Theatre Nights: A madcap combo of GAA and dance

Something really different is coming up at the Briery Gap in Macroom tomorrow night, January 24, drawing together the distinctly different genres of GAA and dance!

Nóra Ní Anluain Fay, of NAF Dance, has created Ham Sandwiches And Discipline, which fuses manic pundits and batty umpires with skilful dance, disco, and comedy.

First developed at the Uilinn Arts Centre in Skibbereen, in collaboration with the local GAA club, it has travelled countrywide and even to Paris, garnering applause wherever it shows.

“It’s really special getting to bring the piece back to Cork as that is where it was created,” says Nóra.

This one is genuinely for the whole family, both sports fiends and dance fans! Tickets on the door.

The Take Off Festival coming up next month at Dance Cork Firkin Crane was launched last night, and it promises to be a great event from February 19 to 21. 

Renowned international choreographers Jessie Keenan, Tobi Omoteso, Tú Hoàng, Amir Sabra and Habib Ben Tanfous will stage incredible new works reflecting all aspects of life and living across the world. 

More nearer the time, but for all the info, visit dancecorkfirkincrane.ie.

Don’t forget the Lord Mayor’s Tea Dance this Sunday afternoon, January 26, at the City Hall, running from 3 to 5pm. Evelyn Grant and the Cork Pops Orchestra, the MTU Carnival Samba band, Rona Coulter from Viva Dance studio, Cork Swing Dancers, Keith Hanley (Voice Of Ireland), and eight-year-old Emma Sophia feature. Plus there will be a raffle in aid of Cork University Hospital Charity.

What’s keeping you?  If you’re old enough to those great evenings at the Arcadia, you will yearn to recreate the sheer happiness of dancing once more. And if you’re younger, then how about learning something from your predecessors? Better still, get up a group among your older neighbours and bring them along.

Tickets from Pro Musica on Oliver Plunkett Street.

At the Opera House, all tickets have been sold for The Dubliners Encore tonight, and likewise for Mary Black tomorrow night, Friday.

We think there are just a few left for Reeling In The Showband Years on Saturday and Sunday, but you’d better check quickly.

And what do you know, Dermot Whelan in Busy And Wrecked next Thursday is also sold out, while seats for Nathan Carter on Friday/Saturday, January 31 and February 1 are down to the last few. It’s always worth checking for returns though, you never know your luck.

You have to hand it to the Opera House for judging exactly what will appeal to patrons in the bleak January nights, and it’s working! Call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie.

At Everyman tonight, the Des Bishop show is, unsurprisingly, already sold out, but they have managed to squeeze an extra date out of him on Thursday, February 20, so you could try for that.

Qween, the tribute show featuring the Dublin Gospel Choir, is certainly going to be a spectacular experience tomorrow night, but no tickets left for that either.

Similarly with Dezperado on Saturday night, the tribute show to the Eagles.

What is it with showgoing in January 2025? Seems like you are all coming out in droves to get your live theatre fix. Good for you! Call 021 450 1673 or see www.everymancork.com.

Zeitgeist Jukebox is at the Cork Arts Theatre tonight, featuring Little John Nee. Until Saturday at 8pm.

Next Tuesday, January 28, Amhráin na Mara is a wonderful sing-along voyage across the waves from Cork to Galicia. One night only. Call 021 450 5624 or see www.corkartstheatre.com.

And finally, that great singer Sandy Kelly is appearing at the Glen Theatre in Banteer on Sunday week, February 2, ed by special guest Marc Roberts. Call 029 56239 for tickets.