Comedy romance, and Podcast Fest on Cork's stages this week

At Everyman tonight and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday), Crokey Plays present Matches And Old Flames, which was written and directed by Tommy Marren, master of the light comedy genre.

A tired mother tries in vain to get her two mature sons wed and out of the house. Until she spots an ad in Ireland’s Own from two equally mature ladies… Could this be the answer?

Saturday brings Rob Heffernan and Laura O’Mahony for Red Raw Live, with all the craic and honesty of their well-loved podcast to the stage. 8pm start for both of those.

And don’t forget Noel Coward’s classic comedy, Present Laughter at the Everyman from Tuesday, September 24, from Ian McGuirk Productions, directed by Mary Curtin.

Call 021 450 1673 or see www.everymancork.com

Cork Podcast Festival continuing at the Opera House until Sunday: tonight it’s Keep It Tight, Friday Matt Cooper and Ivan Yates, Saturday The Cinemile Podcast, and finally, on Sunday, The Blindboy Podcast. Booking fairly strong for all of these so hurry up.

Psychic Sally, that powerful medium, is here on Tuesday to amaze your minds with her powerful performance, and The Ultimate Classic Rock Show next Thursday, September 19, has two hours of classic rock anthems from artists such as Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Free, The Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, and more.

See www.corkoperahouse.ie or call 021 427 0022 for all Opera House bookings.

At Cork Arts Theatre, Eurydice is in full swing until Saturday night, but it’s the Greek legend with a twist - rather than told from the point of view of Orpheus who descends to the Underworld to find his lost wife, it’s Eurydice’s own take on things, which just might be slightly different.

Written by Sarah Ruhl directed by Mollie Savage and Ben Holman, it is presented as part of Catalyst, a collaboration between the Everyman and Cork Arts Theatre, supported by Cork City Council Arts Office. 8pm. Relaxed performance tonight, by the way.

From Wednesday to Saturday next week, it’s I Banquo, by Tim Crouch for Cork Underground Theatre. A compelling exploration of the infamous Scottish play revisited through Banquo’s eyes. Starring Pearse O’Donoghue, it’s directed by Matt Palliser-Kehoe, with original music by Shivaun Alouf, and Rob Doherty on guitar.

That’s September 18-21 at 8pm with an additional matinee on Saturday at 3pm. Booking for all Cork Arts Theatre shows on 021 450 5624 or www.corkartstheatre.com

Two good shows at the Glen Theatre in Banteer this weekend. On Saturday, Declan Sinnott and Evelyn Kallansee in concert, while on Sunday it’s comedy all the way - It’s Wine O’Clock, with Norma Shehan. Both 8pm start. Bookings from 5pm to 10pm on 029 56239

Finally, advance notice of two big events later this month. You should be well aware already that the 19th edition of Culture Night is on Friday, September 20, with all kinds of doors open, and unique events at participating locations, all over the city, all free of charge. Some require booking, though, so check the website for details.

Full programme on www.CorkCity.ie/culturenight

That same weekend, September 20-22, Crosstown Drift is back at the superb location of Garinish Island in Bantry Bay for a second year. Well-known writers, poets, musicians, cultural creatives, with walks and talks, demonstrations, concerts, and everything else you could imagine.

Crosstown Drift has taken place in Cork since 2016 as part of Cork Midsummer Festival, and over the years has gathered some of Ireland’s finest writers, poets and musicians. Moving its colourful scene to Garinish last year proved a huge success. Take the boat and have fun! More on this, especially all those well-known participants, next week. In the meantime, check it all out on eventbrite.ie.