January 2020
VISUAL ARTS: Fold/Unfold by Vanya Lambrecht
An exhibition exploring paper folding. The art of paper folding, generally known as origami, allows us to form a bridge between our 2D and our 3D understanding of the world, with all sorts of applications from space travel to medicine. One fold and we move from the flat surface to the world of objects. Folding can be free form or structured, and the results can be both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually intriguing. Come visit this intriguing exhibition, curated with young…
Find out more »February 2020
EARLY YEARS: Little Lámha with Beth O’Halloran
These workshops are designed for young children working together with their grown-up. Visual artist Beth O’Halloran will guide these fun and creative sessions. Together you will explore colour, shapes and storytelling in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Come and join in a morning of fun with your little one. Beth is a visual artist and writer. She has been facilitating children's workshops for two decades and works in the Irish Museum of Modern Art, The National Gallery and the Hugh Lane…
Find out more »THEATRE: CROWMAN by Katie Holly
Crowman is Dan Lonergan’s account of the hilarious characters that inhabit his life on a daily basis and a true love story that never was. By turns poignant and comic, Jon Kenny carries the audience on a roller-coaster ride from his childhood to middle-age, from the hurling pitch to the pub and from one uproariously funny character to the other. It is about lost love and the sense of belonging and not belonging to a small community. Most of all…
Find out more »VISUAL ARTS: ROLLING IN THE YEARS
This exhibition consists of portraits of some of Newbridge’s senior citizens, as photographed by members of the South Kildare Photography Club. They say that age is only a number, but it’s a very important one. The aim of these photographers was to capture the personalities and life stories of these remarkable people. From starting working life as an apprentice barman to becoming an avid supporter of Moorefield, there are many diverse experiences of growing up and living in Newbridge and…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Kildare Youth Theatre presents Queen’s County
Queen’s County draws inspiration from the fist trialled plantations operated by the English crown in Ireland in the 16th century in counties Laois and Offaly. The one in Laois became known as Queen’s County. This devised play explores displacement and alienation through the lens of young people’s experience today, and includes episodes on commuting, rural isolation, strangeness and belonging, in one character’s surreal train journey through County Laois en route home from Electric Picnic. The performance is devised by Kildare…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: Kildare Youth Theatre presents Queen’s County
Queen’s County draws inspiration from the fist trialled plantations operated by the English crown in Ireland in the 16th century in counties Laois and Offaly. The one in Laois became known as Queen’s County. This devised play explores displacement and alienation through the lens of young people’s experience today, and includes episodes on commuting, rural isolation, strangeness and belonging, in one character’s surreal train journey through County Laois en route home from Electric Picnic. The performance is devised by Kildare…
Find out more »March 2020
CINEMA: MONOS
Exiled on a remote mountainside in South America, the Monos are a group of teenage soldiers left to guard a single hostage: Doctora. Who they are and where they come from is not known. They have their orders from the Organisation communicated by radio, and also sporadic visits from the Messenger, serving as a voice of authority and connection to the outside world. But when the accidental death of the camp’s cow causes the group’s leadership to be questioned, the…
Find out more »SPECIAL SCREENING: A Dog Called Money
As imaginative as the creative process it documents, this is a uniquely intimate journey through the inspiration, writing and recording of a PJ Harvey record. A collaboration between writer and musician, Harvey, and award-winning photographer Seamus Murphy. Seeking first-hand experience of the countries she wanted to write about, Harvey accompanied Murphy on some of his worldwide reporting trips, joining him in Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Washington DC. Harvey collected words, Murphy collected images. Back home, the words become poems, songs, then…
Find out more »CINEMA: Short Grass Film Festival
Over the last decade, Kildare County Council have funded a diverse range of films through the Short Grass Films bursary awards and film commission. The repertoire includes short film, animation, documentary, drama as well as feature length films, many of which have received national and international accolades. Kildare Short Grass Films have supported the making of films on location in Kildare and film makers from the county. The Kildare Short Grass Film Festival is jam packed with film screenings. The…
Find out more »SPECIAL SCREENING: Arracht (Monster)
This striking feature debut by Tom Sullivan, Arracht (Monster) is set in the wild shores of Ireland’s west coast as the potato blight descends in 1845. Stripped back and fierce, it’s an intense small-scale Irish-language drama which plunges the viewer into the cold desperation of those Famine times. Arracht is a visually expressive piece centred around a population eking out an existence in sparse shelter on forbidding ground, yet whose horizons couldn’t be wider as they take their rudimentary fishing…
Find out more »CINEMA: 1917
Sam Mendes, the Oscar-winning director of Skyfall, Spectre and American Beauty, brings his singular vision to his World War I epic, 1917. At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (Captain Fantastic’s George MacKay) and Blake (Game of Thrones’ Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them.…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: The Lonsdale Project
The Lonsdale Project is a new theatre show about the life and work of Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971) - chemist, crystallographer, anti-war campaigner, writer, mother, and former inmate of Holloway Prison. Despite being a pioneering Irish scientist and activist, Kathleen Lonsdale’s name and legacy are curiously unknown by the general public. Super Paua aims to change that! By harnessing an interdisciplinary team of artists, educators and scientists, they have created an engaging piece of theatre about X-ray diffraction, Benzene, pacifism, crystals,…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: The Lonsdale Project
The Lonsdale Project is a new theatre show about the life and work of Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971) - chemist, crystallographer, anti-war campaigner, writer, mother, and former inmate of Holloway Prison. Despite being a pioneering Irish scientist and activist, Kathleen Lonsdale’s name and legacy are curiously unknown by the general public. Super Paua aims to change that! By harnessing an interdisciplinary team of artists, educators and scientists, they have created an engaging piece of theatre about X-ray diffraction, Benzene, pacifism, crystals,…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: The Lonsdale Project
The Lonsdale Project is a new theatre show about the life and work of Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971) - chemist, crystallographer, anti-war campaigner, writer, mother, and former inmate of Holloway Prison. Despite being a pioneering Irish scientist and activist, Kathleen Lonsdale’s name and legacy are curiously unknown by the general public. Super Paua aims to change that! By harnessing an interdisciplinary team of artists, educators and scientists, they have created an engaging piece of theatre about X-ray diffraction, Benzene, pacifism, crystals,…
Find out more »SCHOOLS: The Lonsdale Project
The Lonsdale Project is a new theatre show about the life and work of Kathleen Lonsdale (1903-1971) - chemist, crystallographer, anti-war campaigner, writer, mother, and former inmate of Holloway Prison. Despite being a pioneering Irish scientist and activist, Kathleen Lonsdale’s name and legacy are curiously unknown by the general public. Super Paua aims to change that! By harnessing an interdisciplinary team of artists, educators and scientists, they have created an engaging piece of theatre about X-ray diffraction, Benzene, pacifism, crystals,…
Find out more »FAMILY THEATRE: THE LONSDALE PROJECT
The Lonsdale Project is a new theatre show about the life and work of Kathleen Lonsdale - chemist, crystallographer, anti-war campaigner, writer, mother, and former inmate of Holloway Prison. Despite being a pioneering scientist born in Newbridge in 1903, Kathleen Lonsdale’s name and legacy are curiously unknown by the Irish public. Super Paua aims to change that, and so have created The Lonsdale Project to celebrate her life, her writings, and her adventures in x-ray diffraction, crystallography and the Cold…
Find out more »CINEMA: Extra Ordinary
Rose is a sweet, lonely driving instructor with supernatural abilities called ‘The Talents’ that allow her to communicate with spirits. Rose has a love/hate relationship with her gifts and ignores the community’s requests to investigate bizarre happenings in town. When widower Martin, haunted by his nagging ex-wife Bonnie, contacts her for help she has to at least consider the job. Meanwhile, ageing rock star Christian Winter has a sinister plan for success – virgin sacrifice. This hilarious must-see comedy is…
Find out more »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
Find out more »MUSIC: The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh
Let us take you back to 1980: you had your Rubik’s Cube for Christmas, Mount Saint Helens erupts, The Undertones are demonising their Perfect Cousin and… Eagles and Fleetwood Mac served-up two of the best live double-albums of all time. Widely regarded as one of the best live tribute acts in the country, The Illegals present their ever-popular classic-rock revival show replicating the sound of the world’s two greatest rock bands. Led by Niamh Kavanagh, she of the mesmerising voice and mischievous spirit, The…
Find out more »THEATRE: An Ogeous Brose
A grumpy builder (Seamus O’Rourke) and his young enthusiastic labourer (Charlie McGuinness) arrive on Mogue’s Island to dig a grave in the depths of winter. It’s cold and eerie and full of myth. The more they dig, the more they realise that this was not such a good idea. Has Barney Bellew and Hector Hoctor really got something in common? – Well, it just might be that they are both entangled in an ancient curse… Seamus O’Rourke has teamed up…
Find out more »CINEMA: Parasite
Ki-taek is the head of a family of tricksters, who live in a run-down basement flat. By chance, son Ki-woo is recommended to provide private English lessons to the teenage daughter of the wealthy Park household. It isn’t long before Ki-woo has devised a plan to use this opportunity to his family’s best advantage… Director Bong Joon-ho has described his film as “a comedy without clowns and a tragedy without villains” - to reveal anything more would do the viewer…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: I AM BABA
I AM BABA is a theatre adventure for babies created by internationally renowned theatre director Anna Newell and composer David Goodall. Their shows for early years have been seen on all five continents, off-Broadway and in every single Sure Start in Belfast. I AM BABA – a magical adventure of song, lights and textures for babies aged 0-12 months. It’s a show about identity, agency and personhood. For babies. I AM BABA is comprised of gorgeous live harmony singing and…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: I AM BABA
I AM BABA is a theatre adventure for babies created by internationally renowned theatre director Anna Newell and composer David Goodall. Their shows for early years have been seen on all five continents, off-Broadway and in every single Sure Start in Belfast. I AM BABA – a magical adventure of song, lights and textures for babies aged 0-12 months. It’s a show about identity, agency and personhood. For babies. I AM BABA is comprised of gorgeous live harmony singing and…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: I AM BABA
I AM BABA is a theatre adventure for babies created by internationally renowned theatre director Anna Newell and composer David Goodall. Their shows for early years have been seen on all five continents, off-Broadway and in every single Sure Start in Belfast. I AM BABA – a magical adventure of song, lights and textures for babies aged 0-12 months. It’s a show about identity, agency and personhood. For babies. I AM BABA is comprised of gorgeous live harmony singing and…
Find out more »EARLY YEARS: Little Lámha with Beth O’Halloran
These workshops are designed for young children working together with their grown-up. Visual artist Beth O’Halloran will guide these fun and creative sessions. Together you will explore colour, shapes and storytelling in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Come and join in a morning of fun with your little one. Beth is a visual artist and writer. She has been facilitating children's workshops for two decades and works in the Irish Museum of Modern Art, The National Gallery and the Hugh Lane…
Find out more »MUSIC: Inni-K
Named by RTÉ.ie as “one of ten fierce women defining Irish culture”, singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Inni-K is a force to watch. The Co. Kildare native returns with her highly skilled band to Riverbank for this special performance. Inni-K’s music draws on her extensive background in folk and traditional Irish music, even as she ventures into new musical territories. Her music combines ethereal vocals with deft musicianship, evocative lyrics (bilingual at times), and a unique approach to song-writing. Nominated for…
Find out more »CINEMA: Portrait of A Lady On fire (Portrait de la jeune fille en feu)
1760: Artist Marianna has been employed by a French countess to paint the wedding portrait of her daughter Héloïse. Furiously opposed to the idea of marriage, Héloïse has refused to pose for any painting. Marianna passes herself off as Héloïse’s walking companion, allowing her to observe her subject closely without arousing Héloïse’s suspicions. Soon she finds herself attracted to Héloïse. “★★★★★ Céline Sciamma’s gripping 18th-century story of obsession demonstrates a new mastery of classical style.” - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian,…
Find out more »April 2020
THEATRE: Maura Laverty – This Was Your Life
Kildare-born Maura Laverty, the multi-talented broadcaster, cookery expert, agony aunt and controversial writer, who was a household name in Ireland for three decades, is about to be spirited back from the dead to face a live and online audience on a surreal TV show ‘This WAS Your LIFE.’ She will cook recipes from her iconic cookbook, Full And Plenty, and talk about her rollercoaster life. The host will get her to reveal some of her darker secrets and the price…
Find out more »MUSIC: Anakronos – The Red Book of Ossary
Anakronos is a new ensemble devoted to exploring ancient music from a modern perspective. The ensemble features some of Ireland's foremost exponents of medieval music, contemporary classical, traditional and jazz. The Red Book of Ossory is an important 14th century medieval manuscript which was compiled in Kilkenny and is housed there in St Canice's Cathedral. Among the manuscript’s texts are sixty remarkable Latin verses by Richard de Ledrede, Bishop of Ossory. Caitríona O’Leary, singer and founder of Anakronos, has set…
Find out more »FAMILY CINEMA: Walt Disney’s Fantasia
A collection of animated interpretations of great works of Western classical music. Walt Disney's timeless masterpiece is an extravaganza of sight and sound. Disney animators set pictures to classical music as Leopold Stokowski conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra. "The Sorcerer’s Apprentice" features Mickey Mouse as an aspiring magician who oversteps his limits. "The Rite of Spring" tells the story of evolution, from single-celled animals to the death of the dinosaurs. "Dance of the Hours" is a comic ballet performed by ostriches,…
Find out more »COMEDY: OWEN COLGAN – On The Dry
Owen Colgan, Irish cult comedy hero is best known for his role as Buzz McDonnell from Hardy Bucks. Hardy Bucks has seen Owen star in four hit seasons on RTE and the Hardy Bucks hit movie which media coined 'the Irish Hangover' and was produced by the mammoth Universal Studios. Owen Colgan is a life coach from the west of Ireland who has seen it all. After 25 years addicted to pints and smoking, it seems he has finally knocked…
Find out more »Artzone Easter Camps – Spring is in the Air
EGGSTATIC – an exploration of spring in the country with painting, drawing, clay construction and relief collage. Boys & Girls 5 – 7 Years Junior camps are suitable for early primary school pupils, both boys and girls. Camps are above all fun, instructive and encouraging – full of Easter themed art, crafts, stories and games. Here they learn and practice the basic skills, concepts and techniques of creating art with regular breaks for snacks and organised games. CHICKTASTIC – exploring…
Find out more »COMEDY: PAT SHORTT presents his stage show HEY!
Following a sell-out nationwide tour Pat Shortt returns with his hilarious stage show, Hey! The show received rave reviews and filled out theatres up and down the country in 2019. Hey! delivers a peculiar take on modern life that only the unique imagination of Pat Shortt could conjure up. The show is an hilarious and quirky look at Irish life brought to you by Ireland’s best loved comedian. Hey! is a rogue’s gallery of odd-ball characters, bizarre situations and there is even a…
Find out more »MUSIC: THE UNTHANKS – Unaccompanied
Where does a band go, after a symphonic journey that peaks with an orchestral performance at the Royal Albert Hall? Back to the beginning of course! Before fronting one of the most artistically brave and revered bands working today, Tyneside sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank grew up singing songs without accompaniment, in weaving, unschooled vocal harmony. As if to prove that creativity should never be about ambition or aspiration, The Unthanks move on from their recent orchestral explorations by going back to what they…
Find out more »May 2020
LOCAL ARTS: KYT present Romeo and Juliet
This is the third time Kildare Youth Theatre has produced Romeo and Juliet since 2003. This time their lead performers are the same age as the play’s main characters. This makes for shocking viewing when you see a 13 and 17-year-old enact the desperate events of the play. Their youth theatre is unique in working with second level students by taking them through a seven-month rehearsal period to stage the play that many of them are studying in school. The…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: KYT present Romeo and Juliet
This is the third time Kildare Youth Theatre has produced Romeo and Juliet since 2003. This time their lead performers are the same age as the play’s main characters. This makes for shocking viewing when you see a 13 and 17-year-old enact the desperate events of the play. Their youth theatre is unique in working with second level students by taking them through a seven-month rehearsal period to stage the play that many of them are studying in school. The…
Find out more »June 2020
COMEDY: Dirtbirds – No Filter
In a world where women are expected to have the patience of Mother Teresa, the arse of Jennifer Lopez, the social media profile of Kim Kardashian and the BMI of Elle McPherson the pressure is relentless. Dirtbirds the comedy duo and internet sensation present their hilarious new show ‘No Filters’ which takes a close look at the barrage of bullshit we are subjected to on a daily basis and reminds us that despite what we’re told there is NO SUCH…
Find out more »MUSIC: Peggy Seeger and Calum MacColl – The First Farewell Tour
JuneFest and Riverbank Arts Centre present: Charismatic Peggy Seeger - singer, songwriter, feminist, icon, Ewan MacColl’s partner and muse - is the undisputed queen of folk and political song. On this ‘First Farewell to Ireland’ tour, join Peggy and her son Calum MacColl, an exceptional musician in his own right, for a glorious evening of up-close performance. Expect to hear a mixture of new and traditional songs from Peggy’s huge repertoire, plus some of her and Ewan MacColl’s most loved…
Find out more »October 2020
MUSIC: The Fureys
Legends of Irish music and song The FUREYS, with hit songs including ‘I Will Love You’, ‘When You Were Sweet 16’, ‘The Green Fields of France’, ‘Red Rose Café’ and ‘From Clare to Here’, are returning to Riverbank for a very special concert. Touring worldwide for 42 years, their performances have received standing ovations in some of the biggest concert halls of the world and audiences have included former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, former Irish President Mary McAleese, the…
Find out more »An Evening with Michael Harding
Join Ireland’s foremost storyteller as he takes to the roads, dispensing his unique take on ordinary and extraordinary life in Ireland today. “A self-deprecating and winsome writer whose bittersweet musings on middle-age, loneliness and the search for spiritual enlightenment…are leavened by an incredibly dry and unforced wit” Metro Herald “…an embattled hero for our times” The Sunday Times
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