Laughs galore as Frankie Boyle comes to Cork

THE last few performances of Beauty And The Beast are coming up at the Everyman, with positively the final show on Sunday.

If, for whatever reason, you haven’t been there to join the fun yet, there’s not much time left!

Or, indeed, if you just want to enjoy the happy feeling once more before the pantomime ends.

Don’t forget there is a special relaxed performance on Sunday at 11am. Here, you can make noise, come and go from the auditorium, or take a break in a designated chill-out area in the foyer. Certain elements of the lighting and sound will also be adapted for this production.

Booking for that on access@ everymancork.com, or 021 450 1780. For all other bookings, it’s www.everymancork.com or 021 450 1673.

And speaking of bookings, don’t forget Leeside Laughs, coming up at Everyman on Friday, January 26. Presented by Coughlans Live Promotions and The Comedy Cavern, it will feature Alison Spittle, Kiri Pritchard McClean, Mike Rice, Shane Clifford, Martin Angolo, and Tadhg Hickey, all with host Laura O’Mahony - you’re in for a side-splitting night of comedy! Isn’t that just what you need in these dark winter months? 8pm start. Booking as above.

And here is something else guaranteed to put a smile on your face - The Lord Mayor’s Tea Dance at the City Hall on Sunday, January 28. This delightful annual event is now looked forward to not just in the city but all over the county, with busloads of those, both young and old, who love to dance, coming in for an afternoon of nostalgic pleasure.

Running from 3 to 5.30pm, it will feature Evelyn Grant and the Cork Pops Orchestra, together with Mr Voice of Ireland himself, Keith Hanley, and the music will range from Strauss to Abba and everything in between. Yes, waltzes as well as tangos, swing as well as rock n roll!

The Tea Dance is a not-for-profit initiative organised by a local committee of people from the public, private and voluntary sectors and in conjunction with the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy. The committee is chaired by Dr Andrew Crosbie.

A great way to pay tribute to those of earlier generations who knew that the best way to be happy was to get together and dance!

Young people, why not bring a valued older relative or indeed a group of older people along? Those of you with free travel, seize the opportunity to come down (or up!) to Cork on the 28th. Want to see a previous Tea Dance? Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xR8uLhRR1Q&feature=email. Tickets are now on sale in Pro Music Oliver Plunkett St. Cork. But hurry!

Still another week to enjoy Jack and the Beanstalk at the Opera House; in between performances, though, they have managed to fit Frankie Boyle on Monday next, January 15, with Lap of Shame (only a few tickets left for that.)

Lively new star comedian Adam Rowe is here on January 24, plaintively enquiring What’s Wrong With Me?, and on January 25, we have Tony Christie himself.

The legendary crooner continues to entertain audiences around the world with incredible showmanship, as well as one of the biggest selling singles of the past two decades, Is This The Way To Amarillo? Great to have him back in Cork.

Booking for Opera House shows on 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie.

Nettle Horse by Little John Nee opened last night at the Cork Arts Theatre, and continues until Saturday at 8pm. Set in the near future, it involves dispossessed families travelling west after winning a lottery. Rich comedy and poignancy blend most effectively.

Back by popular demand on January 30 is Jump, written and performed by Pauline O’Driscoll and directed by Karen Minihan, described as a middle-aged, coming-of-age play. Booking for the Cork Arts Theatre on 021 450 5624 or www.corkartstheatre.com.