Theatre Nights: Films, comedy and panto countdown

The 70th Cork Film Festival is still in full swing. This afternoon at the Everyman, The Voice of Hind Rajab, the true story of a seven-year-old Palestinian girl trapped in a car under Israeli military fire, and the first responders who try to rescue her. Tonight at the same venue, Pillion tells the story of a directionless man swept off his feet when an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive. That’s followed by a post-film show, featuring Krystal and the Queers in One Night Stand. Lots more on too right through to next Sunday. Check it all out on corkfilmfest.org.

And don’t forget that panto season is fast approaching! At Everyman they are working round the clock to have Cinderella onstage and ready for her great romantic adventure from Saturday, November 29. Lots of laughter, dazzling costumes and a fairy godmother with serious flair, directed by the queen of panto herself, Catherine Mahon-Buckley. Better book quickly though! www.everymancork.com, or 021 450 1673.

Over at the Opera House, they are starting even earlier, on Wednesday, November 26, but already the first few shows are completely sold out. And why not, when you are invited to join Aladdin, plus everyone’s favourite, Nanny Nellie, and a host of lovable companions in a spectacular show? Performances at different times of the day and night to suit all ages, but be aware that those earlier shows sell out far quicker so if you are bringing the tinies to their first panto experience, don’t delay.

Nor should you delay if you yearn to revisit the glory days of Abba Forever, since their show on December 1 is already sold out, but there might still be some seats for December 8. Then there is the Improvised Panto opening on December 5, while that great annual celebration, The Cork Opera House Christmas Concert, is on December 15 and 16, with very few seats remaining. Get going! 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie.

Enda Walsh’s Misterman is back at the Cork Arts Theatre from tonight after a 25 year gap! James de Burca plays Thomas McGill who sees and knows hidden things about his native village. Directed by Al Dalton, it runs to Saturday, November 22 at 8, with an additional matinee this Saturday at 2.30pm. 021 450 5624 or www.corkartstheatre.com.

Down in Rossmore, the West Cork One Act Drama Festival opens tomorrow night with Coachford, Carraig na bhFearr and Kilmeen competing. Saturday brings Doonbeg, Beehive and Wayside, while Sunday sees Conna, Carlow and Bradan, plus the all-important adjudication. Who will go through? 086 4481086 or rossmoretheatre.com.

At City Limits, The Comedy Club this coming Saturday, a chance to enjoy a Best of Cork Special, hosted by Chris Kent and featuring Paul Crowley, Micheal The B Roche, Mark O’Keeffe, Leslie Martinez, Aaron McCarthy, and more. Tickets at the door on the night, or in advance at www.tickets.ie. 8.45pm start.

At St Catherine’s Cultural Centre in Kinsale this coming Thursday, November 13, Reel for Palestine will feature short films, live music from The Lost Gecko and Lady Fi, and readings from local poets. All proceeds go to Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders Ireland and Gaza Go Bragh CLG. 7 pm start. info@sccc.ie for more details and booking.

At the Briery Gap in Macroom, Bernard O’Shea’s Desperate Househusband show tomorrow night is already sold out, but there is live music on Saturday night with Tara Breen, Pádraig Rynne, and Jim Murray — three leading figures in Irish music blending tradition with creativity. Monday and Wednesday of next week, another chance to see Jack Nicholson in the searing One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. 8pm start for all of these. And they are working away at Macroom’s own Christmas pantomime there too! Goldilocks and the Three Bears will open on December 12. All bookings 083 143 6884, www.brierygap.ie.