JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
Film Club
Incendies
Tuesday 10 January
Dir: Denis Villeneuve Canada, France 2010 130 mins Cert: CLUB
Starring: Lubna Azabal, Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, Remy Girard
Language: French, Arabic A striking adaptation of Wajdi Mouawad’s stage play, this intimate epic interweaves the personal, the political and the mythical to gripping effect. Following the death of their Arabic mother, Nawal (Lubna Azabal), adult Canadian twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) find themselves in her homeland, searching for a father they presumed was dead. Expertly shifting between present and past , writer-director Denis Villeneuve displays an impressive command of his material, patiently building up to an emotionally explosive climax. - Tom Dawson / Total Film
€7/5/3 8pm
Starring: Lubna Azabal, Melissa Desormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, Remy Girard
Language: French, Arabic A striking adaptation of Wajdi Mouawad’s stage play, this intimate epic interweaves the personal, the political and the mythical to gripping effect. Following the death of their Arabic mother, Nawal (Lubna Azabal), adult Canadian twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) find themselves in her homeland, searching for a father they presumed was dead. Expertly shifting between present and past , writer-director Denis Villeneuve displays an impressive command of his material, patiently building up to an emotionally explosive climax. - Tom Dawson / Total Film
€7/5/3 8pm
Film Club
Tuesday 17 January
The Tree
Dir: Julie Bertuccelli France/Australia 2010 100 mins Cert: CLUB
Starring: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Marton Csokas, Morgana Davies, Aden Young, Gillian Jones, Penne Hackforth-Jones, Christian Bayers, Tom Russell, Gabriel Gotting, Zoe Boe
Language: English After the sudden death of her father, 8-year-old Simone shares a secret with her mother Dawn. She’s convinced her father speaks to her through the leaves of her favorite tree and he’s come back to protect them. But the new bond between mother and daughter is threatened when Dawn starts a relationship with George, the plumber, called in to remove the tree’s troublesome roots. As the branches of the tree start to infiltrate the house, the family is forced to make an agonizing decision. But have they left it too late?
€7/5/3 8pm
Starring: Charlotte Gainsbourg, Marton Csokas, Morgana Davies, Aden Young, Gillian Jones, Penne Hackforth-Jones, Christian Bayers, Tom Russell, Gabriel Gotting, Zoe Boe
Language: English After the sudden death of her father, 8-year-old Simone shares a secret with her mother Dawn. She’s convinced her father speaks to her through the leaves of her favorite tree and he’s come back to protect them. But the new bond between mother and daughter is threatened when Dawn starts a relationship with George, the plumber, called in to remove the tree’s troublesome roots. As the branches of the tree start to infiltrate the house, the family is forced to make an agonizing decision. But have they left it too late?
€7/5/3 8pm
Dinner Jacket Productions
Musical Toast
Friday 20 January
David Martin (tenor), Jonathan Carter (baritone) and Sinead Conway (soprano) return to Birr after a busy year with
a new programme which promises to give the audience a cross-section of genres and styles from classic opera to musical theatre with a
mix of humour and fun.
€15 • 8pm
BOOK NOW
€15 • 8pm
BOOK NOW
The Reel World
Starts Saturday 21st January
An exciting filmmaking course designed specifically for the younger generation where participants will focus on identifying a story, film and edit the footage into a short movie/documentary over five days.
Saturday 21 January Scriptwriting session;
Sat 21 Jan, Sat 28 Jan, Sun 29 Jan and Sat 4 Feb shooting and editing.
Age: 12 – 16 years - 10am – 4pm - places limited - early booking recommended - Booking at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre - Course Fee: €80 - Venue: The Edit Shed, Green Street, Birr
Sat 21 Jan, Sat 28 Jan, Sun 29 Jan and Sat 4 Feb shooting and editing.
Age: 12 – 16 years - 10am – 4pm - places limited - early booking recommended - Booking at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre - Course Fee: €80 - Venue: The Edit Shed, Green Street, Birr
Film Club
Tuesday 24 January
The Light Thief
Dir: Aktan Arym Kubat Kyrgyzstan 2010 80 mins Cert: CLUB
Starring: Aktan Arym Kubat, Taalaikan Abazova, Askat Sulaimanov, Asan Amanov, Stanbek Toichubaev Language: Kyrgyz They call him Svet-Ake (Mr. Light), an electrician with a far greater effect on the people around him than his job defines. He is the last link in a huge energetic system and he becomes the binding bridge between the geopolitical problems of post-soviet union and the common people. The economic devastation of the country had an enormous impact on the industrial workers and yet despite the upheaval, these people did not seize to love and suffer, to have and be friends and to enjoy their lives. Svet-Ake not only brings electric light (which is often out) to the lives of the inhabitants of this small city, but he also spreads the light of love, loyalty, life and mainly laughter. - Locarno Film Festival 2010
€7/5/3 8pm
Starring: Aktan Arym Kubat, Taalaikan Abazova, Askat Sulaimanov, Asan Amanov, Stanbek Toichubaev Language: Kyrgyz They call him Svet-Ake (Mr. Light), an electrician with a far greater effect on the people around him than his job defines. He is the last link in a huge energetic system and he becomes the binding bridge between the geopolitical problems of post-soviet union and the common people. The economic devastation of the country had an enormous impact on the industrial workers and yet despite the upheaval, these people did not seize to love and suffer, to have and be friends and to enjoy their lives. Svet-Ake not only brings electric light (which is often out) to the lives of the inhabitants of this small city, but he also spreads the light of love, loyalty, life and mainly laughter. - Locarno Film Festival 2010
€7/5/3 8pm
Acorn Theatre Company
Unforgiven
Saturday 28 January
This comic of a play bears the same name as the Clint Eastwood western. However it is not the play of the film rather it is the story of two movie mad
bachelor farmers and their more down to earth spinster neighbour. In the course of the play they seek to resolve in hilarious manner issues old and new with a dramatic and unforeseen and mostly hilarious outcome. Director Eamonn O’Donoghue points out that “Unforgiven” was chosen for its entertainment value. In its first run in 2008 it had audiences rolling in the aisles in venues both in Ireland and overseas. It deals in an original and light handed manner with traditional Irish themes such as Inheritance, Exile and Resentment. It is guaranteed to raise more than a laugh or two. The cast of four are John Boland, Seamus Feerick, Mary Cuddy and Pat Canty with stage management by Pat McGovern.
€15/12 8pm
BOOK NOW
€15/12 8pm
BOOK NOW
Film Club
Mammuth
Tuesday 31 January
Dir: Benoît Delépine & Gustave Kervern France 2010 87 mins Cert: 15A
Starring: Gerard Depardieu, Yolande Moreau, Isabelle Adjani, Benoit Poelvoorde, Miss Ming, Blutch, Philippe Nahon, Bouli Lanners, Anna Mouglalis, Albert Delpy, Bruno Lochet Language: French Anchored by the kind of tour-de-force performance that has made Gérard Depardieu an icon, Benoît Delépine and Gustave de Kervern’s offbeat, affectionate, and frequently very funny road movie provides the hulking actor with his best role in years. He plays Serge (known as “Mammuth” to friends, after his rusting old motorcycle), first seen attending his retirement party at the local pork slaughterhouse. An honest and genuine guy—if not exactly an intellectual heavyweight—Serge finds himself at loose ends now that his working life is over, and it is his wife Catherine (the superb Yolande Moreau) who suggests he seek out his old employers in order to get all his pension-application paperwork in order. Out comes the motorbike, and off scoots Serge on an adventure that will see him cross paths with con artists, his kooky relatives, some hilariously officious bureaucrats—and the ghost of his first love, as embodied by Isabelle Adjani. Delépine and de Kervern underscore the laughs with an unsentimental thread of genuine emotion throughout and then they do the smart thing: they let Depardieu take over. His Serge is one of the most unforgettable characters ever on film. - Seattle International Film Festival
€7/5/3 8pm
Starring: Gerard Depardieu, Yolande Moreau, Isabelle Adjani, Benoit Poelvoorde, Miss Ming, Blutch, Philippe Nahon, Bouli Lanners, Anna Mouglalis, Albert Delpy, Bruno Lochet Language: French Anchored by the kind of tour-de-force performance that has made Gérard Depardieu an icon, Benoît Delépine and Gustave de Kervern’s offbeat, affectionate, and frequently very funny road movie provides the hulking actor with his best role in years. He plays Serge (known as “Mammuth” to friends, after his rusting old motorcycle), first seen attending his retirement party at the local pork slaughterhouse. An honest and genuine guy—if not exactly an intellectual heavyweight—Serge finds himself at loose ends now that his working life is over, and it is his wife Catherine (the superb Yolande Moreau) who suggests he seek out his old employers in order to get all his pension-application paperwork in order. Out comes the motorbike, and off scoots Serge on an adventure that will see him cross paths with con artists, his kooky relatives, some hilariously officious bureaucrats—and the ghost of his first love, as embodied by Isabelle Adjani. Delépine and de Kervern underscore the laughs with an unsentimental thread of genuine emotion throughout and then they do the smart thing: they let Depardieu take over. His Serge is one of the most unforgettable characters ever on film. - Seattle International Film Festival
€7/5/3 8pm
Fishamble: The New Play Company presents
Silent
‘Hopeless, helpless, in-the-way person’
Saturday 4 February
Written and performed by Pat Kinevane
Directed by Jim Culleton
Produced by Marketa Dowling
Composed by Denis Clohessy
WINNER of Fringe First and Herald Angel Awards at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2011 Homeless McGoldrig once had splendid things. But he has lost it all - including his mind. He now dives into the wonderful wounds of his past through the romantic world of Rudolph Valentino, in this brave, bleak, beautiful new production. Silent is currently wowing audiences on its extensive Irish touring and has been invited to prestigious festivals in the UK, Europe and USA.
Fishamble: The New Play Company is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning company dedicated to new work for the theatre. Recent productions presented on major Irish and international tours include The Pride of Parnell Street by Sebastian Barry, and Forgotten also by Pat Kinevane.
‘a must-see if ever there was one’ * * * * * The List
‘unflinching, intensely physical performance..bristling with black humour' * * * * The Scotsman
‘fabulous dance of whirling words..a bravura outpouring of sorrow, anger, hurt and lacerating wit' * * * * * The Herald
‘a striking performance under Jim Culleton’s effective direction...a moving story, which, until its end, pulses with the erratic noise of life’ Irish Times
‘remarkable range of styles and devices…to be in that audience was to experience a rare synergy between performer and the performed-to’ Irish Independent
Fishamble: The New Play Company is funded by the Arts Council and Dublin City Council. Its international touring is supported by Culture Ireland. Running time: 75 minutes - www.fishamble.com
€16/14 8pm
BOOK NOW
Directed by Jim Culleton
Produced by Marketa Dowling
Composed by Denis Clohessy
WINNER of Fringe First and Herald Angel Awards at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2011 Homeless McGoldrig once had splendid things. But he has lost it all - including his mind. He now dives into the wonderful wounds of his past through the romantic world of Rudolph Valentino, in this brave, bleak, beautiful new production. Silent is currently wowing audiences on its extensive Irish touring and has been invited to prestigious festivals in the UK, Europe and USA.
Fishamble: The New Play Company is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning company dedicated to new work for the theatre. Recent productions presented on major Irish and international tours include The Pride of Parnell Street by Sebastian Barry, and Forgotten also by Pat Kinevane.
‘a must-see if ever there was one’ * * * * * The List
‘unflinching, intensely physical performance..bristling with black humour' * * * * The Scotsman
‘fabulous dance of whirling words..a bravura outpouring of sorrow, anger, hurt and lacerating wit' * * * * * The Herald
‘a striking performance under Jim Culleton’s effective direction...a moving story, which, until its end, pulses with the erratic noise of life’ Irish Times
‘remarkable range of styles and devices…to be in that audience was to experience a rare synergy between performer and the performed-to’ Irish Independent
Fishamble: The New Play Company is funded by the Arts Council and Dublin City Council. Its international touring is supported by Culture Ireland. Running time: 75 minutes - www.fishamble.com
€16/14 8pm
BOOK NOW
Film Club
Tuesday 7 February
Poetry
Dir: Lee Chang-dong South Korea 2010 139mins Cert: CLUB
Starring: Yun Jung-hee, Lee David and Kim Hira
Language: Korean
Mija lives with her middle-schooler grandson in a small suburban city located along the Han River. She is a dandy old lady who likes
to dress up in flower-decorated hats and fashionable outfits, but she is also an unpredictable character with an inquisitive mind. By
chance she takes a poetry class at a neighborhood cultural center and is challenged to write a poem for the first time in her life.
Her quest for poetic inspiration begins with observing the everyday life she never intentionally took notice of before to find beauty
within it. And with this, Mija is delightfully surprised with newfound trepidation, as if she were a little girl discovering things
for the first time in her life. But when she is suddenly faced with a reality harsh beyond her imagination, she realizes perhaps life
is not as beautiful as she had thought it is... - Moscow International Film Festival 2010.
€7/5/3 8pm
€7/5/3 8pm
Banagher Drama Group
Cripple of Inish Maan
Friday 10 - Saturday 11 February
On Inishmaan in 1934 there’s nothing for Cripple Billy, except go staring at cows, read books and wonder about his dead parents.
His erratic “Aunties” raised him, loved him, but cannot understand. When the island newsman, Johnny Pateen Mike announced the arrival
on neighbouring Inishmore of the yank, Rober Flaherty, direct from Hollywood to make “The Man of Aran” all changes. Can Billy size his
chance to escape, to make sense of who he is and trace his beginnings? A tale of sorrow, sarcasm, sudden and brutal violence, of strong
language and dark humour, set in a time in Ireland where such emotions were strong and never far away.
€14/12 8pm
BOOK NOW
€14/12 8pm
BOOK NOW
Film Club
Potiche
Tuesday 14 February
Dir: François Ozon France 2010 103 mins Cert: 15A
Starring: Catherine Deneuve, Gerard Depardieu, Fabrice Luchini, Karin Viard, Jeremie Renier, Judith Godreche
Language: French
Sainte-Gudule, northern France, 1977: Suzanne is the submissive, housebound wife of wealthy industrialist Robert Pujol, who oversees
his umbrella factory with an iron fist and is equally tyrannical with his children and “trophy wife”. When the workers go on strike
and take Robert hostage, Suzanne steps in to manage the factory. To everyone’s surprise, she proves herself a competent and assertive
woman of action. But when Robert returns from a restful cruise in top form, things get complicated... - Venice International Film Festival
2010
€7/5/3 8pm
€7/5/3 8pm
Film Club
The Skin I Live In
Tuesday 21 February
Dir: Pedro Almodovar Spain 2011 117 mins Cert: 16
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Elena Anaya, Marisa Paredes
Language: Spanish
Ever since his wife was burned in a car crash, Dr. Robert Ledgard, an eminent plastic surgeon, has been interested in creating a new skin
with which he could have saved her. After twelve years, he manages to cultivate a skin that is a real shield against every assault.
In addition to years of study and experimentation, Robert needed a further three things: no scruples, an accomplice and a human guinea pig.
Scruples were never a problem. Marilia, the woman who looked after him from the day he was born, is his most faithful accomplice.
And as for the human guinea pig... - Cannes Film Festival 2011.
€7/5/3 8pm
€7/5/3 8pm
RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet
Friday 24 February
Resident string quartet to RTÉ
artists in residence at University College, Cork
Winner of the 1988 Portsmouth International String Quartet Competition, the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most successful string quartets. Appointed Resident Quartet to RTÉ in 1986, the group still continues to enjoy a thriving international career in performance and recording.
The Quartet members are also Artists in Residence at University College, Cork and co-founders of the internationally acclaimed West Cork Chamber Music Festival. In 1996 the Quartet launched the Vanbrugh Quartet Scholarship Fund, a charitable fund dedicated to encouraging the art of chamber music amongst Ireland’s talented young musicians. Their appointment as lecturers in chamber music at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama in 2009 has extended their commitment to education and recent primary and secondary school workshops and concerts have been hugely successful.
As well as presenting the core string quartet repertoire, the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet has consistently championed the work of Irish composers in concerts and broadcasts throughout Ireland and abroad, including premières of new works by Gerald Barry, Ian Wilson, Raymond Deane, Donnacha Dennehy, Rachel Holstead, Deirdre Gribbin and Sam Perkin.
The RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet has an extensive and critically acclaimed discography which includes the complete Beethoven quartets and the RTÉ lyric fm compilation CD Quartet Classics. Their recording of quintets by Boccherini was selected as Gramophone magazine’s Critics’ Choice and they were the featured ensemble in Classical Music magazine’s September 2010 edition.
Their 25th Anniversary celebrations began in October 2010, with complete Beethoven cycles in Cork, Dublin and London receiving rave reviews. Following spring recitals in Cork, Dublin, Kildare and Lucan, the season continued with a recital in the Wigmore Hall, London on June 4, 2011, and performances in Clifden, Wicklow, Ballymaloe Cork, Waterford, Letterkenny, Kenmare, Killarney and Dublin took place in the Autumn of 2011. They are collaborating with several eminent Irish artists including Barry Douglas, Fintan Sutton, Cormac Ó hAodáin, Peter Kerr and Fergal Caulfield and were the featured ensemble in two special workshop days showcasing the works of Frederick May and Frank Corcoran.
Full details of RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet concerts are available on http://www.rte.ie/performinggroups/vanbrughquartet/
PROGRAMME:
Haydn Op.76/2
Shostakovich 9
Arvo Part Summa
Beethoven Op 18/4
€16/14 8pm
BOOK NOW
artists in residence at University College, Cork
Winner of the 1988 Portsmouth International String Quartet Competition, the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most successful string quartets. Appointed Resident Quartet to RTÉ in 1986, the group still continues to enjoy a thriving international career in performance and recording.
The Quartet members are also Artists in Residence at University College, Cork and co-founders of the internationally acclaimed West Cork Chamber Music Festival. In 1996 the Quartet launched the Vanbrugh Quartet Scholarship Fund, a charitable fund dedicated to encouraging the art of chamber music amongst Ireland’s talented young musicians. Their appointment as lecturers in chamber music at DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama in 2009 has extended their commitment to education and recent primary and secondary school workshops and concerts have been hugely successful.
As well as presenting the core string quartet repertoire, the RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet has consistently championed the work of Irish composers in concerts and broadcasts throughout Ireland and abroad, including premières of new works by Gerald Barry, Ian Wilson, Raymond Deane, Donnacha Dennehy, Rachel Holstead, Deirdre Gribbin and Sam Perkin.
The RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet has an extensive and critically acclaimed discography which includes the complete Beethoven quartets and the RTÉ lyric fm compilation CD Quartet Classics. Their recording of quintets by Boccherini was selected as Gramophone magazine’s Critics’ Choice and they were the featured ensemble in Classical Music magazine’s September 2010 edition.
Their 25th Anniversary celebrations began in October 2010, with complete Beethoven cycles in Cork, Dublin and London receiving rave reviews. Following spring recitals in Cork, Dublin, Kildare and Lucan, the season continued with a recital in the Wigmore Hall, London on June 4, 2011, and performances in Clifden, Wicklow, Ballymaloe Cork, Waterford, Letterkenny, Kenmare, Killarney and Dublin took place in the Autumn of 2011. They are collaborating with several eminent Irish artists including Barry Douglas, Fintan Sutton, Cormac Ó hAodáin, Peter Kerr and Fergal Caulfield and were the featured ensemble in two special workshop days showcasing the works of Frederick May and Frank Corcoran.
Full details of RTÉ Vanbrugh Quartet concerts are available on http://www.rte.ie/performinggroups/vanbrughquartet/
PROGRAMME:
Haydn Op.76/2
Shostakovich 9
Arvo Part Summa
Beethoven Op 18/4
€16/14 8pm
BOOK NOW
Jasango Theatre presents
My Brilliant Divorce
By Geraldine Aron
Saturday 25 February
Directed by George B. Miller
Featuring Angela Ryan
Jasango Theatre are back with a bang with Geraldine Aron’s achingly funny My Brilliant Divorce. Following a two-year Irish tour and award-winning performances in the USA with Bombshells, Jasango brings you this wittily observant comedy. If you liked Bombshells you’ll love this one! The comedy explores what life is like for Angela Kennedy-Lipsky, recently dumped by her accountant husband for a younger model. Rebuilding her life, she finds herself adrift in a sea of weird sexual encounters, sneaky solicitors, phone-in counselors, a bad case of hypochondria and impending poverty. Should she fight to keep her husband? Or should she sign the final papers and move on? Fast-paced modern comedy-not to be missed!
€16/14 8pm
BOOK NOW
Featuring Angela Ryan
Jasango Theatre are back with a bang with Geraldine Aron’s achingly funny My Brilliant Divorce. Following a two-year Irish tour and award-winning performances in the USA with Bombshells, Jasango brings you this wittily observant comedy. If you liked Bombshells you’ll love this one! The comedy explores what life is like for Angela Kennedy-Lipsky, recently dumped by her accountant husband for a younger model. Rebuilding her life, she finds herself adrift in a sea of weird sexual encounters, sneaky solicitors, phone-in counselors, a bad case of hypochondria and impending poverty. Should she fight to keep her husband? Or should she sign the final papers and move on? Fast-paced modern comedy-not to be missed!
€16/14 8pm
BOOK NOW
An evening with
Dominic Kirwan
Live and Personal Tour
With Special Guest Louise Morrissey Sunday 26 February Dominic Kirwan, one of Ireland's most popular country singers, embarks on a nationwide concert tour in early 2012 with his excellent band. Dominic has built up a very loyal following in Ireland and the UK as a consequence of his dynamic stage shows. His many albums, reflects his love of the music he’s had all his life whilst his songs reflect a wide variety of influences within the genre ranging from Garth Brooks to Kenny Rogers via Tom Jones. Dominic’s touring schedule which has taken him all over the globe, giving him the opportunity to work with such great music stars as Charlie Pride, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rodgers, Don Williams and many others. His show creates a wonderful atmosphere amongst his audience and everybody leaves wanting to return to his next concert.
€25 8pm
With Special Guest Louise Morrissey Sunday 26 February Dominic Kirwan, one of Ireland's most popular country singers, embarks on a nationwide concert tour in early 2012 with his excellent band. Dominic has built up a very loyal following in Ireland and the UK as a consequence of his dynamic stage shows. His many albums, reflects his love of the music he’s had all his life whilst his songs reflect a wide variety of influences within the genre ranging from Garth Brooks to Kenny Rogers via Tom Jones. Dominic’s touring schedule which has taken him all over the globe, giving him the opportunity to work with such great music stars as Charlie Pride, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rodgers, Don Williams and many others. His show creates a wonderful atmosphere amongst his audience and everybody leaves wanting to return to his next concert.
€25 8pm
Film Club
The Salt of Life
Tuesday 28 February
Dir: Gianni Di Gregorio Italy 2010 90mins Cert: CLUB
Starring: Gianni Di Gregorio, Valeria de Franciscis Bendoni, Alfonso Santagata, Elisabetta Piccolomini, Teresa Di Gregorio, Aylin Prandi, Kristina Cepraga, Michelangelo Criminale, Valeria Cavalli
Language: Italian Breaking no new ground but delighting its audience nevertheless, Gianni Di Gregorio's follow-up to his surprise hit Mid-August Lunch sees the writer-director reprising the mild-mannered ageing Roman mamma's boy character from that film. This time round he's required not to look after four old ladies but to prove he's still got what it takes by finding himself a lover. Though it at first feels a little inconsequential, this humane comedy is given depth by the vein of melancholy and poetic longing that runs through its gentle comic sketch structure... Like Nanni Moretti or Woody Allen, Di Gregorio mines his own long-suffering face and character for comedy, and he has such sympathetic presence and charm that he can probably run for a couple more films at least before we start demanding more of a story... It's the everyday realism and quietness of the comedy that wins us round in the end... - Lee Marshall / Screen International.
€7/5/3 8pm
Starring: Gianni Di Gregorio, Valeria de Franciscis Bendoni, Alfonso Santagata, Elisabetta Piccolomini, Teresa Di Gregorio, Aylin Prandi, Kristina Cepraga, Michelangelo Criminale, Valeria Cavalli
Language: Italian Breaking no new ground but delighting its audience nevertheless, Gianni Di Gregorio's follow-up to his surprise hit Mid-August Lunch sees the writer-director reprising the mild-mannered ageing Roman mamma's boy character from that film. This time round he's required not to look after four old ladies but to prove he's still got what it takes by finding himself a lover. Though it at first feels a little inconsequential, this humane comedy is given depth by the vein of melancholy and poetic longing that runs through its gentle comic sketch structure... Like Nanni Moretti or Woody Allen, Di Gregorio mines his own long-suffering face and character for comedy, and he has such sympathetic presence and charm that he can probably run for a couple more films at least before we start demanding more of a story... It's the everyday realism and quietness of the comedy that wins us round in the end... - Lee Marshall / Screen International.
€7/5/3 8pm
Arabesque
Saturday 3 – Sunday 4 March
A performance by pupils of the Cassandra Kenny School of Dance.
Students from Birr and Portumna come together to perform a diverse programme that is sure to enthrall and delight.
From the classical ballet style to more contemporary and character dances, even the very young dancers have a story to tell through dance.
Be put under a spell by the witches, enjoy a trip under the sea, along with a varied musical score and share in the magic of our ballet performance.
€10/5 Saturday 3 March: 7pm; Sunday 4 March: 4pm
BOOK NOW (please ensure you choose the correct date)
€10/5 Saturday 3 March: 7pm; Sunday 4 March: 4pm
BOOK NOW (please ensure you choose the correct date)
Film Club
Tomboy
Tuesday 6 March
Dir Celine Sciamma France 2011 81 mins Cert: CLUB
Starring: Zoé Héran, Malonn Lévana, Jeanne Disson, Sophie Cattani and Mathieu Demy
Language: French Tomboy tells the story of ten years-old Laure, who moves to a new Paris suburb with her family. It's the summer holidays, and all the local kids are running riot around the neighbourhood. Boyish Laure, when first meeting with the gang, introduces herself as Michael. The other kids don't even blink. Michael it is. And so the summer fun begins, with Laure, now Michael, doing everything she can to keep her new identity secret. But as the holidays draw to an end, and the threat of school looms, things start to get complicated. - GAZE Film Festival 2011
€7/5/3 8pm
Starring: Zoé Héran, Malonn Lévana, Jeanne Disson, Sophie Cattani and Mathieu Demy
Language: French Tomboy tells the story of ten years-old Laure, who moves to a new Paris suburb with her family. It's the summer holidays, and all the local kids are running riot around the neighbourhood. Boyish Laure, when first meeting with the gang, introduces herself as Michael. The other kids don't even blink. Michael it is. And so the summer fun begins, with Laure, now Michael, doing everything she can to keep her new identity secret. But as the holidays draw to an end, and the threat of school looms, things start to get complicated. - GAZE Film Festival 2011
€7/5/3 8pm
Conal Gallen
A Laugh and a Half!
Friday 9 March
Just coming off the back of his record breaking stand up television show Conal Gallen – A laugh and A Half, Ireland’s number one
comedian is coming to the Birr Theatre for the first time. It promises to be one of the funniest shows you are ever likely to see. Conal has been
performing to packed houses around the country for 25 years. His show is littered with hilarious jokes, stories and songs.
€25 8pm
BOOK NOW
€25 8pm
BOOK NOW
Birr Stage Guild
Kevin's Bed
Thursday 22 - Saturday 24 March
Kevin’s Bed is a play of nostalgia, expectations and broken dreams. The setting is the celebration of the golden
wedding anniversary of Dan and Doris - a time for them to return to their old house, join in their celebrations,
contemplate a life in disarray and remember the joy of their silver anniversary
- the Sonny and Cher days, the optimism and the expectations they had of their sons, John and Kevin.
Humourous and insightful, this is Bernard Farrell's most recent and most critically acclaimed play.
€14/12 8pm
BOOK NOW
Humourous and insightful, this is Bernard Farrell's most recent and most critically acclaimed play.
€14/12 8pm
BOOK NOW
Film Club
Cell 211
Tuesday 27 March
Dir: Daniel Monzon Spain 2009 112 mins Cert:CLUB
Starring: Carlos Bardem, Luis Tosar, Alberto Ammann, Marta Etura, Felix Cubero, Antonio Resines, Luis Zahera, Monolo Solo, Joxean Bengoetxea Language: Spanish Juan Oliver is knocked unconscious during the prison tour on the day before he begins his new job as prison officer. He is rushed to the empty cell 211 and left to come around. Meanwhile, inmates of the high security wing break free and riots break out. When he awakes he realizes he's trapped and has to pretend to be a new prisoner in order to survive... Engaging and intense, with striking performances by the cast, the film won several Goya Awards from the Spanish Academy, including Best Picture, Director, Actor and Supporting Actress. - London Spanish Film Festival 2010
€7/5/3 8pm
Starring: Carlos Bardem, Luis Tosar, Alberto Ammann, Marta Etura, Felix Cubero, Antonio Resines, Luis Zahera, Monolo Solo, Joxean Bengoetxea Language: Spanish Juan Oliver is knocked unconscious during the prison tour on the day before he begins his new job as prison officer. He is rushed to the empty cell 211 and left to come around. Meanwhile, inmates of the high security wing break free and riots break out. When he awakes he realizes he's trapped and has to pretend to be a new prisoner in order to survive... Engaging and intense, with striking performances by the cast, the film won several Goya Awards from the Spanish Academy, including Best Picture, Director, Actor and Supporting Actress. - London Spanish Film Festival 2010
€7/5/3 8pm
Music Network presents
Fidelio Trio with Carol McGonnell
Contemporary Classical Tour
Saturday 31 March
Carol McGonnell, clarinet
Darragh Morgan, violin
Mary Dullea, piano
Robin Michael, cello
‘We’ll jump at pretty much any chance to see stellar clarinetist Carol McGonnell in action’ Time Out New York
Proclaimed ‘an extraordinary clarinetist’ by the New York Times, Dublin-born Carol McGonnell has established herself as a leading solo performer and chamber musician in both the United States and Europe. A founding member of the Argento Chamber Ensemble, McGonnell’s characterful sound and passion for new music has led to collaborations with leading composers such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Elliott Carter, Oliver Knussen and Tristan Murail. She has also performed as a soloist with many orchestras, including the Ulster Orchestra, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland and the Knights Chamber Orchestra based in New York.
For this tour McGonnell is in cahoots with rising contemporary chamber stars the Fidelio Trio, described by the International Record Review as ‘utterly bewitching’. Based in London, this piano trio has premiered many new works, especially by Irish composers, in Europe, the USA, South Africa and China, while joining forces with such outstanding performers such as Patricia Rozario (soprano), Alexander McCall Smith (writer), Matthew Jones (viola) and Roger Heaton (clarinet).
Programme:
Johannes Brahms: Trio in A minor for piano, clarinet/viola and cello Op. 114
Béla Bartok: Contrasts for Clarinet, Violin & Piano, Sz. 111
Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time
€16/14 8pm
BOOK NOW
Darragh Morgan, violin
Mary Dullea, piano
Robin Michael, cello
‘We’ll jump at pretty much any chance to see stellar clarinetist Carol McGonnell in action’ Time Out New York
Proclaimed ‘an extraordinary clarinetist’ by the New York Times, Dublin-born Carol McGonnell has established herself as a leading solo performer and chamber musician in both the United States and Europe. A founding member of the Argento Chamber Ensemble, McGonnell’s characterful sound and passion for new music has led to collaborations with leading composers such as Esa-Pekka Salonen, Elliott Carter, Oliver Knussen and Tristan Murail. She has also performed as a soloist with many orchestras, including the Ulster Orchestra, the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland and the Knights Chamber Orchestra based in New York.
For this tour McGonnell is in cahoots with rising contemporary chamber stars the Fidelio Trio, described by the International Record Review as ‘utterly bewitching’. Based in London, this piano trio has premiered many new works, especially by Irish composers, in Europe, the USA, South Africa and China, while joining forces with such outstanding performers such as Patricia Rozario (soprano), Alexander McCall Smith (writer), Matthew Jones (viola) and Roger Heaton (clarinet).
Programme:
Johannes Brahms: Trio in A minor for piano, clarinet/viola and cello Op. 114
Béla Bartok: Contrasts for Clarinet, Violin & Piano, Sz. 111
Olivier Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time
€16/14 8pm
BOOK NOW
Comhaltas Concert
Sunday 1 April
Mark this date in your diary and you’ll be assured of some of the finest musicians form the Midlands – a night filled with music,
song and dance.
More details to follow.
8pm
More details to follow.
8pm
Film Club
Midnight in Paris
Tuesday 3 April
Dir: Woody Allen USA 2011 94mins Cert: 12A
Starring: Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Owen Wilson, Kurt Fuller, Mimi Kennedy, Yves Heck, Alison Pill, Corey Stoll, Tom Hiddleston, Léa Seydoux Language: English Two young Americans, who have been together since their school days and are to be married in the fall, head for a few days to Paris where Gil’s fiancée’s father has a business meeting. While Inez and her mother are overjoyed by a chance meeting with another couple, and together they discover the tourist gems of the city and its luxury stores, Gil soaks up the mysterious magic of places where his most admired authors once experienced “a movable feast.” He feels that in Paris he will find the inspiration that will help him exchange his success as a Hollywood screenwriter for the courage to be a novelist. But his road to discovery comes with an unexpected twist, and at the journey’s end Gil discovers what he truly wants from life. In his new romantic comedy, the American filmmaker expresses his love for a city that he considers, after New York, the most beautiful in the world. “Of course I’m partial to New York because I was born there and grew up there, but if I didn’t live in New York, Paris is the place I would live,” Allen says. “Somebody else could come and shoot Paris in a completely different way. I want to present it my way, projecting my own feelings about it.” - Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2011
€7/5/3 8pm
Starring: Kathy Bates, Adrien Brody, Carla Bruni, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Owen Wilson, Kurt Fuller, Mimi Kennedy, Yves Heck, Alison Pill, Corey Stoll, Tom Hiddleston, Léa Seydoux Language: English Two young Americans, who have been together since their school days and are to be married in the fall, head for a few days to Paris where Gil’s fiancée’s father has a business meeting. While Inez and her mother are overjoyed by a chance meeting with another couple, and together they discover the tourist gems of the city and its luxury stores, Gil soaks up the mysterious magic of places where his most admired authors once experienced “a movable feast.” He feels that in Paris he will find the inspiration that will help him exchange his success as a Hollywood screenwriter for the courage to be a novelist. But his road to discovery comes with an unexpected twist, and at the journey’s end Gil discovers what he truly wants from life. In his new romantic comedy, the American filmmaker expresses his love for a city that he considers, after New York, the most beautiful in the world. “Of course I’m partial to New York because I was born there and grew up there, but if I didn’t live in New York, Paris is the place I would live,” Allen says. “Somebody else could come and shoot Paris in a completely different way. I want to present it my way, projecting my own feelings about it.” - Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2011
€7/5/3 8pm
Neil Delamere
Restructuring
Thursday 12 April
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
Following the sell out success of his last show, Neil Delamere returns with the national tour of his highly anticipated new show, Restructuring. Equally hilarious on and off script, don’t miss this five star comedy maestro as he performs in venues across Ireland this autumn. Restructuring sees the star of RTE’s The Panel, BBC’s The Blame Game, and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow and Channel 4’s Stand Up for the Week come to terms with the changes in the country, the world and more importantly his own living arrangements! Handy hints on how to handle the UK traffic police will be dispensed as well as sage advice on why not to pour olive oil in your ears. One of the sharpest comedy minds in the Irish comedy scene today, this born story-teller takes to the stage with his original brand of razor sharp wit and hilarious anecdotes making Restructuring a must-see for any discerning comedy fan. Near-the-knuckle funny and life affirming, the national tour of Restructuring is on sale now.
For more information visit www.neildelamere.com or www.facebook.com/neildelamere
‘If you've yet to see Delamere live, make this the year….simply put, Delamere is a master’ – Scotsman “one lean, mean comedy killing-machine” - The Herald
€20/18 8pm
BOOK NOW (Please check you have selected the correct date)
Following the sell out success of his last show, Neil Delamere returns with the national tour of his highly anticipated new show, Restructuring. Equally hilarious on and off script, don’t miss this five star comedy maestro as he performs in venues across Ireland this autumn. Restructuring sees the star of RTE’s The Panel, BBC’s The Blame Game, and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow and Channel 4’s Stand Up for the Week come to terms with the changes in the country, the world and more importantly his own living arrangements! Handy hints on how to handle the UK traffic police will be dispensed as well as sage advice on why not to pour olive oil in your ears. One of the sharpest comedy minds in the Irish comedy scene today, this born story-teller takes to the stage with his original brand of razor sharp wit and hilarious anecdotes making Restructuring a must-see for any discerning comedy fan. Near-the-knuckle funny and life affirming, the national tour of Restructuring is on sale now.
For more information visit www.neildelamere.com or www.facebook.com/neildelamere
‘If you've yet to see Delamere live, make this the year….simply put, Delamere is a master’ – Scotsman “one lean, mean comedy killing-machine” - The Herald
€20/18 8pm
BOOK NOW (Please check you have selected the correct date)