Celtic FC legends, and music galore  feature on Cork's stages

SINGER Tony Christie is appearing at the Opera House tonight, with a few seats still available, but the next three shows at the venue - Mary Black tomorrow, Reeling In The Showband Years on Saturday and Sunday, and Frankie Boyle - Lap Of Shame on Monday, are all fully sold out.

There might be a few returns, you never know your luck, so try anyway.

And comedian Boyle will be back on April 25, so you could grab a ticket for that in good time.

Next Thursday, it’s An Audience with Celtic Legends, John Hartson and Chris Sutton.

With over 250 appearances, 151 goals, and 14 titles lifted during their time at the club, these heroes have cemented themselves in the Glasgow soccer club’s history.

Hosted by the fantastic Jed Stone, the lads will talk openly and honestly about their time at the club, the highs, the lows and the ins and outs of the Celtic Park dressing room.

In the second half of the evening, the floor will open to the audience so you can ask your questions.

There are a limited amount of special VIP tickets for this celebratory event, which include a meet and greet plus professional photograph with the legends, and premium seating for the show. Better be quick to get your tickets!

Some of the rising stars of Irish opera will appear at the Opera House in a special Valentine’s Night presentation of Bizet’s La tragédie de Carmen. Performed as part of the theatre’s Winter Season, it will feature Niamh O’Sullivan, Dean Power, Rory Dunne, and Kelli-Ann Masterson. Carmen is the second opera performed by this quartet, following The Magic Flute last October, and tickets are in high demand! Call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie.

Don’t forget Leeside Laughs tomorrow night at The Everyman, an ideal way to get rid of the winter blues.

Saturday brings Cornelius Patrick O’Sullivan with A Bird In The Hand - a stand-up comedy show that deals with serious topics in a wonderfully witty way.

Next Wednesday, Man Vs Ocean is a live encounter with Damian Browne, Ireland’s foremost extreme adventurer and the only person in history to row 3000 miles across the ferocious North Atlantic from Manhattan, to Galway. Inspirational and exciting, it will lift you.

And Thursday, February 1 sees the eclectic Louise McSharry and her warm, frank interview style as she chats with a very special guest.

Booking for all Everyman shows on 021 450 1573 or at www.everymancork.com.

JUMP!? is returning to Cork Arts Theatre from Tuesday next by popular demand. This one-woman play about hormones and female sexuality, written and performed by Pauline O’Driscoll, had delighted audiences begging for more last October.

A searingly truthful, touching and laugh-out-loud funny dive into all that is taboo about female sexuality, it’s about one woman’s no-holds barred hunt for the perfect cocktail ... of hormones. Go in a gang of friends for the best experience! January 30 to February 3. Call 021 450 5624 or see www.corkartstheatre.com.

Here is a nice out-of-towner for you! The Marian Players stage Puss In Boots at the Community Centre in Rathmore from this Saturday, January 27, to Saturday, February 3, at 7.30pm, with matinees on the Sundays. Book on 085 203 1730.

Finally, news of a couple of new releases from talented musicians.

Rollercoaster Records has just unveiled Citi na gCumann, the first glimpse into the upcoming full-length album Cuimhne Ghlinn: Explorations in Irish Music for Pedal Steel Guitar by David Murphy. This debut album recasts ancient Irish harp tunes and historic airs into the 21st century via the pedal steel guitar. The full album is due out on April 19.

And ahead of her debut trip to Australia, Kerry songwriter Lorraine Nash follows up the 2023 album All That I Can Be with her first single of 2024, February Snow, coming out February 9.