Busy bank holiday weekend at Cork's theatres

AN Audience with Celtic Legends John Hartson and Chris Sutton is at the Opera House tonight, Thursday, February 1.

There just might be one or two VIP tickets left, which entitle you to a meet and greet plus professional photograph with the duo, and premium seating for the show.

A live and unfiltered interview hosted by Jed Stone will be follow in the second half of the evening, by a Q&A session.

Tommy Fleming is at the Opera House on Friday and Saturday, tickets are selling fast for that too.

On Sunday, it’s that superb tribute show, The Legend of Luke Kelly, performed by Chris Kavanagh and the Patriots.

And don’t forget next Thursday, a very special evening when the London Gospel African Choir perform an unforgettable rendering of Paul Simon’s Graceland. An iconic album since its release in 1986, this is a rare opportunity to hear it sung by a stunning choir.

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

They are celebrating Brigid’s Day, or Imbolc, at the Everyman tonight, marking the coming of the Irish spring with Louise McSharry In Conversation.

The writer and broadcaster specialises in sharing her warm, frank, open interview style with special guests, and will be doing the same tonight, Thursday. 

“I’m so delighted to be coming back to Cork, and to be in the Everyman for the first time,” says McSharry. 

I’m especially happy to be here on St Brigid’s Day and will be taking the opportunity to celebrate Irish women in a big way with this show.

One Night With Adele, with powerhouse vocalist Naomi Johnson tomorrow, Friday, is alas fully sold out, but the Everyman has managed to organise another date on February 11, so get your skates on! Or try for the INEC on Monday night next (see below).

Sunday next sees the start of Everyman’s new concert series, led by John O’Brien, with the recently-formed Ora Quartet (Siún Milne and Molly O’Shea (violins), Ali Comerford (viola) and Yseult Cooper Stockdale (cello) providing the musical backdrop. This first show is entitled Music Of Sadness And Comfort, with mezzo-soprano star Niam O’Sullivan, as well as flute and fiddle player Johnny McCarthy.

Music Of Love And Heartache is coming up on March 10, and Music Of Faith And Doubt on April 28, and you can block book for all three if you wish.

Everyman bookings: www.everymancork.com or 021 450 1673.

More beautiful music coming up at the Triskel tomorrow, when The Naomi Berrill Trio are in town. Naomi’s album, Inish, was released last October, and is now being toured in her native land. Find out more about her, and her Trio, on Youtube: Naomi Berrill Official Channel, or on Facebook and Instagram.

More music now in Bantry, when acclaimed chamber group The Ficino Ensemble present a musical odyssey at St Brendan’s Church there tomorrow, Friday, performing rarely heard music by Mozart, McKay and Penderecki. 7.30pm start.

Call 027 52788 or see www.westcorkmusic.ie/events/2024/ficino-ensemble-finghin-collins/.

That hilarious play about the problems of middle age, Jump, is drawing crowded houses at Cork Arts Theatre this week, but it must end Saturday. Written and performed by Pauline O’Driscoll, and directed by Karen Minihan, it breaks all the social taboos, and is thus advised for over-16 audiences. Booking on 021 450 5624 or www.corkartstheatre.com.

Pat and Faye Shortt will have the INEC in Killarney rocking with gales of laughter tomorrow night, while on Monday next, there’s a chance to enjoy One Night of Adele at the same venue.

Finally, the beautiful voice of Sean Keane can be heard in the delightful surroundings of the Glen Theatre, Banteer, this Saturday, February 3. 8pm start. Booking 029 56239 or 087 755752.