Theatre Nights: A gripping drama, and feast of music

You won’t believe this, with the summer holidays well under way and many of us out at the beach, but now is the time to book your bargain-priced tickets for next winter’s pantomime at the Everyman!

Yes, you read that aright, booking is now open for the Early Bird dates, December 4 & 5.

It’s going to be Cinderella, that magical old fairy tale,directed as ever by the indefatigable Catherine Mahon-Buckley, and they’ve already been working on the planning stages since – well, since last year’s ended in January really. It takes a long time to get a panto into that final glittering format, let me tell you!

Anyway, if you want one or several of those good value tickets for either date, get booking now!

Meantime, The Beacon, by Nancy Harris, is up and running at the Everyman, with 7.30pm evening shows and a 2pm Saturday matinee.

A gripping tale with questions being asked about a mysterious unexplained death, it’s ideal summer viewing, set as it is in West Cork. Directed by Sara Joyce. Until July 19.

And don’t forget two great shows coming up later this summer, for which tickets are likely to be much in demand: Stones In His Pockets, July 29 to Aug 10, and Mother Of All The Behans, August 12-16.

Booking for all Everyman shows on www.everymancork.com or 021 450 1673.

Leo Sayer is at the Opera House this Sunday night, and there still were a few tickets left when we checked, but they won’t be there long.

After that, the Opera House takes a break before Sweet And Sour – The Tribute To Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo, which is here on Friday, August 8.

Something special now for younger theatregoers from August 9-11, Dear Zoo, based on the classic children’s book by Rod Campbell. A magical experience (for you as well as the kids!) with child-engaging puppets, music and lots of audience interaction.

Morning and afternoon shows for that one. More details and all bookings on 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie.

Next week at Cork Arts Theatre, The Smuggler by Ronán Noone is the tale of an Irish immigrant trying to make it as a writer in an up-market Massachusetts summer colony. Tensions flare between migrants and locals after a fatal car crash and the question becomes all too evident: what does it actually mean to be an American citizen?

Ronán Noone, won a Best Playwright Award for this strikingly original work at New York’s Origin Theatre’s 1st Irish Festival in 2019 and it made its off-Broadway premiere at Irish Repertory Theatre in 2023.

Directed by two-time Tony Award-winning producer Conor Bagley, and produced by New York entrepreneur Jessica M. DeLucia, The Smuggler stars Michael Mellamphy – known for his work on US television, the New York stage, and as the cheeky outlaw Seán MacGuire in the global video game phenomenon Red Dead Redemption 2.

That’s 8pm Wednesday to Saturday, with a 1pm show Thursday and Friday. 021 450 5624 or www.corkartstheatre.com for all bookings.

The Mary Wallopers are at DeBarra’s Folk Club next Thursday, July 17. Formed by brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy plus Sean McKenna in 2019, they soon expanded to a blistering six-piece that has hit the heights ever since. They play three massive festival gigs in Ireland this summer - and recently announced this special intimate gig in DeBarra’s Folk Club on Thursday. Tickets from www.debarra.ie.

If you’re in Tralee for the hols, don’t miss the Bon Jovi Tribute Show at Siamsa Tire this Saturday. All the electrifying energy and timeless anthems with the tribute band dedicated to capturing the heart and soul of this legendary rock group. Call 066 712 3055 or see www.siamsatire.com.