Theatre nights: Festival drama in West Cork... and comedy too

The West Cork Fit Up Festival is having a great run, with audiences everywhere delighted to get live theatre on their doorstep instead of having to head to the city in the heat and traffic of midsummer.

Tonight, in Timoleague, it’s Mary’s Hopes And Dreams, from Hubcap, a delightful comedy about life in a rural community. Cattle dealers, tennis players, greyhound trainers, ’80s pop stars and The Two Marys are all part of the mix, which also involves slapstick, rap, mime, song, dance, martial arts – oh, and swimming! 8pm start.

The show travels to Sherkin Island tomorrow, Friday, and to Bere Island on Saturday. Or you might enjoy Baby at Ballydehob on Saturday, which delves into the world of a woman who desperately wants one. Dark humour, honest vulnerability, baby envy, it’s all there. That’s at 4pm and 7pm Saturday, and 7pm Sunday.

Details on these and upcoming shows on https://www.fit-uptheatrefestival.com/weekly-schedule/.

Comedian Jason Manford is at the Everyman tomorrow with A Manford All Seasons. 8pm start.

Then, from Tuesday, July 29, Stones In His Pockets arrives, and runs to August 10. This version captures all the magic of the original worldwide hit, while adding stunning new stagecraft.

Set in rural Ireland, a small village is turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood studio to film the latest historic blockbuster. Told through the eyes of two local lads employed as extras, it soon becomes clear Tinseltown’s romanticised dream of Ireland is a long way from reality.

After a tragic incident concerning a local teenager, Charlie and Jake assume responsibility for giving an account of events, taking on all the roles themselves.

Marie Jones’s play was first staged at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in 1999 before opening at the Tricycle Theatre, London, and transferring to the New Ambassadors Theatre there in 2000.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering the play for the first time, Stones In His Pockets is an unforgettable night. Tickets on www.everymancork.com or 021 450 1673.

At Cork Arts Theatre, Padraig Potts continues until Saturday, with 1pm matinees today and tomorrow, and 8pm evening shows Thursday to -Saturday.

Written and performed by Seamus O’Rourke, it follows the memories of a man looking back on the major events of his life.

Next week, Wednesday to Saturday, The Silver Case is a moving story, unfolding through both narration and music the story of a young girl lying injured in a warzone while an aid worker stays by her side offering comfort and love. Get all the info on www.corkartstheatre.com or 021 450 5624.

Quite an event is coming up at history Elizabeth Fort on Friday next week, August 1, when Áine Duffy presents Don’t Touch My Knob with its all-female line-up. “This isn’t just a gig. It’s a statement,” she claims, and she could be right, as it’s her positive reaction to the perceived lack of gender diversity in Live at the Marquee.

MC for the night is comedian Sinead Quinlan, with musicians Ria Rua and Aine Duffy herself, and electronic DJ Nathalie Mac. “Expect raw talent, skill, craic, and laughs!” says Aine. Doors 8pm, and tickets on Eventbrite.ie.

Finally, if West Cork is your chosen holiday venue, don’t forget Rossmore Theatre will be staging that delightful comedy Widow’s Paradise every Thursday and Friday from next week.

A tale of five ladies on a ‘women only’ holiday on a luxury caravan site, the scene is set for chaos! It’s presented by the award-winning Kilmeen Drama Group.

Also, for those temporarily domiciled by the beach, Kilmeen will be presenting its prize-winning production, The Weir, at the Inchydoney Amphitheatre on August 5 & 6. 7pm start, not suitable for under 14s. Tickets from the hotel or, for either show, by phone at Rossmore Theatre on 086 448 1086.