Irvine, Ian Lloyd Anderson, Charlie Murphy and Ciaran Taylor.

See Audience Vox Pop here ...

A yellow square goes for a walk, little red dots play hide and seek and a blue circle starts to sound … Theater Papilio’s first show for the very young is a highly visual theatre experience for a first time audience, an abstract play with objects, movement and voice. Accompanied by Eoin O Brien on acoustic guitar, puppeteer Anna Rosenfelder moves within a self built universe of shapes and lines, creating simple and capturing scenes and images - sometimes poetical, sometimes witty, sometimes just so ... The perfect introduction to the arts for your young adventurer. Theater Papilio is a Wicklow based theatre company. Founded by puppeteer Anna Rosenfelder in 2006 in Germany Papilio’s shows and creative interventions fuse puppetry with storytelling, movement, a playful use of objects and sometimes live music to create atmospheric and unique theatre experiences for children // DUR: 30 mins // Age 2-4 yrs.

Short Video ...

MON 27 SEPT, 8.15PM / TUES 28 SEPT, 12 NOON 

Mary McArdle is the toughest fighter in town, a title that earned her the moniker 'Mad' Mary when she was 15. Now she’s 25, and just out of prison. Back home, everything has changed: all the old gang have grown up, and the only thing Mary has to look forward to is being bridesmaid at her best friend’s wedding. But even this comes at a price - she has to find a date for the big day, and finding a date in a town where everyone knows your name is not gonna be easy.
This show contains adult content and strong language.
Set Design Kieran McNulty. Lighting Design Sarah Jane Shields. Costume Design Suzanne Keogh. Sound Design Jack Cawley.
By Yasmine Akram. Directed by Darren Thornton

There is nothing to beat the rhythmic drive and sheer power of a jazz big band. Founded in 2007, the Orchestra was set up initially to enable students at the Ballymun Wind Project to see and hear what a big band would look like, as an encouragement to them in their music studies. After a performance at Electric Picnic in 2008 and residencies in the Button Factory, the group has gone from strength to strength and this year alone they have appeared twice on the Late Late Show on RTE with singers Mary Coughlan and Jerry Fish.

It is what it is looks at the struggles and the strengths of the people who face their demons and the hidden damage of drug use in all its disguises. Devised and written for Drug Awareness Week by the drama students of Tolka River Project and Sinéad O'Loughlin with professional support by Smashing Times Theatre Company. The funding for the play was provided by the Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force and Fingal County Council. This show may contain some strong language.

Little Leon goes to see a magic show with his brothers and sisters. There is so much magic in the air that Leon can even smell it! So when magician Abdul Kazam asks for someone to come forward Leon knows that it must be him. He bravely steps onto the stage, through the door and into the place between. It is a place full of mystery and illusion! But when his adventure is over will Leon be able to find his way back to his brothers and sisters? This is a delightful tale about magic and the power of believing.
Dur: 55 Mins / Age: 5+

Do you love film? Do you love all kinds of film and would relish the opportunity to talk about them with other fans? If yes, then we have the club for you. This autumn Draíocht begins it’s very first Film Club for adults. We kick off this autumn with a season of work that showcases the range and variety of work that you can expect as the club develops. Each film will be introduced by local avid film enthusiasts and connoisseurs, Ann Downey and Mary Gillan, who will lead the discussion afterwards. The aim of the club is to give people the opportunity to see a range of film locally, to provide a forum where film can be discussed and debated in an informed way, to provide opportunities for engagement with and education in film and to do this while watching some really great movies!

Tues 05 October: Rio Grande (1950)
Rio Grande, (1950) the first in John Ford’s Cavalry trilogy, shows all of his genius and all of his preoccupations. It is as exciting as a Western can be, with John Wayne as a dedicated U.S. Army Colonel Kirby leading a remote outpost by the Rio Grande River against both Indian uprisings and Mexican incursions. Maureen O’Hara stars as his estranged wife, searching for her son, who has run away to join the army which she hates. Wayne was never better as the lonely but duty-bound soldier. Made by Ford in order to get the money to make The Quiet Man, Rio Grande features the same actors. (Ann Downey)

All film enthusiasts over 18 are invited to join the club. Join now by phoning Draíocht’s Box Office on 01-885 2622, or just call in!Membership fee: €10 / €5 conc.  (Covers September to December 2010)

Jon Kenny Live heralds a return for Jon to the type of work that gave him the reputation as one of the most talented comedians in Ireland. Formally one half of the hugely successful duo d'Unbelievables, Jon uses the changing face of contemporary Ireland as the scaffold on which to build his hilarious observations and characters in this new show. Running through such contrasting experiences as supporting Munster rugby to visiting a health spa, Kenny takes no prisoners and delights in emphasizing the humour in everyday life. 
This show contains some strong language / For age 12+

2010 sees the 25^th anniversary of Mary Coughlan’s album ‘Tired and Emotional’, Ireland’s biggest selling album in its year of release and now 7 times platinum. An Irish theatrical torch-blues legend, Mary’s acclaimed new album ‘The House of Ill Repute’ was promoted alongside the release of her autobiography ‘Bloody Mary’ last year. In this funny, moving and typically outspoken memoir, Ireland’s best-loved jazz singer pulls no punches in describing her redemption from alcoholism and drug addiction and gets to the heart of what made Mary so contrary.

Sometimes it takes a girl sized human to solve an adult sized problem. Peggy O’Hegarty and her parents are packers. They squeeze fruit into tins, foxes into boxes, even bikes into brown paper bags. And all the while Peggy sings with the voice of an angel – a grossly unfortunate angel, who can’t sing at all. But one day work stops working, and the jobs stop coming, and Peggy steps outside to find Winter has arrived … and everyone in her city is gone! As Peggy desperately tries to save the day, we learn about love, loss, the reassurance of goats, and the courage to sing gloriously on or off-key. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the combined, celebrated talents of director Lynne Parker, performer Louis Lovett and playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer.

Presented as part of Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival ReViewed - A showcase of successful Irish productions re-staged in partnership with Culture Ireland and Irish Theatre Institute.

Dur: 60 mins / Age 7+

The Quare Fellow begins and ends in song, with a prisoner in solitary confinement in Mountjoy Prison. As a guard rouses prisoners in their cells, several of them begin talking. The main topic of conversation is the imminent execution of the unnamed Quare Fellow who is to be hanged for murdering his brother. While full of comic moments, this play is a grimly realistic portrait of prison life in Ireland in the 1950s, and a reminder of the days in which homosexuality was illegal and the death penalty common. The 13 strong cast is directed by Ronan Wilmot.

Refine your creative writing skills in this intensive workshop with established short-story writer and poet Nuala Ní Chonchúir. Nuala will personally and constructively critique your work on a one to one basis. Therefore participants are required to submit either one story of up to 3000 words or 2 shorter pieces up to 3000 words to Nuala before the workshop and latest by 30 September 2010. Submit your work to sarah.oneill@fingalcoco.ie or Yvonne.obrien@fingalcoco.ie. You will then have the opportunity to discuss and refine your work under Nuala’s expert direction.
Tickets are free but places are limited to 10 per workshop. Booking through Draíocht's Box Office, tel: 8852622.
Nuala will also read from her debut novel You published by New Island, (2010) at 7.30pm. Tickets are free, booking through Draíocht's Box Office, tel: 8852622

East meets West head-on in this hilarious 1940's-style update of a Gilbert and Sullivan favourite. Featuring an intoxicating mix of styles and influences, classics such as ‘A Wand'ring Minstrel I’ and ‘Three Little Maids’ are transformed into show-stopping blues, swing, hot gospel numbers and scorching torch songs. Find out what happens when the clean lines and colour of Japanese design combine with the big band sights and sounds of popular American song and dance! The music is stacked with amazing solo vocals, pulsing rhythm, and music that makes you want to get up and dance!

Sam Maguire is a fanatic Dublin supporter and his passion for football and the Dublin team lead him through a summer of excitement, making the pilgrimage to The Hill to cheer on the boys in blue. But in his personal life he's alone and dejected. The woman he loves and the child he doted on have deserted him. Sam tries to rebuild his life and as long as the Dubs are still in the championship there will always be hope. There is much comfort to be taken in the knowledge that The Hill will always be there for him.

After gaining rave reviews at the age of 23 for her lead role of Mrs Johnson in ‘Blood Brothers’, Rebecca was catapulted into the world of musical theatre where she became a West End star playing some of the most demanding roles ever written for a leading lady. Join Rebecca for her Greatest Hits in Concert, the most memorable songs from her career to date including ‘Tell Me It’s Not True’, ‘Marilyn Munro’ from Blood Brothers, ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ from Evita and ‘Woman In Love’ and ‘You Don’t Bring Me Flowers’ from The Streisand Songbook.

This triple-bill includes the wonderful story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar's metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly; the fanciful account of Little Cloud's travels through the sky, and the Mixed-Up Chameleon's discovery of his own unique nature. The whimsical tales have enchanted several generations, and Mermaid's acclaimed stage adaptation teaches as well as entertains.

Do you love film? Do you love all kinds of film and would relish the opportunity to talk about them with other fans? If yes, then we have the club for you. This autumn Draíocht begins it’s very first Film Club for adults. We kick off this autumn with a season of work that showcases the range and variety of work that you can expect as the club develops. Each film will be introduced by local avid film enthusiasts and connoisseurs, Ann Downey and Mary Gillan, who will lead the discussion afterwards. The aim of the club is to give people the opportunity to see a range of film locally, to provide a forum where film can be discussed and debated in an informed way, to provide opportunities for engagement with and education in film and to do this while watching some really great movies!

Tues 02 November: QUEBEC FILM/TITLE TO BE CONFIRMED

All film enthusiasts over 18 are invited to join the club.
Join now by phoning Draíocht’s Box Office on 01-885 2622, or just call in!
Membership fee: €10 / €5 conc.  (Covers September to December 2010)

In a dressing room an ageing drag queen reveals his life and loves, victories and defeats. Exploring the themes of identity, love found and love lost, and using the music of Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Billie Holiday and more, this is the story of one gay man’s life. From his childhood through adolescence and onto adulthood, the one constant in his life is the music of the divas who provide comfort, strength and inspiration. A funny and touching portrait of gay life in Ireland over the last 40 years.
This show contains some adult content and some strong language.

One of Sandy Kelly’s biggest successes in her glittering career was the lead role in ‘A Musical Tribute to Patsy Cline’ which toured Britain for a record 37 weeks before opening in London’s West End. Sandy made over 500 appearances in this show before moving onto writing and directing her own Patsy Tribute Show ‘Patsy Cline: The Concert’ which has been a phenomenal success. The evening will include all of Patsy Cline's biggest hits including Crazy, I Fall To Pieces, Blue Moon of Kentucky, Your Cheatin' Heart, After Midnight, Sweet Dreams, San Antone Rose and many many more.

Coolmine Musical Society will bring you the magic of some of the most popular musical theatre in this evening of song, dance and entertainment. From Avenue Q to West Side Story, via Chicago and (Miss) Saigon, we’ll take you on a magical journey. For a few hours let us take you away from Skid Row (where we all feel we’re heading these days!) as we ‘Climb every Mountain’ to a world of love, passion and possibilities, where Luck just might Be a Lady!

Expect smoke machines, screaming guitar solos and everything from hip-hop slow jams to '80s stadium anthems. Dead Cat Bounce have performed to packed houses at Montreal's Just for Laughs Festival, London’s Big Joke Festival, Melbourne Comedy Festival, Bulmers International Festival in Dublin and Kilkenny Cat Laughs. Having completed a three month tour of Australia this year, they bring their unique blend of all-original music and character comedy to Draíocht. Brace yourself for an unrelenting performance unlike anything else you’ll see this year. This show contains adult content and strong language.

The Italian opera singer Enrico Caruso was at the height of his fame when he performed Carmen at the San Francisco Opera House in April 1906. He woke-up the next morning to find his hotel room collapsing on top of him. Quake tells of his miraculous escape but can he shake off the ghosts from his past and the terrible choices he has to make to survive? Beautiful storytelling and live opera singing combine to reveal the heart behind a legend. With live music from Puccini, Rossini, Tosti and the immortal song that Caruso introduced to the World, ‘O Sole mio’. Starring Ignacio Jarquin.

Busily gigging around Dublin and following the success of their first EP Launch ‘Every Second’ early in 2010, Bennett Vs Matrix are back for a night of local band talent in Draiocht’s Main Auditorium. Join Ross Callaghan (vocals & guitar), singer Lisa Farrell, Manus O’Lorcain (lead guitar & backing vocals), Martin Cullinan (drums, percussion & backing vocals) and Brian Loughney, for this night of local band talent. Joining them are two young emerging D15 bands playing Draíocht for the first time. This is a non alcohol event.

If you think you’ve seen a Punch and Judy show before, you haven’t seen anything yet! For 300 years the infamous Mr Punch has entertained and enthralled Irish audiences with his brand of zany slapstick humour. This new version of a classic tale is your chance to see him at his wildest and most boisterous, fusing traditional puppet theatre with the best of traditional Irish music. Ronan Tully, grandson of Ireland’s legendary puppeteer Eugene Lambert, is a third generation puppeteer and Punch performer who has represented Ireland at international puppet festivals across the globe over the past 10 years.
Dur: 50 Mins / Age: 6+

‘All my life I've wanted a son. And now here I am with two of them! I'll drink to that!’. Dublin lads Colin and Ray are out of luck, out of work, out of grub and nearly out of fags. On a whim old and lonely ex-teacher, Clarence invites the two brothers back to his cottage in Wicklow. Through the course of one electric evening, the unlikely trio attempt to play happy families over naggins and history lessons, but when push comes to shove, Clarence gets a lot more than he bargained for. Step inside for a comic and quirky evening of roast chicken, yellow snorkel jackets and Stevie Wonder. 

Following the success of the award-winning Noah and the Tower Flower, director Jim Culleton is reunited with Sean McLoughlin for this much anticipated, sparky second play.  Presented by the multi award winning Fishamble, this is a theatre highlight not to be missed.

This show contains strong language. 

SPECIAL OFFER: CODE WORD 'BLANCH'
Book 2 Tickets for 'Big Ole Piece of Cake' and Guna Nua's 'Chicane' (8-11 Sept) for €60
Phone Box Office now: 01-8852622

In 1984 when Dubliners member Luke Kelly died, it wasn't just the end of an era; it was the end of the life of one of Ireland's greatest performers and characters. 20 years after his death, his influence is still heard in singers of all ages. In 2001 a band formed to pay tribute to the king of balladeers in a show entitled ‘A Tribute to Luke Kelly’. The band have since amazed audiences following powerful performances in prominent venues. Lead singer, Chris Kavanagh bears a remarkable resemblance to Luke while his singing talent captures the depth and passion of the great man.

In March 2010, Draiocht in partnership with Fishamble: The New Play Company, began working with 36 participants on the Write Here, Write Now Project; a project to support new writers in the Fingal area. Participants engaged in workshops, writer’s talks, theatre visits and one to one feedback on their work in progress. A long list of 16 was drawn up in May 2010 and in September, 5 out of those 16 scripts were chosen to go forward to have a rehearsed reading with a professional director and cast. We are delighted to present to you ... the final 5.

Paddy Cole is legendary in Irish show business, ever since he first came to prominence in the 1960s with the Capitol Showband. He still attracts many of the people who danced in those days to his shows today. Paddy and his All Stars are renowned for giving audiences a good time - whether it’s jazz, rock ‘n roll, sixties or swing – the result is always the same – a thrilled and ecstatic reaction.

Shakespeare’s tale of the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, is one of the greatest love stories of all time. Against a backdrop of ancient feuds and gang warfare, the ill-fated young couple fall instantly and hopelessly in love. But their families are bitter enemies, and in order to be together the two lovers must be prepared to risk everything. Romeo and Juliet is a dazzling combination of passion and hatred, comedy and high tragedy, making it the perfect vehicle for the talents of choreographer Morgann Runacre-Temple who delighted audiences last year with her adaptation of Cinderella.

‘Like snowflakes my Christmas memories gather and dance’. Anthony O’Boyle returns to the great tradition of storytelling, the ‘theatre of the hearthstone’, with a new show, a nostalgic look back at Christmas in a small rural village in the west of Ireland. Here is an encapsulation of an era that has passed only recently. Comedy sparkles and illuminates a collection of stories that are rich in humour and pathos. A unique show with a homely heartwarming collection of tales and the occasional song. Come along and enjoy a trip down memory lane!

This is a sparkling fully costumed gala performance of highlights from many of the favourite Gilbert and Sullivan Operas. Featuring six stars from the old and new D’Oyly Carte Opera Companies and other major UK Opera Companies, highlights include selections from The Mikado, The Gondoliers, The Pirates Of Penzance, Iolanthe, Ruddigore, Princess Ida, The Grand Duke and HMS Pinafore. Major-General Stanley, Sir Joseph Porter and The Pirate King will even invite you to sing-a-long with one or two numbers. Don’t miss this superb evening of highlights from Gilbert and Sullivan’s witty and wonderful works, beautifully performed.

Following a massively successful international tour, Des Bishop makes his highly anticipated return to Ireland.  Inspired by his Father’s recent diagnosis of Lung Cancer, Des’s latest critically acclaimed show My Dad Was Nearly James Bond tells of a remarkable life tinged with regret.  In championing the real heroics of fatherhood, Des challenges many common regrets and the ridiculous ideals of manhood that real, un-slick men try to live up to.  The innate inspiration and dexterity behind this show guarantees an unforgettable and touching comedy experience.
This show contains adult content and strong language.

Do you love film? Do you love all kinds of film and would relish the opportunity to talk about them with other fans? If yes, then we have the club for you. This autumn Draíocht begins it’s very first Film Club for adults. We kick off this autumn with a season of work that showcases the range and variety of work that you can expect as the club develops. Each film will be introduced by local avid film enthusiasts and connoisseurs, Ann Downey and Mary Gillan, who will lead the discussion afterwards. The aim of the club is to give people the opportunity to see a range of film locally, to provide a forum where film can be discussed and debated in an informed way, to provide opportunities for engagement with and education in film and to do this while watching some really great movies!

Tues 07 December: Angel (Neil Jordan, 1982)
Angel (1982) was Neil Jordan’s first film. It is a tale of the search by a Showband musician (Stephen Rea) for the murderers of his manager and his young girlfriend, shot after a gig. Lyrical but compelling this was a remarkable achievement and foreshadows many of the themes in Jordan’s later work like Michael Collins and The Crying Game. In it Jordan looks at violence from the inside. He examines not only the violence done by the assassins but more so the violence of the Rea character, both as subject and object of violence. (Ann Downey)

All film enthusiasts over 18 are invited to join the club. Join now by phoning Draíocht’s Box Office on 01-885 2622, or just call in!Membership fee: €10 / €5 conc.  (Covers September to December 2010)

Staged in the style of Andy Williams Christmas Shows, this brilliant production comes complete with cosy décor - Christmas trees, a rocking chair and a fireplace; just right for chestnuts roasting on an open fire. The Christmas Crooners and All-Stars Band give you a show full of swinging Christmas cheer guaranteed to get you in the festive mood. Enjoy over 30 well known Christmas hits including ‘Winter wonderland’, ‘Let it Snow’, ‘Little Drummer Boy’, ‘White Christmas’, ‘Deck the Halls’, ‘Silent Night’ and many more festive favourites.

There's nothing like a choir at Christmas time! Multi-award-winning New Dublin Voices returns to Draíocht with a wonderful selection of Christmas carols - traditional and modern, old favourites, a little jazz, and lots of surprises. Recent awards include National Choir of the Year 2009 at the Navan Choral Festival and ESB Feis Ceoil Choir of the Year 2009. This dynamic young chamber choir was founded by well-known conductor Bernie Sherlock and is dedicated to winning over audiences with its lively performances.