Theatre Nights: Lots of laughs and folk festival starts

Try! at the Everyman tomorrow night is sold out, but there were still a few tickets for the 11am screening of this award-winning rugby documentary film. 

On Saturday, David Nihill returns with his acclaimed show Taking Tangents. And don’t miss Songbook on Sunday at 3pm, which demands that you Keep It Country, celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry.

Comedian Andrew Ryan is there later that evening with Honest Capacity, and you can’t possibly miss the film screening of the National Theatre Live’s new production of The Playboy Of The Western World next Tuesday, October 6, at 7.30pm. Over 12s must be accompanied by an adult, since, we are warned, it contains graphic references to violence, injury, murder, sex, complex family relationships, and alcoholism!

That, presumably, is why much of the first night audience at the Abbey back in 1907 got up and walked out!

Now, you will have heard that the Everyman is staging a new production of Enda Walsh’s Disco Pigs on the 30th anniversary of that play’s first performance. It will run from October 31 to November 14, and you can buy tickets for the first preview performance at a special price if you’re quick. Call 021 450 1673 or see www.everymancork.com for all bookings.

A reminder that the 47th Cork Folk Festival opens on Thursday next, October 8, at the Triskel. Altan are headlining, while Slieve Luachra legends Jackie Daly and Matt Cranitch return, as well as many more stars.

But we want to draw your attention especially to a concert celebrating 100 years of traditional music on Irish radio, on Saturday, October 10, in which our own Majella Cullagh will be appearing with Pat ‘Herring’ Ahern and other superstars. Bet you didn’t know that Majella is a confirmed fan of Irish trad! Get all the details on corkfolkfestival.com.

Two of Cork City’s most interesting and adventurous creative groups, Strive Theatre and band MacBóchra, have partnered to explore the rich world of Ireland’s oldest seanchaí in drama, dance, and spectacle. GOLL is on at the Cork Arts Theatre from tomorrow until Sunday, telling the story of legendary Fintan, who survived many ages of Ireland. 8pm, plus matinees Saturday and Sunday at 4pm. www.corkartstheatre.com or 021 450 5624.

Timeless Jazz are at the Briery Gap in Macroom tonight, led by drummer John Philip Murray, with Brian Priestley, JinJu Jang, and J Q Whitcomb. 8pm start. Live music also with Freddie White tomorrow night, and comedy with Bernard O’Shea on Saturday, in his new show: Pick Up Drop Off.

October 5 & 7 sees a screening of Apocalypse Now: The Final Cut, while in total contrast, Áine Gallagher brings her bilingual comedy, For The Love Of Milseáin, to town on Thursday next, October 8. Known for her distinctive, offbeat style and her championing of our native tongue through comedy, Gallagher explores the everyday absurdities of growing up with Gaeilge. The show is performed in both Irish and English, with no knowledge of Irish required to enjoy it. Call 083 143 6884 or see www.brierygap.ie.

Jimmy McCarthy is sold out tonight at the Opera House, as are Hothouse Flowers on Saturday, but tomorrow night, Friday, there are still a few seats for British comedian Adam Rowe with Fashionism. Last few too for Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston on Sunday night, but Kyla Cobbler with Not My Lemons is fully sold out for Tuesday and Wednesday next. Call 021 427 0022 or see www.corkoperahouse.ie.

Finally, don’t forget Cork’s first very own version of Traitors tomorrow at the Firkin Crane! Banished features 14 members of the audience of whom three will be lying. This live deception game is for over 18s. 7.30pm start. 021 450 7487 or dancecorkfirkincrane.ie.