June 2023
WORKSHOP: ‘Uncovering the Unseen’ with artist Martina McDonald
Create your own scratch paintings & more Join visual artist Martina McDonald for an evening of play, painting and scratching the surface…quite literally! Inspired by Kildare Art Collective’s exhibition Unseen, Martina will lead participants through an evening of creative excavation. Experimenting with oil pastels, paint and charcoal to create artworks through the process of elimination. Scratching and erasing art materials to create shapes and illustrations. Uncovering what’s beneath. The focus of this workshop is to play with and explore materials. It…
Find out more »THEATRE: Decadent Theatre Company Presents – From a Low and Quiet Sea by Donal Ryan
Decadent Theatre Company presents From a Low and Quiet Sea, adapted for the stage from Donal Ryan’s acclaimed, Booker Prize-nominated novel. "It is not very often that four demanding and intense roles come together with absolute perfection, but they do in this production. Not a moment, a nuance, a gesture is less than perfect throughout, as each of the characters in turn drag the heart from your body… This play will haunt you." - Irish Independent, July 2022 Four souls. Each searching for…
Find out more »THEATRE: Decadent Theatre Company Presents – From a Low and Quiet Sea by Donal Ryan
Decadent Theatre Company presents From a Low and Quiet Sea, adapted for the stage from Donal Ryan’s acclaimed, Booker Prize-nominated novel. "It is not very often that four demanding and intense roles come together with absolute perfection, but they do in this production. Not a moment, a nuance, a gesture is less than perfect throughout, as each of the characters in turn drag the heart from your body… This play will haunt you." - Irish Independent, July 2022 Four souls. Each searching for…
Find out more »FAMILY: Family Drumming Workshop
Enjoy the energy of Group drumming in a friendly Group environment with Jabba JabbaJembe. This interactive workshop is family friendly allowing all ages to learn and play a vast range of Drums and Percussion instruments. Learn about the origins of the instruments, how to play rhythms with your body and voice, discover rhythms from across the globe. Jabba JabbeJembe has been providing workshops for over 18yrs to people of all ages creating a unique learning environment. Playing rhythms in a group environment is a fantastic introduction to creative…
Find out more »FAMILY: CBI Book Clinic
Are you a young reader? Looking for a new series to delve into? Feeling uninspired by your bookshelves at home? Then pop along to Children’s Books Ireland Book Clinic! Chat to the Book Doctor, consult on your favourite reads and leave with a prescription for your next book which you can take to your local bookshop or library! Children’s Books Ireland Book Doctors give guidance about books to children and their families. Based on an informal chat, the white coat-clad Children’s Books…
Find out more »FAMILY WORKSHOP: Selma Daniel & Little Lion Dance Theatre Presents – moving words
moving words is a story-time workshop with live dance performance for early years that combines dance & the reading of a selected picture book. moving words aims to aims to bring children closer to reading and dancing. moving words aims to bring children closer to reading and dancing. Each ticket covers one child and one adult. Recommended for ages 3-7 years. This project is part of a wider project called Meath Move devised by the Solstice’s Associate Dance Artist Selma…
Find out more »FAMILY WORKSHOP: Selma Daniel & Little Lion Dance Theatre Presents – moving words
moving words is a story-time workshop with live dance performance for early years that combines dance & the reading of a selected picture book. moving words aims to aims to bring children closer to reading and dancing. moving words aims to bring children closer to reading and dancing. Each ticket covers one child and one adult. Recommended for ages 3-7 years. This project is part of a wider project called Meath Move devised by the Solstice’s Associate Dance Artist Selma…
Find out more »FAMILY WORKSHOP: Selma Daniel & Little Lion Dance Theatre Presents – moving words
moving words is a story-time workshop with live dance performance for early years that combines dance & the reading of a selected picture book. moving words aims to aims to bring children closer to reading and dancing. moving words aims to bring children closer to reading and dancing. Each ticket covers one child and one adult. Recommended for ages 3-7 years. This project is part of a wider project called Meath Move devised by the Solstice’s Associate Dance Artist Selma…
Find out more »MUSIC: Sharon Shannon
In June 1989 Sharon was rehearsing and demoing tracks for her first album, when she was whisked away to Glastonbury festival with The Waterboys. In the 30 years that have elapsed since then, Sharon has recorded 10 studio albums; 5 live albums, 4 best of compilations and 3 live concert DVDs. She has received many awards including being the youngest ever recipient of the Meteor Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2009 She has collaborated, recorded and toured with everyone from Willie…
Find out more »CINEMA: EO
EO is a grey donkey, living in a travelling circus where he performs alongside his beloved owner Sandra. But when circumstances outside of his control separate him from his mistress and the only life he has ever known, EO begins an adventurous journey through the modern European countryside. Along the way he has many encounters and experiences … Unfolding through a series of vignettes and intermittently told from EO’s innocent viewpoint, 84-year old Polish writer-director Jerzy Skolimowski (Deep End, The…
Find out more »MUSIC: Music Network Presents Linda May Han Oh & Fabian Almazan
Music Network closes its Spring 2023 season with bass and piano duo, a jazz combination that is refreshing in its simplicity. Linda May Han Oh bass Fabian Almazan piano The lingering days of midsummer will be the perfect time to delight in the music of two leading jazz artists of our time: Malaysian-Australian bassist Linda May Han Oh and pianist Fabian Almazan. These two hugely accomplished performers, improvisers and composers visit Ireland this year with over a decade of stunning…
Find out more »FAMILY: Flip
Like children raging over the playground, that’s how the performers of Flip storm the stage… What follows is a whirling, twirling, tumbling, rumbling, jumping and flipping stream of playful necessity. Flip is an unstoppable ode to playing. A performance full of movement, rhythm and beautiful chaos for children and grown-ups who can’t keep still… Flip received a YPCE Project Award from the Arts Council. Mónica Muñoz is supported by Branar Meitheal 2022-23. Credits Choreography: Mónica Muñoz in collaboration with the dancers…
Find out more »FAMILY: Flip
Like children raging over the playground, that’s how the performers of Flip storm the stage… What follows is a whirling, twirling, tumbling, rumbling, jumping and flipping stream of playful necessity. Flip is an unstoppable ode to playing. A performance full of movement, rhythm and beautiful chaos for children and grown-ups who can’t keep still… Flip received a YPCE Project Award from the Arts Council. Mónica Muñoz is supported by Branar Meitheal 2022-23. Credits Choreography: Mónica Muñoz in collaboration with the dancers…
Find out more »MUSIC: Anton Jablokov with Stefano Moccetti
Join violin sensation Anton Jablokov as he returns to Riverbank Arts Centre for a memorable performance with Swiss guitarist Stefano Moccetti. This unique fusion of blending violin and guitar in classical, traditional, and jazz music makes this duo truly dynamic. Anton was born into a family of classical musicians in Bratislava. While Anton’s musical upbringing was Classical, he is also a natural in Jazz, Gypsy, Folk and many other musical styles. At the age of 9 he discovered the music…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyLovesMusic
BabyLovesMusic is a unique concert for babies. BabyLovesMusic is an informal concert for babies aged 0-12 months and their carers featuring four award-winning musicians – Tim Doyle, Kate Hearne, Anna Newell, and Eamon Sweeney – with musical arrangements by Malachy Robinson, of the Irish Chamber Orchestra. An eclectic musical journey with a distinctly Irish feel, BabyLovesMusic features a rich variety of instruments including guitar, cello, accordion, fiddle, uilleann pipes, treble recorder, and lots more. ‘My baby was transfixed and I…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyLovesMusic
BabyLovesMusic is a unique concert for babies. BabyLovesMusic is an informal concert for babies aged 0-12 months and their carers featuring four award-winning musicians – Tim Doyle, Kate Hearne, Anna Newell, and Eamon Sweeney – with musical arrangements by Malachy Robinson, of the Irish Chamber Orchestra. An eclectic musical journey with a distinctly Irish feel, BabyLovesMusic features a rich variety of instruments including guitar, cello, accordion, fiddle, uilleann pipes, treble recorder, and lots more. ‘My baby was transfixed and I…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyLovesMusic
BabyLovesMusic is a unique concert for babies. BabyLovesMusic is an informal concert for babies aged 0-12 months and their carers featuring four award-winning musicians – Tim Doyle, Kate Hearne, Anna Newell, and Eamon Sweeney – with musical arrangements by Malachy Robinson, of the Irish Chamber Orchestra. An eclectic musical journey with a distinctly Irish feel, BabyLovesMusic features a rich variety of instruments including guitar, cello, accordion, fiddle, uilleann pipes, treble recorder, and lots more. ‘My baby was transfixed and I…
Find out more »SPECIAL SCREENING: Blue Jean
England, 1988. New education laws from Thatcher’s government threaten to further stigmatise homosexuality. Jean, recently divorced, is now in a happy relationship with her girlfriend Viv. Jean works as a PE teacher in a secondary school, but there she keeps her sexuality a secret. However, everything changes for her after she’s spotted by a student at a local gay bar. Georgia Oakley’s award-winning debut feature is a moving coming out story and a reminder of the challenges the gay community…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyLovesMusic
BabyLovesMusic is a unique concert for babies. BabyLovesMusic is an informal concert for babies aged 0-12 months and their carers featuring four award-winning musicians – Tim Doyle, Kate Hearne, Anna Newell, and Eamon Sweeney – with musical arrangements by Malachy Robinson, of the Irish Chamber Orchestra. An eclectic musical journey with a distinctly Irish feel, BabyLovesMusic features a rich variety of instruments including guitar, cello, accordion, fiddle, uilleann pipes, treble recorder, and lots more. ‘My baby was transfixed and I…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyLovesMusic
BabyLovesMusic is a unique concert for babies. BabyLovesMusic is an informal concert for babies aged 0-12 months and their carers featuring four award-winning musicians – Tim Doyle, Kate Hearne, Anna Newell, and Eamon Sweeney – with musical arrangements by Malachy Robinson, of the Irish Chamber Orchestra. An eclectic musical journey with a distinctly Irish feel, BabyLovesMusic features a rich variety of instruments including guitar, cello, accordion, fiddle, uilleann pipes, treble recorder, and lots more. ‘My baby was transfixed and I…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: BabyLovesMusic
BabyLovesMusic is a unique concert for babies. BabyLovesMusic is an informal concert for babies aged 0-12 months and their carers featuring four award-winning musicians – Tim Doyle, Kate Hearne, Anna Newell, and Eamon Sweeney – with musical arrangements by Malachy Robinson, of the Irish Chamber Orchestra. An eclectic musical journey with a distinctly Irish feel, BabyLovesMusic features a rich variety of instruments including guitar, cello, accordion, fiddle, uilleann pipes, treble recorder, and lots more. ‘My baby was transfixed and I…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Music & Sensory Play with Catherine Harnett
Music and sensory play class for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years and parents in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Toddlers will be given the opportunity to learn through music, movement and play, and explore different textures and sounds. This class, led by music teacher Catherine Hartnett promotes adult-child interaction as well as interactions between children. Dance, sing, listen, learn and play with musical instruments, scarves, mirrors, parachutes and more! Duration 60 mins Catherine Hartnett is a music teacher with…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Riff Raff Drama Group Presents – What are the Odds?
Set in the 1980s, Doreen and Peter have just moved into a rundown suburban apartment and finances are at an all-time low. But when Peter brings home a stranger who suddenly dies in their home, Doreen concocts a scam to pretend it is Peter who has died so that they can claim the insurance money from his death. But things don’t go according to plan when their secret is exposed to an array of unusual characters who also want in…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Riff Raff Drama Group Presents – What are the Odds?
Set in the 1980s, Doreen and Peter have just moved into a rundown suburban apartment and finances are at an all-time low. But when Peter brings home a stranger who suddenly dies in their home, Doreen concocts a scam to pretend it is Peter who has died so that they can claim the insurance money from his death. But things don’t go according to plan when their secret is exposed to an array of unusual characters who also want in…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Flip Book Animation Workshop with Joseph Orr
Flip books are ideal for those interested in drawing and animation. You will learn how to use the basic principles of hand drawn animation to make your own stick-figure adventure. The workshop is a mixture of live demonstrations, easy to follow drawing guides and practical hands-on creativity. All materials are provided and you get to take your flipbook home with you. Joseph Orr is an award-winning stop motion animator with over 8 years of experience producing short films and delivering…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Riff Raff Drama Group Presents – What are the Odds?
Set in the 1980s, Doreen and Peter have just moved into a rundown suburban apartment and finances are at an all-time low. But when Peter brings home a stranger who suddenly dies in their home, Doreen concocts a scam to pretend it is Peter who has died so that they can claim the insurance money from his death. But things don’t go according to plan when their secret is exposed to an array of unusual characters who also want in…
Find out more »CINEMA: The Fabelmans
New Jersey, 1952. Sammy Fabelman is the young son of Mitzi (Michelle Williams) and Burt (Paul Dano). A trip to a Cecil B DeMille movie is a transformative experience for Sammy, and his parents encourage him to start making 8mm home movies. As the years pass, Sammy’s filmmaking ambitions continue to grow… but he also starts noticing some troubling cracks in his parents’ marriage. Now a half century into his extraordinary career, Steven Spielberg tells some of his own life…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Abstracting the Landscape with Niamh Hynan
Join visual artist Niamh Hynan for an evening of abstracting the landscape. In this workshop you will be encouraged to create your own landscape painting. The practice of gestural abstract painting is energetic and engaging. Niamh will guide you through methods of creating gestural marks and forms that will capture the essence of your landscape. Colour will be an important part of the finished piece. Participants are invited to bring a photograph of a landscape (1 or 2) they would like…
Find out more »YOUTH THEATRE: Griese Youth Theatre Double Bill
Griese Youth Theatre return to Riverbank’s stage with four different plays, including a work in progress for Brigid 1500. Mystery, love, excitement and all things youthful and theatrical! June 30th Double Bill at 7pm Doing Shakespeare by Louise Wade It’s time for the school’s annual production and the drama teacher has decided to challenge the cast with some Shakespeare. Will they cope? And will they cope with the addition of school troublemaker Dean? By arrangement with Lazy Bee Scripts…
Find out more »July 2023
SUMMER CAMP: Song-Writing Summer Camp with Megan O’Neill
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! Chart topping and multi-award winning singer- songwriter Megan O’Neill returns to Riverbank to host a week long musical workshop for young people aged 9-12 years exploring song-writing, lyric writing, collaborating and performance. Each student will write at least one full song in these four days (although some will write more) and there will be the option to design your own artwork and record your song towards the end of the workshop. The week will explore the…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Route 66 Big Band
Route 66 Big Band are delighted to make a very welcome return to the Riverbank bringing their unique mix of music which has proved a huge success in theatres all over Ireland. Fronted by a male and female singer the 14 piece Band, with a mix of brass, saxes and rhythm, produces a fabulous sound and their programme includes numbers made famous by Adele, Frank Sinatra, Amy Winehouse, Tom Jones plus many more will have you calling for more at…
Find out more »SUMMER CAMP: BrickFlicks Stop Motion Animation Workshop
In this special BrickFlicks Stop Motion Animation Camp, learn all the basics of how to animate in stop motion using your favourite LEGO character. Shoot spells, fight superheroes, blast rockets or fall through portals, use your imagination to make your very own movies. With plenty of hands-on learning and simple demonstrations, Createschool will take you on a journey from having a cool idea to making it into an awesome movie. You will learn the different elements of stop motion animation as…
Find out more »YOUTH THEATRE: Kildare Youth Theatre Double Bill
Kildare Youth Theatre presents two new productions. The Leaving by Tom Swift. This is a play about the impact of excessive drinking on a group of teenagers at a pivotal stage in their lives. Directed by Sinead Mooney. Citizenship by Mark Ravenhill Citizenship brings us two teenagers, Tom and Amy, who are both exploring their identity and trying to find out who they are. They both want to be loved. Tom thinks he might be gay, but is unsure. And Amy wants someone…
Find out more »VISUAL ART: Our Place
Our Place playfully explores themes of happiness, human rights, and a sense of belonging by transforming the McKenna Gallery at Riverbank Arts Centre into a friendly multi-sensory environment through an electric combination of sound art, storytelling, tactile lighting, touchable sculptures and comfy seating for everyone to enjoy. A soundscape will play through a system of 12 audio speakers in the gallery with adjustable volume. To further enhance this experience for everyone, three distinct sensory areas within the gallery space will be…
Find out more »WORKSHOP: Creative Writing Summer Camp with Emma-Jane Leeson
Join the author of the popular The Adventures of Johnny Magory series, Emma-Jane Leeson for a Creative Writing Summer Camp for 7-13 year olds. Learn how to write your own book in this 5 day camp. The camp will help students to develop their writing skills and to explore their love of writing in a fun, creative, encouraging environment.
Find out more »August 2023
YOUTH THEATRE: Mouth Off
Mouth Off is an international youth theatre project between Crooked House and FOCO, Spain. It is funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. Twenty-four young people will spend one week working together to explore how to use various theatre methods in the service of making theatre to challenge hate speech and fake news. This performance is a showcase of their work, an interactive performance created in a few days, followed by a discussion with the audience. All are…
Find out more »September 2023
THEATRE: The Ballad of Mossy Flood
Mossy Flood has a knack of going the long way around a story. In so doing, he makes us laugh and examine ourselves in a way we haven’t done before. He might be an unsociable odd-ball with a big thick head, but his wrestle with the everyday is pure gold. He will always land on his feet or at least somewhere near his feet... because he is Mossy Flood... and he’s from Longford. After a couple of appearances on social…
Find out more »FAMILY: Joe the Magician Presents It’s Magic!
Joe the Magician is back! Yes, it's Joe from RTÉjr’s abraKIDabra and Dizzy Deliveries He’s back to Riverbank with his brand-new show It’s Magic! All new impossible magic and illusion that will have children all ages roaring laughing one minute and in complete awe the next. The show fuses magic, music, special effects and illusion that will bring kids (and grown-ups!) on an unforgettable journey. An audience member will levitate live on stage, someone could win all of Joe’s money…or his…
Find out more »COMEDY: How to Get the Menopause & Enjoy It
Anne Gildea is waxing her moustache, slathering on the Oestrogel and boiling with excitement about bringing her fabulous hit show back to Riverbank Arts Centre! How to Get The Menopause and Enjoy It has been wowing audiences and critics alike, and playing to packed house all over Ireland, since it’s sell-out launch last year. On Valentine’s Day 2022 Anne Gildea launched her new show, How to Get The Menopause and Enjoy It. After a 30-date tour around Ireland, it returns to Riverbank Arts…
Find out more »THEATRE: Fishamble The New Play Company Presents King
A new play written and performedby Pat Kinevane KING tells the story of Luther, a man from Cork named in honour of his Granny Bee Baw’s hero, Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Luther only leaves his apartment for essential journeys, and to perform as an Elvis impersonator. The play explores prejudice, privilege, and resilience, as Luther struggles to live life to the full. Fishamble and Pat Kinevane have previously collaborated on FORGOTTEN, SILENT, UNDERNEATH, and BEFORE, which have won major international awards…
Find out more »October 2023
MUSIC: The Ennio Morricone Experience
This recital highlights Ennio Morricone’s masterpieces and brings the listener on a wonderful journey in celebration of the Maestro’s great contribution to Italian & International music and to the world of film. Accompanying his wonderful pieces, The Ennio Morricone Experience will also perform compositions by the musicians that inspired him, and his fellow Italian composers of the time such as Rota & Piovani. Morricone has scored over 400 compositions for film – more mainstream film scores than any other composer,…
Find out more »November 2023
COMEDY: Chris Kent – Back At It
Cork man Chris Kent makes his first appearance on Riverbanks stage with his brand new show Back At It. After a dose of the real world (having gone back to the day job as an electrician), Chris found himself with two jobs and the ridiculous notion of trying to buy a house. It turns out he did not have enough jobs. Something had to give and shur there’s no future in electricity anyway… “Chris is effortlessly hilarious, an incredible storyteller…
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