Comedy, history, and circus fun too on Cork's stages this week

Audiences have been enjoying The Empty Nest at the Cork Arts Theatre this week.

From the pen of Oisín Flores Sweeney, and directed by Geoff Gould, it’s the tale of life after the kids have left. Now the grandchildren are invading, while Tony and Sheila wonder where their own lives went.

Hilarious, yet sharply true to the reality, it stars Seamus O’Rourke and Joan Sheehy.

Runs until Saturday, with performances at 1pm and 8pm today and tomorrow, 8pm Saturday.

Next week, it’s Making A Show Of Myself, a one-woman show by Mary Kate O’Flanagan.

With a busy day job as story consultant for film and television, Mary Kate claims that she really comes alive at night when she tells true-life stories on stage to an audience.

This one was a sell-out at Smock Alley last winter, and is likely to get house full notices here too.

Runs Wednesday to Friday, daytime 1pm, evenings Wed-Sat 8pm.

Call 021 450 5624 or see www.corkartstheatre.com for all Cork Arts Theatre bookings.

It’s your last chance to see the Souls, Shadows And Secrets at Everyman tonight. Written and directed by Barry Monahan, this new play gives voice to three of Ireland’s most prominent historical figures - Constance Markievicz, Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera - set against the backdrop of a young woman’s personal tale in the years between the 1916 Easter Rising and the early years of the Free State.

Tomorrow night, acclaimed American songwriter Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy is here, with guests Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O’Leary.

He is at the Everyman for the first time as part of his summer Irish tour following the release of his latest album, Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You. 8pm start for both.

On Saturday, Pitch’d Festival Gala promises to be an electrifying evening of breathtaking aerial displays and mesmerising routines from the Circus Factory.

Performers include Giulia Pasquale, Síolta Circus, Sadbh Grehan, Circus 250 and Symmetry Circus. That one begins at 7pm.

From Thursday to Saturday next week, Gatman is back in Tadhg Hickey’s one-man show about the eccentricities of Cork city.

Call 021450 1673 or see www.everymancork.com

Now, here are two lovely new opportunities for those of you looking to do something different this autumn.

The newly-formed Mallow Musical Society is planning to create a gala performance of a big show next February, and has issued an invite to anyone interested to come along and audition. Now why not? Just what you needed if you live in or near Mallow.

Open Call Auditions for Mala Gala: The Musical will be held at CDYS Small Gym, New Road, Mallow, on Monday and Tuesday, September 2 & 3 between 7 and 9pm. Put it in your diaries now!

For more information, email mallowmusicalsociety@gmail.com.

And there are only about six weeks to go if you want to make your mark as a playwright by entering the 10x10 Minute Play Event at the Cork Arts Theatre!

The call for submissions has already gone out, with the deadline of Sunday, October 6. Time to polish off those short plays, or get moving on that idea you have always had.

Note that, due to the very large numbers of entries in recent years, they are only accepting submissions from writers resident in Ireland and the UK this time.

Important points to note: plays should be no more than 10 minutes in duration (do a live reading to be certain) and should have a simple setting (minimal props and furniture). Other than that, they are open to plays of all genres - comedy, tragedy, farce, fantasy, horror, whatever.

The final 10 chosen will be performed from December 3-8. Any other queries, email theatre@corkartstheatre.com. Get to that desk!

And finally, don’t forget Conor McPherson’s Rum & Vodka at the Roundy House tonight. A classic tale of booze and debauchery, it is absolutely not suitable for anyone under the age of 16!

Directed by Tommy Daly, and performed by Eoin O’Reilly, it starts at 7pm (doors 6.30pm) and runs for one hour. Tickets on https://www.ticketsource.eu/.