7 Things to do this week...
1 DES BISHOP ‘MIA MAMMA’: An honorary Wexford man at this stage, owing to his years spent studying at St Peter’s College, a firm favourite returns to the National Opera House stage this Friday night in the form of Des Bishop. While Des always brings a bit of local knowledge and banter to his Wexford shows, the general subject matter of his latest show is a heavy one – the passing of his mother. A man who tries to see the funny side of everything, Des tries to make sense of the death of his mother, the second parent, and moving forward. ‘It’s a show about motherhood and sacrifice,’ he says. ‘It’s anxiety and grief, the mistakes you make as a mother and a son and the hard road to forgiveness and finally it’s about loss, grief and the chaos that surrounds it.’ ‘Mia Mamma’ follows on from Des’ hit show about his father ‘My Dad Was Nearly James Bond’. The thinking man’s comedian, Des has a unique knack of exploring universal themes in hilarious fashion and this one looks set to be a hit too. Tickets are priced at €25 from www. nationaloperahouse.ie.
2 JERRY FISH: Legendary Irish songwriter andperformer, JerryFishwillbe appearing in the Presentation Centre in Ennis co rt hy this coming Friday, March 13, at8.30p.m. Renowned as much for his showmanship as he is for his music, Fishisa carnivalcreator, circusringmaster, playwright, singer, songwriter and poet. With two platinum selling solo albums to his name along with an MTV award and an IR MA music award, this show, titled‘ The Songs and Tall Tales of Jerry Fish ’, is going to be a fantastic night out for all local discerning music fans. In addition to his ob servant and thought-provoking songs it’ s the theatrical delivery of his on-stage performances that marks him out from the majority of his contemporaries. Tickets, priced€22, arenow available through the Presentation Centre box office at 0539233000 or throughwww. presentationcentre.ie.
3 BREATHE THE PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE: Following a sold-out Irish tour, Breathe - The Pink Floyd Experience bring ‘Dark Side of the Moon - Live’ to the National Opera House stage this Saturday night. The show features a full performance of the iconic album, along with some fan favourites for good measure, with stunning live visuals throughout. Tickets are priced at €28 from www. nationaloperahouse.ie.
4 LEO SAYER: A bona fide legend, Leo Sayer returns to Ireland and the National Opera House stage tonight (Tuesday) after a whole host of recent sold-out performances. Known the world over for his army of hits, including ‘Thunder In My Heart’, ‘Moonlighting’, ‘One Man Band’, ‘The Show Must Go On’ and many more, his high energy, hit-packed show is a sight to be seen. Tickets are priced at €36 and are available from www.nationaloperahouse.ie .
5 Now that spring has sprung, the fairies are getting ready for the most beautiful time of the year. And they are coming to Wells House on Sunday, March 15, from 1-4 p.m. Better still, they have invited all children in the county and beyond to come and help fairy Lola on her quest to find the treasure just in time for the magical fairy ball. Tickets for this day cost €5 per child for the treasure hunt, face-painting and disco, and can be purchased on eventbrite.ie. For more information contact info@wellshouse.ie. Entry is €10 per car.
6 FOLK SINGER HOMECOMING GIG: Barcelona based Wexford singer/songwriter Davy Lyons is performing with Cry Monster Cry at Wexford Arts Centre this Saturday. The talented folk singer, whose songs have a Leonard Cohen/Neil Young vibe, garnered high praise for his debut album and is returning with some high tempo songs to add to his repertoire. Lyons played some events with Cry Monster Cry last year in Whelan’s and the National Stadium. Cry Monster Cry (brothers Richie and Jamie Martin) are in the middle of an Irish tour, promoting the release of their last record which has got great reviews.
7 SNAKE HUNT AT LIGHTHOUSE: A ‘Snake Hunt’ is taking place at Hook Lighthouse this Sunday, fittingly enough ahead of St Patrick’s Day. A search of the lighthouse lawns will be underway to hunt the snakes from the peninsula. The snake search will be on offer at 12 noon and at 2 p.m. and all of the children who manage to capture a snake can take it home as their new pet! The Snake Hunt will be followed by fun and games for all on the lighthouse lawns. The cafe will have a green theme and a celebration of the names Patricia and Paddy will take place, so if your name is Paddy or Patricia or Pat you can enjoy access to a free lighthouse tour this St Patrick’s Day.