Theatre Nights: Night out to mark venue’s 170 years

Well, it’s house full at the Opera House this coming weekend, from The Illegal Eagles tonight through the black-tie Gala Concert on Saturday, celebrating 170 years of our great theatre.

Yes, in both its lives, if you’re one of those who recall the fine old lady that sat by the Lee for a century before its demise by conflagration in 1955. That will be a resplendent evening.

Scala and the Kolacny Brothers, that amazing choir, are also fully sold out on Sunday night.

On Monday and Tuesday, from 11am, we have the All Ireland Second Level Schools Drama and Light Entertainment Competition at the Opera House.

The preliminary rounds were held at Mullingar Arts Centre and Briery Gap, Macroom, and those finalists are now preparing for their big moment in the city, with the Light Entertainment Competition on Monday and Transition Year Drama Competition on Tuesday. 11am start both days and there is likely to be much demand for tickets, by families, friends, and supporters.

On Wednesday next, March 26, we have the man of the moment, Sean Ronayne, with Nature Boy: A Journey Of Birdsong And Belonging. One man’s determination to capture the sweet voices of every single bird in Ireland will result in a captivating evening, experiencing sounds you may never even have noticed before.

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

Still time to get to Philadelphia, Here I Come! at Cork Arts Theatre, since it runs until Saturday at 8pm nightly. Friel’s classic is directed here by Cian Morey and Jack Widger, for the LongStory Theatre Group and is unmissable.

Next week, at the same venue, the Montfort College of Performing Arts presents Broadway Kidz, a musical revue celebrating its 63rd year.

The Montfort Youth Choir, whose ages range from 9 to 18, will beguile you with numbers from the world’s greatest musicals including Wicked, Chicago, A Little Night Music, School of Rock, Annie – plus newer classics such as Amelie, Spring Awakening, and Songs for a New World.

That’s from Monday to Wednesday, March 24-26, at 7.30pm (note time).

Following that, from Monday, March 31, CADA students will be on stage with Unmasked ’25, but more on that next week.

And while we’re at it, March 31 is the closing date for submissions on Views From A Couch, short plays to be considered for the 10x10 Minute Play Event taking place at Cork Arts Centre in May. Let us impart a huge secret to would-be playwrights: The great trick of successful writing is the application of the seat of the pants to the chair, so get on with it!

Send a word document or PDF to theatre@corkartstheatre.com with the subject line ‘Views from a Couch Submission 2025’. If you’re unsure about the rules, email info@corkartstheatre.com.

For all show bookings, 021 450 5624 or www.corkartstheatre.com.

Three Short Comedies by Sean O’Casey opened last night at Everyman and continues until Saturday. A Druid production, directed by Garry Hynes, these superbly-crafted pieces of stagecraft feature Marie Mullen, Rory Nolan and Marty Rea, alongside Venetia Bowe, Caitríona Ennis and Liam Heslin.

An ISL-interpreted performance tonight, followed by a post-show talk led by Ger Fitzgibbon, 7.30pm start for these performances too.

On Sunday night at Everyman it’s the award-winning Legends of American Country show, with tributes to Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Don Williams, Patsy Cline, and more. Yee-hah! Bring your Stetson. 8pm start. www.everymancork.com or 021 450 1673.

Finally, folk singer Aoife Scott, a member of the legendary Black family, and a rising star in her own right, is at the Glen Theatre in Banteer this Saturday, March 22. 8pm start. 029 56239 for bookings.