A busy programme ahead on Cork's stages this week

‘ The Perfect Immigrant’ is the thought-provoking play at the Cork Arts Theatre this week. Written and performed by Sam Yakura, it tells the story of a young black man settling in Ireland and trying to find a way to hold on to both cultures, to both worlds. Weaving through prose and poetry, you feel his discomfort and swing from side to side in sympathy as his loyalty to home is torn by the promise of the new.

  The Perfect Immigrant sold out at the Dublin Fringe Festival and is now on tour. Tonight until Saturday at 8pm, with an additional matinee Saturday at 2.30pm.

Next week brings TABOO, from Red ‘n Blue Theatre Company. This dark comedy by John Morton is based on a first date between two misfits and forces the audience to consider where we place people who don’t fit in. That’s from Tuesday next, November 21, to Saturday November 25. All bookings for the Cork Arts Theatre on 021 450 5624 or www.corkartstheatre.com.

Would you believe that the Opera House pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, opens in less than two weeks? Yep, Wednesday November 29, and tickets are already selling like the proverbial hot cakes. The Abba Forever show on December 4 and 5 is already fully sold out, but you might like to note that the big Cork Opera House Christmas Concert will be held this year on December 18 and 19, because that is likely to be a sell-out too. Don’t delay, get your tickets NOW! 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie.

And of course the Everyman panto, the heartwarming Beauty and the Beast, opens only three days later, on December 2, promising all the traditional delights for young and old. Right now everyone is rehearsing, practising, polishing, while the wardrobe mistresses are on overtime with all the costume changes! 021 450 1673 or www.everymancork.com for all bookings there.

Now, not many artists can survive over 50 years in show business, but Red Hurley is someone who has certainly stood the test of time! The legend of the Nevada showband is now starting out on his 6th decade as a star studded entertainer, and will be appearing at The Sea Church in Ballycotton tomorrow night. Doors 8pm, show starts 8.30pm. Booking on www.seachurch.ie.

The night sky is very much the theme at Dance Firkin Crane tomorrow and Saturday night, when Justine Doswell of Irish Modern Dance Theatre presents Messier 45. This star cluster, also known as the Pleiades or The Seven Sisters, features in countless cultures and traditions. This new dance piece, created and choreographed by Justine Doswell in collaboration with the dancers themselves, draws on the richness of feminine archetypes to explore the forces that hold sisters together or break them apart. 7.30pm start. Booking on 021 450 7427 or www.firkincrane.ie.

Now here is a really good idea that brings fun into the whole painful legacy of being forced to learn Irish at school! Award-winning comedian Áine Gallagher brings her nationwide ‘ Cup of Focals’ tour to Cork, DeBarra’s in Clonakilty tonight and Coughlan’s in the city November 30. She’s on a clear mission: to help her audiences have fun and lose their hang-ups around speaking the Irish language. Áine’s inspiration comes from her own personal journey of recurring Leaving Cert nightmares, fears of fluent speakers, and grammatical slip-ups.

Meanwhile some truly beautiful sounds at the Glen Theatre in Banteer tomorrow night, Friday when The Vanbrugh and Friends present great works, Beethoven’s C minor piano trio Op.1 No.3, and Brahms’ magnificent 1890 string quintet Op.111. A wonderful evening in prospect. All shows start 8pm sharp. Booking on 029 56239 or 087 7558752.