Theatre Nights: See tribute acts, or tap into poetry

Ireland’s premier Pink Floyd tribute show, Breathe, bring  Pulse to the Opera House tomorrow, Friday, at 8pm.

That’s followed this weekend by The Centre Stage School with Footwork, performed by students from Mallow, Charleville, and Kanturk. Packed houses are expected! Saturday at 6pm, Sunday at noon and 6pm.

On Monday, the Opera House is hosting We’ve Only Just Begun, a great tribute show to the legendary Carpenters, with Toni Lee recreating the unforgettable voice of Karen Carpenter. Also 8pm start.

And don’t forget that from Friday to Sunday next week, May 22-25, the Montfort College of Performing Arts stage Applause 2025, with only a few tickets left.

Call 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie for all bookings.

There are more delightful end-of-year shows at the Everyman, where this Saturday, May 15, the students of Studio Wolfe present Celebratin’ Shakespeare, while on Sunday at 5pm, The ACA Performing Arts Academy present Fusion, featuring musical theatre, dance, acro and cheerleading, performed by its talented students, from toddlers to adults.

Next Thursday, May 22, social climbers of Cork, don’t miss your opportunity to update with Reggie from the Blackrock Road with his new show, Oh Lads! Yes, Ireland’s most beautifully spoken millionaire is asking the big questions: Why do Irish people shout ‘sorry’ at the waitress for attention in a restaurant? Are we more confident now we’re rich, like Dutch people with freckles? And given our history of low self-esteem, how did the Irish end up with such big heads? You do really need to know all this.

Call 021 450 1673 or see www.everymancork.com.

The Cork International Poetry Festival continues at the Arts Theatre until Saturday. Tonight it’s Susannah Dickey and Jaki McCarrick at 7pm, followed by Ciaran Berry and James Harpur at 8.30pm, and finally Jane Clarke and Pádraig Ó Tuama at 10pm.

Tomorrow night, Friday, Nuala ni Dhomnaill is on stage at 7pm, with Leeanne Quinn and Richard Scott at 8pm, and Nick Makoha and Nisrine Mbarki at 10pm.

More readings on Saturday from 3pm. See https://corkartstheatre.com/event/cork-international-poetry-festival-2025/ or ring 021 450 5624 for bookings.

A great opportunity to return to your dancing days at the INEC in Killarney tomorrow, Friday, when the Jack Keogh Band get the ballroom swinging. Free to anyone staying there; the rest can book on their website. 8.30pm start.

If singing along to unforgettable numbers is more your thing, what better than Abbaesque on Saturday night? 8.30pm start for the group considered by many to be the best tribute to these superstars ever! Book now for the INEC on 064 667 1555 or www.inec.ie.

At Siamsa Tíre in Tralee tomorrow night, after a sensational run of sold-out shows in 2024, Niall (Bressie) Breslin is bringing his multi-award-winning Where is My Mind? podcast.

Having led a colourful life thus far, and being no stranger to a slap from the dark side, Bressie has made it his vocation to excavate and discover what it is that makes us humans dive, survive, recover and thrive in the head melting-chaos of the modern world. And guess who he’s got as his special guest? Michael Healy-Rae, that’s who! 8pm start. Call 066 712 3055 or siamsatire.com for bookings.

A reminder that Cork Harbour Festival runs this year from May 24 to June 2. Celebrate our unique maritime heritage, explore the history and stunning landscapes of our vast natural harbour, and cheer on the flagship Ocean to City – An Rás Mór, Ireland’s premiere long-distance rowing race, taking place on May 31.

From on-the water adventures to music, art, poetry, workshops, talks and seminars and family-friendly events, there is something for everyone.

Check out https://corkharbourfestival.com/.