Friday 4 & Saturday 5 April PricewaterhouseCoopers Players BABES IN THE WOOD Stick a feather in your hat and strap on your green tights, sharpen your arrows and tighten your bows because 'Babes in the Wood' Pantomime 2008 is fast approaching!. The show promises to be an energy-filled, swashbuckling extravaganzo, showcasing the enormous range of talent within the firm, in an array of sparkling costmes, sword fights and sassy moves to music ranging from the Blues Brothers to Scissors Sisters. Adults €12, Children (u-13) €7.50, small group (2 adults and 2 children)€22 (Friends: priority booking) Matinee 3.30pm and Evening Performances 8pm

Tues 8 April Film Club NIGHT OF THE SUNFLOWERS(La Noche de los Girasoles) The discovery of a young woman's body in a field is the starting point of Jorge Sánchez-Cabezudo's engrossing thriller, set in an isolated rural town in northern Spain. The director's cleverly constructed screenplay explores the consequences through six overlapping chapters in which events are observed from different perspectives. Establishing an ominous atmosphere from the outset and working with a well-chosen cast, writer-director Sánchez-Cabezudo makes a thoroughly assured feature film debut with this thoughtful, imaginative and intricately structured drama that proves satisfyingly tantalising - which is appropriate for a movie in which one of the main themes is the deceptiveness of appearances. -Michael Dwyer, Irish Times Dir: Jorge Sánchez-Cabezudo, Starring: Carmelo Gomez, Judith Diakhate, Celso Bugallo, Manuel Moron, Mariano Alameda, Vicente Romero. Language: Spanish €7/5/3 8pm

Thursday 10 April STEEL TREES - THE FUTURE? Official opening of Megan O’Beirne’s Steel Trees – The Future? takes place at 7pm;. The exhibition will run through the season Suas an Staighre. See visual arts for further information.

Saturday 12 April SONGBIRD
The Golden Age of Swing, Jazz and Blues!! Doris Day, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Judy Garland, Aretha Franklin and more all under one roof. These great Divas have influenced and shaped the lives of so many people with their shocking and brave stories and their powerful music. Let us take you through the years as we explore the lives and careers of these amazing women. Hosted by RTE's, Kevin Hough reunited with his co-star, Ellen McElroy, under the musical direction of veteran musician David Wray and accompanied by his toe tapping swing band don’t miss this opportunity to hear all the classic numbers as we take you down memory lane. Hit songs include Lady is a Tramp, New York New York, I say a Little Prayer, and Over the Rainbow, to name but a few. "Ellen Mc Elroy is irresistible with a sparkling personality" - Boston Globe Presented by R.T.E.'s Kevin Hough With co-star Diva Ellen Mc Elroy Music by David Wray and his renowned swing band. €20/18

Tues 15 April Film Club JOE STRUMMER: THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN Filmmaker Julien Temple chronicles the transformation of a self-described “mouthy little git,” born John Mellor, into an antiestablishment icon known to the world as Joe Strummer, front man of the seminal punk band The Clash. Through previously unearthed interviews with Strummer himself and recollections of those who knew him best, Temple reveals a complex man who used his music as a bullhorn for his conscience – as well as a means to educate others about the injustices of the world. The film includes live concert footage spanning Strummer’s career and tapes of his BBC radio program, all of which provide a fitting soundtrack to his distinctive and storied existence. Dir: Julien Temple Language: English €7/5/3 8pm

Saturday 19 April LIZ RYAN - THE ECLECTIC MEZZO Unfortunately, due unforeseen circumstances, this event has been postponed. Please add you name to our mail list to be notified of forthcoming events
€16/14 8pm

Thursday 24 April VIOLETTA 20 Minutes News called her ‘one of the greats of American music’ and La Boite ‘a master of the essence of Black music with an absolute knowledge of what she is doing.’ Originally from Philadelphia and now based between Barcelona and Dublin, VIOLETTA has built a reputation and a gathering fan base around her intimate and dynamic performances. This Birr concert is part of a world tour to promote her new album Unconditional Love. Each member of her band is equally renowned in their own right, with Grammy selected Catalan jazz pianist Jaume Vilaseca, bassist Joseph ‘The Duke’ Roberts, who has worked with everyone from Sting to Pavarotti, and drummer Cheryl Alleyne. A concert not to be missed!
Special guest Colm Ó Snodaigh (Kila) €16/14 8pm BOOK NOW

Friday 25 April WHAT MEN WANT Just remember the more you know about men, the more you will love your cat… If a show that starts off with certain audience members receiving glasses of champagne and ends with the whole audience being handed pints of Guinness, can be described as ‘novel’, then brace yourself as Peadar de Burca takes you on a mission to find out what goes on in the mind of the most complex species on the planet. De Burca interviewed over 150 Irish men trying to solve the puzzle that has baffled many female minds – the findings have been condensed into a 90 minute comedy show. The play focuses on those matters that are incredibly important to men - body image, baldness and hitting the target when going to the toilet, and of course that very male practice of… ‘practising’. It would be fair to say that this play enforces the notion that most men just don’t have a clue and while some of them should elicit your sympathy, it’s best to save it for the women who are the objects of our desire. €16/14 8pm BOOK NOW

Sunday 27 April BRENDAN GRACE
Celebrates 39 Years of Comedy The greatest family comedian of our generation proudly presents 39 years in the Comedy business and most of this time at the very top of his profession. Brendan's latest show features the best and most requested pieces from his vast repertoire over the last 39 years. His sense of timing and ability to read an audience is without equal. A brilliant character actor, his 'Bottler' character is legendary and his interpretation of the 'Irish Wedding' will forever remain a masterpiece. Apart from his obvious 'star quality' in all aspects of his performance Brendan's drawing power is enormous and the 'House Full' sign is the norm rather than the exception at his concerts. Although Brendan now resides in the United States with his wife Eileen and family and enjoys international success brought about by his association with the Late Frank Sinatra, he still tours Ireland on a regular basis, and indeed still considers Ireland his first love.
Tickets €30 (Friends: Priority) 8pm BOOK NOW

BEALTAINE FESTIVAL Bealtaine is the Irish national arts festival celebrating creativity in older age. It takes place each May countrywide and involves thousands of participants in events in every art form. Taking its name from the ancient Celtic festival celebrating springtime, Bealtaine celebrates renewal, creativity and growth in ageing. Bealtaine is coordinated by Age & Opportunity - the national organisation working to promote greater participation by older people in society.

Tues 6 May Legitimate Bodies Dance Company MOVEMENT TO MUSIC CLASS for senior citizens Every Tuesday for 4 weeks. Gentle movement sessions that bring benefits for joint mobility, posture and muscular tone while stimulating the creative mind. You are not too old to be young!
€5 (pay for 4 classes get T-Dance free on 29 May) 11.30am – 12.45pm (This event is run in conjunction with Bealtaine Festival)

Thursday 8 & Friday 9 May Bealtaine Festival Film GROW YOUR OWN Grow Your Own is a gentle sweet-smelling comedy that is blessed with plenty of British charm. Set on an allotment in the North of England, a bunch of grumpy old men spend their days nurturing their beloved allotments, while passing comment on their neighbours’ vegetables. The locals are less than happy when a family of asylum seekers from China move in on their precious patch. With its focus on community and a determination to challenge British fears of being swamped by immigrants, the movie has a contemporary feel. A solid ensemble cast, including the talented Eddie Marsan, dig in to a typically earthy script by Frank Cottrell Boyce and Carl Hunter… The message is one of integration and tolerance, and the whole endeavour seems robustly proud of its roots.” - Mark Kermode, Foyle Film Festival 2007 It’s a super little film, full of rich characters and with a gentleness to it that’s utterly charming. - The Irish Examiner Director: Richard Laxton Co-written by Frank Cottrell-Boyce €7/5/3 in celebration of Bealtaine Festival senior citizens €3
Thursday 8 May at 8pm Friday 9 May at 11am (West Offaly Community Transport Bus arrives in Birr by 11am from Rath/Kilcormac, Kinnitty, Banagher)

Wednesday 14 May Tallisman Theatre Company PUSS IN BOOTS A “purr-fect” treat! Step into a magical world presided over by the cleverest cat ever to wear boots, in this delightful re-enactment of an all-time fairy-tale favourite! A poor miller’s son is left with a most unusual inheritance: a cat named Puss. No ordinary feline, Puss soon reveals he can talk and persuades his master to spend his last pennies on knee-length boots, a long flowing purple coat and a feather-topped hat! The mischievous Puss then leads his master on a series of adventures in his mission to help him to win the heart of a beautiful princess! But when the king demands to see his riches, the clever cat must go to the land of the wicked magician and use all his cunning to ensure that everyone lives happily ever after! Age 4+
Adult: €12.50; Child: €10.50; School/Group rate: €9.00 One teacher free with every 10-child tickets sold. Show running time 60 mins approx. 9.55am, 11.15am & 12.35pm. Booking early is suggested for this popular show!

Thursday 15 May THE RITE OF SUMMER An enchanting evening celebrating the dance and performance talent of Offaly’s youth and children. Choreographed by Legitimate Bodies Dance Company artistic directors Nick Bryson and Cristina Goletti together with the young dancers, this is a wonderful occasion for children (aged 7-11) and youth (aged 12-16) to take part in a full- length contemporary dance piece. You will be witnessing the culmination of a year of regular dance classes for Offaly Youth Dance and First Footing as well as a debut for the children of other Offaly’s schools, who have just recently started. A feast of the joy of movement, heart felt yet light, don’t miss it! The programme also includes national and international guest artists as well as a performance by another guest youth group. €14/12 7pm

Friday 16 May POETRY READING for Bealtaine Festival with EILEEN CASEY To celebrate Bealtaine 2008, Offaly Poet Eileen Casey will read at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre. Twice short-listed for a Sunday Tribune Hennessy Award, poetry (2004) and fiction (2005), she is a regular contributor to Senior Times. Much of Eileen’s poetry draws on the richness of her growing up in the Midlands. Colourful characters and humorous memoir create the landscape for her early work, forming a well the poet constantly returns to for inspiration. A poetry collection The Wolf’s Door is due for publication in June, 2008.
€8 (in celebration of Bealtaine Festival senior citizens €5) 11.15am (West Offaly Community Transport Bus arrives in Birr by 11am from Rath/Kilcormac, Kinnitty, Banagher) BOOK NOW

Friday 16 May The New Theatre: Dublin THE TAILOR & ANSTY It was banned by the state censorship board in 1942 and was debated for nearly a week in the Senate in Dublin. The Tailor, Timothy Buckley, was a great storyteller and he and his wife, Ansty, used to hold court in their house near Gougane Barra in West Cork, welcoming all and providing food and drink. The Tailor never travelled further than Scotland, yet the breadth of the world could not contain the welth of his humour and fantasty. All human life is here – marriages, inquests, matchmaking, wakes – and always the Tailor, his wife and their black cow. When the ban was lifted, Cross’s novel about their life was adapted by PJ O’Connor and was first performed in The Peacock theatre in 1967. This latest production has played to enthusiastic audiences throughout the country since its opening in July 2005. by Eric Cross, adapted by P.J. O’Connor with Ronan Wilmot and Nuala Hayes €16/14 8pm
(To celebrate Bealtaine Festival older persons group rate available) BOOK NOW

Sat 24 & Sun 25 May Birr Stage Guild Gala Anniversary Presentation THE BEST OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN Ann Hogan mezzo soprano John Molloy bass baritone Naoise Stuart-Kelly soprano The Gilbert & Sullivan Orchestra with Birr Stage Guild Chorus With fourteen operettas written over the course of twenty-five years, W.S.Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan etched their names in the history books forever, and whetted an appetite for musical theatre all over the world. Some of their best loved overtures, choruses, quartets, duets and solos from H.M.S.Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance, The Gondaliers and Others, make up this memorable evening of music and song. Featuring accomplished guest singers of national and international repute, the chorus of Birr Stage Guild and G & S Orchestra. Musical Director Enda O Connor. Tickets €25/22.50 (Patrons: €50)
Friday 24 May: BOOK NOW Saturday 25 May: BOOK NOW

Thursday 29 May AFTERNOON TEA DANCE Bring yesteryear back to life in this unique opportunity to socialise and dance to nostalgic music. And if you don’t know the steps, just come and have a cup of tea! Short performances from Legitimate Bodies members and Offaly Youth Dance will provide great entertainment too. €5 4pm-5:30pm (This event is run in conjunction with Bealtaine Festival)

Saturday 31 May CHELSEA BALLET Chelsea Ballet was formed in 1967 by Thelma Litster, a former soloist of the Ballet Rambert. This performance will include excerpts from the Classics - Sleeping Beauty; Nutcracker; Swan Lake; Giselleand Coppelia. €15/ €7 (Friends: Priority Booking) · 8pm Workshop Childrens Ballet Workshop from 2.30 – 6pm. Learn some of the dances which Chelsea Ballet will perform later and try on costumes and tiaras worn by the dancers. The main aim of this workshop is to have fun. €6 (€2 if ticket has been purchased for evening performance) 2.30-4pm (7-12 yrs) 4.30 – 6pm (13-19 yrs) (In addition, children participating in the workshops may have an opportunity of taking part in the evening performance.) BOOK NOW

Sunday 1 June CUBA CLASSICO Kick-start the Summer! The Quintet de Urfé, founded in Havana in 1975, was set up to showcase to the world the works of the Urfé family and other Cuban composers of the 20th and 19th centuries. The richness of rhythm, the beauty and authenticity of the melodies written throughout this period provide us with opportunities to combine and fuse the rigourousness of concert music with vibrant Cuban folk music, which itself is a product of the fusion of the rich musical traditions of Spain and Africa. Quintet de Urfe sets out to make the Cuban school of string music known internationally and to give each performance a dynamic flavour, so as to show the many facets of classical Cuban music to the public. This concert represents a rare opportunity to experience a wonderfully rich and atmospheric blend of Latin American folk and classical music.Dont miss!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW
€18/16 8pm BOOK NOW

Wednesday 4 June MARTIN HAYES & DENNIS CAHILL Undoubtedly the greatest Irish fiddler of his generation, Martin Hayes’ playing defies ordinary descriptions. Together with his musical partner, guitarist Dennis Cahill they have achieved the delicate balance of tradition versus creativity and innovation, carefully paying respect to the roots of the music whilst creating an engaging new sound. For Martin, the music speaks to him and inspires him, and he constantly seeks to express that inspiration. With Dennis Cahill’s understated guitar outlining and intensifying the tunes, the duo are almost at one when playing. Attuned to each other they are adventurous, enabling them to stretch the music while remaining true to its essential qualities. Hayes & Cahill have been to Japan and Australia already this year promoting their new album Welcome Home Again - in Ireland, they most certainly are!
€20/18 8pm BOOK NOW

Friday 6 June DES BISHOP Following on from the hugely successful ‘Fitting In’ Tour, Des is back with a totally original and inspired new live stand-show, ‘Tongues’. ‘Tongues’ deals with Des’s most recent challenge, taking the ultimate step towards Irishness, by moving to the Gaeltacht to learn his mother tongue. “the story-telling remains unrivalled…this comedian is hovering at the top of his game” Evening Herald.
€25 8pm BOOK NOW

Tuesday 10 & Wednesday 11 June D- DAY: DANCE ALL DAY Are you between 18 month and 100 years old? Than come and join us in this 3–day celebration of dance where everybody (really everybody!) can experience the joy of movement and dance. Tuesday 10th June Toddler - 10:15am -11:15am;
Senior Citizens - 11:30am -12:45pm;
Pregnant - 1:00pm - 1:45pm;
Post-Natal - 2:30pm-3:30pm.
Wednesday 11th June
Adult Ballet - 18:30pm -19:45pm;
Adult Jazz - 20:00pm - 21:15pm

Every session €5

Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 June In-Step Stage School presents WHEN YOU WISH…… A Disney extravaganzo of song and dance performed by the multi-talented children of Birr. The evening promises to enchant and delight both children and adults alike. The audience will accompany the children on a fairytale journey through the age of Disney. A great show for families to celebrate the end of the school year.
€12/10 7.00pm

Sunday 29 June SPANISH FLAMENCO GARCIA Reunion Tour Featuring Emmy-award winner Maestro Garcia on Guitar; maestro Salvador Andrades on Guitar (over 40 recordings include the soundtrack of The Mask of Zorro); Jose Parra Vocalist (Vicente Amigo Lead singer), Lucas Gonzales on Cajon, Martin Deiton on Bass Guitar, and special guest the international flamenco dancer David Lozano.
The internationally renowned guitar virtuoso Garcia returns with a vengeance, his superb style and renowned technique weaving a path between pure flamenco and fusion that departs from the flamenco tradition of theme and variations. Garcia, considered by some as a living legend, in a magical reunion evening not to be missed!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW Jose Parra - a member of Garcia's team
€18/16 8pm BOOK NOW