Christmas: a time to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future; a time of feasts and festivities; of holly and mistletoe; a time of visits and visitations. A time of ghosts.

Come in from the cold and enter into the Christmas spirit as a dark and spectral woman tells haunting tales of the festive season, lighting a candle to the frailties of human nature and illuminating the cold and chilling depths of the bleak, wintry dark...
Following the international touring success that was Female Gothic, Dyad Productions resurrects a Victorian tradition by presenting three seasonal tales of terror to scintillate the gooseflesh for dark Christmas nights. This dark celebration of Christmas is adapted and performed by Rebecca Vaughan (Dalloway, Austen’s Women, I, Elizabeth, Female Gothic).

Directed by Elton Townend Jones (Dalloway, The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe)
From the creators of Dalloway, The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe, Austen’s Women, I, Elizabeth, The Diaries of Adam and Eve and Female Gothic.

Come along and enjoy the interactive PROJECT SPACE in the First Floor Gallery, designed specifically for children by Orla Goodwin. There are free art activities for all to enjoy that connect to the exhibition ‘Holdfast’ by Ann Ensor, which is showing in the Ground Floor Gallery. You are invited to engage with the themes and ideas presented in ‘Holdfast’ in a creative, fun way. Explore the space with your child in your own time over the course of the exhibition or come along on a day when one of our artists will be on hand for some creative guidance (see times and dates below for guided engagement). You can draw, read, watch and make, as you learn more about the wonders of kelp and the important role we all play in keeping our kelp forests healthy.

TIMES AND DATES:

Holdfast PROJECT SPACE in Draíocht’s First Floor Gallery opens from 10AM- 4PM MON-FRI over the course of the exhibition. The space has been designed for self-lead creativity for children aged 5-10 years, but older and younger children are also welcome to explore. We ask that children are supervised at all times in the space. Please leave the space as you would like to find it.

Open for self-lead engagement, daily during the exhibition, Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm, THU 12 DEC 2019-SAT 29 FEB 2020.

Open for guided engagement by Draíocht's Artist's Team: 
January:
SAT 04 (1PM-2PM & 2.30PM-7PM) SUN 05 (12.30PM-5PM),
SAT 11 (1PM-2PM & 2.30PM-7PM), SUN 12 (12.30PM -5PM),
SAT 18 (1PM-2PM & 2.30PM-7PM), SUN 19 (12.30PM-3PM),
SAT 25 (11AM-3PM).
February:
SAT 01 (11AM-3PM), SAT 08 (11AM-3PM),
SAT 15 (11AM-3PM), SAT 22 (11AM-3PM).


Further enquires: paula@draiocht.ie

Draíocht, in collaboration with Fingal County Council Arts Office, is delighted to announce a new commission from Ann Ensor for the 12th edition of Amharc Fhine Gall.

Holdfast is an immersive installation which explores the aesthetic properties and the environmental significance of kelp seaweed. Kelp has been around for millions of years and is hugely important in reducing and sinking carbon from the atmosphere to the sea floor bed. Kelp acts as a wave barrier and helps prevent coastal erosion. It shelters and feeds hundreds of marine entities in its holdfasts and fronds. Kelp is now coming under threat from excessive storm damage, pollution and mechanical cutting. This new commission continues to explore the aesthetic properties and the environmental significance of this natural material.

Ann Ensor is a visual artist based in Dublin 15 whose work combines sculpture, drawing, sound and text to explore environmental issues central to her practice. Ensor has just completed a residency at The Ballinglen Arts Foundation, North Mayo. Recent exhibitions include Matter Has No Density, Pallas Studios (2018); Heavy Weather at The Complex (2018); RHA Summer Show (2018); and Kfest, Kerry (2018). In 2017 she was a finalist in the RDS Visual Arts Awards Exhibition, curated by Nick Miller. Ensor holds an MFA Degree in painting (2017) from NCAD where she originally graduated in 2015 with a BA (1st Hons) in Fine Art/Sculpture.

Holdfast is accompanied by an interactive project space designed by Orla Goodwin for children in Draíocht’s First Floor Gallery, a public engagement programme facilitated by Draíocht’s Artist Team and an artist's book, designed by Siobhan Griffin, Alphabet Soup.This is Draíocht’s first formal exhibition addressing climate change.

Amharc Fhine Gall (Fingal Gaze) is an annual exhibition commissioned by Fingal County Council’s Arts Office and presented at Draíocht. Amharc Fhine Gall supports ambitious new artworks from artists at all stages of their career seeking to expand their practice through exploring new ideas, different media or variations in scale so as to take their work in new directions. The exhibition was initiated in 2004 by Fingal County Council Arts Office to celebrate the wealth of artistic talent in the county.  

Draiocht's Galleries are open Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm. Admission is Free.

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Christmas is a time to come together. It is a time to reflect on all the good in our lives – to enjoy all those who we have in our lives and to let them know what they mean to us. Coolmine invites you to join them for what has become a Christmas tradition, a night of yuletide music and some other favourite songs from the stage and screen. All are welcome to this evening where the importance of community, friends and family will be celebrated with fantastic musical acts such as the Blanchardstown Brass Band, Mary McGahann, Bob Linehan, the St Brigid’s Choirs and other surprise acts on the night. All proceeds on the night will go towards the vital addiction recovery services provided by Coolmine. Join us for a very special night of hope and song. Merry Christmas!

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Visit Draíocht’s exhibition ‘Holdfast’ and its accompanying PROJECT SPACE. These tours will encourage pupils to examine and voice their opinion about the artist and their work as well as exploring the rest of the building including our two theatre spaces, backstage and dressing rooms. Please get in touch with paula@draiocht.ie. Tours will take 50 mins, are free and subject to availability, max 30 pupils with accompanying teacher.

Clonee Music Tuition Centre returns to Draíocht to celebrate 10 years of music making in the community.  Join them for what promises to be a most enjoyable evening of music showcasing the talents of current and former students. Celebrating their 10th Anniversary, soloists and ensembles will perform an exciting selection of music and songs from different genres with some Christmas favourites for audience participation!

Clonee Music Tuition Centre, established in 2009 provides instrumental and vocal tuition for students of all ages and Pre-Instrumental Courses for younger children.  It is based in Coláiste Pobail Setanta secondary school in Dublin 15. As a community based music school, Clonee Music Tuition Centre endeavours to meet the individual needs of the diverse range of students that attend the music school whether learning purely for fun or with a specific goal in mind.  Students enhance their performance skills with opportunities to perform at the Annual Summer Recitals and Christmas Concert. 

Workshop 1: 5-7 Years:  12.30PM-2PM (accompanying adult)
Workshop 2: 8-10 Years: 2.30PM-4PM (no accompanying adult)

Make your own Christmas Elf decoration with felt artist Gina Faustino, creating and learning about felting from scratch, create your own piece of material from lamb’s wool and end with a unique Christmas creation! Early booking advised through Box Office, 01-8852622.

Dublin Gospel Choir return to Draíocht, bringing a selection of Christmas favourites; some joyful, some uplifting, some nostalgic and some just downright funky! Dublin Gospel Choir have long been a household name in Ireland – versatile, passionate and vibrant, they uplift and energise with powerful voices and rich harmonies They have shared the stage with industry heavyweights such as Rod Stewart, John Legend, Kodaline, Outkast, Damien Rice and Ennio Morricone, to name but a few. Start the Christmas season in style with Dublin Gospel Choir.

Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human baby raised in the North Pole to be an Elf. After wreaking havoc in the elf community due to his size, Buddy heads to New York City to find his place in the world, and track down his father. But everyone has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, and it’s up to Buddy and his simple elf ways to win over his family, realise his destiny and ultimately, save Christmas!

CERT: PG  Language: English   Dur: 97 mins
In association with Access Cinema

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In this sequel to the highly successful Home Alone, child-star Macaulay Culkin returns, in the role that made him famous, as Kevin McCallister, a precocious Chicago boy who mistakenly boards a plane to New York while the rest of his large family wings to Florida. In Manhattan, he takes up residency at the Plaza Hotel, but his posh holiday is disrupted when he discovers that the Sticky Bandits (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) are on the loose. Can he foil their plan to rob an elderly man's toy store just before Christmas?

CERT: PG  Language: English   Dur: 120 mins
In association with Access Cinema

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EXTRA SCREENING: 18 December 11.30am

This moving and beautifully told film is a true masterpiece of cinema. George Bailey (James Stuart) is in turmoil, having been framed by his arch rival. He’s torn between his own desires and aspirations, but struggling to always do the right thing. This inner conflict proves too much for Bailey, who sees suicide as the only option. In classic Hollywood style, Heaven sends a guardian angel to remind him how worthwhile his life has been and to treasure the good times.

CERT: G  Language: English   Dur: 129 mins
In association with Access Cinema

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Coolmine Panto Group are back with a pantomime treatment of the Robin Hood legend for all the family. Join in the fun as Sir Robin of Locksley together with his Mother, Lady Rose Bud, draw swords and arrows with the money grabbing Sheriff of Nothingdoing, Sir Guy Sterling. Can Sir Robin rescue Maid Marion from the evil Sheriff? Fun and laughter are guaranteed with Robin’s Merry Men, Friar Tuck and his Snoring Monks and the Singing Nuns of Mirth.

SAT 04  2PM & 7.30PM / SUN 05 1PM & 5.30PM
WED 08  7PM (RELAXED PERFORMANCE €19)
THU 09  7.30PM / FRI 10  7.30PM
SAT 11  2PM & 7.30PM / SUN 12  1PM & 5.30PM
WED 15 7.30PM / THU 16  7.30PM
FRI 17  7.30PM / SAT 18  2PM & 7.30PM
SUN 19  2PM

Enjoy our Relaxed Performance on Wednesday 8th January which will have no sudden noises or bangs, restricted capacity, the ability to move around, softer and brighter lighting and music at a suitable level. We will also provide a chill-out area with low lighting for parents/guardians to bring children who may need to have a little break. All tickets for this performance are €19.

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The exhibition ‘Holdfast’ by artist Ann Ensor provides an excellent opportunity for your students to engage with a local gallery, a local Dublin 15 artist and current public environmental concerns.

The exhibition explores the destruction of Ireland's kelp forest and the environmental impact of those actions. Facilitated by artist Bridget Flannery, this tour gives students the opportunity to ask questions and explore Draíocht’s exhibition, focusing on how we layout, install, display and light work, which can feed directly in to this section of the Leaving Certificate Art exam paper, which often includes a question on visiting an exhibition or a gallery space. Students will also have an opportunity to make notes, sketches and diagrams.

Contact Paula on t: 01-8098029 / e: paula@draiocht.ie  to arrange a time and date for your sketch tour that will help students answer possible questions around gallery installation and exhibitions. All materials will be provided. Please give at least 2 weeks notice. Max 30 students per class with accompanying teacher. Limited number of tours available, early booking advised.

Come and pick up Draíocht’s new Children’s Gallery Guide (free from Draíocht’s Creative Corner during opening hours) to help you and your family explore our exhibitions and building at your own pace and in your own time. Our Box Office staff will assist you with paper, clipboards, colouring pencils and a cushion! Look around the building, talk about the artwork, draw with the viewfinder, play a game of I Spy in the gallery!

This gallery guide was designed and created with generous support from Creative Fingal’s Cruinniú na nÓg 2019 programme, an initiative of Creative Ireland, in collaboration with Kotryna Kotoviciute from TU Dublin Blanchardstown’s, Creative Digital Media Degree course. Draíocht’s Creative Corner was designed by Artist Andrew Carson.

Coolmine Panto Group are back with a pantomime treatment of the Robin Hood legend for all the family. Join in the fun as Sir Robin of Locksley together with his Mother, Lady Rose Bud, draw swords and arrows with the money grabbing Sheriff of Nothingdoing, Sir Guy Sterling. Can Sir Robin rescue Maid Marion from the evil Sheriff? Fun and laughter are guaranteed with Robin’s Merry Men, Friar Tuck and his Snoring Monks and the Singing Nuns of Mirth.

Our Relaxed Performance on Wednesday 8th January will have no sudden noises or bangs, restricted capacity, the ability to move around, softer and brighter lighting and music at a suitable level. We will also provide a chill-out area with low lighting for parents/guardians to bring children who may need to have a little break. All tickets for this performance are €19.

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Starting in January, Create Dance's dancers and facilitators are collaborating with Lámh Signs Ireland to create a new special piece of choreography for public show later in 2020. Create Dance is a core part of Draíocht’s programming, a fun, innovative dance project, where the dancers love to dance and move- and also have an intellectual disability. Dancers and facilitators Mark Rogers, Antje O’Toole and Conor Donolan work together with participants and their parents to explore all types of dance and free movement.

If you have a child aged between 5-17 years with a love of dance, please get in touch with paula@draiocht.ie / 01-8098029. During term time workshops for Juniors are on 12.15pm-1.15pm (places available) and Seniors 1.30pm-2.30pm. Pre booking for this workshop is essential.

Come and listen to the strange and wonderful sounds of our exhibition ‘Holdfast' and explore the artist's kelp seaweed sculpture before creating some weird and wonderful sculptural pieces of your own using materials from nature: clay, dried seaweed, sticks and stones. What wonders can you create?

FAMILY DAY NOTES:
Sessions Are Free, But Space Is Limited. Max 50 per workshop.
Session 1: 12PM-12.50PM
Session 2: 1PM-1.50PM
Session 3: 2PM-2.50PM
Dress for Mess. Unless otherwise stated workshops 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!

Booking by phone 01-8852622.

This programme aims to provide a range of high quality arts experiences for primary school pupils and teachers in their own classroom, working with Draíocht’s professional artists. Your school can choose from the range of specially selected and purposefully created school workshops below. This Season, pupils will have the opportunity to perform, print and sing. Workshops are tailored to your class’s age and abilities.

Drama In Your Classroom
Age Range: Adaptable To All Age Ranges
Duration: Junior/Senior Inf: 4 Class Groups get 45 min Workshop Each / 1st Class Upwards: 2 Class Groups get 1.5hr Workshop Each
Artist: Eimear Morrissey
Using a theme of your choice as a starting point, Eimear Morrissey introduces pupils to the wonderful world of theatre through imaginative fun collective group games. The workshop will explore different ways of engaging the imagination, of thinking creatively, seeing, listening, new ways of communicating and expression, as well as building confidence. Pupils will work together towards a common goal of creating a short improvised performance piece, giving them the opportunity to experience the creation of something from nothing!

Print In Your Classroom
Age Range: 3rd-6th Class
Duration: 2 Class Groups get 2 hr Workshop Each
Artist: Deirdre O’Reilly
Deirdre will introduce your pupils to a number of different print making techniques, before they work together to plan, create and produce a series of limited edition original prints. Print making allows pupils to explore the endless possibilities of shape and colour, line and pattern and offers opportunities to create individual and collaborative works of art. All materials will be provided. A must-do cross curricular creative workshop for your class.

Music And Singing In Your Classroom
Age Range: Adaptable To All Age Ranges
Duration: 3 Class Groups get 60 min Workshop Each
Artist: Dónal Kearney
This music and singing workshop introduces pupils to the potential of making music with their own voice. The workshop focuses on building listening skills, encouraging creative play, and creating music using the voice and the instruments available in each school. Based on years of research in music education and practical choral training, Donal and his team at Fingal Academy of Music believe in the power and benefits of music engagement.

WORKSHOP NOTES & BOOKINGS:
Workshops can take place from 13 January - 27 March 2020 on a date of your choosing. Closing date for Bookings is Friday 31 January 2020 through Draíocht’s Box Office tel: 01-8852622.
The programme is offered on a first come first served basis and is restricted to schools within the Dublin 15 area. Each day is subsidised by Draíocht and costs the school €120 including all materials. Schools are welcome to make multiple bookings, subject to artist availability, but due to budgetary constraints, the above subsidised workshop rate is limited to two days per school. For further details please contact Paula on 01-809 8029 or email paula@draiocht.ie

10.15AM-11.15AM & 12PM-1PM (60 MINS)

Explore the squish and squash of clay to create some imagined clay sea snails and sea slugs inspired by listening to the wonderful sounds and sights of Ann Ensor's exhibition ‘Holdfast’. Clay is fun, and is also messy, so make sure to dress for mess (bring spare clothes if you wish). Remember to come along another day to engage with the exhibition's specially designed HOLDFAST PROJECT SPACE in our First Floor Gallery.

WORKSHOP NOTES
This series of individual monthly workshops is intended to allow you and your child to explore different art mediums in an open and undirected way. There will be mess but there will also be fun! Cost: €5 per child per workshop (accompanying adult is free). Box Office on 01-8852622. These workshops are designed for children aged 2-4 years. Please respect age limits as each workshop has been designed especially for this age range. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child. Where indicated please DRESS FOR MESS and bring a change of clothes. These sessions are only suitable for one parent/guardian and accompanying child (without siblings).

Coolmine Community School‘s students are back and promise to entertain you again this season. Prepare to be dazzled by their musical, dance and dramatic abilities. This is the 19th year Coolmine Community School has staged the Feast of Talent show in Draíocht and it promises to be a night not to be missed. Tickets Available from Draíocht’s Box Office (not from the School).

Early Bird: 2 tickets for €10 until 23 December 2019

WED 22 - THU 23 JAN 2020
10AM & 11.15AM (creche bookings)
12.30PM (public booking)
€7 adults / €5 children / Teachers Free with groups of 15+
Age 2-4 yrs / Dur: 40 mins show + 40 mins play
To book for a creche group please phone 01 8852622

Moon Woke Me Up Nine times. It was still 4am. 
So I built a rocket with my friends. And went on a journey that never ends. 
Come up and away with us. Come and play with us. Come build a rocket that will BLAST OFF and take us on a magical journey to the moon. All the way, up there, in outer space. 
I wonder if it smells of cheese? I wonder if it will make me sneeze? Let’s find out! 

Inspired by a Haiku of the same title by Basho Matsuo, Moon Woke Me Up is an interactive theatrical adventure to outer space for ages 2-4 years, using a wonderful blend of performance and interactive drama, construction play and sensory explorations. The performance runs alongside SPACE TO PLAY, an interactive, free-play space designed by Orla Kelly of Early Childhood Creativity in collaboration with Little Bigtop.

Commissioned by The Civic. Original production funded by The Civic, Creative Ireland and South Dublin County Council in a partnership supported by South Dublin Libraries and Rua Red.

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In their 40-year career, Foster & Allen have released over 30 albums. Along with ‘A Bunch of Thyme’, entering the Irish chart in 1979 and becoming their first No. 1 single, ‘Maggie’ became a No. 1 in New Zealand for four weeks, making the two songs their signature tunes. They started in the 1970s as a duo, but in 1982 they added a band to their show. Since then Mick Foster and Tony Allen have toured the UK & Ireland every year playing to sell-out concerts wherever they go. In addition, they’ve successfully toured the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania and achieved album and video sales in excess of 22 million worldwide. This 2020 tour is supported by a special edition new release ‘Timeless Memories’, a 10 CD Collection featuring 182 tracks of their most popular and favourite songs and albums, including ‘Maggie’, ‘After all These Years’, ‘Reminiscing’, ‘Reflections’, ‘Remember You’re Mine’ and many more.

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You can't see the Bee Gees anymore, but you can see ‘Nights on Broadway’ and still experience a concert of the incredible music written by the brothers Gibb.

The Bee Gees Story - Nights On Broadway present a tribute to the Bee Gees through a fantastic live concert, featuring their incredible songs, from over four decades, from the 60s to the 90s. With musical authenticity, costume changes and the accurate recreation of the vocal talents and harmonies of the Bee Gees, this show gives the audience the experience of being at a Bee Gees concert. The six-piece live band blend the classic hits, acoustic medleys, songs written for other major artists and dance floor fillers to tell the story of the Bee Gees from start to finish.

Back by Popular Demand after their SOLD OUT shows in November 2018 & March 2019. www.nightsonbroadway.net

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Explore the kelp seaweed forest in the exhibition ‘Holdfast’, listen to the sounds the sea creatures make and with the help of our artists and lots of interesting recycled materials, stick, cut and create real or imagined many-eyed-many-legged crazy sea creatures of your own.

FAMILY DAY NOTES:
Sessions Are Free, But Space Is Limited. Max 50 per workshop.
Session 1: 12PM-12.50PM
Session 2: 1PM-1.50PM
Session 3: 2PM-2.50PM
Dress for Mess. Unless otherwise stated workshops 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!

Booking by phone 01-8852622.

These energy-filled, music workshops for primary schools are designed to immerse pupils into the wonderful world of music in a fun, activity-based and child-centred way.

Focus On Music … Samba Sounds
TUE 28 JAN  10.10AM-11.10AM OR 11.30AM -12.30PM
Draíocht Workshop Room  Cost: €45  Dur 60 mins  Age: 1st-6th Class
These dynamic samba workshops explore the magic of the traditional street samba of carnival. With each session, pupils will learn how to play samba’s Afro-Brazilian rhythms. Both exciting and soothing, these percussion workshops feature an introduction to a wide variety of percussion instruments.

Focus On Music … Let’s Sing
WED 05 FEB  10.10AM-11.10AM OR 11.30AM -12.30PM
Draíocht Workshop Room  Cost: €45  Dur 60 mins  Age: 1st-6th Class
These creative singing workshops explore the voice through games and activities, investigate the importance of breathing and posture whilst singing and develop each pupil’s aural awareness. ‘Let’s Sing’ is an excellent way of encouraging and improving each child’s singing abilities. Each session culminates in the performance of a new song learned by the class.

Focus On Music … Learn & Explore
WED 12 FEB  10.10AM-11.10AM OR 11.30AM -12.30PM
Draíocht Workshop Room  Cost: €45  Dur 60 mins  Age: 1st-6th Class
These interactive, fun and activity-based workshops aim to enhance each pupil's musical awareness. During the workshop, pupils discover that music tells a story, they explore the role of the conductor, investigate the importance of percussion, and learn about dynamics, tempo, mood, the beat and rhythm. Pupil's will learn and perform songs, compose music using set sounds and play along to music.

Workshop Notes: Limited to 1 class per school but other classes are welcome to be part of a waiting list. Cost per class €45. Please get in touch with Paula (01) 8098029 if cost is an issue for your school. Max of 30 pupils per class. Booking through Box Office (01) 8852622.

Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor star in Singin' in the Rain, one of the greatest and most successful musicals ever filmed - filled with memorable songs, lavish routines and Gene Kelly's famous song-and-dance number performed in the rain. Clever, incisive, and funny, Singin' in the Rain is a masterpiece of the classical Hollywood musical.

Cert: PG  Language: English  Dur: 102 mins  Dir: Stanley Donen & Gene Kelly
In association with Access Cinema

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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, Dickie Rock, Eurovision hits and more. Joining Ronan is Linda Martin - A Superstar of Showbiz - Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1992 with 'Why Me' and TV Presenter on multiple shows for RTE. Ireland’s greatest voice, Red Hurley will also be singing all his great hits. Also brother and Sister combo, Keith & Lorraine McDonald, with their fantastic tribute to all things Showband. Also the big sound of The Conquerors Showband and Eurovision stars Tommy and Jimmy Swarbrigg, as well as 70s chart-topper Shaun O’Dowd.

The show’s exciting finale is an ALL Cast Salute to the Showband Era. All of the stars join in for a medley of songs from the unique Showband Years!  Bringing you back in time to this magical musical period. It will send you home with great memories of wonderful and never to be repeated time in Irish popular music.

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Michael Scott’s iconic production of John B Keane’s hit comedy play The Matchmaker returns starring two of Ireland’s favourite actors, Mary McEvoy and Jon Kenny. Together they play a myriad of characters in this hilarious and earthy dramatic comedy.

The play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn. Keane, an avid observer of people and the cultures that bind and create their view of the world uses ‘The Matchmaker’ as an exploration of rural loneliness. Using his inimitable way with words and his sense of devilment and wit, Keane delves into the longings, hungers, fears and foibles of this collection of lonely country people and creates a marvellously colourful world, taking us back to a simpler time, when phones were few and far between and the only web was one left behind by spiders!

Supported by Draíocht and Fingal Arts Office, Dublin Youth Dance Company dance artists will engage with a number of Dublin 15 secondary schools in a 10 week contemporary dance project. The project seeks to introduce contemporary dance to young people in Dublin 15.

The project will culminate in an exciting week-long residency in Draíocht’s dance studio, facilitated by DYDC dance artists, with a selection of students who wish to continue to explore dance. The residency group will work towards the creation of a new dance piece to form part of the Irish Youth Dance Festival showcase on Sunday 28th June 2020 in Draíocht.

If you are a transition year coordinator from any Dublin 15 based school and are interested in your transition year students taking part, please contact paula@draiocht.ie / ph: 01 8098029.

* IYDF Open Call for Dancers

Now in its 15th year, and back on tour by popular demand, with a sparkling new anniversary production, comes A Viennese Strauss Gala. Recreating the romance of the Viennese Festive season, reminding you of a bygone age of glamorous soirees and Strauss waltzes. The Show features highlights from some of the great Operettas of the Strauss family, Kalman and Lehar; including Die Fledermaus, The Merry Widow and many more.
The European Orchestral Ensemble will accompany four Soloists from major Opera companies; including Opera North, English National Opera and D’Oyly Carte.
This wonderful production is cleverly staged and choreographed, and authentically costumed, and will appeal to the romantic as much as the music aficionado. It continues to be hugely popular all over the country. 'Beautiful costumes, excellent voices and some fine acting too'.

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ALMOST SOLD OUT

Jason Byrne has had a hard year. But he doesn’t want to talk about that. He’s wrecked but ready. Ready for a laugh. This show is a celebration. A celebration of triumph over adversity. A celebration of the fact that everybody has their own crap going on and they don’t need to listen to someone else moaning about their problems. So, leave your worries at the door and find out why ‘The Times’ described Jason as ‘The Outright King of Live Comedy’.

Sharon Shannon has music at her fingertips ... literally! The Irish accordionist has achieved legendary status throughout the world and has made the much-maligned accordion 'cool' in her home country. She is renowned for her collaborations, not just in Irish traditional music, but through all musical genres, Hip-Hop, Cajun, Country, Classical and Rap. Sharon has recorded and toured with a who's who of the Irish and global music industry, including Bono, Adam Clayton, Sinead O’Connor, Jackson Browne, John Prine, Steve Earle, The RTE Concert Orchestra, The Chieftains, The Waterboys, Willie Nelson, Nigel Kennedy, Alison Krauss and Shane MacGowan - a list that is testament to Sharon's versatility as well as talent. Her album Galway Girl went 4 times platinum in Ireland with the title track winning her the Meteor award two years running for most downloaded song. 

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This season Draíocht will collaborate once again with the Irish Film Institutes Education Programme by screening the film 'Stars by the Pound / 100 kilos d'étoiles' for Junior Cycle Secondary School Students, in French (with English subtitles). Recommended age: 12+

Lois, 16, has only one dream: becoming an astronaut. However, although she’s gifted in physics, she has a big problem: Lois weighs over 200 pounds – a family trait she’s inescapably stuck with. When Lois is told by her science teacher that her excess weight means she will never become an astronaut, she faces a battle with her own body image that leads to hospitalisation.Then, just when everything seems lost, Lois meets Amélie, Stannah, and Justine: three teenagers shattered, like her, by life’s tough breaks; yet ready for anything in order to leave with her for outer space…Together, they motivate each other to take a road trip and enter a science competition that could win them a zero gravity flight. A sweet, touching story about friendship and self-belief.

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France  •  2019 •  85 mins  •  Comedy
Director: Marie-Sophie Chambon
Produced by Koro Films

Secondary Cycle Film Screenings 2020
If you are interested in arranging a screening of a film for your school’s students, please do get in touch to discuss the possibility of this. Screening will be possible in accordance with the availability of the film and the auditorium and with a minimum number of 100 pupils. For further details please contact Sarah on 01-809 8029 or email sarah@draiocht.ie

When a Chinese family discover their beloved Grandmother has only a short while left to live, they decide to keep her in the dark and schedule an impromptu wedding to gather everyone together, before she passes. This 2019 American comedy-drama film is written and directed by Lulu Wang and includes some of Wang's own life experiences. It stars Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Zhao Shuzhen, Lu Hong, and Jiang Yongbo. 

CERT: PG   Language: English   Dur: 98 mins
In association with Access Cinema

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10.10AM-11AM & 11.20AM-12.10PM (50 MINS)

Enjoy music and dance with your little one in this fun workshop specially designed for you and your toddler to bop and boogie. Dance artist Jess Rowell will guide you in an exploration of movement, colour and rhythm.

WORKSHOP NOTES
This series of individual monthly workshops is intended to allow you and your child to explore different art mediums in an open and undirected way. There will be mess but there will also be fun! Cost: €5 per child per workshop (accompanying adult is free). Box Office on 01-8852622. These workshops are designed for children aged 2-4 years. Please respect age limits as each workshop has been designed especially for this age range. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child. Where indicated please DRESS FOR MESS and bring a change of clothes. These sessions are only suitable for one parent/guardian and accompanying child (without siblings).

Fresh from a sell-out tour, star of BBC’s the Blame Game, Fighting Talk and the Newsquiz Neil Delamere returns to Draíocht with a brand new show. Time waits for no man, especially one trying to buy a watch. Things always get complicated. 

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Mary Coughlan is arguably one of Ireland’s greatest female jazz and blues singers, a true artist who has carved out a timeless and highly regarded career and a legion of devoted fans worldwide. Described as 'Ireland’s Billie Holiday’, Mary has overcome childhood trauma, alcoholism & drug addiction to become a musical force like no other. 'Her life story gives weight to the truth that the best singers are the ones with the most painful lives' (The Guardian). Her seminal first album 'Tired and Emotional' rocketed her to overnight fame in 1985, and fifteen albums later, her ability to deeply connect with both the song and her audience remains undiminished, a testament to her inner strength and to the power of transformation and redemption.

Mary live is in a league of her own, her glorious husky voice pulling every ounce of emotion from the music. This is the real thing, sung from the depths of a woman’s heart and soul, a survivor who (to paraphrase Leonard Cohen’s famous words) 'was born with the gift of a golden voice'. This is why she is so loved. As the Observer rightly said, 'Mary Coughlan’s talent is awesome'. Resonant with the grief of Billie Holiday, the soul of Van Morrison and the defiance of Edith Piaf, to hear Mary sing is to be at the core of the human heart.

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In a world of monsters, best friends Sulley and Mike are the top scarers in the energy company they work in. However, their lives are hugely disrupted when a human girl enters the city.

Enjoy our Sensory Screening with lowered volume, lights on a low level, small audience size and the ability to make noise and move around freely during the screening if you wish.

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Hailing from Gurteen in County Sligo, Patrick Feeney is highly regarded as one of Ireland’s finest vocal talents and performers and his forthcoming ‘Country and Gospel’ tour will feature many of his most popular songs like ‘I Believe’, ‘Someone to love me’ and his recent smash hit recording ‘Jerusalem’, which received nightly standing ovations on the hugely successful 3 Amigos Tour along with his great friends Jimmy Buckley and Robert Mizzell.

To coincide with the tour Patrick recently released a new Country and Gospel album which has received high critical acclaim all across Ireland and further afield. Patrick is really looking forward to his own tour and it’s a fantastic opportunity for fans to hear a collection of his biggest and most popular songs coupled with some new material selected for this exciting project. Joining Patrick on the tour will be his own band of fantastic musicians and a few of Ireland’s finest session players. Enhanced by state of the art sound and lighting this is certainly a show you won’t want to miss!

Early Bird: €22 (Book before 7th January 2020)

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All their lives, Sean and Seamus have wanted to be famous. To get there they need to make the perfect dance routine; they need your help. In this dance fantasy adventure, the brothers rock out banging moves, run into trouble, have a few tantrums, cause a bit of mayhem and find out if fame is really what they’re looking for after all. Fusing their signature combination of dizzying acrobatics, riotous comedy and big heart, Street Performance World Champions, unlikely heroes of smash hit RIOT and Britain’s Got Talent favourites, Lords of Strut deliver their most ridiculous and sublime family show to date. Rip-roaringly funny, fantastically bizarre, they are absolute legends!

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With a polished international reputation and just over a million album sales under their belts, The Celtic Tenors offer something truly unique. The skill, range and ability of world-class tenors combined with the personality and fun of genuine performers. 

Matthew Gilsenan, James Nelson and Daryl Simpson have performed together as the Celtic Tenors for nearly twenty years, they offer more than beautiful voices and musical knowledge. Comfortable in all genres from classical and folk to Irish and pop, they bring their audience on a real musical voyage. A relaxing and wonderful evening’s entertainment is guaranteed.

The Celtic Tenors have broken new ground by stepping away from their classical roots, and adding a more contemporary edge. With this pioneering approach, they’ve welcomed a wider audience and fostered a fresh and invigorating style which has won them both critical acclaim and so many fans the world over. From their No. 1 Chart Positions in Ireland & Germany, (and No. 2 in the UK ) to their three platinum selling albums, their international reputation continues to grow.

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Draíocht is delighted to be working with Mother Tongues Festival for the first time in 2020 to present a range of workshops and performances in different languages for children, young people, families and adults. Pre-booking advised tel 01-8852622 or Online

Please also see https://mothertonguesfestival.com/ for Full Programme in All Venues.​

Click the links below to read more about each event and for direct booking link:

My Little Album of My Own City – Illustration Workshop
FRI 21 FEB 10AM-11.30AM Draíocht Workshop Room
Age: 8-10 yrs Cost: €5
Main Languages: Brazilian Portuguese/English
With illustrator Tarsila Kruse

Drumming Workshop with The Akano Brothers
FRI 21 FEB 12.30PM-2PM Draíocht Workshop Room
Age: 11-13 yrs Cost: €5
Main Languages: Yoruba/Igbo/English
With Segun and Micheal Akano

‘BOX’ and ‘Parakayapravesham’ – Film Screenings
FRI 21 FEB 6PM-6.45PM Draíocht Studio
Age: All ages Cost: €0/FREE
Languages: Malayalam/English
With Film Maker, Jijo Sebastian Palatty

Feet To The Beat - Sean Nós Dancing
SAT 22 FEB 10.30AM-11.30AM Draíocht Studio
Age: 4-6 yrs Cost: €5 per child (accompanying adults free)
Main Languages: Irish/English
With dancer and musician Sibéal Davitt

Physical Theatre with Simona
SAT 22 FEB 12.30PM-2PM Draíocht Studio
Age: 6-8 yrs Cost: €5
Main Languages: Italian/English
With Simona Roveda

In My Own Words – Painting Workshop
SAT 22 FEB 12PM-1.30PM Draíocht Workshop Room
Age: 13-17 yrs Cost: €5
Main Languages: Romanian/English
With artist Anca Danila

Super Power! - Interactive Workshop
SAT 22 FEB 2.30PM-3.15PM Draíocht Workshop Room
Age: Family Groups  Cost: €0/FREE
Main Languages: English
With Dr. Maria Garaffa and Rosa (age 9)

Present From The Future - Painting Workshop
SAT 22 FEB 4PM-5.30PM Draíocht Workshop Room
Age: 10-13 yrs  Cost: €5
Main Languages: Polish/English
With environmental artist Beata Daly

Family Show With The Akano Brothers & Friends
SAT 22 FEB 5PM-6PM Draíocht Studio
Age: Family Groups  Cost: €7 adults / €5 children
Main Languages: Yoruba/Igbo/English
With Segun and Micheal Akano​

​Draíocht is delighted to be working with Mother Tongues Festival for the first time in 2020 to present a range of workshops and performances in different languages for children, young people, families and adults. Pre-booking advised tel 01-8852622 or Online

Draíocht is delighted to show two films by Dublin 15 based collaborative Film Maker, Jijo Sebastian Palatty, both made with community casts. BOX (16 mins) was made in Dublin 15 in 2015 and was a collaboration between Palatty and ‘Neoron’ aka the Indo Irish Atheists. ‘BOX’ looks at themes of religious extremism, racial and religious practices, feminism and social freedoms amongst minority communities and the Irish Intercultural context where communities can find themselves increasingly ‘boxed’. Box was funded through the Art’s Council’s ‘Artist in the Community’ programme managed by Create, the agency for collaborative arts practice in Ireland.
‘Parakayapravesham’ (To Take Another Human Form) (15 mins) explores immigrant angst through the lens of a dark comedy.

Read more about Jijo

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A new comedy based on the 1981 hijacking of an Aer Lingus plane, by an ex-Trappist monk, with a bottle of water as his weapon, the Pope as his nemesis, and a burning desire to know The Third Secret of Fatima.

Step on the plane with us and experience this most Irish of hijackings. There’ll be music, nostalgia, heroism, praying, visions, romance (maybe), sex (maybe) and a special appearance by Our Lady (definitely). There’ll even be a miracle. I swear.

Funded by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon. Created and produced by Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre. Play Development co-commissioned by Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre (Bray) and Pavilion Theatre (Dun Laoghaire) and supported by the Centre Culturel Irlandais (Paris) and Fishamble: New Play Clinic.

Starring Roseanna Purcell & Mark Fitzgerald.

MORE ... RTE 1 Radio Play

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​Draíocht is delighted to be working with Mother Tongues Festival for the first time in 2020 to present a range of workshops and performances in different languages for children, young people, families and adults. Pre-booking advised tel 01-8852622 or Online

Renowned dancer and musician Sibéal Davitt, known for her appearances on RTÉ’s ‘Centenary’ and TG4’s ‘Glas Vegas’ will introduce children to the lively moves of sean nós. There will be lots of fun, games, movement, and laughter and a chance for children to create and show off their own brand new fancy footwork. Parents/guardians must stay and are welcome to join in!

(capacity 20 children + their parents/guardians)

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​Draíocht is delighted to be working with Mother Tongues Festival for the first time in 2020 to present a range of workshops and performances in different languages for children, young people, families and adults. Pre-booking advised tel 01-8852622 or Online

Do you know that more than half of the world’s population is bilingual or multilingual but many are not aware of the super powers that bilingualism has on your brain and health. Join Dr. Maria Garaffa and her 9 year old daughter Rosa, for this interactive workshop for families, where we will explore the language system, discover mysterious languages and find out why bilingual brains are more flexible and how they can keep us healthy.

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Rose (Maeve Higgins) is a sweet, lonely driving instructor with supernatural abilities called ‘The Talents’ that allow her to communicate with spirits. She has a love/hate relationship with her gifts and ignores the community’s requests to investigate bizarre ghostly happenings in the town. However, when attractive widower Martin (Barry Ward), haunted by his nagging ex-wife contacts her for help, she has to at least consider the job! Meanwhile, across town, aging rock star Christian (Will Forte) has a sinister plan for success. This hilarious must-see comedy is filled with twists, turns, hilarity, exorcisms and haunted wheelie bins.

Early Bird: €5 (Book before 7th January 2020)

CERT: 15A Language: English Dur: 94 mins
In association with Access Cinema

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Join Baz (50 Ways to Kill your Mammy, Wingman) for his brand new comedy show, where he talks about growing up in Dublin as a half Egyptian/half Irish boy in a council estate in Dublin and being raised by his single mother Nancy, who then found fame in her 70s! Baz will touch on his success and its benefits and losses ... and of course raising six children of his own.

Baz Ashmawy is an Emmy and IFTA Award Winning Radio and TV Broadcaster. Most recently, Baz’s show ‘Wingman’ aired to phenomenal praise on RTÉ One. The show saw Baz guide many different characters from all walks of life on a journey towards making their dreams a reality. In November 2015, 50 Ways to Kill Your Mammy won the Best Non-Scripted Entertainment award at the 2015 International Emmy Awards. The show is based on Baz inserting his mother Nancy into various dare-devil situations and documenting her typical Irish mammy reactions to the situations.

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Power Drama School are delighted to be returning to Draíocht for the second time and proudly present their new production 'Pure Imagination'. Join us on a magical journey in this upbeat show full of drama, comedy, charm & entertainment featuring songs from a variety of Musicals. Starring a fabulous cast of 84 children, 'Pure Imagination' is a feel good show suitable for all the family.

10.15AM-11AM & 11.30AM-12.15PM (45 MINS)

Play music in a free and open environment with musician Eamon Sweeney. Have fun and embrace a variety of musical experiences using different instruments, songs exploring sound, colour and texture - using gongs, chimes, bells, ocean drums and simple percussion instruments.

WORKSHOP NOTES
This series of individual monthly workshops is intended to allow you and your child to explore different art mediums in an open and undirected way. There will be mess but there will also be fun! Cost: €5 per child per workshop (accompanying adult is free). Box Office on 01-8852622. These workshops are designed for children aged 2-4 years. Please respect age limits as each workshop has been designed especially for this age range. All children must be accompanied by an adult and all adults must be accompanied by a child. Where indicated please DRESS FOR MESS and bring a change of clothes. These sessions are only suitable for one parent/guardian and accompanying child (without siblings).

'All For Me Grog' is the Galway based show that has played to full houses and standing ovations on its first Irish and UK tours. The show brings you the songs and story of Irelands most successful folk band, The Dubliners. 
Presented by The Liberties, who are deeply honoured to become the bearers of the torch which has been borne with such power and dignity over the past decades by The Dubliners. The original line-up of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, Ciaran Burke and John Sheehan is brought to life with the exact same instrumentation, songs and close as you will get vocals, bringing to the stage a show in sound and appearance of uncanny accuracy of the internationally renowned Dubliners. 

The Black Velvet Band, McAlpines Fusiliers, The Spanish Lady, The Irish Rover, The Auld Triangle, The Parting Glass and of course, the song that made The Dubliners international stars - Seven Drunken Nights - plus all their other hits, will have you clapping your hands, stomping your feet and joining in the chorus of the well known and much-loved songs at this uplifting and exciting two hour show. 

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‘Padraig Potts’ Guide to Walking’ is a story full of nostalgia, innocence, Olympic standard sex and holy water salad dressing. Funny and tender, this latest show by Seamus O Rourke, follows the life of Padraig Potts McKeirnan, who has a habit of just eating whatever is on his plate… metaphorically that is… from growing up near the tiny rural village of Drumnamee, County Leitrim in the 70’s and 80’s to falling in love with Silvia Lang, a perfect protestant girl… to marrying Mary Tague, the priests housekeeper, who he never really liked… to getting rid of Mary Tague and her mother, who he claims invented vinegar… and eventually to the realisation that the world isn’t as big as he first thought.

Bursting with the vivacious wit that is the trademark of Seamus O’Rourke’s masterful play-writing, this show will tear at your heart and cripple you with laughter. Both playwright and actor Seamus not only gives us one hell of a script, he also executes a perfect delivery with superb timing, bringing to life through sweat, spittle and purest passion every exquisitely crafted and painfully familiar character to influence the journey of our antihero Padraig Potts. This is the tale of a generation lost between the old world ruled by religion and the new world ruled by hearts. Our unsung hero quietly shapes the world whilst accepting all that comes his way. However this is a crossover time. Could there be hope for Padraig yet?

Early Bird: €15 (book before 07 January 2020)

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Join the star of BBC2’s The Mash Report as she smashes stereotypes around sex, sexuality and relationships. As seen and heard on Roast Battle, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, The Stand Up Sketch Show, Jon Richardson: Ultimate Worrier and The Guilty Feminist Podcast.

Some adult content. Age 15+

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GOING ON SALE SHORTLY

TUE 10-FRI 13 MAR 7.30PM / SAT 14 MAR 2PM & 7.30PM

Honk! is a musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson story, The Ugly Duckling. The musical is set in the countryside and features Ugly – a cygnet who is mistaken as an ugly duckling upon falling into his mother's nest and is rejected by everyone but Ida (his mother); a sly tomcat who only befriends him out of starvation, and several other barnyard characters. Join the award wining St. Mochta's troop as they take to the stage with this delightful, funny and heartwarming musical.

What happens when a touring stand-up comedian can no longer stand up? After a near career-ending knee injury, O'Brien is too young for pilates and too unbalanced for yoga. This award-winning performer brings you his hilarious new hour of stand-up where self-destruction and self-discovery meet! ‘Reformer’ completely sold out its month-long run of shows at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Galway International Arts Festival, as well as a European and US tour and now he’s back touring the show nationwide and beyond! 

Following in the footsteps of Tommy Tiernan and Dylan Moran, Danny was handpicked this year to perform as part of the iconic ‘Best of the Edinburgh Fest’ show touring Australia. He has also featured on The Comedy Channel and is a regular on Irish TV and Radio. He has supported Today FM’s Dermot & Dave on three live tours and last year was asked to open for American comedian Bill Burr in front of over 7,000 people in Dublin.

Adult Content, Age 15+

Twitter & Instagram @dobcomedy 
dannyobriencomedy.com

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GOING ON PUBLIC SALE 13 JAN 2020

Enjoy a wonderful Evening of Dance with the Marian Lennon School of Ballet. The young energetic dancers will 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 from Alice in Wonderland, the Musicals and a display of Classical Dance pieces. Don‘t miss this exciting show that will have you dancing in your seats!

Two-time Oscar-winner Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers, in a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.
After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his scepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America's most beloved neighbour and children’s television host.

Early Bird: €5 (Book before 7th January 2020)

CERT: PG  Language: English    Dur: 108 mins
In association with Access Cinema

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New Impressions
Neil Dunne, Margot Galvin, Fiona Kelly, Aoife Scott
Ground Floor Gallery
&
Works from the Graphic Studio
Members from Fingal
First Floor Gallery

MAKing Art: PRINTing is the third in a series of exhibitions aimed at children and young people, which explores a particular visual art discipline, its materials, processes and varied manifestations. Printmaking is the focus of this third exhibition. It celebrates different techniques, styles and approaches to the use of print, to the act of printmaking and to the print as a finished artwork.

It includes two exhibitions: New Impressions (Ground Floor Gallery) explores how traditional printmaking techniques have been re-imagined and re-worked and invites us to consider: what makes a print a print? Common conceptions of printmaking are expanded, from two-dimensional to three-dimensional, from mass-produced to unique, from paper to mixed and digital media. The exhibition features artists whose work, though rooted in or referencing print, expands the boundaries of that medium. New Impressions includes artists Neil Dunne, Margot Galvin, Fiona Kelly and Aoife Scott.

Works from the Graphic Studio (First Floor Gallery) is an exhibition which marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Graphic Studio and features members from Fingal who work across a range of process including etching, woodcut/lino, screen print and lithography. Artists include: Susan Early, Mary Grey, Julie Ann Haines, Michelle Hetherington, Ernada Husic, Siobhan Hyde, Des Kenny, Michael Killen, Jenny Lane, Pamela Leonard, Ned McLoughlin, Sorcha O'Farrell and Una Sealy. The exhibition will also feature work by master printmakers, Niamh Flanagan and Robert Russell.

MAKing Art PRINTing will be accompanied by a programme of engagement for children and young people facilitated by participating artists and Draíocht’s Artist team.

Draiocht's Galleries are open Monday to Saturday 10am-6pm. Admission is Free.

Image: Aoife Scott, Three Bottles.



Draiocht Gallery Instagram

THU 26 – SAT 28 MAR 11AM, 12 NOON, 1PM
Draíocht Studio €5 per baby (accompanying adult free) / Age 0-12 months / Dur 20 mins

I AM BABA is a theatre adventure for babies created by internationally renowned theatre director Anna Newell and composer David Goodall. Their shows for early years have been seen on five continents, off-Broadway and in every single Sure Start in Belfast.
I AM BABA is a magical adventure of song, lights and textures for babies aged 0-12 months. It’s a show about identity, agency and personhood. For babies. I AM BABA is full of gorgeous live harmony singing and playful objects – jellyfish-like scarves dance and tiny lights fly in this intimate immersive performance which happens inside a specially designed tent that holds just 6 babies – each with their one adult guest.

I AM BABA was the International Early Childhood Arts Commission funded by the 4 Dublin Local Authorities in 2017 through Arts Council Ireland’s Invitation to Collaboration Fund. This national tour was funded by the Arts Council. 
www.annanewell.co.uk

​Booking by phone 01-8852622.​

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Sean is languishing in a nursing home when in storms Patricia, with her zest for life, bringing her own chaos to challenge his quiet world. A funny, combative and charming friendship blossoms as they work out their past and contemplate their future. Halcyon Days is a delightful play about friendship, family & love and is a funny, charming and touching night at the theatre.

Starring Bryan Murray (Fair City, Irish RM and Bread) and Una Crawford (Fair City). Directed by Joe Devlin (In Search of Mr B by Brian McAvera and The Kiss by Jimmy Murphy). Deirdre Kinahan is one of Ireland's leading playwrights with recent hits such as Rathmines Road, The Unmanageable Sisters and the internationally renowned Moment.

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Fresh from sell-out shows at the Dublin and Edinburgh Fringe, and with over 5 millions views online, cult-comedian Tony Cantwell is taking to the road for his first-ever Irish tour. Join the comedian for a new night of standup, sketches, and songs all based on his meme-soaked social media page.

Adult content, over 18s.

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Now seen by over 300,000 fans live and watched by millions on social media, Europe's No.1 multi award winning Country music show "The Legends of American Country" returns for another fantastic night of toe tapping Country classics. The 2020 tour will showcase highly acclaimed tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Patsy Cline and Kenny Rogers and new tributes to icons Hank Williams, Charley Pride, Glen Campbell, Tammy Wynette and Jim Reeves with countless other well-known hit songs in this must see musical extravaganza. The show features 4 fantastic singers who are all backed by a superb live band and coupled with authentic stage set and state of the art sound and lighting that will transport you all the way hand clapping and toe tapping to Nashville and back in one night. One thing’s for sure if its Country music you like, then this is the only show in town!

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GOING ON SALE SHORTLY

This sparkling new play tells of the rollercoaster life of a forgotten Irish celebrity and invites a modern audience to reassess her legacy as a freelance artist at a time in Ireland when most women were expected to be fulltime houswives.

Broadcaster, writer, cookery expert and agony aunt Maura Laverty was a household name in Ireland for three decades. She had her own ESB-sponsored radio show on RTE for thirty years, where she dispensed advice on relationships and cooking. She also toured the country giving cooking demonstrations and encouraging housewives to use electricity for cooking and other labour-saving devices. In the ‘60s her iconic cookbook ‘Full And Plenty’ with its unique blend of recipes and stories was to be found in nearly every home in Ireland. She also wrote novels and short stories. Her work was often controversial and her novels were banned by the censors for their sexual frankness. In the 1950s she wrote three plays that saved The Gate Theatre from financial ruin. She wrote Ireland’s first ever television soap opera for RTE, Tolka Row.

Maura Laverty died in tragic circumstance in 1966 and her body was not discovered for nearly a week. In the play, Maura will be spirited back from the dead to appear in front of a live and online contemporary audience on the surreal This Was Your Life show, where interviewer Rip Riley will get her to talk about her life and work and cook some recipes from her books. He will also get her to reveal secrets and stories from her tumultuous past and to confront the price she paid for her success. How will a live audience and an online community of tweeters, bloggers and texters evaluate her life and legacy?

Starring Malachy Mc Kenna (as Rip Riley) and Bairbre Ní Chaoimh (as Maura Laverty).
Directed by Joan Sheehy.

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Meteor & Tatler Award winner Luan Parle has had numerous hits & accolades including Meteor Award for Best Irish Female. Her top 10 hit single 'Ghost' spent three months in the Irish Charts and was the most played Irish single of that year. Parle signed her first record deal at just 12 years of age before later signing with Sony Music & Elton John's management company Twenty First Artists.  Luan has written and recorded with some of the world’s most successful songwriters & producers including Grammy award winning Bill Bottrell (Sheryl Crow, Michael Jackson, Prince, Travelling Wilburys, Elton John) & Billy Steinberg (Madonna, Roy Orbison, Cyndi Lauper, The Pretenders, Whitney Houston, The Bangles, Celine Dion).

Luan will be playing songs from her new album 'Never Say Goodbye', (released February 2020). The album features 10 original tracks including two co-writes with Dire Straits guitarist Hal Lindes. This will be the fourth album release from the Wicklow born songstress. She will be accompanied by renowned guitarist Clive Barnes. 
www.luanparle.com

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To star opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in “In the Name of the Father”, headline with Tom Jones and Van Morrison at The Marlay Park Festival, have his songs recorded by scores of artists including Sinead O’Connor, Charlie McCoy, Damien Dempsey, Finbar Furey, tour at home and internationally for 50 years; it can clearly be seen that Don Baker’s career in the entertainment industry has been amazing.

But it is in his love of The Blues, of the harmonica and of performing live that Don really shines. Bono’s favourite harmonica player is first and foremost a true entertainer.

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The Laughter Lounge opened its doors in Dublin in December 1997 and quickly established itself as Ireland's premier comedy venue. Over the years, 4,000 comedians have performed in 3,000 live shows to an audience of over 1 million. They've been in the comedy business a long, long, LONG time and for 21 years only delivered their premier brand of comedy to the good folks of Dublin town. But, they want to make the whole of Ireland laugh so guess what? They're going on tour! Come see the Laughter Lounge’s most requested acts - Eric Lalor, John Colleary and Gar Murran for one craic’in night out!
Smell that? That’s the sweet scent of Comedy in the air … and we can’t wait!

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Let us take you back to 1980: you had your Rubic’s Cube for Christmas, Mount Saint Helen’s erupts, The Undertones are demonising their Perfect Cousin and… Eagles and Fleetwood Mac served-up two of the best live double-albums of all time.

Widely regarded as one of the best live tribute acts in the country, The Illegals are back at in 2020 with their ever-popular classic-rock revival show replicating the sound of the world’s two greatest rock bands. Led by Niamh Kavanagh, she of the mesmerizing voice and mischievous spirit, The Illegals will take you on a journey for three hours of soulful harmonies, exciting riffs, blistering guitars and unforgettable songs. The best of two legendary bands in one night – and a little more besides…

Songs like  “Hotel California”,  “Go Your Own Way”, “Life In The Fast Lane”, “Don’t Stop”, “Take It Easy”, “Say That You Love Me”, “Love Will Keep Us Alive”, “The Chain” and “New Kid In Town”.
If you missed out last year, book your ticket early through the box office for the 2020 gig. You won’t be disappointed.

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J and C Promotions is proud to present ‘Gentle on My Mind, The Glen Campbell Story’, starring master guitarist and well known country music personality, Ciarán Rosney. Joining Ciarán is his 5 piece band, featuring such well known musicians as Billy Burgoyne (ex-Daniel O'Donnell) and fiddle player extraordinaire Denise Boyle.

With state of the art video projection and lighting, the show will take you on a truly amazing journey with some of Glen Campbells best known hits, from 'Rhinestone Cowboy' to 'Wichita Lineman' and unique to this show will be Ciarán's unrivalled interpretation of Glen's guitar playing abilities.

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10-11 JUNE / AGES 0-4 YEARS

A host of wonderful artists and art forms awaits you to see, hear and experience new adventures during our Toddler Take Over Adventure 2020! Draíocht’s Toddler Take Over, now in its 6th Year, celebrates the limitless imagination of the very young child and the magic that happens when it is combined with the world of artists and the arts. With a combination of book-in and free drop-in events, children are invited to explore all the creativity that awaits them. Draíocht transforms into a big space for adventure through story, visual arts, music and dance for the very young.

Ensure you get an email reminder, by emailing marketing@draiocht.ie with Toddler Takeover in the subject field.