What's on in Cork for week ahead: A John B. Keane classic, and live music galore

That classic Irish play, The Field, takes centre stage as one of the highlights of the Cork entertainment scene in the coming week.

It is performed at the Briery Gap theatre in Macroom, on Saturday, November 7 at 8pm.

A gripping story of land, power and the lengths we will go to protect what we believe is ours, the John B Keane story is a firm favourite with audiences.

There is also live music at the Briery Gap when Oisín Leech takes the stage next Thursday, November 12.

Classical music fans can see the Cork Fleischmann Symphony Orchestra with Michael McHale at Cork City Hall this Saturday at 7.30pm, in a celebration of musical genius.

Over at Cork Opera House, the eagerly-awaited Cork City Ballet presentation of The Nutcracker is sold out from today, November 5, to Saturday, November 7.

The countdown is also under way for the venue’s annual panto, which this year is Beauty And The Beast, and opens on Wednesday, November 25.

Meanwhile, that old favourite Disco Pigs is continuing its run at the Everyman, directed by its writer, Tony Award winner Enda Walsh, and starring Séamus McLean Ross as Pig and Aoise Meaney as Runt.

It can be seen until November 14, with a Schools Performance on Tuesday, November 10 at 11am, an Audio Described Performance on Wednesday, November 11, and an Irish Sign Language Performance on Saturday, November 14.

Looking ahead, the Everyman will play host to 15 of this year’s screenings for the 71st Cork International Film Festival, including a number of galas. The event runs in the city from Tuesday, November 17, to Sunday, November 22.

Festival highlights at the Everyman will include the world premiere of Joe Bonamassa – The Spirit of Rory, a documentary about blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa’s personal journey honouring Irish blues legend Rory Gallagher in his home town, and a screening of Ancestors, a new feature starring Cork actor Éanna Hardwicke, who will attend the event.

There will be plenty of laughs in the house when award-winning comedian, writer and podcaster Cornelius Patrick O’Sullivan brings his show Pull Hard to the Glen Theatre in Banteer tonight, Thursday, November 5.

It is a brand-new stand-up comedy show that deals with fatherhood and middle age, and the lingering disappointment of lost opportunity.

Then, Dominic Kirwan - one of the most respected voices in Irish country music - is in concert at the Glen Theatre on Sunday, November 8.

You can also see live music at the Sea Church in Ballycotton, when The Year Grunge Broke perform there on Saturday, November 7 - a great treat for fans of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, The Smashing Pumpkins, and other ’90s bands.

A comedy show by David O’Doherty, Highway To The David Zone, can be seen at Ballymaloe Grainstore on Friday, November 6. Talking, songs, talking during songs, talking while walking around - it’s got the lot!

The Cork One Act Drama Festival continues at Cork Arts Theatre until Saturday, November 7, with three shows per day on Thursday and Friday at 8pm, and three on Saturday from 7.30pm.

Music fans can get their kicks when The Undertones bring their 50th anniversary tour to Cyprus Avenue tonight, Thursday, November 5.

One of Ireland’s most respected and versatile DJs, Jenny Greene, returns to the Savoy in Cork for a special night of electric dance music this Saturday, November 7 at 8pm.

Or check out an acoustic show by iconic Cork band The Frank & Walters, which takes place at The Richmond Revival in Fermoy on November 7 at 8pm.