Theatre Nights: Great fun for kids, and classic opera

Cork City comes alive with colour, creativity, and energy this Saurday, June 7, with Cruinniú na nÓg 2025. Children and young people are encouraged to explore their imagination and try something new in a day packed with inspiration and fun.

It’s the only national day of free creativity for young people in the world, and our city is justly proud of its ambitious, inclusive programme with over 30 free events in parks, libraries, theatres, arts venues, and digital spaces, showcasing the richness of Cork’s creative community and the power of youth-led expression.

At the Opera House, there will be Ringo and Bingo at 10am and noon; the City Library will host Rock the Block, with trad and folk jam sessions, rap and hip hop open mics, a beatbox workshop, and interactive dance.

At the Everyman, four youth theatres - Activate, UCC, Barnstorm and Waterford Youth Arts - will perform original works, followed by a free taster workshop for ages 12-18.

The Circus Factory will stage a full day of circus fun with skills workshops for ages 7-16, while at Fitzgerald’s Park, New Moon Youth Dance present an original performance created by young dancers. And there is a roller-disco at the Central Hall on Marina Park from 7pm to 9pm.

Also, printmaking, pottery, storytelling, creative writing, eco-art and more hands-on fun. All events are free, but you may need to book those where space is limited. Check it all out on www.corkcity.ie/en/cruinniu-na-nog.

On Saturday night at the Opera House, it’s Donizetti’s delightful l’Elisir d’Amore, from Irish National Opera. Only a few tickets left, but hurry. 7.30pm start.

On Sunday at 5pm, Strictly Come Dancing star Kai Widdrington is set to dazzle audiences with his highly anticipated dance tour. There are special VIP tickets where you meet Kai beforehand, and get personal photographs.

On Monday, Martha Wainwright is here, celebrating the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut album. 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie.

Tomorrow at the Everyman, Falling To Earth: My Summer With Bowie, by Eugene O’Brien, tells the story of a young man who feels wholly alone, with his only solace the music of Bowie.

Caryl Churchill’s gritty Escaped Alone opens next Thursday, June 12. Call 021 450 1673 or www.everymancork.com for more.

Still time to see the enchanting production of Friel’s Lovers at Cork Arts Theatre, until Saturday. A superbly nostalgic piece just right for summer evenings.

From Thursday to Saturday next week, five Beckett plays from The Little Terrible Theatre of West Cork – Rough For Theatre I & II and Footfalls and Rockaby on Thursday and Saturday, with Krapp’s Last Tape on Friday. 021 450 3624 or www.corkartstheatre.com.

Up at Dance Cork Firkin Crane, Friday sees the opening night of MOSH by Rachel Ní Bhraonáin 7.30pm. Is it aggression, energy, ? Is it dance? MOSH dives deep into the unfiltered chaos of the mosh pit, blending raucous movement and live music. Call 021 450 7427. or log onto https://dancecorkfirkincrane.ie/

This Saturday, June 7, City Limits at The Cork Comedy Club hosts New York stand-up comedian and broadcaster Maureen Langan. Doors 8pm, show 9pm Tickets 085 257 3480, or www.tickets.ie. To hold yours, email [email protected].

The When Next We Meet festival returns to Clonmel this weekend with performances by Pillow Queens, Villagers, Morgana, Skinner, Zoé Basha, Me In The Pines, and Paddy Hanna.

Now in its fourth year, this popular event celebrates the best in alternative Irish music. Tickets from www.whennextwemeet.ie/tickets.

And we’re almost up to the Cork Midsummer Festival - much more on that next week.