DAY-BY-DAY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 8 p.m. The Ocelots and Basciville, Wexford Spiegeltent Two sets of brothers, twins Brandon and Ashley Watson (The Ocelots), and Cillian and Lorcan Byrne (Basciville) in a doube-header.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17
8 p.m. An Evening with Johnny McEvoy, Wexford Spiegeltent. Nostalgia-soaked show from veteran performer.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18
7 p.m. Deirdre O’Kane with Julie Jay and Emma Doran, Wexford Spiegeltent Comedienne O’Kane back in Wexford after sellout show at JestFest earlier in the year. 8.30 p.m. Larry Kirwan, Wexford Arts Centre
Multi-talented US-based Wexford native performing songs from his band, Black 47, and his musical theatre works. 10 p.m. Hermitage Green, Wexford Spiegeltent
Acoustic folk rockers make a popular return to the Spiegeltent.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19
7 p.m. Official opening & Fireworks, Wexford Quayfront Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, performs the official opening, followed by the traditional fireworks display scheduled for 7.40 p.m. 8 p.m. L’oracolo/Mala vita, National Opera House
Opera double bill from Franco Leoni (L’oracolo) and Umberto Giordano (Mala vita). 8 p.m. One-woman show The Scourge with Michelle Dooley Mahon, Wexford Arts Centre Critically acclaimed production shines light on scourge of Alzheimers. Directed by Ben Barnes. 9 p.m. Prohibition Party, Wexford Spiegeltent
Party time in the Spiegeltent, with music from the Electric Swing Circus.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20
10.30 a.m. Dr. Tom Walsh Lecture by Sir Thomas Allen and Stephen Higgins, St. Iberius Church Renowned baritone and accomplished conductor in lecture and performance.
1 p.m. Soprano duets with Ruth Gallagher and Patricia Goggins, The Friary Church Hour-long lunchtime recital. 1 p.m. Kevin Lawlor Trio, Wexford Library.
Wexford native Lawlor, the celebrated jazz drummer and composer, with Alex O’Keeffe and Jack Rufus Kelly. 1.05 p.m. Lunchtime recital, St. Iberius Church
Lunchtime treat with Dorothea Spilger, mezzo-soprano, and Tina Chang, piano. 3.30 p.m. Don Pasquale, Clayton Whites Hotel
Opera Shortwork, by Gaetano Donizetti.
7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk, National Opera House
7 p.m. Bell X1’s Paul Noonan, Wexford Spiegeltent In-the-round performance of Bell X1 favourites and songs from solo album. 8 p.m. Dinner at Eight, National Opera House
European premiere of William Bolcom opera set in Depression-era Manhattan. 8 p.m. One-woman show The Scourge with Michelle Dooley
Mahon,
Wexford
Arts Centre Critically acclaimed production shines light on scourge of Alzheimers. Directed by Ben Barnes.
9.45 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, Kelly’s South Main Street. 10 p.m. The Stunning, Wexford Spiegeltent Sold out show from much-loved Galway veterans.
10.25 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, Billy Kelly’s, The Faythe
11.15 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, The Porter House, Castlebridge This year’s offering from last year’s Variety category winners.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 21
10 a.m. Meet the Creators (composer and librettist of Dinner at Eight), National Opera House Rare opportunnity to meet Dinner At Eight composer William Bolcom and librettist Mark Campbell, Jerome Hynes Theatre. Tickets free, but must be reserved in advance. 11 a.m. Festival Service, St. Iberius Church 12 p.m. Bernstein A La Carte, Clayton Whites Hotel Opera Shortwork - Roberto Recchia directs celebration of one of America’s greatest composers.
12 p.m. OTT Wrestling, Wexford Spiegeltent
Over The Top Wrestling, packed with action. Tickets are €15 (adult), €10 (child) and €40 (family). 3 p.m. One-woman show The Scourge with Michelle Dooley Mahon, Wexford Arts Centre Critically acclaimed production shines light on scourge of Alzheimers. Directed by Ben Barnes.
3 p.m. Choral Concert by Wexford Festival Singers, Rowe Street Church.
Festival Singers joined by orchestra ensemble and soloists in performance of Jubilate Deo by Dan Forest. 4 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk, National Opera House
5 p.m. Il Bravo, National Opera House Saverio Mercadante opera in three acts, sung in Italian. 8 p.m. Waterford Whispers, News Live, Wexford Spiegeltent
Live show spawned by popular satirical website, set in chaotic newsroom. 9.30 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, Mary’s Bar.
11 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, Sailing Cot.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 22
8 p.m. Oyster Lane Theatre Group present Michael Collins-A Musical Drama, Dun Mhuire Theatre. Tale of ‘The Big Fella’ from critically acclaimed local musical theatre group.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23
1.05 p.m. Lunchtime recital, St. Iberius Church Ekaterina Bakanova, soprano, and Simon Mechlinski, baritone, with Daniela Pellegrino on piano. 3.30 p.m. La Fanciulla Del West, Clayton Whites Hotel
Opera Shortwork - condensed performance of possibly Puccini’s greatest work. 7 p.m. The Indelible Stain of the Irish Magdalene Laundries, Wexford Library WIT’s Dr Una Kelly in a consideration of Patricia Burke Brogan’s stage play ‘Eclipsed’.
7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk, National Opera House
8 p.m. Dinner at Eight, National Opera House. William Bolcom opera set in Depression-era Manhattan.
8 p.m. Oyster Lane Theatre Group present Michael Collins-A Musical Drama, Dun Mhuire Theatre
Tale of ‘The Big Fella’ from critically acclaimed local musical theatre group. 8 p.m. The Peacock Parlour Burlesque, Wexford Spiegeltent.
Magic, cabaret and acrobatics. Hosted by Foxy P. Cox, with special guest Jerry Fish. 9.45 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, The Pike
10.30 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, Culleton’s Whitemill. Last year’s winners in the Swinging category.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24
1.05 p.m. Lunchtime recital, St. Iberius Church With Richard Cox, tenor, and Jessica Hall on the piano. 3.30 p.m. Don Pasquale, Clayton Whites Hotel
Opera Shortwork, by Gaetano Donizetti.
7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk National Opera House
8 p.m. Il Bravo, National Opera House Saverio Mercadante opera in three acts, sung in Italian. 8 p.m. Wexford Drama Group presents The Factory Girls, Wexford Arts Centre
Award-winning local group in production of Frank McGuinness play set in shirt factory. 8 p.m. Oyster Lane Theatre Group present Michael Collins -a Musical Drama,
Dun Mhuire Theatre. Tale of ‘The Big Fella’ from critically acclaimed local musical theatre group. 8 p.m. Brendan Grace, Wexford Spiegeltent.
Veteran funnyman renews his Wexford links.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25
10 a.m. Festival Bridge Morning by the Sea, Stella Maris Centre €25 entry, includes refreshments and lunch. Booking required. 1.05 p.m. Lunchtime recital, St. Iberius Church
PE teacher turned Mezzo-soprano Sharon Carthy from Celbridge, with Leslie Dala on piano. 3.30 p.m. Bernstein A La Carte, Clayton Whites Hotel
Opera Shortwork - Roberto Recchia directs celebration of one of America’s greatest composers. 7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk National Opera House
7 p.m. An Evening with Don Conroy, Wexford Library Storytelling and drawing with well-known broadcaster, artist and enviromentalist. 8 p.m. L’Oracolo/Mala Vita, National Opera House
Opera double bill from Franco Leoni (L’oracolo) and Umberto Giordano (Mala vita). 8 p.m. Oyster Lane Theatre Group present Michael Collins -A Musical Drama, Dun Mhuire Theatre. Tale of ‘The Big Fella’ from critically acclaimed local musical theatre group. 8 p.m. Ballycogley Players One Act Comedy, St. Michael’s Hall, Thomas Street.
2018 All-Ireland drama winners onstage in SVdP centre. 8 p.m. Wexford Drama Group presents The Factory Girls, Wexford Arts Centre
Award-winning local group in production of Frank McGuinness play set in shirt factory. 8 p.m. Wexford Folk Orchestra Festival concert of Irish and Scottish music, Riverbank House Hotel Lively show with music, songs and recitations. Tickets just €12. 7 p.m. Paul Brady, Wexford Spiegeltent
Strabane legend in the company of Steve Fletcher, Bill Shanley and Suzanne Savage,
9.30 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, Ferrycarrig Hotel
10 p.m. The Academic, Wexford Spiegeltent Westmeath indie four-piece in standing show.
10.10 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, The Swan
10.50 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, Riley’s Tavern
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26,
10.30 a.m. RNLI Coffee Morning, Riverbank House Hotel (until 12.30) 1.05 p.m. Lunchtime recital, St. Iberius Church Baritone Gustavo Castillo, with pianist Andrea Grant.
2 p.m. Lewis & Dav, instrumental jazz, funk and pop, Wexford Arts Centre.
Intimate acoustic show from duo on second UK and Ireland tour of 2018. 3.30 p.m. La Fanciulla Del West, Clayton Whites Hotel
Opera Shortwork - condensed performance of possibly Puccini’s greatest work. 7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk, Opera House 7 p.m. Neil Delamere, Wexford Spiegeltent. Comic no stranger to sellout tours and TV appearances kicks off holiday weekend in Spiegeltent. 8 p.m. Dinner at Eight, National Opera House
William Bolcom opera set in Depression-era Manhattan. 8 p.m. Oyster Lane Theatre Group present Michael Collins- A Musical Drama, Dun Mhuire Theatre. Tale of ‘The Big Fella’ from critically acclaimed local musical theatre group.
8 p.m. Ballycogley Players One Act Comedy, St. Michael’s Hall, Green Street. 2018 All-Ireland drama winners onstage in SVdP centre. 8 p.m. Wexford Drama Group presents The Factory Girls, Wexford Arts Centre.
Award-winning local group in production of Frank McGuinness play set in shirt factory. 8.30 p.m. Holy Mary (Eoin Colfer), Jerome Hynes Theatre
Hilarious and heartbreaking play from pen of Wexford native of Artemis Fowl fame. 9.10 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, The John Barry
9.50 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, Bugler Doyle’s
10 p.m. Hudson Taylor, Wexford Spiegeltent
Brothers Harry and Alfie HudsonTaylor in sold-out show.
10.40 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, Gaynors
11.15 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, The Foggy Dew
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27
11 a.m. Sae National Yoon Opera Chon Piano House Recital,
Recital by South Korean winner of 11th Dublin International Piano Competition.
12.30 p.m. Poetry Reading, Wexford Book Centre
The Music of Words, a reading of original works by Wexford group, Front Room Poets. 1.05 p.m. Valda Chamber Choir, Wexford Co Council Offices, Carriglawn
Madrigals to modern, sacred to salsa, performance by local a capella singing group with guests Saxology. 1.05 p.m. Lunchtime recital, St. Iberius Church
Soprano Susannah Biller in the company of Leslie Dala on piano. 3.30 p.m. Don Pasquale, Clayton Whites Hotel
Opera Shortwork, by Gaetano Donizetti. 7 p.m. Delorentos, Wexford Spiegeltent.
Dublin four-piece visit Wexford on their True Surrender Tour. 7 p.m. Pre-Opera Talk, National Opera House
8 p.m. Ballycogley Players One Act Comedy St. Michael’s Hall, Green Street. 2018 All-Ireland drama winners onstage in SVdP centre. 8 p.m. Il Bravo, National Opera House
Saverio Mercadante opera in three acts, sung in Italian. 8 p.m. Wexford Drama Group’s The Factory Girls, Wexford Arts Centre.
Award-winning local group in production of Frank McGuinness play set in shirt factory. 8 p.m. Oyster Lane Theatre Group present Michael Collins- A Musical Drama, Dun Mhuire Theatre. Tale of ‘The Big Fella’ from critically acclaimed local musical theatre group. 8.30 p.m. Holy Mary (Eoin Colfer) Jerome Hynes Theatre
Hilarious and heartbreaking play from pen of Wexford native of Artemis Fowl fame. 9.35 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs Coopers Inn
10 p.m. Something Happens, Wexford Spiegeltent.
Eighties music legends fronted by radio’s Tom Dunne, with guests Hue and Cry. 10.30 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, Brownes, Bishopswater
11.15 p.m. Singing and Swinging Pubs, Wexford Arms, John Street Midnight Singing and Swinging Pubs, The Farmer’s Kitchen, Drinagh
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28.
11 a.m. Bernstein A La Carte, Clayton Whites Hotel Opera Shortwork - Roberto Recchia directs celebration of one of America’s greatest composers. 11 a.m. Festival Mass, Bride Street Church
Bishop of Ferns Denis Brennan presents annual Festival Mass of Thanksgiving. 12 noon Wexford Model Railway Club exhibition, St. Joseph’s Centre
Several layouts on display in the clubhouse, with refreshments available. For kids and big kids alike. Runs to 5 p.m. 12 noon Horrid Helga’s Victorian Circus, Wexford Spiegeltent
Exciting adventure with Helga, Karatacus the cranky clown, Alphonsus the scrawny strong man, and Baroness von Boomdea, the berded bombshell with a voice like breaking glass. Tickets are €12 for adults, €9 for children and €36 for a family.