News & Reviews

FANTASTIC LINE-UP FOR 2012 AT THE MARKET PLACE THEATRE

The Market Place Theatre, Armagh has continued to reinforce its reputation as one of Ireland’s premier entertainment venues with the recent launch of its January – June 2012 season programme. 

Whatever your preference, be it drama, comedy, ballet, music, art, or perhaps learning a new craft or skill, the Market Place Theatre surely has something to interest you.

Drama lovers are in for a real treat with some excellent new offerings.  Diverse productions such as Tony Award winning ‘Equus’, ‘Carthiginians’, (penned by Frank McGuinness and directed by Adrian Dunbar), and ‘Melmoth The Wanderer’ (a quirky slice of comic surrealism) are on the bill, as well as the welcome return of previous Market Place Theatre favourites such as ‘A Night With George’ and Prime Cuts’ ’Shoot The Crow.’

Those looking for a laugh will have comedy aplenty with returning favourites such as Jason Byrne, Conal Gallen, Des Bishop and Neil Delamere as well as a May Bank Holiday Comedy Weekend showcasing the likes of Kevin McAleer, Eric Lalor and Gearóid Farrelly.

‘The Sleeping Beauty’, performed by European Ballet will bring colourful sets, lavish costumes and a magnificent Tchaikovsky score which will enchant ballet lovers of all ages.

If music is your thing, you’ll not be disappointed either with the best of classical, folk, traditional, rock and pop on offer.  The Ulster Orchestra takes to the stage in March with a programme including music from Handel, Bach and JS Bach, whilst perennial favourites the ‘Three Irish Tenors’ will entertain later that same month.  Folk lovers will love the likes of Kieran Goss and Barnbrack, whilst traditional fans can enjoy KAN, an innovative new project featuring local man Brian Finnegan and Aidan O'Rourke, front men with possibly the two most revered bands ever to have thrilled the folk scene, Flook and Lau.

Those with a taste for rock and roll will be treated to the likes of Albert Lee and Hogan’s Heroes and the Henry McCullough Band whilst if you loved the music of the ‘King of Pop’ you’ll not want to miss ’The World’s Greatest Michael Jackson in Concert.’ Country music lovers can take a nostalgic trip with ’Country Roads,’ a celebration of and tribute to the songwriting of the legendary John Denver.

And there’s plenty to entertain the children too! Cahoots NI bring ‘A Spell Of Cold Weather’ to the Market Place Theatre which will thrill little ones from 4 and upwards; alternatively Aladdin, a shadow puppet show will recount a Middle Eastern tale from the ‘Arabian Nights’.  Older children from 10 -13 years will enjoy the return of ‘Replay Productions, with ‘Marianne Dreams’ written by award-winning Moira Buffini.

If you’re looking for a new hobby or to learn a new skill, a range of fantastic workshops for all ages is on offer. The massively popular Youth Theatre commences a new season for those aged from 8-18, whilst ‘Baby Ballroom’ and ‘Terrific Two Steps’ will teach kids from 3-14 the basics of dance.  There will be classes in making ‘Absolutely Fabulous Accessories’ and ‘Gorgeous Girly Eye Designs’; weaving; jewellery and puppet making; printing; pulping; and magic to name but a few!

Adults can learn a whole host of skills including digital photography; wood turning; jewellery making; salsa; creative writing; fused glass and flower corsage making, amongst others.

The Market Place Theatre, Armagh continues to promote and display the works of national and local artists via a series of exhibitions both within the main gallery and on the foyer walls.  Forthcoming exhibitions will feature the work of Lesley Falls; Anna Marie Savage; Helen G Blake; Annie Kerlin; Willie Redmond and Peter Tudhope as well as a collaborative art/craft exhibition and a showcase of the work of final year HND Photography students from Southern Regional College, Lurgan.

There are great musical nights in store with the ever popular all-singing all dancing ‘Grease and Dirty Dancing Show’ and Smackee also returns to the Market Place Theatre with ‘Phantom & The Musicals’ featuring songs from ‘The King and I’,  ‘Evita’, ‘Calamity Jane’ and ‘Les Miserables’ to name but a few!

Why not make an evening of it with a pre-show meal at Footlights, the theatre’s inhouse bar & bistro where, for only £29.50 per couple you can enjoy 2 steak dinners and a bottle of wine! And there are many Jazz and Cajun themed supper nights on offer, combining fine music and cuisine.  Australia’s ‘first lady of Jazz’, Janet Seidel, is only one of the many fine artists in store! Contact [028] 3752 1828 for further information and details of the full menu and other special offers available. 

For further information on the full season of events or to book your tickets show, workshops or class, you can visit the Box Office, call [028] 3752 1821 or visit our great new website at www.marketplacearmagh.com/whats-on/

To book your tickets for any of our fantastic shows, call in to the Box Office, phone [028] 3752 1821; or visit our 'What's On' here: www.marketplacearmagh.com/whats-on/

Why not make a day or evening of it, by visiting Footlights, our delicious inhouse restaurant. Contact [028] 3752 1828 for further information.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook [www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh] & Twitter[www.twitter.com/mptarmagh] where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.