October 2018
VISUAL ARTS: IN-SITES/ÓN CHEAPACH
Our current age has been described as the Anthropocene period, an era defined by the extensive human impact on the environment which affects our world's climate, lands, oceans and wildlife. IN-SITES/ÓN CHEAPACH curated by Denise Reddy, features the work of Monica de Bath, Lisa Fingleton and Gareth Kennedy. The exhibition explores how, in different ways, the artists address our relationship with a constantly changing environment. New and existing work reflects on the role of art and ecological practices in highlighting…
Find out more »November 2018
VISUAL ARTS: Keywords
‘Keywords’ is a series of drawings that reflect on childhood recollections of school days in 1980s Ireland. Memory, place and identity are themes Anne Marie continues to explore in her studio. In this exhibition, Anne Marie uses drawing to investigate memories of her primary school days in St. Michael’s, Athy Co. Kildare. This exhibition is an attempt to (re)connect with her own childhood with the intention of evoking empathy and in some way relate to the world children live in…
Find out more »December 2018
WORKSHOP: Parent & Toddler Fun Morning – The Very Curious Eyes
Visual artist Marta Golubowska invites small children, along with their guardians, to a creative space where they can experiment, push boundaries, and make a mess - and bring something lovely home with them. In this hour-long workshop, the main emphasis is on the process and time spent together. It will be a gentle, fun atmosphere to relax and share experiences while making art together. 19th September – Travelling and Adventure 24th October – Halloween Fun 14th November – Art for…
Find out more »FAMILY CINEMA: Elf
++Festive family screening added++ Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy…
Find out more »SCHOOL SHOW: A Winter Wish
Every winter in Whistleberry Forest, a little robin comes to visit and grants the creatures of the forest their very own wish - they can wish for whatever they want! As Ornaith the owl, Sorley the snail, and Faoiláin the frog sing the magic words, the forest is transformed before their eyes into an enchanting wintry wonderland. From dripping icicles to gentle snowfall, the delight of skating on an icy river or flying high on a moonlit night, discover the…
Find out more »SCHOOL SHOW: A Winter Wish
Every winter in Whistleberry Forest, a little robin comes to visit and grants the creatures of the forest their very own wish - they can wish for whatever they want! As Ornaith the owl, Sorley the snail, and Faoiláin the frog sing the magic words, the forest is transformed before their eyes into an enchanting wintry wonderland. From dripping icicles to gentle snowfall, the delight of skating on an icy river or flying high on a moonlit night, discover the…
Find out more »FAMILY MUSIC: A Winter Wish
Every winter in Whistleberry Forest, a little robin comes to visit and grants the creatures of the forest their very own wish - they can wish for whatever they want! As Ornaith the owl, Sorley the snail, and Faoiláin the frog sing the magic words, the forest is transformed before their eyes into an enchanting wintry wonderland. From dripping icicles to gentle snowfall, the delight of skating on an icy river or flying high on a moonlit night, discover the…
Find out more »FAMILY MUSIC: A Winter Wish
Every winter in Whistleberry Forest, a little robin comes to visit and grants the creatures of the forest their very own wish - they can wish for whatever they want! As Ornaith the owl, Sorley the snail, and Faoiláin the frog sing the magic words, the forest is transformed before their eyes into an enchanting wintry wonderland. From dripping icicles to gentle snowfall, the delight of skating on an icy river or flying high on a moonlit night, discover the…
Find out more »COMEDY: Colin Murphy: The Bald Ambition Tour 2018
25 years ago a young man had a dream and that dream was to perform. As an actor success came quickly with the National Youth Theatre and early TV appearances in Yorkshire Television’s Heartbeat and Drop The Dead Donkey for Channel 4. His starring role in Our Friends In The North led to him becoming a household name. Daniel Craig* has achieved everything he set out to do and has reached the very pinnacle of the entertainment industry. 25 years…
Find out more »CINEMA: The Man Who Invented Christmas
1840s London. Despite a string of successful novels, Charles Dickens (Dan Stephens) has been struggling to come up with another bestseller. Tormented by writer’s block and at odds with his publishers, he grasps at an idea for a surefire hit, a Christmas story he hopes will capture the imagination of his fans and solve his current financial problems. But with only six weeks to write and publish the book before the holiday, he will have to work feverishly to meet…
Find out more »LOCAL ARTS: DanceTones Christmas Show
‘The Little Red Bow’ A show of dance performances in Latin, Salsa, Hip Hop and more. A young boy and girl meet for the first time in a dance class - you will journey with them through their life story of happy and sad times. Dance performance by the local talented dancers of DanceTones Studios, Newbridge.
Find out more »MUSIC: Highly Strung: All Wrapped up
For fans of the foursome, this is a Christmas calendar highlight. The ladies are delighted to return to the Riverbank for their annual Christmas show of classics old and new with their signature twist. The four friends’ diverse yet complementary musical backgrounds create a mellow blend of instruments and harmonies and that has gathered a loyal fan base. Highly Strung sprinkles a little star light on the darkest time of the year with a quirky perspective on favourites from Bach…
Find out more »SCHOOL SHOW: Lost In Frost
Lost in Frost is a thrilling winter-themed adventure that will delight and enchant younger audiences with a mix of dance, movement, music, visuals and storytelling. The Narrator is on a quest for snow but who will help! The audience? The mischievous fairy, Cornelia? Or perhaps some very brave and bold magic pixies will join the mission to find some? Echo Echo Dance has been at the forefront of dance development in Ireland for over twenty years. The award-winning ensemble is…
Find out more »SCHOOL SHOW: Lost In Frost
Lost in Frost is a thrilling winter-themed adventure that will delight and enchant younger audiences with a mix of dance, movement, music, visuals and storytelling. The Narrator is on a quest for snow but who will help! The audience? The mischievous fairy, Cornelia? Or perhaps some very brave and bold magic pixies will join the mission to find some? Echo Echo Dance has been at the forefront of dance development in Ireland for over twenty years. The award-winning ensemble is…
Find out more »FAMILY : Lost In Frost
Lost in Frost is a thrilling winter-themed adventure that will delight and enchant younger audiences with a mix of dance, movement, music, visuals and storytelling. The Narrator is on a quest for snow but who will help! The audience? The mischievous fairy, Cornelia? Or perhaps some very brave and bold magic pixies will join the mission to find some? Echo Echo Dance has been at the forefront of dance development in Ireland for over twenty years. The award-winning ensemble is…
Find out more »DANCE: Echo Echo Dance Picnic
Echo Echo Dance Picnic is an opportunity for people of all ages to take part in some dancing and movement games together! It doesn’t matter if you are a professional dancer, a four-year old ninja turtle or one of those people who always claim to have two left feet – you’ll have lots of fun! Everyone is welcome regardless of age or ability so make sure you get your brothers, sisters, parents and grandparents to come along too. And remember…
Find out more »FAMILY CINEMA: Frozen Sing-A-Long
Walt Disney Animation Studios presents Frozen, a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey-teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven-to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements…
Find out more »January 2019
CINEMA: Bohemian Rhapsody
Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen,…
Find out more »COMEDY: JASON BYRNE – You can come in but don’t start anything
The star of ‘Ireland's Got Talent’, Jason Byrne is one the most exciting live comedy performers in the world - and his original brand of high-energy intelligent lunacy ensures that there is no other comedian like him. What he achieves on a stage cannot be adequately described by audience members, critics or fellow comics. Thus his legendary shows become a secret shared experience among his audience. Every night stars are born, friendships are formed, mascara is ruined and pants are…
Find out more »FIRST FORTNIGHT: Griese Youth Theatre presents: Burying Your Brother in the Pavement
Burying Your Brother in the Pavement by Jack Thorne is a play that tackles the story of a teenage girl grieving for her dead brother with emotional honesty and imaginative flair. Written specifically for young people, it was commissioned as part of the 2008 National Theatre Connections Festival and premiered by youth theatres across the UK and Ireland. Griese Youth Theatre from Ballitore, County Kildare originally staged this show in Riverbank Arts Centre in June 2018. Griese Youth Theatre (GYT)…
Find out more »FIRST FORTNIGHT Family Day: Finding Dory
Disney•Pixar's Finding Dory reunites everyone’s favourite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale? Directed by Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WALL•E) the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O'Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton.
Find out more »CINEMA: A Star is Born
In A Star Is Born, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga fuse their considerable talents to depict the raw and passionate tale of Jack and Ally, two artistic souls coming together, on stage and in life. In this new take on the iconic love story, four-time Oscar nominee Cooper (American Sniper, American Hustle, Silver Linings Playbook), makes his directorial debut, and also stars alongside multiple award-winning, Oscar-nominated music superstar Gaga in her first leading role in a major motion picture. Cooper…
Find out more »FIRST FORTNIGHT: LYSIS
Upstate Theatre Project in association with Droichead Arts Centre present Lysis Lysis definition: (biology) the disintegration of a cell by rupture of the cell wall or membrane (medical) the subsidence of one or more symptoms of an acute disease Based on the writings and testimonies of people living with mental health issues, Lysis is a docudrama that traces the experiences of five individuals. This audio-visual installation is a forthright portrait of people side-lined by society through everyday stigma, prejudice and general…
Find out more »FIRST FORTNIGHT: LYSIS
Upstate Theatre Project in association with Droichead Arts Centre present Lysis Lysis definition: (biology) the disintegration of a cell by rupture of the cell wall or membrane (medical) the subsidence of one or more symptoms of an acute disease Based on the writings and testimonies of people living with mental health issues, Lysis is a docudrama that traces the experiences of five individuals. This audio-visual installation is a forthright portrait of people side-lined by society through everyday stigma, prejudice and general…
Find out more »MUSIC: Jack L
Jack L (Jack Lukeman), one of Ireland’s most respected and best-loved performers, a multiple-award winning songwriter and also a Kildare man, returns to Riverbank Arts Centre to perform his Magic Days show. This new show combines key songs from his most recent album Magic Days, including "The King of Soho", "Deeper Down the Rabbit Hole", and "The Sunset is Blue on Mars", alongside favourites from his back catalogue. Magic Days is an unforgettable live show that lifts the spirits and…
Find out more »CINEMA: Under the Clock
Clery’s clock has been a firm fixture on Dublin’s O’Connell Street since the 1920s and this iconic landmark became so popular that people began to use the phrase; “I’ll meet you under the clock”. In this charming Irish documentary (by the team who brought you Older than Ireland), a cast of colourful characters recount these meetings - the romance of a first date, the joy of meeting loved ones, or the nostalgic reunion of old friends. For young and old…
Find out more »February 2019
COMEDY: DIRTBIRDS – Self Help Tour
If making the school lunches, doing the jaysus homework and dodging the guards because your NCT is out by two years is sending you over the edge, you are not alone. Come and join the Dirtbirds as they navigate the stresses and strains of modern life in their brand new comedy show ‘Dirtbirds’ self-help tour’. This rip roaring two hours of comedy gold is a unique blend of hilarious sketch comedy and stand up. Brand new characters take to the…
Find out more »CINEMA: Just to be sure
When Erwin (Francois Damiens), a bomb disposal expert in his mid-forties, accidentally discovers that his father is not his biological father his world is turned upside down. As well as tracing his dad he has to juggle his daughters unplanned pregnancy and his aspiring relationship with the sparky local veterinarian Anna (Cecile De France), whom, it turns out may or may not be his sister! With strong performances from all the cast this is a joyful tale with some moments…
Find out more »THEATRE: THE MATCHMAKER by John B. Keane
THE MATCHMAKER stars Mary McEvoy (best known for her role as Biddie in the long-running RTE series Glenroe) and Irish actor and comedian Jon Kenny (part of the Irish comic duo d’Unbelievables). Jon Kenny is also well known for appearing in the Channel 4 sitcom Father Ted. Together they play a myriad of characters in this hilarious and earthy dramatic comedy. The play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O'Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn. Using…
Find out more »CINEMA: Rosie
From the pen of Roddy Doyle and directed by Paddy Breathnach (Viva), Rosie is the story of a family without a home. Rosie (Sarah Greene) a mother of four, alongside her partner John Paul (Moe Dunford), do everything in their power to protect their children and maintain their dignity as the Irish housing crisis threatens their families safety and unity. With grace and tenderness, Rosie balances the care of her four children alongside the increasingly futile and frustrating search for…
Find out more »COMEDY: David O’Doherty – You Have To Laugh
++EXTRA DATE ADDED due to popular demand++ Unhook your mindbras. David O’Doherty is back in… with a brand-new show made up of talking and songs played on a crappy keyboard from 1986. As seen on BBC2’s Live At The Apollo and Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. “A beautiful mix of acute observation and startling invention” – The Irish Times “He’s funny, wretched and clever enough to spawn an army of imitators.” – The Age, Melbourne “Can…
Find out more »COMEDY: David O’Doherty – You Have To Laugh
Unhook your mindbras. David O’Doherty is back in… with a brand-new show made up of talking and songs played on a crappy keyboard from 1986. As seen on BBC2’s Live At The Apollo and Channel 4’s 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. “A beautiful mix of acute observation and startling invention” – The Irish Times “He’s funny, wretched and clever enough to spawn an army of imitators.” – The Age, Melbourne “Can there be anything more evil than someone…
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THEATRE: Port Authority by Conor McPherson
A young boy leaves home for the first time, a man begins a job for which he is not qualified, a pensioner receives a mysterious package. As each man confronts the significance of these events, they are forced to take stock of themselves, their feelings, and of the decisions they have made. Painting a vivid picture of life in contemporary Dublin, award-winning playwright Conor McPherson (Seafarer, The Weir and Shining City) weaves together a moving and funny tale of loves…
Find out more »March 2019
FAMILY THEATRE: Manny Man does the History of Ireland on Stage
Based on John D Ruddy’s hit series of books and YouTube videos, Manny Man’s History of Ireland is coming to the stage. Watch as Syn (John D Ruddy) and Oppy (Louise Conaghan) romp through thousands of years of Irish history, from the Big Bang to the present day, with the help of illustrated cut-outs and comedy. Smart and entertaining, Manny Man Does the History of Ireland is sure to please all ages, peppered with the tongue-in-cheek humour that is a…
Find out more »MUSIC: Rhiannon Giddens & Francesco Turrisi
Grammy Award-winning songstress and multi-instrumentalist Rhiannon Giddens and Italian jazz maestro Francesco Turrisi take you on a musical voyage of discovery. The duo discovered a shared creative ground after their paths crossed a few years back, spanning gospel, jazz, blues, country and folk. Giddens’ debut album was described by the Guardian as a “solo debut of phenomenal vocal power, effortlessly jumping between gospel holler, tender folk song, and lachrymose country ballad". The powerhouse singer’s versatility is matched by accordion and…
Find out more »COMEDY: Neil Delamere – Controlled Substance
Fresh from a sell-out tour, the star of BBC's The Blame Game and Soft Border Patrol, Neil Delamere, returns to the Riverbank Arts Centre with a brand new show. This time he thinks he has that whole "illusion of control" idea sussed.Then again he would think that, wouldn't he? 'You'll be hard-pressed to find a more gifted comic at the Fringe' ***** (Scotsman). 'One lean, mean, comedy, killing machine' ***** (Herald).
Find out more »May 2019
KYT presents: HAMLET
So, you are 18. You go abroad to third level. You are a second year in the University of Wittenburg. You study Philosophy and Greek and Roman Civilization. Tragically, your father dies while you are in your first semester of second year. You return home for the funeral, which is massive: people from everywhere come to pay their respects. It lasts for days. Your father was a very well respected man. Three weeks after he dies security is tightened around…
Find out more »KYT presents: HAMLET
So, you are 18. You go abroad to third level. You are a second year in the University of Wittenburg. You study Philosophy and Greek and Roman Civilization. Tragically, your father dies while you are in your first semester of second year. You return home for the funeral, which is massive: people from everywhere come to pay their respects. It lasts for days. Your father was a very well respected man. Three weeks after he dies security is tightened around…
Find out more »