The King and I – until 22 February: The Sligo Musical Society, in association with Sligo Academy of Music, presents The King and I at the Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo. The play relates to the real-life experiences of Anna Leonowens, who was a British schoolteacher hired as part of the King of Siam’s drive to modernise his country in the early 1860s. The relationship between the king and Anne features conflict and a love that neither wants to admit to. The performance is supported by a beautiful musical score and the show will features talent, both young and old, from Sligo. Tickets range from €16 to €20. For tickets and more information see www.hawkswell.com.
Captain Cauliflower and Marvin the Mischievous Moose – 21 February: Having played to sell-out audiences all over the UK, Captain Cauliflower and Marvin the Mischievous Moose comes to the Garter Lane Theatre, Waterford. Suitable for ages three years and up, there will be two showings, one at 12pm and one at 2pm. The duo will go on an unforgettable adventure packed with extreme silliness and danger. There’s a magical hat that gives super powers and a trip to outer space as well as undersea to save those in trouble. They combine physical comedy and imaginative storytelling into a 50-minute non-verbal show. Tickets cost €8. For more information see www.garterlane.ie.
Simon Trpceski – 20 February: Macedonian pianist Simon Trpceski has established himself as one of the most notable musicians to emerge in recent years. He is praised for his expressive approach, powerful ability and charismatic stage presence. Simon is a frequent soloist with the world’s leading orchestras and performs in the National Concert Hall, Dublin on 20 February. He will play works by Brahms, Liszt and Mussorgsky showing his talent for the music of the era. His technique will be displayed when he brings us to a very different world with Prokofiev’s Sonata No 7. For more information see www.nch.ie.
Derek Ryan – 22 February: Derek Ryan is on his biggest concert tour yet as he tours the UK and Ireland. The Garryhill man is set to play the University Concert Hall (UCH), Limerick on 22 February. Derek has won countless accolades including Entertainer of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Live Performer. Expect the Derek Ryan classic’s like God’s Plan, Down On Your Uppers, Hold On To Your Hat and so much more. Tickets cost €32. For tickets and more information see www.derekryanmusic.com.
Hansel and Gretel – 25 February: Humperdinck’s Hanzel and Gretel opera is jam-packed full of sweet music to draw you in. Two hungry children are lost in a haunted forest and are attracted to a gingerbread house. They face the hocus pocus of a predatory witch as they use their intelligence to eventually triumph. It’s sung in English and is rated as 12A. This is an Irish National Opera, Theatre Lovett and Abbey Theatre co-production and will be performed in The Everyman theatre in Cork. For more information see www.everymancork.com.
Connacht
Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 23rd February, (4.30-7.30pm)T Bone Country , (9-12) Robert Mizzell & John Molloy
Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park, 23rd February, Liam Mannering, 22nd February, Ciaran Rosney
Leinster
Kildare: Celbridge, Celbridge Manor Hotel, 21st February, John Glenn & The Mainliners
Kilkenny: Slieverue, The Rhu Glenn, 22nd February, Patrick Feeney, 29th February, Gerry Guthrie
Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown GAA complex, 23rd February, Finbar Dennehy
Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 20th February, Liam Mannering, 22nd February, Cliona Hagan, 23rd February, Showbud
Munster
Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 21st February, Robert Mizzell
Cork: Ballyvourney, Abbey Hotel, 23rd February, C&M Sound
Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 26th February, Liam Mannering & Maria
Kerry: Tralee, Kerins O’Rahilly Clubhouse, 26rd February
Kerry: Castleisland, River Island Hotel, 23rd February, Neily O’Connor Band
Limerick: Adare, Woodlands House Hotel, 23rd February, Cliona Hagan
Ulster
Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 7th March, Cliona Hagan
Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown House, 24th February, Eamonn McCann
Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 22nd February, Robert Mizzell
Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 22nd February, Eamonn Mc Cann
Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 22nd February, Gerry Guthrie
Tyrone: Omagh, The Silverbirch, 21st February, Johnny Brady