Take off your Cornflakes – 13 February: This play will be performed in the Ramor Theatre, Cavan on 13 February. Tom and Trish have celebrated their silver wedding anniversary, but Tom wakes up with a strange woman beside him who tells him she’s his wife. Trish has to make a decision – which she does with humour, music and love. The story is written by and stars Rose Henderson and Pat Nolan. It’s inspired by Rose’s dad, who had Alzheimer’s and couldn’t remember that he had cancer. This play shows the impact of Alzheimer’s in an honest and funny way. For tickets and more information see www.ramortheatre.com.
Amhrán an Bhonnáin Bhuí – until 15 February: Written by Vincent Woods and translated by Tomás de Bhaldraithe and Eoghan MacGiollaBhríghde, this story is set in Co Leitrim against the background of a famous paternity lawsuit taken in 1828 by a Protestant women against a Catholic priest. The story travels through time, linking events and people over seven generations in a small rural community. The play is running in An Taibhdhearc in Galway city until 15 February and is considered both a love story and a ghost story. Tickets start at €20. For tickets and more information see www.antaibhdhearc.com.
Loophole – 8 February: The Leitrim-based Acorn Players will take to the stage in An Grianán Theatre, Donegal, and perform Loophole, a rural comedy by John McManus. The story follows Paidi, who has received the news that he has only six months to live. Paidi decided to leave his farm to his best friend Cass, but Paidi’s brother Rooster, will cause problems along with Kasia, a lady of the night from Poland. Local solicitor, Miss Murphy hopes to sort everything out, aided by nosey neighbours Mairead and Molly. For tickets and more information see www.angraianan.com.
A Holy Show – 8 February: This is a new comedy based on the 1981 hijacking of an Aer Lingus plane by an ex-Trappist monk all because he needed to know the third secret of Fatima. A Holy Show is currently touring venues in Ireland and will be playing in the Visual Carlow on 8 February. It is Janet Moran’s solo-writing and directing debut and stars Roseanna Purcell and Mark Fitzgerald. The show promises to provide plenty of laughs, nostalgia and heroism. There’s even going to be a miracle. For more information and tickets see www.visualcarlow.ie.
Dolittle – out 7 February: This remake of the much-loved classic Doctor Dolittle stars Robert Downey Jr, Antonio Banderas and Michael Sheen. Following the death of his wife, Doctor Dolittle shuts himself away from the world with his beloved animals. He resurfaces when he is required to go on a journey to a mysterious island to find a healing tree, which is the only medicine that can help the Queen in Buckingham Palace. On his travels he discovers than he can talk to animals. This film is rated PG.
Connacht
Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 9th February, (4.30-7.30pm) Brendan Magee, (9-12) Mike Denver & Michael Regan
Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park, 9th February, Showbud & Stuart Moyles
Leinster
Dublin: Red Cow, 6th February, John Mc Nicholl
Kildare: Celbridge, Celbridge Manor Hotel, 7th February, Johnny Brady
Kilkenny: Slieverue, The Rhu Glenn, 8th February, Bernie & Boz
Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown GAA complex, 9th February, Catherine & The Images
Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 6th February, TR Dallas, 8th February, John Hogan, 9th February, Andy Feery
Munster
Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 7th February, John Glenn & The Mainliners
Cork: Ballyvourney, Abbey Hotel, 9th February, Dermot & Irene Ring
Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 12th February, Stuart Moyles
Tipperary: Roscrea, Racket Hall, 8th February, Gerry Guthrie
Tipperary: Newport, Aherns, 8th February, Dermot Lyons
Ulster
Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 8th February, John McNicholl
Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown House, 10th February, Stephen Smyth
Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 8th February, Jimmy Buckley
Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 8th February, Cliona Hagan
Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 8th February, Jim Devine
Tyrone: Omagh, The Silverbirch, 7th February, Mike Denver