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Leinster
Following a successful run back in April when it received excellent reviews, Where The Willow Meets The Ash returns to The Viking in Clontarf, Dublin. This is the sequel to Malachy McKenna’s multi award-winning drama The Quiet Land.
Directed by Bairbre Ní Chaoimh, this is a serious comedy about stubborn men and features the author in the role of the chaotic but easy-going bachelor farmer Bobby Ryan. When he gets a visit from a smooth-talking Englishman Henry Wilson (played by Michael James Ford), all sorts of local rivalries and ancient grudges are stirred up, akin to John B Keane’s The Field.
Who is this mysterious man and what are his intentions regarding the barmaid, and what are his plans for Nayshee’s Acres, site of the old hurling pitch? Wilson’s plan to establish a cricket team is resented by the belligerent old neighbour Eamon McConnell (Tom Lawlor). Heart-breaking family secrets are ultimately revealed.
Runs until August 17th and tickets are just €15. www.vikingtheatredublin.com
Munster
The musical Blood Brothers has been a firm favourite with Irish audiences for many years and Cork Opera House stages a production of Willy Russell’s 1981 composition until 24 August.
Bill Kenwright’s production of Blood Brothers tells the tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.
Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi award-winning Blood Brothers. Kenwright’s West End production recently surpassed 10,000 performances, one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone. It has been affectionately christened the Standing Ovation Musical and is highly recommended.
Tickets are from €25 to €50. www.corkoperahouse.ie
The notrthwest
Following the success of their acclaimed Phantom of the Opera in 2017 and Jesus Christ Superstar last year, Donegal Youth Musical Theatre (DYMT) returns to An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny with a revival of Lionel Bart’s West End hit musical Oliver!
Putting their own stamp on one of the most famous scores in musical theatre history, these young actors from across the country will bring the tale of Oliver Twist to life in this vibrant adaptation, featuring songs such as Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself and I’d Do Anything.
DYMT is one of Ireland’s leading youth musical theatre companies, offering young actors from all corners of the country the opportunity to experience the professional industry in Donegal each summer. Under the direction of Séimí Campbell, the cast work with the best tutors and creatives and, together, give us this fine new production of a classic.
It runs from 13-17 August, tickets are €15 and full details are at www.angrianan.com
The North
There is a star-studded cast for Selladoor Productions’ 30th anniversary tour of Fame The Musical, starring Keith Jack, Mica Paris and Jorgie Porter which runs from 19-24 August at the Grand Opera House in Belfast. This is a show that the family will enjoy, though an age guide of 12+ is advised. Based on the 1980 pop culture film, Fame The Musical follows the lives of students at New York’s High School For The Performing Arts as they navigate through the highs, lows and the ultimate elation of life. This bittersweet show explores the issues that confront many young people today.
Featuring an Oscar-winning title song and an outstanding cast of dancers, singers, musicians and actors, Fame The Musical will indeed live forever.
Go to www.goh.co.uk for details and tickets range from £20.25 to £44.25.
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