Super Sonic Fun, and The SAD Panto hit Cork's stages

IT’S the opening night of the three-day Sonic Vigil XI festival at the Opera House this evening (Thursday September 14), when Quiet Music Ensemble perform pieces by Irish and international composers including Marianthi Papalexandri-Alexandri, Anna Murray, and Irene Murphy, plus the world premiere of a new work by dancer Inma Pavon.

Throughout this performance, patrons are encouraged to move between the various spaces of the venue: the foyer, main bar, and Blue Angel hospitality suite.

Earlier today (Thursday), at 4.30pm, as part of the same festival, Deep Listening will be screened, the Irish premiere of a new film on iconic composer/improvisor/philosopher Pauline Oliveros (1932-2016). Discounted combination tickets available for this and the evening show.

Tomorrow night (Friday), Aonghus McAnally celebrates Christy Hennessy, one of Ireland’s most popular songwriters.

On Saturday, Sonic Vigil XI is back, with a spectacular six hour session from noon, featuring over 20 musicians including David Toop, Danny McCarthy, Vicky Langan, Pierre Berthet and Rie Nakajima. That one is free, but booking is essential. Call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie.

The hugely popular Cork Folk Festival runs this year from September 27 to October 1, with nearly 40 events on the programme, including Sharon Shannon, Mary Coughlan, and Frances Black.

Concerts at Triskel, Everyman, and more, plus workshops, CD launches, a céilí mór, sean nós dancing, music workshops, trad sessions, a walking tour of Rebel Cork and Folk fest in the Fort.

Find all the details on www.corkfolkfestival.com.

A new collaboration between the Everyman and Cork Arts Theatre, The SAD Panto, is currently running at the latter theatre.

Devised by Moonescale Productions, written and directed by John Francis Scally, it is a dark tale about the nature of free will, and a panto like no other. With strong language and themes of an adult nature, the age recommendation is 16+. Until Saturday at 8pm.

Next week at Cork Arts Theatre, Four Faced Theatre Company presents GLUE by Niamh Fennessy, also a new collaboration between the Everyman and CAT.

It’s a vignette of the life of a girl caught in the typical throes of young adulthood, with relationships, sex, theft, girls’ nights out, girls’ nights in, more theft, glue, boyfriends, breaks from boyfriends, siblings, death, God, car air fresheners, lipstick, and lies...

Preview on Tuesday, September 19, performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8pm, also matinee Saturday at 1pm.

Call 021 450 5624 or see www.corkartstheatre.com.

Meanwhile, at the Everyman tonight, the welcome return of Tom Crean - Antarctic Explorer. Written and performed by Aidan Dooley, this is a mesmerising show about one of Ireland’s greatest unsung heroes. That’s tonight and tomorrow (Friday).

Saturday brings the exciting House of Circus, a collaboration between Circus Factory and the Everyman.

In this 60-minute show, Hayden and Iconnee introduce the wonder of circus along with the wonder of drag. They take you on a journey, from backstage to the spotlight, through the doubts, joys, glitter and fights. Fascinating and enthralling. 8pm start.

That’s followed on Sunday by even more excitement with the Pitch’d Festival Gala, where you can witness the crème de la crème of circus performers showcasing their talent in a variety of acts that will leave you amazed. 4pm start.

Not enough yet? Well, head for UnCorked on Monday night, when five of Cork’s most exciting acts take to the stage. IRIS, PebbleDash, The Cliffords and Staff Party join the curators, Skies Behind, in this year’s line-up, creating a celebration of the independent music culture being shaped right now in venues across the city and county. That’s 7pm start. See www.everymancork.com, or call 021 450 1673.