These are unique family days for children with an intellectual disability between the ages of 8-13 years and their families. Facilitated by Draíocht artists we will explore a range of arts, themes and materials in a hands on way. If you are unsure if this day is suitable for your family please contact Sarah on 01-809 8029.

Please note Draíocht is a fully accessible venue.

Enchanting and evocative, Mozart’s final masterpiece The Magic Flute, is a lyrical love story, set against an atmospheric backdrop of fantasy and mischief. This profound but light hearted tale is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages combining moments of high comedy with intrigue, kidnap, and elemental trials. Opera Theatre Company is delighted to celebrate 25 years of touring opera throughout Ireland with this magical and uplifting opera. The sublime score ripples with irresistible charm; from the stratospheric arias of the Queen of the Night, to the glorious melodies of Papageno, both reflecting Mozart’s dramatic genius and enthusiasm for life. Sung in English with Music Direction by Brenda Hurley, this production is directed by Annilese Miskimmon and designed by Nicky Shaw, with lighting design by Sinead McKenna.

“A terrific night’s entertainment… this company is driven by ideas, takes risks, and always a fresh and interesting approach” Sunday Business Post

 Early Bird: €22 (book before 31 Dec 2011)

Go back in time to this magical era and never to be repeated time in Irish popular music! Compere Ronan Collins will sing his renowned tributes to Joe Dolan and Dickie Rock. Joining Ronan is ‘The King’ Brendan Bowyer, Tony Kenny, Lorraine McDonald, with her fantastic tribute to The Showband Ladies, and the big sound of The Conquerors Showband. Eurovision stars Tommy and Jimmy Swarbrigg join the show’s exciting finale, which is an all cast salute to the showband era.

While everyone else celebrates Valentines Day, we are coming over all artsy and celebrating Van Gogh instead and it just so happens that you might go away with a nice Valentines gift for someone special too!

Family Day Notes: No booking necessary – just drop in at any stage / Dress for Mess / Unless otherwise stated these activities are designed for children from 5-10 years, though younger and older siblings are welcome to take part / Please be aware that Draíocht’s Family Days are not designed for groups / All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child.

He was looking for the father he never knew. She was looking for a second chance.

Set among the remains of a boarded up room, a group of strangers look in from outside. A set of keys unlocks the door to hidden gems left behind. What was that promise that you made? In 1995, CoisCéim produced the critically acclaimed Reel Luck which looked at Ireland on the cusp of the Celtic Tiger. Touch Me looks at society today and its transformation from tiger visions to the exodus of the once majestic cranes. From this lonely landscape David Bolger rakes through the spoils of an unprecedented era to discover a new beauty, in the promise of the future. What are the new symbols of fortune? What makes us happy now? Based in Dublin, CoisCéim’s work has been seen worldwide and the company has won many awards including two Fringe First Awards at Edinburgh Fringe. CoisCéim were most recently in Draíocht with Swimming with my Mother which toured Ireland along with David’s short dance film Deep End Dance in 2011.

Featuring live music by award-winning composer/saxophonist Kenneth Edge and six star performers, Jen Fleenor, Olwen Grindley, James Hosty, Robert Jackson, Nick McGough and Emma O’Kane.

Video interview with David Bolger here ...
Video interview with Kenneth Edge here ... 

CoisCéim are delighted to provide Movement Workshops suitable for Secondary School Students, Youth Theatre Member, Active Retirement Groups and Dance Students at a time suitable for you. Please email emer@draiocht.ie if your group is interested in participating.

 Early Bird: €12 (book before 31 Dec 2011)

Growing up in Glasgow and Irvine, Eddi busked and performed at the local folk clubs before literally joining the circus in the early 1980s. After travelling around Europe with performance artists, Eddi moved to London where she quickly became a sought after session vocalist.  She famously harmonized with Annie Lennox, touring with the Eurythmics, after her time with successful punk outfit Gang of Four. It was the short-lived but warmly remembered Fairground Attraction that really brought Eddi Reader into the limelight and to the attention of a much wider audience. The single 'Perfect' and parent album ‘First of a Million Kisses’ both topped the British charts. Constant touring with her band has created a magical organic chemistry between Eddi and her players. Whilst renowned for her technical vocal ability, it is Eddi’s passion and instinct that combine to ensure she connects emotionally with her audience.

Eddi was awarded the MBE in 2006 for services to singing.

Hedda Gabler returns, dissatisfied from a long honeymoon. Bored by her aspiring academic husband, she forsees a life of tedious convention. And so, aided and abetted by her predatory confidante, Judge Brack, she begins to manipulate the fates of those around her to devastating effect. 

Johnny McEvoy has always been highly acclaimed for his excellent concert shows and his return visit to Draíocht is eagerly awaited by his legion of fans. This nostalgic evening of song and story features all of Johnny's many hit songs. His songs are haunting, evocative and beautifully presented with many in the folk and ballad style. His recent recording of his No 1 Hit, Muirseen Durkin with Sharon Shannon got extensive airplay on Local and National Radio. Johnny also features songs from his new album. 

A Murder of Crows is a dynamic and theatrically exciting work for children aged 8 and over, based on the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel. The play explores themes of famine, family loyalties and personal growth. Six actors weave a gothic story of two children's journey from abandonment and fear to ultimate survival, seen from the quirky perspective of a chorus of raucous and garrulous crows, whose boisterous antics will delight children.  

Ages 8-12 yrs / Dur: 65 mins / 2 Teachers free per class

A group of house painters are patching over the cracks of an old house. Clock on with the lads and see if you can last to the end of their shift. In a world blighted by economic recession, with workers losing faith in old ideologies, Brothers of the Brush demonstrates just how fragile allegiances are when personal interests are at stake. This is working class Dublin at it's best. A biting comedy about hard grafters and dossers, loyalty and betrayal - Dublin style.

2008 Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, 2010 Hot Press Irish Comedian of the Year, 1990 East Leinster under 14 triple jump bronze medallist, founder member of Destiny's Child, inventor of the iPad, star of 2Fast 2Furious, and until recently he always mispronounced the word 'hyperbole'. He has performed around the world at festivals in Melbourne, Montreal, New York and Wellington. He has toured around Ireland with Tommy Tiernan, around Britain with Rich Hall and recently around America with Demetri Martin. The number one ranked person called ‘David O’Doherty’ on Google returns to Draíocht with small keyboards and much talking.
This show may contain adult content and strong language.

Dominic Kirwan, one of Ireland's best and most popular concert performers, creates a wonderful atmosphere amongst his audience with his dynamic stage shows. Featuring songs from his many hit albums as well as many country and pop standards, this is a night of music that will have you singing along and tapping your feet. With special guest for the night Louise Morrissey.

Though we learn primary colours at an early age, what they are and how they mix can still be a bit of a mystery! These innovative workshops with dance facilitator Mark Rogers will mix dance and visual arts in an educational and exciting way to explore primary colours in such as way that students will remember them … for a while!

PRIMARY CYCLE WORKSHOPS

Workshop A: Age range: 1st-2nd class
Mon 05 and Tue 06 March 2012
10-11.30AM or 12-1.30PM

Workshop B: Age range: 3rd-4th class
Wed 07 and Thurs 08 March 2012
10-11.30AM or 12-1.30PM

Workshop Notes:
Limited to 1 class per school but other classes are welcome to be part of a waiting list / Cost per class €45.00 / Please get in touch with Sarah Beirne (01)8098029 if cost is an issue for your school / Booking is essential, tel Box Office on (01) 8852622 / Max of 30 students per class.

This show has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Young bands from the secondary schools in Dublin 15 will battle it out head-to-head, on a night that is sure to showcase some of the area’s finest young bands. The night will be rounded off with an exclusive set from Miniature Jack. This hard working band, consisting of Lisa Farrell (Vocals), Brian Loughney (Bass), Ciara Farrell (Guitar), Keith Farrell (Guitar), and David Malone (Drums), is committed to developing the young talent that can be found in Dublin 15. Early booking advised.

Decadent Victorian London: The socialite Lord Henry seduces the beautifully boyish Dorian Gray, into a double life of pleasure, murder and excess. Unlike Lord Henry, Dorian never ages - only Basil Hallward’s portrait charts his decline into sin and ultimate self-destruction. Enjoy Wildean wit, when the text of this Gothic masterpiece is narrated and staged for you by Basil, Lord Henry, and Dorian - actors Michael James Ford, Simon Coury and Michael Winder.

Enjoy Dinner Theatre at its best with this wonderful evening of Oscar Wilde which includes a 2 course dinner and tea & coffee.

Goes on public sale from 13 Feb 2012

Join these young energetic dancers as they demonstrate their skills in classical ballet, modern and contemporary dance. There will be something for everyone to enjoy as the young dancers of all ages perform a rich and varied repertoire, including a magical journey to Saint-Saen's Carnival of the Animals, Sleeping Beauty and a super Musical Medley that will have you dancing in your seats!

In some cultures creating the sound of falling rain is believed to bring about a storm. With Irish weather, we hope that won’t happen! But we do hope you’ll join us in making these musical instruments. If you have long tubes from wrapping paper, bring them with you!

Family Day Notes: No booking necessary – just drop in at any stage / Dress for Mess / Unless otherwise stated these activities are designed for children from 5-10 years, though younger and older siblings are welcome to take part / Please be aware that Draíocht’s Family Days are not designed for groups / All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child.

Two dancers bring the audience into an enchanting world of games and poetry through the magic of light. As the night turns on the stars and opens the door of dreams, join the central character in this play, the light itself, as it plays and dances and changes shape, size and colour. This is an exquisite performance of dance, music and light that can be enjoyed by everyone. The darkest night is never black … there is always a small light somewhere.

SUN 25 MAR  4PM / Family Show
MON 26 & TUES 27 MAR  10am & 12 noon / School Shows
WED 28 MAR  10am / School Show

All tickets €5 // Ages 3-6 // Dur: 45 mins // 2 Teachers Free per Class


Further Spréacha Programme info here ... 

Lights! Music! Action! Since movie makers first added sound to the action, the marriage of movies and music has been a match made in heaven – whether it be theme songs, mood setting music or full-blown musicals. Let Coolmine take you on a magical musical tour from the glamour of the Hollywood classics through the wonderful world of Disney and to the theme songs that immediately evoke a movie (think of all those Bond theme songs!). 

Walking Man tells the tale of a man who has spent his whole life in pursuit of success. He has always rushed headlong through life, determined to follow in his father’s footsteps to the best job on the top floor of the tallest building in the whole city. And when he has done all that, with Walking Woman and little Walking Baby at his side, something doesn’t feel quite right. Walking Man must go on an entirely new journey, which takes him far from his way back home.
Walking Man is a charming allegory, which will captivate its audience. With the help of an original live music score, the actor brings us into the world of the Walking Man, a tiny wooden figure. The world may be in miniature but the story is universal.
This exciting performance is designed for children aged 6-9 years and their families and is presented by Graffiti Theatre Company, Cork.

Kevin McAleer is a man of few words- mainly because most of his set consists of waiting for people to finish laughing. Tyrone's answer to the Dalai Lama brings his unique wit and wisdom to town for another evening of hilarious nonsense, in which he tackles the big serious questions: Who am I? Why are we here? You won't find the meaning of life, but you might just die laughing.
This show contains adult content and strong language.

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 singers, performers and characters. Now over 25 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. 

Licence Pending

‘I got my first pair of glasses when I was seven. A nurse came to the school and tested everyone’s eyes. And so it was discovered why I’d thrown bread to the floating crisp packets in our local pond and walked into lamp posts and said, ’excuse me’. Until that day the world was a swirl of moving coloured blobs. I thought it was the same for everyone. How wrong I was.’ ‘Part memoir, part theatre and part stand-up comedy’ (Irish Independent), this delightful story of a myopic seven year old is brought to you by actor and comedian, Sonya Kelly (The Savage Eye).
Developed as part of Show in a Bag, an artist development initiative of Dublin Fringe Festival, Fishamble: The New Play Company and Irish Theatre Institute to resource theatre makers and actors.

 Early Bird: €8 (book before 31 Dec 2011)

This rarely performed play is a touching story about alienation and truth. The play explores the conditions and circumstances which caused a gentle woman to become estranged from her life while giving the audience a glance into the terrifying events, which led to this isolation.
Starring Maria McDermottroe
Directed by Caroline Fitzgerald

The Last Apache Reunion concerns a group of men at their school reunion, trying to relive their past and, to the dismay of their wives, cover up what they would prefer to hide. This is a highly intelligent, tellingly perceptive, ultimately devastating play. School reunions have never been so funny, frightening and enjoyable.

Heartsong Productions presents this magical night of musical enchantment.
Featuring such musical gems as Macushla, Because, Roses of Picardy, Somewhere a Voice is Calling and many many more, this delicious musical evening chronicles the extraordinary life story of the legendary Count John McCormack. Narrated by the much loved radio and TV presenter Kevin Hough (from RTE’s The Lyrics Board), the show stars Waterford tenor Frank Ryan as John McCormack, and renowned Cork soprano Linda Kenny as Lily. The show is directed by Cathal McCabe (former RTE Head of Music).

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.