November 2017
FAMILY THEATRE: Fidget Feet Strange Feathers
Strange Feathers is an aerial dance show aimed at the youngest audiences. Two little birds are learning to fly with the help of their surroundings in nature. Feathers drop from the sky to the beautiful sounds of soft music. With two aerial dancers and a musician on stage Strange Feathers mixes contemporary dance, aerial dance and live music in a humorous way. It is beautifully crafted and exquisitely delivered, full of unexpected and colourful wonders, which invite the children to…
Find out more »FAMILY THEATRE: They Called Her Vivaldi
Family favourites Theatre Lovett return with this upbeat comedy-adventure. A sensitive musical-prodigy makes a quiet name for herself in a cacophonous world. As our young heroine journeys over cobblestones and canals, we learn about love, loss, the place of salt in our diet and the courage to lose our footing without losing our way. "Theatre Lovett, one of the most imaginative and indispensable companies at work today." The Irish Times For ages 7 plus and adults of all ages. Starring…
Find out more »FAMILY THEATRE: White
A performance for 2-4 year olds Welcome to the beautifully strange world of White. Full of birdsong and birdhouses, it gleams and dazzles and shines in the night. Two friends look after the birds and make sure the eggs stay safe. We watch, we help. The world is bright, ordered and white. But high up in the trees, all is not white. Colour appears. First red... then yellow... then blue.. White is a playful, highly visual show for very young…
Find out more »December 2017
FAMILY THEATRE: Hansel And Gretel
Is hunger stronger than love? In this story it seems to be as the poor woodsman’s empty stomach goes to his head, he gives in to the bony step-mother and they leave Hansel and Gretel in the forest, not just once but twice and the second time there won’t be any moonstones to follow back home. Instead they follow their noses to the sugary heart of darkness… A musical theatre version of this classic brother and sister tale of adventure…
Find out more »January 2018
FAMILY SHOW: The Speks
The Speks present a lively show of nursery rhymes and sing-along songs set to acoustic Irish music which will have adults and kids jumping in their seats! Their hand-clapping, toe-tapping, hearty-laughing show is all about life on Glasses Island – a magical island off the coast of Co. Clare where everybody wears glasses! The Speks have won a Parents’ Choice music award in the US where their music has been described as “Riverdance for kids” and they encourage everyone to…
Find out more »March 2018
SHARING: Hatch by Fidget Feet
Following the success of Strange Feathers, Fidget Feet is now working on a new show calls Hatch. Riverbank Arts Centre is delighted to support the development of this show by offering our venue for rehearsals and a sharing session. Hatch is a new immersive aerial dance show based on caterpillars & butterflies called suitable for 3- 8 year olds & their families. Opening with an art and craft workshop we will create a sensory & participatory exploration for the children…
Find out more »FAMILY SHOW: Little Folk On Tour
Note: Rescheduled to 31st March, at 11am Little Folk On Tour is a fun filled exploration of music perfectly suited for your energetic under 6’s. Join Kyle Riley as he leads children and their adults through a variety of music that gets them (and you) singing and moving. In this family concert, Kyle brings his own style to those traditional children’s songs we know so well and introduces you to his original songs inspired by his two young children. It’s an…
Find out more »April 2018
FAMILY THEATRE: The Magic Bookshop
Welcome to The Magic Bookshop! It’s a treasure trove of wonders where old books flock together and their stories hop from the pages. Peter and John work at the new arrivals desk. Great heaps of books have to be sorted and categorized and sometimes sent to the dreaded shredder. The two friends do their very best to make sure every book gets a new life and that none of the magic is lost. Step inside this unusual shop, swap a…
Find out more »FAMILY THEATRE: Dr. Zeiffal, Dr. Zeigal, and The Hippo That Can Never Be Caught!
Mouths of Lions bring their five star, award- winning, Edinburgh Fringe family favourite show, Dr. Zeiffal, Dr. Zeigal and the Hippo That Can Never Be Caught! to Ireland! Dr. Zeiffal and Dr. Zeigal and The Hippo That Can Never Be Caught, invites the audience to help the forgetful Dr. Zeiffal catch the crafty Hippo with her patented Hippo Instruments: the Invisible Hippo Blanket, the Hippo Google Goggles and a blizzard of Hippo packaging. Expect belly laughs, belly flops, surreal slapstick…
Find out more »FAMILY THEATRE: Whatever The Weather
A drop of sunshine, a sprinkle of rain, a dollop of snow and a whoosh of wind. Whatever the Weather it can be fun to go outside! But that's not what Worried Wendy thinks, she hides away inside, afraid of what the weather may bring As each day brings a new weather the children experience a range of sensory activities, touching warm sunshine heat cushions, dancing with whirling wind sticks and catching their reflections in the puddles. Together the children…
Find out more »Animagination Festival 2018
Join us once again for our annual Animagination Festival! We've got screenings, workshops, authors events....... Saturday 21st April: 10am: WORKSHOP: Imagine a New World of Characters – mixed media collage workshop 11.30am: WORKSHOP: Drawing fun with illustrator Tarsila Krüse – in association with CBI Bold Girls 11.30am: FAMILY CINEMA: Thomas & Friends Journey Beyond Sordor 1.30pm: WORKSHOP: Make Your Own Stop-Motion Animation 2pm: FAMILY CINEMA: Mary and the Witches Flower Sunday 22nd April: 10am WORKSHOP: Make Your Own Stop-Motion Animation…
Find out more »FAMILY THEATRE: Woolly’s Quest
This is the epic story of Woolly, the bravest of all sheep. Woolly was the first sheep who dared to be different, he dared to be adventurous; he dared to discover what happens to his wool. Join Woolly on his audacious quest to reclaim his shorn fleece, marvel at his sheer bravery on a journey fraught with peril to learn what life looms beyond the gate. A rip-roaring yarn, Woolly's Quest has it all, Branar weaves together storytelling, music, song…
Find out more »May 2018
FAMILY: The Wonderful Tune
The Wonderful Tune is a captivating, moving, and otherworldly show for children aged 6 and above. This reimaging of an old fairytale weaves together traditional music, song, puppetry, and animation to bring children on an unforgetable journey. Told through the eyes of Maggie Connor and her son Maurice 'the king of all the pipers in Ireland', 'The Wonderful Tune is a musical world of singing mermaids, dancing sea creatures, and an enchanted tune which is sure to have everyone singing…
Find out more »June 2018
FAMILY THEATRE: Tom Thumb
One night tiny Tom overhears Mum and Dad talking - there's nothing left to eat so they are going to leave him and his six brothers in the forest! Outwitting his parents and the ogre Tom shows everybody that even though he is small he is still mighty as he protects his brothers, finds the treasure and makes sure they'll never be hungry again. Performed entirely on and under a kitchen table this wee wonder of a show is full…
Find out more »July 2018
FAMILY SHOW: One Man Shoe
Jango Starr, a bumbling theatre caretaker, is thrust into the limelight when the headline act fails to turn up, and embarks on a hilarious journey of highly crafted and heartfelt silent comedy. Witness Jango’s hilarious journey as he magically finds his way to realise his dreams of transforming into a star. A delightful, dynamic and uplifting show for children and families, performed by Jango Starr, whose unique style of silent physical theatre includes contemporary circus clowning, slapstick comedy, puppetry, juggling and…
Find out more »November 2018
FAMILY THEATRE: The Young King by Oscar Wilde
What kind of King would you be? A naïve boy raised by goatherds is discovered to be heir to the kingdom. Treasures and privileges are laid at his feet, but at what cost to others? The achingly beautiful and tender language of Oscar Wilde joins the intimate and magical world of internationally acclaimed Australian theatre company, Slingsby. Journey in wonder, to a land of challenging choices and rich rewards. “Every element of this delightful production excites the eye, stirs the…
Find out more »FAMILY: Bosco’s Garden And Hansel and Gretel
Paula Lambert Puppet Theatre present : Bosco’s 40th Anniversary Tour 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 story of Hansel and Gretel through…
Find out more »December 2018
How to Catch a Star
BRANAR TÉATAR DO PHÁISTÍ PRESENTS HOW TO CATCH A STAR Once there was a boy who was always looking up. He dreamt of having a star as a friend. This is the story of his adventure. Based on the beloved book by award-winning Irish author Oliver Jeffers, Branar Téatar do Pháistí are proud to present How to Catch a Star. This adaptation combines puppetry with a magical original score by Colm Mac Con Iomaire. Directed by Marc Mac Lochlainn, Branar’s…
Find out more »March 2019
FAMILY SHOW: Ceol Connected presents: Return of Spring
Every year in Whistleberry Forest, the creatures of the forest look forward to the end of the frosty Winter, and to the beginning of Spring. This year was a little different however, as Springtime had arrived much earlier than usual. All the hibernating animals, except for Huggy the hedgehog, were still curled up fast asleep. Huggy must go on an adventurous musical quest in search of evidence of Spring if he is to convince his friends that it is time…
Find out more »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 »April 2019
FAMILY THEATRE: Fidget Feet present HATCH
Bláithín loves caterpillars, moths and butterflies... Follow her on her adventurous journey with Uncle Rusty to find Pearl, the most extraordinary butterfly with the most exquisite colourful wings. Learn all about two little caterpillars and their journey to fly as moths and butterflies. Fidget Feet’s new show HATCH weaves craft workshops, Irish language and Irish dancing into this wonderful story for 4 - 10 year olds and their families. Fidget Feet are frequent and popular visitors to Riverbank Arts Centre…
Find out more »FAMILY THEATRE: Egg and Spoon
Egg and Spoon is a joyful interactive adventure through the seasons. The very young won’t sit still to watch a show and Lyngo Theatre don’t expect them to! Percy and April will get you settled on comfortable cushions and introduce you to Birdy, still hiding in his glowing egg. We have to wait till Spring if we want to see him, so it’s time to begin our hands-on journey through the year. We’ll run through the rain and the falling…
Find out more »June 2019
FAMILY THEATRE: Jack and The Beanstalk
Fee Fi Fo Fum! It’s a giant of a show, we’d love you to come! This classic fairytale gets the Lyngo treatment so expect lots of surprises, a gripping story and beautiful images as Jack sells his cow for 5 magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds. It’s a show for the over 4s (and their giants) with something for everyone – enormous shoes, tiny houses, showers of silver and gold and a big, leafy explosion!…
Find out more »FAMILY THEATRE: The Science Magic Show
Prepare to enter the magical world of science! In the Science Magic Show over a dozen tricks are performed using everyday items and the scientific principles behind them are explained. Donal Vaughan, award-winning comedian and scientist, makes science fun for all the family. He makes the impossible possible – turns water upside down without spilling it, moves an object without touching it - and you can try all the tricks again at home with your young wizards. Ages 6+
Find out more »July 2019
FAMILY THEATRE: Joe Daly -Children’s Magic and Illusion Show
Direct from his weekday magic show ‘abraKIDabra’ on RTÉjr, Joe Daly brings his children’s comedy magic and illusion show to the Riverbank Arts Centre. Suitable for children from 4-12, Joe will bring you on a rollercoaster ride of magic, illusion, comedy and fun. Joe’s show revitalises children’s entertainment, so much so that the adults will enjoy it as much as the young audience! Prepare yourself to be spellbound one minute and roaring laughing the next. Tables will fly, newspapers torn…
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FAMILY THEATRE: A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings
In a kitchen, in a theatre, two storytellers and their audience find something remarkable; a very old man with enormous wings. Starting from Gabriel Garcia Marquez's short story 'A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings', Collapsing Horse bring this classic piece of magic-realism to the stage. A young couple find an injured old man outside their house, an old man who just happens to have a pair of enormous wings. The wise neighbour woman tells them he’s an angel. She…
Find out more »August 2019
FAMILY: An Lasairéan – work-in-progress
Fizz and Chips Theatre Company are developing a new show for children and they want your help. They are in the very early stages of creation and are holding an open sharing to get your feedback on some ideas for their new show An Lasairéan. An Lasairéan is a bilingual show as Gaeilge agus Béarla telling the story of a young bird (The Flamingo) who has just moved to Ireland, through dance, music and text. This short performance you will…
Find out more »September 2019
FAMILY: ADOLETA
A-do-le-TA! is a dance theatre piece that joyously explores friendship and play. Come with Joy and Sky into a world where everything is possible - a tent can be a crab, an umbrella can be a cloud and the moon can sing! Through play two friends overcome differences and together imagine, create and expand their reality and yours. Ages 3 - 6 Presented by LittleLion Dance Theatre
Find out more »October 2019
FAMILY THEATRE: Stick by Me by Andy Manley
When I wake up you are there Ready? Let’s run, play, hide. Follow me Don’t get lost. I will stick by you If you will Stick by me Stick by Me is a quirky, new show about friendship and play, and the importance of treasuring little things. Created by Andy Manley and Ian Cameron, co-creators of international hit show White. Stick by Me was originally presented at Edinburgh International Children's Festival and commissioned by Gulbenkian **** “What a wonderfully wise…
Find out more »November 2019
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 »December 2019
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 »March 2020
CANCELLED: FAMILY THEATRE: THE LONSDALE PROJECT
Due to the Government directive to close all public buildings until 29th March, unfortunately this event is not going ahead as scheduled. All ticket holders have been contacted. 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.…
Find out more »August 2020
SING ME TO THE SEA (at home version)
**Update 21st August: Due to the extension of local lockdown announced at 6pm today, Riverbank and Anna Newell Theatre Adventures are unable to present the planned performances of Sing Me To The Sea in County Kildare. We are presenting some performances in neighbouring counties (Dublin, Louth, Meath, Carlow) the week of 24th - 28th August. To start the booking process, please fill in this short form and we will follow up with a phone call. **** Sing Me to the Sea (at…
Find out more »November 2020
ONLINE FAMILY SHOW: The University of Wonder & Imagination
The University of Wonder & Imagination is now enrolling students of all ages and magical abilities...and there’s a place with your name on it! The University of Wonder & Imagination brings the magic of theatre to young audiences at home with this groundbreaking immersive digital show. This fun, interactive hour-long experience takes place live in your own home and is suitable for all the family to enjoy via the magic of digital technology. Guests will assemble with their fellow ‘University…
Find out more »December 2020
ONLINE FAMILY SHOW: The Gift of Winter
A show that you can do at home, not just watch! Get inspired by Lyngo’s 30 minute film with stop-motion animation telling the story of how Winter got its colours. Then follow the instructions in our easy-to-read pdfs to make your own miniature set and props! Use them to re-create our story, along with our original songs and music, or make up a new one of your own. At the end you will have made, played and stayed together which,…
Find out more »September 2021
THEATRE: A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings
Gabriel García Márquez's darkly comic tale, brought to the stage for children and adults to share. In a kitchen, in a theatre, two storytellers and their audience find something remarkable — a very old man with enormous wings. The wise neighbour woman tells us he’s an angel. The priest says he’s an imposter. Pilgrims flock to see him, hoping to be healed by him, hoping for a gawp. They leave with something different than what they expected. Adapted from Gabriel…
Find out more »FAMILY: A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings
Gabriel García Márquez's darkly comic tale, brought to the stage for children and adults to share. In a kitchen, in a theatre, two storytellers and their audience find something remarkable — a very old man with enormous wings. The wise neighbour woman tells us he’s an angel. The priest says he’s an imposter. Pilgrims flock to see him, hoping to be healed by him, hoping for a gawp. They leave with something different than what they expected. Adapted from Gabriel…
Find out more »October 2021
FAMILY: TREEHOUSE by Ceol Connected
Join The Whistleberries in the treetops where a toe-tapping, tale-telling, hip-shaking hooley awaits! TREEHOUSE is Ceol Connected's unique big band music and puppetry performance for young audiences that is sure to have everyone singing along. With mesmerising original music and songs by some of Ireland’s finest musicians and performers, you can look forward to a wonderfully interactive show that will have audiences of all ages hooked. Musical Director Thomas Johnston (whistles and song) is joined by a stellar line-up of…
Find out more »FAMILY: TREEHOUSE by Ceol Connected
Join The Whistleberries in the treetops where a toe-tapping, tale-telling, hip-shaking hooley awaits! TREEHOUSE is Ceol Connected's unique big band music and puppetry performance for young audiences that is sure to have everyone singing along. With mesmerising original music and songs by some of Ireland’s finest musicians and performers, you can look forward to a wonderfully interactive show that will have audiences of all ages hooked. Musical Director Thomas Johnston (whistles and song) is joined by a stellar line-up of…
Find out more »FAMILY: My Smile Has Fallen Down
Where has Mr Hoppity the rabbit gone? Did he not want to be with his friends anymore? Did he run away? Has he been eaten by the Bed Monster?! Gagglegoose thinks it might have something to do with Jelly Beans, Mrs Fox is very sure that the Bed Monster doesn’t exist, Mr Fox can’t get a word in and Grumble Skunk is just too cross about everything to be much help! My Smile Has Fallen Down is a show for…
Find out more »February 2022
FAMILY: Ceol Connected – Wunderground
Far beneath the big oak tree, another world awaits. It’s the Wunderground, and a new night has just begun. Badger has woken up from his slumber, and is about to go on his usual rounds. Rabbit has returned from her daily adventures to the Woverground. Something however, is not quite right. The earth has become unusually dry, and the tree and its many inhabitants are beginning to get very thirsty! Join Badger and Rabbit on an unforgettable musical adventure as…
Find out more »FAMILY: Ceol Connected – Wunderground
Far beneath the big oak tree, another world awaits. It’s the Wunderground, and a new night has just begun. Badger has woken up from his slumber, and is about to go on his usual rounds. Rabbit has returned from her daily adventures to the Woverground. Something however, is not quite right. The earth has become unusually dry, and the tree and its many inhabitants are beginning to get very thirsty! Join Badger and Rabbit on an unforgettable musical adventure as…
Find out more »March 2022
SCREENING: The Lonsdale Project
Super Paua and Riverbank Arts Centre are delighted to present the world premiere of The Lonsdale Project, a film for ages 11+. It’s the first annual lecture on the work of Kathleen Lonsdale, a Kildare-born crystallographer, anti-war campaigner, mother of three, and activist for penal reform, having served time in Holloway Prison. Professor O’Mahony and Professor Breathnach are both excited to share her achievements. But they have some very different ideas on how to do that… One a more traditional…
Find out more »April 2022
FAMILY: Fall and Float
Fall and Float is a new dance performance for audiences aged 4 years and over. In this highly visual show, two dancers create a magical world to explore childhood, adventure, fantasy, imagination and friendship. Balloons are used by the dancers to evoke important moments of childhood and spark memories and emotions. Two talented dancers, Mónica Muñoz's playful choreography and a joyful soundscape by Denis Clohessy, combine to make Fall and Float a delight for the senses and an ideal introduction…
Find out more »October 2022
FAMILY: An Ant Called Amy
This is a story about an ant called Amy (an award-winning ant I might add), her brother Andy and a Brown Spider. A story about a busy little ant who learns to slow down. An Ant Called Amy is a story about an Ant called Amy, her brother Andy and a brown spider. Amy the ant works very hard. When she wins the Employee of the Month Award Amy feels happiness that drives her to work even harder. But with…
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