Theatre Nights: Singers, dancers, and the Fringe Festival

I was passing the Opera House one early evening last week and very much enjoyed seeing little dancing fairies and skipping pixies milling around the paved area outside, carefully watched over by parents and relatives.

An end-of-year show from one of our busy dance academies had clearly been in progress. It was great to see all these kids taking their first steps on the boards, the memories of which will never leave them, and the training for which will stand them in good stead throughout their lives.

We have a wonderful array of such shows on at this time of year, and there is one at the Opera House this very evening, from The Performers’ Academy.

Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance is a sparkling variety show directed by Irene Warren and Cian Griffin. 6.30pm start, but demand for tickets has been strong (all those friends and family supporters), so there are very few left.

Rebecca O’Connor is on stage tomorrow night with Simply The Best, her amazing Tina Turner tribute which was even praised by that rock legend herself. 8pm for that.

And on Sunday night, there is a chance to hear that legendary folk singer/songwriter Ralph McTell, currently on an extensive tour of Ireland. Tickets are selling fast, as are those for Ben Portsmouth’s tribute show, This Is Elvis, on Wednesday next, May 14.

Call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie.

A live audience is at Everyman tonight with one of the world’s top rugby referees, Nigel Owens. That is already fully sold out, but there might still be seats for the Niall McCabe Full Band Show tomorrow night, celebrating the launch of Niall’s new album. 8pm start.

And on Saturday, not just one, but three presentations: at 5.30pm in the Everyman Bar, Coming of Age (…At 30), A Musical Cabaret, in which Sarah Rose muses on her career as a performer, and showcases special songs.

Then, from 7.30pm, Cork Fringe presents a double-bill, In A Bad Way and Happy Capital, as part of our city’s Fringe Festival. And on Sunday, the ever-popular Songbook team are staging That’s Amore, a musical celebration of the ultimate relaxed crooner, Dean Martin. 7.30pm for that too.

Next Wednesday sees the start of the Banff Mountain Film Festival. What a variety on offer!

See www.everymancork.com or call 021 450 1673 for all bookings.

Don’t forget the Cork International Poetry Festival coming up at the Arts Theatre from May 14-17. Major Irish and international poets gather for four days of readings, discussions, workshops and film. Call 021 450 5624 or see www.corkartstheatre.com.

It’s movie night at St Catherine’s Cultural Centre in Kinsale next Wednesday, May 14. Amélie, a 2001 French language romantic comedy film, whimsically depicting contemporary Parisian life, and starring Audrey Tautou.

Tickets on the door from 6.30pm, and do remember to bring a cushion, they say!

Paul Crowley appears at City Limits - Cork Comedy Club this Saturday, May 10, with special guests. Acknowledged as one of the best joke writers on the circuit, Crowley’s descriptions of trying to navigate life as a modern Dad in an absurd world are not to be missed. Doors 8pm, show 8.45pm.

See www.thecomedyclub.ie, www.tickets.ie, or call 085 257 3480. Tickets on the door on the night if available, or to hold, email tickets@thecomedyclub.ie.

Coming soon to the Comedy Club, Colin Murphy and Kevin McGahern.

That wonderful Canadian trio, Genticorum (described as one of the most sought-after exponents of Québécois musical culture), are at Baltimore Fiddle Fair tomorrow, Friday, at 8.30pm, and at Ionad Cultúrtha in Ballyvourney on Saturday at 8pm. If you’re heading west, you could also catch them on Sunday at St Micheal’s Church in Waterville, Kerry, at 8pm.