Theatre Nights: Film, lunchtime theatre in the city, and plenty of music

A really happy summer evening to look forward to at the Briery Gap in Macroom tomorrow night, when the smash hit movie Mamma Mia is being screened. Wherever this show takes place, whether in a live performance or in the cinema, you will find the audience dancing in the aisles by the end. Will you be doing just that? 8pm start. Saturday afternoon something for both kids and those who wish they were still kids, that bouncy film School of Rock, with Jack Black taking it all most un-seriously! 3pm start. And on Monday night a complete cinematic change with Power Ballad. Paul Rudd and Nick Jonas star in John Carney’s feel-good musical comedy celebrating second chances, great songs and the magic of Dublin’s music scene. The lively cinema scene in Macroom goes on up to next Friday, July 17, with Boogie Nights. Where else would you want to be? 083 143 6884 or www.brierygap.ie for bookings - or why not just call in?

At Everyman, K-Pop All Stars is completely sold out for both of tomorrow’s performances, but the theatre has managed to arrange a repeat visit on Monday, August 17 at 2pm and 7pm. Better be quick! And Saturday night, that age-defying star, Donovan, takes to the stage with The Tale of the Gael, celebrating his Celtic roots. Widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential songwriters and recording artists, he tells in concert the most amazing stories of his career, as well as of course singing those all-time favourites. 021 450 1673 or www.everymancork.com.

Broby Laundry Basket (Model 7800) is the intriguing title of this week’s Lunchtime & Supper Theatre at the Cork Arts Theatre. Written by Brendan Griffin and directed by Hanan Sheedy for Featherbowl Theatre, it tells the story of what happens when a long and happily married couple are visited by a ghost from their past. Lunchtime performances today and tomorrow at 1pm, evening shows until Saturday at 8pm. Next week Livewire Theatre presents The Komodo Heart by Roger Gregg. A children’s fantasy author has finally completed his new book; but when he and his agent read it together, it reveals itself as a nightmare of torn relationships and shattered lives. Wednesday to Saturday at 8pm and Thursday and Friday at 1pm. These lunchtime and supper shows at the CAT are a really great idea, enabling you to benefit from a quick fix of drama at times of the day that you might not think you had the time. www.corkartstheatre.com or 021 450 5624.

Siamsa Tíre in Tralee, the home of our traditional Irish culture, has organised something incredibly exciting the weekend after this – on Valentia Island, no less! Aidan Dooley, renowned for the award-winning Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer, directs Mike Kelly’s The Cable in a powerful new telling on July 18 and 19. Set against the backdrop of the transatlantic cable being laid on that very island, this poignant story explores loss, hope, and the longing for connection. With a haunting score of stunning Irish music, The Cable is a tale of love, family, and the transformative power of communication.

Oh wait! Just looked again, and it’s already sold out on Valentia! Well lads, can’t you organise just a couple more performances for those of us who would simply love to get to this? Talk about site-specific theatre! But if that cannot be, it will be back at Siamsa Tíre in Tralee on October 17 and 18. Better book right now… 066 712 3055 or www.siamsatire.com. For more detail on The Cable, and other locations where it will be staged (all in October), check out https://thecableplay.com.

And finally, The West Cork Fit Up Theatre Festival has just opened! Running to August 2, it will present plays in both Ballydehob and at a range of other venues, including our offshore islands!

More detail next week – in the meantime, check out https://www.fit-uptheatrefestival.com/.