7 Things to do this week...
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PORTIA COUGHLAN: Wexford Drama Group present powerful drama ‘Portia Coughlan’ on February 17 in the Wexford Arts Centre at 8 p.m. Written by Marina Carr and directed by Paul Walsh, Portia Coughlan is a tragedy play set in Ireland in the 1990s. Portia appears to have everything she could ever want, but she would willingly give it all up for a glimpse of her dead twin brother Gabriel, who drowned on their fifteenth birthday. The play documents the final two days of Portia’s struggle with this event, which has dominated her life. It is a human story, which we can all identify with on some level. We see dysfunction within the family, the bickering amongst the strong female characters, the snide remarks and the whispering words, which float around this small parish. Although the theme of the play is a dark one, it is far from tame. With foul and cruel insults being fired out, rage building to moments of violence and some waltzing and flirting happening in the local pub, this is a play with a strong storyline, strong characters and strong emotions. Tickets cost €14, for more information call the Arts Centre on, 053 9123764.
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LESLIE DOWHALL AND MIKE HANRAHAN: The Enniscorthy Presentation Centre would like to invite you to come see Leslie and Mike play on February 18 at 8.30 p.m. Leslie and Mike will perform from their national tour, ‘You are my sister’. With legendary histories behind them, Leslie with her earlier career with ‘In Tua Nua’ and Mike with the famed ‘Stockton’s Wing’,they combine to present a powerful and innovative force on stage. Their replication of collected and intriguing tunes combined with dynamic originals never fail to enchant their audience. Tickets cost €18 and are available through the Wexford Arts Centre website. For more information call, 053 9233000.
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VIKING STAR-GAZING: Relax and spend a day in the mindful experience of learning the traditional skills of making a traditional Viking Stargazing Chair under the guidance of master craftsman Tommy Kelly from Bevel Furniture/ Bevel Woodworking School at the Irish National Heritage Park. Available dates begin on Saturday, March 18. Learn how to make this wonderful chair using hand tools. You will be presented with a plank of wood at the start of the day and by the time you are going home you will have this wonderful chair to relax on and enjoy the night sky. Costw: €115 per person, call 053 9120733 or book online.
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JASON BYRNE: The stand-up comedian Jason Byrne is coming to Clayton Whites Hotel for one-night only on Friday, February 17 at 8pm. The comic cum radio presenter is the Edinburgh Festival’s biggest selling performer. He was nominated for a Perrier Award in 1998 and 2001. His television credits include Live at the Apollo, Channel, Wild Things on Sky 1 and The Snaptastic Show on TV3. His Radio 2 show won a Sony Gold Award for Best Comedy in 2011.
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NEWSIES THE BROADWAY MUSICAL: The broadway musical ‘Newsies’ will be on February 19 at 4 p.m. in Gorey cinema. Filmed live on stage at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood this high energy show stars original broadway cast members – Jeremy Jordan and Kara Lindsay. Set in New York City at the turn of the century, and based on a true story, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged teenage band, who dreams only of a better life. Tickets cost €12.50 for an adult and €10 for a child.
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JACK L: National treasure Jack L comes to Wexford to play a special Valentines Day show at the National Opera House called Songs for Lovers. The show will also feature many tracks from his brand new album ‘Magic Days.’ The album has been RTÉ’s ‘Album of the Week’ and is still top of the playlist. It also received a 5-star review from Hot Press magazine. Jack recently shared the stage at The Royal Alberty Hall when he appeared on the Jools Holland show. Jack L promises to deliver a spectacular event from his vivid imagination! Call the opera house on 053 9122144 or boxoffice@wexfordopera.com
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HELLO JOHNNY: This new show by Wexford Studio Theatre takes place at the Athenaeum in Enniscorthy on Saturday night at 8pm. A close and personal look at the mental health industry Hello Johnny is a one man performance which deals with the topic of mental illness. The show asks pertinent questions concerning the motivation and substantial profits of the major drug companies. The content of the show is an ideal starting point for important discussions on the subject of mental health. Following the show there will be a discussion on a wide range of relevant topics including historical attitudes of mental health and its influence on present-day stigma. Have you an event for our What’s On pages? email the details (with a picture, if possible) to: whatson@peoplenews.ie