3 Hail Mary’s – 27 and 28 December: 3 Hail Mary’s by Tommy Marren is playing at the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo on 27 and 28 December. Mary O’Toole, Mary O’Neill and Mary O’Brien have spent over 10 years together in the same nursing home and it’s now time for them to bid farewell to one another. It might be their last day together but they decide to celebrate it in style. There promises to be nostalgia, comedy and even a few sing-songs. Admission ranges from €22 to €25. For more information see www.hawkswell.com.
Sinbad – 29-31 December: The Thurles Panto Society is back again in the Source Arts Centre in Thurles. The story will follow the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor as he travels the seven seas. Along his way he will come across all types of heroes and villains, rogues and rascals in his pursuit to find his one true love. The show promises to be an active performance which will entertain audiences of all ages. There might even be a song or two in there for good measure. Shows will be at 2pm and 7pm daily. For more information see www.thesourceartscentre.ie.
Keith Barry Insanity Tour – 27 December: Keith Barry will kick off his tour in Breaffy House, Castlebar, Co Mayo on 27 December. The world’s leading TV hypnotist, mentalist and brain hacker will perform across Ireland until March. This show will feature mind-reading, escapology and magic experiments designed to shock, amuse and amaze. Keith plans to blur the lines between sanity and insanity and push boundaries, amazing even the most sceptical. Keith has even brain-hacked celebrities including Woody Harrelson, Bono, Morgan Freeman and many more. Tickets are available via Eventbrite. For more information see www.keithbarry.com.
Little Women – 27 December: The four March sisters come of age in post Civil War America. Little Women is based on the Novel of the same name by Louisa May Alcott and is directed by Greta Gerwig. Starring in the film is Carlow’s own Saoirse Ronan, alongside Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet and Florence Pugh, to name put a few of the star-studded cast. The film jumps back and forth in time and focuses more on the themes than narrative. The new adaption promises to concentrate on the sisters’ young adult lives, particularly after Meg, Jo and Amy leave their family home. It is rated PG.
Connacht
Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 29th December, (4.30-7) Muriel O’Connor, (9-12) Derek Ryan
Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,
Big Band Dancing: 26th December, Patrick Feeney, 27th December, Michael English
Mayo: Crosmollina, Hineys Upperdeck, 29th December, Gerry Guthrie
Leinster
Carlow: Carlow, Dolmen Hotel, 1st January, Michael English
Kildare: Celbridge, Celbridge Manor Hotel, 29th December, Shaun Cuddy, 1st January, Mike Denver
Kilkenny: Slieverue, The Rhu Glenn, 26th December, Declan Nerney, 28th December, Cliona Hagan, 31st December, John McNicholl
Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown GAA complex, 26th December, Mary Prendergast, 31st December, Michelle Murphy, 5th January, Throwing Shapes
Meath: Navan, Ardboyne Hotel, 23rd December, John Mc Nicholl, 30th December, Declan Nerney
Westmeath: Moate, The Well,26th December, Michael English, 27th December, Checkers, 28th December, Ciaran Rosney, 29th December, Patrick Feeney, 31st December, Jimmy Buckley, 1st January, Liam Mannering & John Molloy
Munster
Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 26th December, Mike Denver, 27th December, Declan Nerney, 29th December, Marveltones, 31st December, Michael English
Cork: Ballyvourney, Abbey Hotel, 29th December, Dermot Lyons,6th January, Martin Kearney & Derry Kennedy
Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 1st January, Two of a Kind
Kerry: Tralee, Kerins O’Rahily’s, 26th December, Noreen Ache, 29th December, Jerry McCarthy & Autumn Gold, 1st January, Ger Healy The Singing Jarvey
Kerry: Scartaglin, Heritage Centre, 5th January, Dermot Lyons
Limerick: Kilmallock, Bulgaden Castle, 27th December, Teddy & Cathal Barry, 31st December, Declan Aungier
Tipperary: Cahir, Kilcoran Lodge, 1st January (3.30) Michael Collins
Tipperary: Roscrea, Racket Hall, 26th December, John Glenn & The Mainliners
Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 31st December, Checkers
Ulster
Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 27th December, Derek Ryan, 28th December, Michael English, 31st December, Cliona Hagan, 11th January, Johnny Brady
Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown House Hotel, 23rd December, Robert Mizzell, 26th December, Barry Kirwan
Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 28th December, Derek Ryan, 29th December, Robert Mizzell, 30th December, Cliona Hagan, 31st December, Gerry Guthrie, 1st January, Johnny Brady, 4th January, Mick Flavin
Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 28th December, Jim Devine
Down: Ballynahinch, Milbrook Lodge, 26th December, Liam Kelly
Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 26th December, Derek Ryan, 28th December, Jimmy Buckley, 30th December, Mike Denver, 31st December, Robert Mizzell
Tyrone: Omagh, The Silverbirch, 31st December, Jim Devine