Theatre Nights: Antarctic drama, comedy, and feast of music

Opening tonight at the Everyman, Aidan Dooley in his striking one-man performance: Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer.

Nobody conveys the sense of adventure, challenge, and above all the character of this great explorer who somehow gets left out of the story in discussions about the men who led these expeditions. Until Saturday at 8pm, with an additional matinee on Sunday at 1pm.

On Sunday night, the hilarious Irish comedian Mike Rice makes his Everyman debut in Cruel Little Man, and the following Thursday, March 5, Gerry McAvoy returns to Cork with his Band of Friends, celebrating what would have been Rory Gallagher’s 78th birthday.

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

At the Opera House, there were still a few tickets left for One Night Of Adele at time of going to press, but don’t delay in checking.

The following three shows are all sold out: Jarlath Regan, Gas Man, on Friday and Saturday, The Dire Straits Experience on March 4, and Ye Vagabonds on March 5.

Still some left for Pat and Faye Shortt on Friday, and for the Kilfenora Ceili Band on the Saturday, though. Call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie.

At City Limits - Cork Comedy Club this Saturday, February 28, Brian Gallagher is on stage with friends. One of the rising stars of Irish comedy, witty and irreverent, he has been a sell-out at the Edinburgh Fringe. Doors 8pm, show 8.45pm. See www.tickets.ie, call 085 257 3480 or on the door.

CADA’s lively show, Music Madness, is keeping the Cork Arts Theatre hopping at the moment, with performances right through until Saturday at 7pm. Soloists, harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances from these so-talented young artists.

From Tuesday to Saturday next week, Ger Fitzgibbon’s The Four Faced Liar encapsulates the lives of Corkonians past and present as perceived by Shandon itself, which reigns over all and sees all. Think Under Milkwood transported to Leeside! An 8pm start nightly.

Two good shows coming up at the Briery Gap in Macroom next weekend. On Friday, March 6, Gerry Tully with the Christy Moore Songbook, interpreting some of the best-loved classics from that great artist.

And on Saturday, March 7, The Flowers Of May, a play about raising neurodivergent kids. Both humorous and heartfelt, it explores the triumphs, challenges, and quiet beauty of raising a child with autism, and offers a thought-provoking and emotionally enriching experience, while reflecting the hilarious side of parenting and marriage. 8pm start for both those. call 083 143 6884 or see www.brierygap.ie.

The 17th First Cut Youth Film Festival takes place in Youghal from March 2-7. With over 200 short films across six days, it offers young filmmakers a platform to showcase their work, participate in workshops, and engage with industry professionals.

As part of the festival’s Schools Open Call Programme, over a dozen schools from Ireland will screen short films of all genres. In addition, 50 Cork-based primary and secondary schools will screen films during the festival as part of the Cork Young Filmmakers Programme and special First Cut animation and Irish language filmmaking initiatives.

Check out all the details on www.firstcutfilmfestival.com.

At the Glen Theatre in Banteer this Saturday and Sunday, Key For Two, written by John Chapman and Dave Freeman, and directed by Tadhg O’Keeffe. Harriet, a canny divorcee, solves her financial problems by dating two married gentlemen on different days of the week. Now what could possibly go wrong? Tickets on 029 56239, Ext I, or email theglentheatrebanteer@gmail.com.

Finally, last chances to see Enda Walsh’s Ballyturk at the Rossmore Theatre this Friday and Sunday, by Kilmeen Drama Group. 086 448 1086 or info@rossmoretheatre.com.