Theatre

Sophie, Ben and Other Problems – 27 January to 1 February: Sophie and Ben love each other, but sometimes the two twenty-somethings make it a bit too difficult for themselves. They are trying to find their way in the world and they will guide us through their lives of low-key alcoholism, deep regret and unfortunate mishaps. Sophie and Ben will impart some words of wisdom on life, love and millennial relationships. Written by Conor Burke, this play will be performed in Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin. Tickets range from €10 to €15. For more information see www.smockalley.com.

Comedy

Des Bishop – 23 January: Comedian Des Bishop will play the Spirit Store, Dundalk, on Thursday 23 January at 8pm. The native New Yorker moved from Queens to Ireland in his mid-teens in 1990. He first came to fame with his TV series The Des Bishop Work Experience in 2004, where he lived on minimum wage in a series of jobs in Ireland. This documentary footage was mixed with stand-up and the series became one of the most talked-about of the year. Other TV documentaries and series include My Dad Was Nearly James Bond, In The Name of The Fada and Breaking China. Tickets cost €30 and are available on Ticketmaster.

Music

Tommy Emmanuel – 25 January: The Australian-American guitarist, songwriter and singer Tommy Emmanuel will play the University Concert Hall, Limerick, on Saturday 25 January at 8pm. At the age of six, Tommy was touring regional Australia with his family band. By 30, he was a lead guitarist in a rock’n’roll band playing stadiums across Europe and at 44 he became one of five people ever named a “certified guitar player” by music icon Chet Atkins. Nowadays Tommy plays hundreds of sold-out concerts every year across the globe. Tickets cost €30. For tickets and more information see www.uch.ie.

Film

Dark Waters – 24 January: Dark Waters was directed by Todd Haynes and stars Anne Hathaway, Mark Ruffalo and Tim Robbins. The story follows a corporate defence attorney as he takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes an extensive history of pollution. Farmer Wilbur Tennant shows attorney Robert Bilott evidence on video tapes of how all 190 of his cows have died, showing signs of bizarre and strange disease. Wilbur knows it’s from the plant in town as his brother works for them disposing of waste. This film is rated 12A.

Land Without God – 29 January: Access cinema presents Land Without God which looks at the legacy of abuse across state and church run facilities. Director Gerald Mannix Flynn meets with generations of his own family who now openly speak about their childhood experiences. This firsthand account exposes the cycle of dysfunction that haunts their adult lives and shows the family’s attempts to come to terms with the trauma. Starting at 8pm in the Source Arts Centre, Thurles. Arrive early as latecomers may not be admitted. Tickets range from €5 to €9. For more information see www.thesourceartscentre.ie

Dancing diary

Connacht

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 26th January, (4.30-7.30pm) Stephen Smyth, (9-12) Gerry Guthrie with support Andy Feery

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Big Band Dancing: 24th-26th January, Jimmy Buckley Weekend

Leinster

Dublin: Red Cow, 23rd January, John Glenn & The Mainliners

Kildare: Celbridge, Celbridge Manor Hotel, 7th February, Johnny Brady

Kilkenny: Slieverue, The Rhu Glenn, 25th January, Paul Kelly

Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown GAA complex, 26th January, Brian McDermott

Meath: Navan, Ardboyne Hotel, 27th January, Robert Mizzell

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 23rd January, John McIntyre & Brass Roots, 25th January, Derek Ryan, 26th January, Dermot McConnell