November 2019
VISUAL ART: The State of RoY
From lines on maps to drinking coffee, knowledge and power are integral to this work. The State of RoY, the first solo exhibition by Michelle McBride, explores entrenched notions of history, tradition and destruction. What is now the Republic of Yemen has had a long and changeable history. Yemen borders the entrance of ‘The Gates of Tears’, the route from the Arabian Sea, through the Red Sea and onto the Suez Canal. Beginning with the region’s tumultuous and rich history,…
Find out more »VISUAL ART: THE FAERIE TAILOR
The Faerie Tailor exhibition is a journey into tiny, magical worlds created by artist, Emily Bazeley. The artwork in this exhibition has been crafted from natural materials which have been found on forest floors, in gardens, on beaches, and also in places where you would not expect to find faerie inspiration, including city streets and car parks. There is an abundance of detail in work - the more you look, the more you will see - prepare to be enchanted…
Find out more »THEATRE: TOM CREAN
Tom Crean, the intrepid Antarctic explorer and one of Ireland’s unsung heroes, is brought to life in this dramatic and humorous solo performance by Aidan Dooley. Hear the riveting true stories of Crean’s Antarctic explorations as one of the few men to serve with both Scott and Shackleton and survive the three famous expeditions: Discovery, (1901 – 1904); Terra Nova (1910 – 1913); and Endurance (1914 - 1916). Crean’s story is a testament of human fortitude against all the elements…
Find out more »FAMILY: LORDS OF STRUT – Absolute Legends
All their lives, Sean and Seamus have wanted to be famous. To get there they need to make the perfect dance routine; they need your help. In this dance fantasy adventure, the brothers rock out banging moves, run into trouble, have a few tantrums, cause a bit of mayhem and find out if fame is really what they’re looking for after all. Fusing their signature combination of dizzying acrobatics, riotous comedy and big heart, Street Performance World Champions, unlikely heroes…
Find out more »CINEMA: THE SOUVENIR
1980’s London. Julie (a breakout performance from Honor Swinton Byrne) is a shy film student from a privileged background, who wants to use her work to better understand the realities of the world. When she meets the older and mysterious Anthony, Julie finds herself caught up in her first serious love affair. While her mother (Tilda Swinton) and friends are concerned about the relationship, Julie remains naively devoted to her new love, even when she unearths an unthinkable secret. Director…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Kildare Youth Theatre present WUTHERING HEIGHTS
'He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” ― Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights In this modern adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Gothic fairy-tale, Jane Thornton infuses Wuthering Heights with quick-fire dialogue and an urgency that brings the age-old tale to life for a modern audience. In this searing, wild, and often funny, production, a troupe of storytellers take their audience on a whistle-stop tour of the novel all the while inhabiting…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Kildare Youth Theatre present WUTHERING HEIGHTS
'He's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” ― Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights In this modern adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Gothic fairy-tale, Jane Thornton infuses Wuthering Heights with quick-fire dialogue and an urgency that brings the age-old tale to life for a modern audience. In this searing, wild, and often funny, production, a troupe of storytellers take their audience on a whistle-stop tour of the novel all the while inhabiting…
Find out more »COMEDY: DES BISHOP – Take the Points
"Take the points..." - That’s good advice on the pitch but an even better metaphor for life, especially when you don’t take advice well. How hard can it be for a man to say “point taken!” Des Bishop’s new show tries to digest the incredible changes we have seen in society in the last year and a half - Me too, consent, Trump, the 8th and how divided everyone is online. Everyone welcome, snowflakes, the easily offended, those that complain…
Find out more »SECONDARY SCHOOLS WORKSHOP: Super Paua Steam Powered Workshops
Artist collective Super Paua were delighted and relieved to hear that our jobs are pretty safe from robots, according to recent scientific evidence. But then we wondered- why? What is it about the human mind's problem-solving ability, it's flexible and funny and absurd way of doing things, that cannot be automated? Join Super Paua for a two-hour workshop where we explore the science that underpins theatre- from light waves to chord progressions, colour theory to character psychology- and the creative…
Find out more »COMEDY: DES BISHOP – Take the Points
"Take the points..." - That’s good advice on the pitch but an even better metaphor for life, especially when you don’t take advice well. How hard can it be for a man to say “point taken!” Des Bishop’s new show tries to digest the incredible changes we have seen in society in the last year and a half - Me too, consent, Trump, the 8th and how divided everyone is online. Everyone welcome, snowflakes, the easily offended, those that complain…
Find out more »FAMILY THEATRE: BOSCO’s Magic Garden & Sleeping Beauty
Bosco is Bosco, not a boy, not a girl, just a Bosco: a cheeky, lovely, funny, slightly-cracked, irrepressible, eternal five-year-old who lives in a box and who loves nothing more than to just be Bosco and meet all the boys and girls. After starring on Irish TV for three decades, you’ll see why Bosco remains a firm favourite for each new generation. Enjoy the enchanted story of Sleeping Beauty where an evil Fairy-Night filled with jealousy tries to harm Beauty…
Find out more »FAMILY THEATRE: BOSCO’s Magic Garden & Sleeping Beauty
Bosco is Bosco, not a boy, not a girl, just a Bosco: a cheeky, lovely, funny, slightly-cracked, irrepressible, eternal five-year-old who lives in a box and who loves nothing more than to just be Bosco and meet all the boys and girls. After starring on Irish TV for three decades, you’ll see why Bosco remains a firm favourite for each new generation. Enjoy the enchanted story of Sleeping Beauty where an evil Fairy-Night filled with jealousy tries to harm Beauty…
Find out more »CINEMA: Birds of Passage
From the directors of Embrace of the Serpent comes a tale of the Colombian marijuana trade of the 1960/70s and a resulting tribal war, which through greed and corruption caused the downfall of a respected indigenous Wayuu family. When Raphayet pursues Zaida for his bride, he cannot afford the dowry. A chance deal with some Peace Corps volunteers to supply them with marijuana, helps him secure the marriage but starts the family on a tragic path. As tradition, superstition, crime…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Little Movers and Shakers – Creative Dance
Little Movers and Shakers - Creative Dance is a movement workshop for parents/guardians and toddlers/young children, where joyful, spontaneous expression is encouraged. Suitable for all, this is an opportunity to dance with your child - or alongside them - and learn some new moves yourself. Selma Daniel is a Dance Artist with over 20 years experience in dance performance, choreography and education. In 2019, she founded LittleLion Dance Theatre who presented A-do-le-TA! at Riverbank Arts Centre in September. 2nd October…
Find out more »DINNER THEATRE: Faulty Towers- The Dining Experience
Born in Brisbane in April 1997, Faulty Towers -The Dining Experience is a worldwide hit and the most successful interactive comedy show of its kind, appearing in around 20 countries. Chaos greets audiences as soon as they walk through the door. In this fully immersive experience, the audience become diners in the infamous ‘Faulty’ restaurant, served a 3-course meal by Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Expect lashings of laughter, huge bowls full of spontaneity and as much participation as individual audience…
Find out more »DINNER THEATRE: Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience
Born in Brisbane in April 1997, Faulty Towers -The Dining Experience is a worldwide hit and the most successful interactive comedy show of its kind, appearing in around 20 countries. Chaos greets audiences as soon as they walk through the door. In this fully immersive experience, the audience become diners in the infamous ‘Faulty’ restaurant, served a 3-course meal by Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Expect lashings of laughter, huge bowls full of spontaneity and as much participation as individual audience…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Odd Theatre Company presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
The Odd Theatre Company is proud to present the smash-hit musical Little Shop of Horrors, a comedy that has wowed audiences on Broadway and beyond for over 35 years. From the creative team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin), this deviously delicious show contains some of musical theatre’s best-loved tunes, including ‘Suddenly, Seymour’ and ‘Skid Row’. When timid assistant florist, Seymour Krelborn, discovers a strange and interesting new plant, his…
Find out more »December 2019
MUSIC: ABBA FOREVER
Abba Forever , the ultimate tribute band formed by Dennis Scally, replicates the unique Abba sound with an incredible attention to detail, using a six-piece and featuring Lucinda O’Connell and Marie O’Hara on lead vocals. From “Waterloo” to “Dancing Queen”, this show is a dazzling performance of the most iconic hits - Mamma Mia, S.O.S, Money, Money Money, The Winner Takes All, Gimme Gimme, Gimme and many more! Dynamic non-stop choreography, stunning visuals, top class musicianship and an all live…
Find out more »CINEMA: TRANSIT
Like many others, German refugee Georg has fled Paris to escape the impending war. He has assumed the identity of a famous but deceased writer, and plans to use the man’s documentation to obtain a transit visa and immigrate to Mexico. But when Georg encounters the dead man’s wife Marie in Marseille, he finds himself dangerously drawn to her. The latest film from renowned German director Christian Petzold (Barbara, Phoenix) is more than just an adaptation of Anna Seghers' WWII-set…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: Ger Carey Live – A Comic Journey Inside The Teenage Mind
Ger Carey is back with his hilarious stand-up comedy show for transition year students. By secretly observing his subjects in their natural habitat, such as leaning on lampposts, in chippers, outside chippers, in shopping centres and sitting on any kind of steps, Ger has uncovered the weird and frightening world of the teenager! The aim of the show is to get teenagers to laugh at themselves and appreciate the differences of others.
Find out more »SCHOOLS SHOW: Heart of Winter
Christmas is coming and Sally can't sleep - it's too hot! The weather has gone topsy-turvy. No-one can remember the last time it snowed, or even rained, and her father can't sell any of his umbrellas. Will a snowy bedtime story from Dad help? That night Sally has a dream that changes everything - a mysterious silver spark turns her bedroom into a glistening white field where she meets the glowing Heart of Winter. In this new musical show Lyngo…
Find out more »SCHOOLS SHOW: Heart of Winter
Christmas is coming and Sally can't sleep - it's too hot! The weather has gone topsy-turvy. No-one can remember the last time it snowed, or even rained, and her father can't sell any of his umbrellas. Will a snowy bedtime story from Dad help? That night Sally has a dream that changes everything - a mysterious silver spark turns her bedroom into a glistening white field where she meets the glowing Heart of Winter. In this new musical show Lyngo…
Find out more »FAMILY THEATRE: Heart of Winter
Christmas is coming and Sally can't sleep - it's too hot! The weather has gone topsy-turvy. No-one can remember the last time it snowed, or even rained, and her father can't sell any of his umbrellas. Will a snowy bedtime story from Dad help? That night Sally has a dream that changes everything - a mysterious silver spark turns her bedroom into a glistening white field where she meets the glowing Heart of Winter. In this new musical show Lyngo…
Find out more »CINEMA: PAIN AND GLORY (Dolor y Gloria)
Veteran director Salvador Mallo (Antonio Banderas) currently suffers many health issues, which he blames for the creative rut he finds himself in. As he tries to recover, he reflects on his life. Whilst recalling memories from the past, including those of his humble upbringing by his doting mother (Penélope Cruz), in the present he reconnects with past friends and lovers. Can this journey help him overcome his physical pain and rediscover his creativity? Banderas and Cruz, with whom Almodóvar has…
Find out more »MUSIC: Oh What A Night: A Celebration of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
This fast-paced, energetic production pays tribute to the legendary music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Putting their charismatic stamp on timeless classics such as ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Walk Like A Man’, ‘Sherry’, and ‘Oh What A Night’, the boys take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane and remind you exactly why The Four Seasons sold over 100 million records and earned themselves a place in the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! With slick…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Little Tiny Xmas
LITTLE TINY XMAS is a magical and calming world of sensory experiences and beautiful live singing designed especially for children under 5 with complex needs. Created by Anna Newell who was one of the very first artists in Ireland to make work for audiences of children with complex needs; with music by award-winning composer David Goodall. Each child can bring one adult guest with them to this playful and gentle show; audience capacity is very limited, so please book early…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Little Tiny Xmas
LITTLE TINY XMAS is a magical and calming world of sensory experiences and beautiful live singing designed especially for children under 5 with complex needs. Created by Anna Newell who was one of the very first artists in Ireland to make work for audiences of children with complex needs; with music by award-winning composer David Goodall. Each child can bring one adult guest with them to this playful and gentle show; audience capacity is very limited, so please book early…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Little Tiny Xmas
LITTLE TINY XMAS is a magical and calming world of sensory experiences and beautiful live singing designed especially for children under 5 with complex needs. Created by Anna Newell who was one of the very first artists in Ireland to make work for audiences of children with complex needs; with music by award-winning composer David Goodall. Each child can bring one adult guest with them to this playful and gentle show; audience capacity is very limited, so please book early…
Find out more »THEATRE: WEIGHING IN by Ger Gallagher
Weighing-In is a fast paced comedy play about life, love and dieting - and how we all need to adjust the scales to find the right balance. This topical play deals with the modern obsession of dieting. Set in the Easi-Slim diet club we meet the highly driven Pam (Isobel Mahon) and the motherly Breda (Rose Henderson). Both attend the weekly clinic for the weigh-in and strike up an unlikely friendship. Easi-Slim’s recent new member - upwardly mobile Pam McGowan…
Find out more »MUSIC: MICK FLANNERY
Mick Flannery is widely regarded as one of the finest singer-songwriters to come out of Ireland in recent years. He began to write songs as a teenager in his home of Blarney, County Cork. He became the first Irish musician to ever win awards at the International Songwriting Competition in Nashville, aged 19. By the time he turned 21, he had signed to a major label and released his debut album, Evening Train. His critically acclaimed live performances have seen…
Find out more »CINEMA: BLINDED BY THE LIGHT
1987, Margaret Thatcher’s England. Javed, a 16-year-old British Pakistani boy, lives in the town of Luton. His father’s recent job termination and the neighborhood skinheads are a daily reminder of the difficult times he’s living in. What young Javed really wants is to be a writer—something his father doesn’t approve of or understand—and when a new friend loans him a few Bruce Springsteen cassettes, Javed is changed forever. The Boss’s working-class anthems and affirming lyrics seem to speak directly to…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Baby’s First Christmas
BABY’S FIRST XMAS is a gentle magical wonderland of gorgeous harmony singing, little lights and enticing textures. Created for babies under one year old by Anna Newell and David Goodall whose work for Early Years audiences has been seen on five continents. This Christmas show promises to delight and entrance the very tiniest of audience members. Each baby can bring one adult guest with them and, to make this a very special experience, audience capacity is very limited so please…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Baby’s First Christmas
BABY’S FIRST XMAS is a gentle magical wonderland of gorgeous harmony singing, little lights and enticing textures. Created for babies under one year old by Anna Newell and David Goodall whose work for Early Years audiences has been seen on five continents. This Christmas show promises to delight and entrance the very tiniest of audience members. Each baby can bring one adult guest with them and, to make this a very special experience, audience capacity is very limited so please…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Baby’s First Christmas
BABY’S FIRST XMAS is a gentle magical wonderland of gorgeous harmony singing, little lights and enticing textures. Created for babies under one year old by Anna Newell and David Goodall whose work for Early Years audiences has been seen on five continents. This Christmas show promises to delight and entrance the very tiniest of audience members. Each baby can bring one adult guest with them and, to make this a very special experience, audience capacity is very limited so please…
Find out more »SPECIAL SCREENING: Pavarotti
Created from a combination of Luciano Pavarotti’s genre-redefining performances and granted access to never-before-seen footage, the film will give audiences around the world a stunningly intimate portrait of the most beloved opera singer of all time. From the team behind the worldwide success The Beatles: Eight Days a Week comes two-time Academy Award® winning director Ron Howard's documentary celebrating the life of the beloved opera star Luciano Pavarotti, who sold over 100 million records in his lifetime. The 1990 World…
Find out more »MUSIC: HIGHLY STRUNG – All Wrapped Up
For fans of the foursome, this is an evening of festive highlights that’s not to be missed. The ladies are delighted to return to the Riverbank for their annual Christmas show of classics old and new all wrapped up with their signature twist. The four friends’ diverse, complementary musical backgrounds create a mellow blend of sound which hallmarks the spirit of Christmas for their audiences. Highly Strung sprinkles a little starlight on the darkest time of the year with a…
Find out more »FAMILY CINEMA: The Greatest Showman Sing-Along
Ladies and gents, this is the moment you've waited for...a special sing-a-long screening of The Greatest Showman. It's your time to shine – have fun, sing loud and 'Come Alive' – It's Showtime! Step right up and into the spellbinding imagination of a man who set out to reveal that life itself can be the most thrilling show of all. Inspired by the legend and ambitions of America’s original pop-culture impresario, P.T. Barnum, comes an inspirational rags-to-riches tale of a…
Find out more »January 2020
COMEDY: Farmer Michael and Kathleen – The Full Irish LIVE
The King & Queen of farming satire, after only three years on the comedy scene, Stevo & Sinéad have gathered a following of over 500,000 people worldwide, and over 100 million views on some of their single sketches. They've sold out shows all over Ireland and the UK, also collaborated with Official Rugby World Cup. As featured on: RTE, TV3's Six O Clock Show, CNN and SKY TV. Suitable for 16+
Find out more »MUSIC: Jack Lukeman
The UK-based Kildare man and musical legend, Jack Lukeman, returns to Riverbank Arts Centre for a very special show. Jack Lukeman is a singer-songwriter, performer, raconteur and a whole lot more besides. He is a platinum-selling, a critically acclaimed artist who continues to win a worldwide fan base with his unique multi-octave voice. Jack has toured as a special guest with artists such as Sting, Imelda May, Jools Holland & The Proclaimers. Tonight's show will draw material from his back…
Find out more »FIRST FORTNIGHT: In One Eye, Out the Other
The first solo comedy show from Tadhg Hickey introduces you to Feargal; a downtrodden but cheery man who fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming an alcoholic. Using the Catholic calendar as a roadmap, Feargal leads us on a surreal and hilarious journey with many poignant twists in the hope of arriving at a sort of light at the end of the tunnel for the 'bright man’. Written/Performed by Tadhg Hickey. Directed by John McCarthy. Original music by Brian Lane. Produced…
Find out more »COMEDY: JASON BYRNE – Wrecked but Ready
Jason Byrne has had a hard year. But he doesn’t want to talk about that. He’s wrecked but ready. Ready for a laugh. This show is a celebration. A celebration of triumph over adversity. A celebration of the fact that everybody’d got their own crap going on and they don’t need to listen to someone else moaning about their problems. So, leave your worries at the door and find out why the UK Times described Jason as ‘The Outright King…
Find out more »February 2020
MUSIC: The Celtic Tenors – 20th Anniversary Tour
The Celtic Tenors – three tenors, one voice. This charismatic, globetrotting trio are the most successful classical crossover act to emerge from Ireland. The Celtic Tenors signed with Sony Classics in 2000 and have sold over 1 million albums worldwide to date, achieving Top 10 positions on Billboard Charts in the United States and Canada. They are the only tenor group with a truly global audience, playing to packed houses across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia. The…
Find out more »March 2020
COMEDY: NEIL DELAMERE – End of Watch
Fresh from a sell-out tour, star of BBC’s The Blame Game, Fighting Talk and the Newsquiz, Neil Delamere returns to the Riverbank Arts Centre with a brand new show. Time waits for no man, especially one trying to buy a watch. Things always get complicated. “You’ll be hard pressed to find a more gifted comic at the Fringe. *****” The Scotsman “One lean, mean, comedy, killing machine. *****” The Herald
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