Great Value 3 or 5 night escapes at our on-site 4* Harelquin Hotel

Get excited about 2015 and book an amazing Trip to the West of Ireland. At Harlequin Hotel we have two great offers to make you very happy, Stay 5 Nights B&B with 5 Dinners, Lunches and wine on arrival for just €199 pps http://bit.ly/1ErcZxA or Stay 3 Nights B&B with 3 Dinners, Lunches and wine on arrival for just €139 pps http://bit.ly/15ymgsi



Make the most of your trip and take in some of the great shows at the adjoining Royal Theatre including Wyvern Lingo Feb 6th, Mary Black Feb 14th or the amazing Russian Ice Stars production of Peter Pan on Ice March 16th - 22nd. For more information visit www.royaltheatre.ie

THE FUREY BROTHERS

THE FUREY BROTHERS

Fri 22^nd May | Ruby Room | Doors 8pm. Show 9pm | Tkts: €25

Renowned for their hit songs ‘I Will Love You’, ‘When You Were Sweet 16’, ‘The Green Fields of France’, ‘The Old Man’, ‘Red Rose Café’, ‘From Clare to Here’, ‘Her Father Didn’t Like Me Anyway’, ‘Leaving Nancy’ and ‘Steal Away’, the legends of Irish music and song appear in the intimate Ruby Room.

The Fureys Brothers have been entertaining audiences worldwide for over three decades - audiences that have included former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins and former President Mary McAleese as well as the late Pope John Paul.

Tony Blair has publicly stated his favourite peace song of all time is the Furey’s ‘Green Fields of France’.

Formed in 1979, inevitably changes have occurred over time - their brother Paul died suddenly in 2002 and Finbar left the band in 1996, but George, Eddie and Co. have continued to delight audiences at their performances.

The members are responsible for some of the most stirring music ever to capture the public imagination and have received standing ovations in some of the biggest concert halls in the world. Their songs stir many emotions - tears and laughter, sadness and joy. A Fureys concert is always a night to remember.

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

Tickets Online: Click 'Buy Tickets' button, bottom right

JURASSIC ADVENTURE

JURASSIC ADVENTURE

Thurs 9^th April 2015 | Doors 1.30pm. Show 2.30pm
Tkts: €13 (Child), €16 (Adult) €48 (Family)

Dr. Grant, general manage and creator of the theme park, will not be able to attend its official opening, as he is caught in the middle of a cyclone. Therefore, he gives phone instructions to his daughter Alexandra and his assistant Paris Milton so they, with the help of an intern (Diego Carter), can manage the theme park and put it to work.

This causes comical situations with the interaction of the actors and the children in the audience - such as the presentation of the first Palaeolithic man created from fossilized DNA (Sapi) and how kids take the necessary instructions on how they should behave when they finally see the dinosaurs of the island. Accidents, technical failures, escapes, storms and many special effects will transport audiences to an adventure full of tenderness, with the birth of the first baby dinosaur of the park (Chub) and exciting situations that culminate with two dinosaurs (Dana and Raptor) in an epic fight.

Jurassic Adventures presents a ground-breaking set up which takes the audience to a Jurassic theme park. Using theatrical art technologies such as a 7.1 sound system, a climate system that simulates artificial olfactory environments, state of the art lighting, all in harmony with a stage-styled theme park scenery, the audience is not only transported to the park itself, but also participates in the adventure.

The cast unveil the most intriguing secrets of a theme park where everything is possible, from experiencing a cyclone, to interacting with two "real” dinosaurs equipped with a new hydraulic technology which makes realistic body movements and sounds, and which freely roam, throughout the auditorium.

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

Tickets Online: www.royaltheatre.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie

We Banjo 3

Award-winning quartet, We Banjo 3, from Galway combine Irish music with old-time American and bluegrass influences to reveal the banjo’s rich legacy and roots. When this band of brothers take flight in a wave of virtuosity, verve and joie-de-vivre, feet tap and pulses race.

Enda & Fergal Scahill and Martin & David Howley are among the most celebrated and distinguished young musicians in Ireland today. Featuring banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocals and percussion We Banjo 3 make a bold and extraordinary musical statement. Creativity, sensitivity and passion are present in full measure and Irish music is at the heart of what they play.Collectively, We Banjo 3 have been at the forefront of Irish banjo and fiddle for 2 decades.

Their competitive success is unrivaled, Martin holding 7 All Ireland titles, Enda with 4, while Fergal and David hold All Ireland titles on Banjo, Fiddle, Bodhran and Guitar. Enda has recorded and performed with The Chieftains, Frankie Gavin, Stockton’s Wing, Grammy-winner Ricky Skaggs and “Instrumental Band of the Decade” The Brock McGuire Band. Fergal has performed with David Munnelly, Martin O’Connor and Kevin Crawford and has toured the world with Ragus and Celtic Legends. Martin was the very first Irish banjo player to perform at the Grand Ol Opry in Nashville and David is fast building a reputation for his deep, muscular singing.

We Banjo 3 play with swing and soul, effortlessly combining the best of Irish and Bluegrass banjo music and song, mining the rich vein of the American Old Time tradition and thoroughly reinventing the banjo band sound. Modern rhythms, traditional melodies, virtuosic technique and innovative arrangements of music and song add up to an incredible feast of banjo and mandolin music – guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get your feet tapping.

MIKE DENVER & GUESTS

 MIKE DENVER
& GUESTS

Tues 31^st March 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €27.90

Ireland's most popular country singer Mike Denver once again had a sellout Nationwide Tour in January, February and March 2014 with full houses at concert venues both North and South. His 2015 concert Tour will almost certainly follow a similar pattern.

Mike has already built up a huge following in his relatively short time on the Irish Circuit, while achieving 14 hit albums and 10 best selling DVD's.

His show is an excellent mix of Mike Denver hits, country classics and lots more. With his excellent band and a super stage show this promises to be a truly excellent concert.

Special Guests include legendary country singers Philomena Begley, Ray Lynam, John Hogan and former Eurovision star Marc Roberts.

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

Tickets Online: Click 'Buy Tickets' button, bottom right.

KILFENORA CEILI BAND IN CONCERT - Sun 29th March 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €22.90

KILFENORA CEILI BAND
IN CONCERT

 

Sun 29^th March 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €22.90

A brand new album is on the way from the Kilfenora.

After an obvious musical gear-change arising from the appointment of Kevin Crawford as producer of Chapter 8, their eagerly-awaited ninth collection, is about to hit the shelves.

As expected, given the Lunasa connection, this iconic century-old band has evolved towards a more contemporary sound. Artistic tension between the rich dance music heritage and their big new soundscape has added spice to their large-scale theatre shows complete with slick dancers Michael Donnellan and Kickin Crew and talented Don Stiffe on vocals.

As always, performance is woven mainly from the threads of raw local dance melodies native to their stomping ground in the barren (yet rich) Burren hills of North Clare.  However, the inclusion of viola, cello, bass and Don Stiffe’s new licence to roam further afield for songs promises many novel possibilities and exciting times ahead for this most dynamic trad supergroup.

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

Tickets Online: www.royaltheatre.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie

Faulty Towers

Faulty Towers

Sat 21st March, 2015 | Show 8pm | Tkts: €47 (including dinner)

Having played over 350 sell out shows in Ireland during the last five years Basil, Sybil and Manuel return with their feast of comic delights, some familiar some off the cuff, but all with a ‘Faulty’ seasoning and a guarantee to keep you laughing all the way to the desert!

Basil is manic, Sybil domineering, and Manuel – of course – is hopelessly language-challenged. Everything that can wrong does, in some beautifully controlled chaos. Just don’t mention the war!

Faulty Towers…the dining experience has been winning fans and accolades at Edinburgh, Melbourne and Adelaide Festivals for the last four years. Featuring all the best gags and a great meal, ‘Faulty Towers…. The Dining Experience’ is a loosely-scripted, pitch-perfect '13th episode' of the TV series which develops the characters made famous by John Cleese, Prunella Scales and Andrew Sachs.

We welcome Basil, Sybil and Mauel back again to the West of Ireland and guarantee that those hungry for fun will get their just desserts, during a show that was sold out each time at the Royal Theatre.

A Mayo International Choral Festival Fundraiser.

“This belly achingly funny show is 100% worth every penny” aussietheatre.com

‘spot on… brilliantly played… utterly delicious entertainment’ *****  Edinburgh Evening News

“the best show at the Festival… I loved Fawlty Towers, the television series, but in many ways this live production is even better… ingenious… by far the best comedy show I have ever been to” ***** Sunday Express

Tickets In-Person:

Royal Theatre Box Office, TF Royal Hotel, Westport Road, Castlebar.

Downtown Records, Castlebar

Mayo International Choral Festival Committee Members

Tickets By Phone: 094 902311

The Russian Ice Stars presents: PETER PAN ON ICE

The Russian Ice Stars presents:

PETER PAN ON ICE

Mon 16th - Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
Tues 17^th - Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
Wed 18^th - Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
Thurs 19^th - Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
Fri 20^th - Doors 7pm, Show 8pm
Sat 21^st - Doors 2pm, Show 3pm & Doors 7pm, Show 8pmSun 22^nd - Doors 2pm, Show 3pm

This action packed story in this stunning ice-skating adventure, will take you to Neverland where you’ll meet pirates, Indians, Peter Pan, Tiger Lilly, Mr Smee and of course everyone’s favourite baddie, the vengeful Captain Hook!

This famous fantasy adventure is portrayed in an amazing spectacle of theatre and skating performance.

The Royal Theatre are delighted to welcome this major production by the The Russian Ice Stars and involves creating an 8cm-thick ice rink, containing 14 tons of actual frozen water, and bringing a stage set and equipment to the west of Ireland that will just about fit in two 40ft trucks! 

"So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!"

Click here to view The Russian IceStars in action.

Ticket prices: Child €17.50, Adult €27.90, Premium Ticket €32.50, Family €75 (2 adults & 2 children, or 3 children & 1 adults). Group rate: one free in groups of 10 (please note, this offer is only available at The Royal Theatre Box Office).

For any queries please call The Royal Box Office on 094 9023111. 

Pat Shortt - Sat 14th March, 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €28

PAT SHORTT

Sat 14th March, 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €28

The ever-popular funny man Pat Shortt is coming to The Royal Theatre in March 2015!

Pat Shortt is back in his hilarious new show “ Selfie”. Join the singing undertaker Mossy Burke and a host of new characters as he recounts his favourite funeral - a funeral that was nearly the death of him and changed his life forever.

Pat is one of Ireland's most loved comedians and actors, as well as an accomplished musician. His television credits include Tom in Fr. Ted, (Channel 4) and Bobby in The Fitz (BBC). Pat also created a hit the hit series called ‘Killinaskully’ for RTE, which ran for five series, the last of which was screened on RTE during 2008. Pat Shortt is also one half of the ‘D’Unbelievables’, Ireland’s favourite comedy duo.

Make sure to pick up your tickets soon – this is going to be a truly hilarious show!

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

Tickets Online: Click on the 'But Tickets' optin

DEREK RYAN IN CONCERT

DEREK RYAN
IN CONCERT

Fri 13^th March, 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €27.90

Derek Ryan is now one of the biggest stars of Irish Country Music. In just over three years few artists have made such an impact on the Irish country scene like the County Carlow singer songwriter.  Having played to sell out concert audiences around the world with D-Side, the young heartthrob has brought a distinctive fresh sound to Irish country.

Derek Ryan’s theatre show contains much of the music featured on his five albums along with new material that affords him plenty of opportunity to showcase his fine guitar playing and his excellent vocal quality.

Derek always had the dream having a career in music - and dreams do come true, as Derek has proven.

At 17, his career in music became fulltime, signing to Warner Music London as he became lead singer of Irish pop band D-side, with achievements including several Meteor Awards nominations, a multi-platinum selling single ‘Real World’ in Ireland, adding to his 3 top 10 hits in the UK. live TV appearances included Top of the Pops, GMTV and The Late Late Show along with a sell out theatre tour and number one single in Japan in 2005.

Returning to Ireland in September 2009, after several years of gigging on the London function scene, Derek took time to consider many offers that were coming his way. It was at this stage that melodies from his formative years kept coming back to him. Derek got hooked on Nashville greats; like Brooks, Jackson and Strait and so the plans were laid to go for it.

Derek’s love and passion for country are best measured in his song writing ability as was seen in his debut single ‘God’s Plan’ - receiving enormous airplay and a deafening call from fans to get on the road to play his hits live. From that moment Derek rarely has a day off, travelling across Ireland playing in crowded Irish dance halls and most recently performing at sell out concerts in England and Scotland.

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

Tickets Online: Click 'Buy Tickets' button bottom right.

Junk Kouture

An exciting recycled fashion competition which challenges second level students from across the island of Ireland to create wearable couture fasion from rubbish that would normally find its way into landfill.

The idea is to subtly educate teenagers about the importance of recycling, while at the same time inspiring and challenging them to create something innovative and fashionable. 

Over the years there have been dresses made from the most weird and wonderful things, including computer parts fruit peelings, bicycle tyre tubing, piano keys, Barbie dolls...and the list goes on!

The students must also come up with a performance to complement their design on the catwalk.

REELING IN THE SHOWBAND YEARS

REELING IN THE

SHOWBAND YEARS

Sat 7^th March, 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €27.90

IT’S BACK! And it’s BIGGER and BETTER!

“Reeling In the Showband Years” has been selling out right around the country for the past 5 years, and it returns once again to The Royal Theatre on Sat 7th March, 2015. And this is one of the BEST line ups yet.
RTE’s Ronan Collins is will be the night’s host and compare, with performances coming from stars such as Roly Daniels, Eileen Reid, Paddy Cole, Ronan Collins will sing his renowned tributes to the great Joe Dolan and Dickie Rock, Lorraine McDonald, The Conquerors Showband AND Tommy & Jimmy Swarbrigg!

The show’s exciting finale is an ALL cast salute to the Showband Era. All of the stars join in for a medley of songs from the unique Showband Years! It will bring you back in time to this magical musical period, and will make all the great memories of the old Royal Ballroom come flooding back to you!

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

Tickets Online: Click 'Buy Tickets' button, located bottom right.

Ultimate Eagles - Fri 27th Feb, 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €22.90

Ultimate Eagles

Fri 27^th Feb, 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €22.90

Covering the Eagles music is not a thing you attempt half-heartedly. The songs are deceptively complex, particularly the vocal arrangements and more importantly, the songs are revered throughout the world. Ultimate Eagles recreate the music with respect, excitement and with a new stage show that focuses it’s bright lights on the 1970s, when the Eagles were at their mightiest. You just might find yourself whisked away to the sunny climes of Southern California!

One look at the Ultimate Eagles’ collective experience, musicality and professionalism, and it’s easy to understand the band's simple yet bold mission statement; to play the Eagles’ music better than anybody - anywhere. Second only to the Eagles themselves, you’re looking at guys who have played every kind of venue, in many countries, at every level; from clubs, to theatres, to festivals and stadiums. You’re looking at years of professional world touring experience by some of the most accomplished musicians you're likely to find in any band; tribute or original. You've got award winners, rock stars, and players who have regularly featured in some of the biggest publications in music, not to mention some TV time as well. Top of The Pops? MTV? They've done ’em!

The Ultimate Eagles consist of 6 musicians, who recreate the musicianship and vocal harmonies of arguably one of the most popular bands in the world; and with pinpoint accuracy. 6-part vocal harmonies and 4-part guitar harmonies - they do it all.

The Ultimate Eagles are:

Ryan Aston (Bonnie Tyler/Bryn Terfyl) – Drums/Vocals

Chris Childs (Paul Young/Beverly Craven/Thunder/Go West) – Bass/Vocals

Michael Lawrence (Chicago Blues Brothers/The Commitments) – Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards

Christian Phillips (Duffy/Bryn Terfyl/BBC last Choir Standing MD) – Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards/Banjo

Danny Vaughn (Tyketto) – Vocals/Guitar

Chris Wright (Shirley Bassey/Michael Ball) – Guitar/Vocals

Living it up at the Royal Theatre.

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

Tickets Online: Click 'Buy Tickets' button, located bottom right

NEIL DELAMERE It’s The Fresh Prince of Delamere!

NEIL DELAMERE 

St Valentines Night, Sat 14^th Feb 2015 | Doors 8pm. Show 9pm

Tkts: €22.90 | Ruby Room

It’s The Fresh Prince of Delamere!

Top Irish stand-up and TV comic Neil Delamere is coming to the Royal Theatre, Castlebar on St Valentines Night, Sat 14^th Feb 2015 with his brand new tour, The Fresh Prince of Delamere.

Described by The Scotsman as “a master”, Delamere is renowned for his on-stage banter and quick-witted, well-observed yarns and previous tours & international appearances – including the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Montreal Just For Laughs Festival – have been a sell-out. Expect The Fresh Prince of Delamere to deliver the same powerhouse performance from the star of RTÉ’s The Panel, 2nd Republic, BBC’s The Blame Game, Fighting Talk and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow. 

A star of TV as well as stage, Neil can be seen on TV screens later this month in the tenth season of the ever-popular panel show The Blame Game on BBC and in the forthcoming four-part comedy documentary series Holding Out for A Hero, which airs in December on RTE2. Holding Out for A Hero, which is written and presented by Neil offers a wry and humorous look at the lives of four Irish heroes from history: Grace O’Malley/Granuaile, Red Hugh O’Donnell, Cú Chulainn and Fionn Mac Cumhaill.  It follows in the footsteps of the IFTA and Celtic Media Award-winning TV programmes on the Vikings and St. Patrick, also written and presented by Delamere.

“Simply put Delamere is a master” - The Scotsman

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

Tickets Online: Click 'Buy Tickets' button, bottom right.

WYVERN LINGO


Fri 6th Feb 2015 | Ruby Room | Doors 9pm. Show 10pm

Tkts: €12.50

Known for their soulful, passionate and haunting live show, Wyvern Lingo are one of the few bands that can get you dancing with a full band of keys, guitar, synth bass and drums – or make you melt when they strip the set back to acapella. Their brand new EP is a veritable cocktail of R’n’B hooks, bluegrass licks, gospel harmonies and insightful-beyond-their-years lyrics.

Wyvern Lingo also make up part of Hozier's backing band.
 

“Bray trio Karen Cowley, Saoirse Duane and Caoimhe Barry have been gaining plenty of props for their lush harmonies and striking melodic pop” - Jim Carroll, The Irish Times

“With the simple plucking on the double bass while Cowley and Barry’s sweet harmonies intertwined, festival goers couldn’t help but at least stamp a foot or mouth along the words” - Golden Plec

“Karen Cowley (keys), Saoirse Duane (guitar) and Caoimhe Barry (percussion) all possess colossal voices, echoing everyone’s favourite chart-topping wonder women Florence Welch and Adele Adkins.The result is, to be lazy, a female take on Mumford And Sons or Local Natives, and to be frank, an absolute treat.” - Celina Murphy, Hotpress.

“Folk-pop trio Wyvern Lingo’s deeply structured vocal harmonies and palpable blend of organic folk sounds and pop-sensibilities has identified the three-piece as a band on the ascendancy.” - The Last Mixed Tape

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tickets By Phone: 094 9023111 or 0818 300 000

Tickets Online: www.royaltheatre.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS - SOLD OUT SHOW

Midwest Radio presents:

A NIGHT WITH THE STARS

ANOTHER SOLD OUT SHOW AT ROYAL THEATRE

Mon 2nd Feb | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €30

Midwest Radio are delighted to announce the next Night with the Stars concert has just been confirmed for the The Royal Theatre, Castlebar on Monday February 2nd 2015 at 8pm, with tickets on sale now.

As always it’s going to be another blockbuster night of entertainment as the cream of Ireland’s music industry come together on one stage for an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia.

The concert will feature a host of household names including Mike Denver, Michael English, Nathan Carter, Patrick Feeney, Johnny Brady, Lisa McHugh, Derek Ryan, Jimmy Buckley and Dominic Kirwan – all performing live in front of the renowned Midwest Radio orchestra!

We’re also delighted to welcome Mike Foster and Tony Allen (Foster and Allen) to the line-up of starts and to add further nostalgia to the show the legendary Johnny McEvoy will be performing some of his well-known hits of yesteryear.

If you know someone who loves their music then tickets for the concert are the ideal Christmas gift.

Fancy - A BIT ON THE SIDE

A BIT ON THE SIDE

Sat 31^st Jan | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €27.90

The Donegal Comic has already established one of the most successful touring circuits for any Irish comedian. He has been selling out Theatres across the country for the past 8 years, breaking box office records, year in and year out. But the Funny man takes his hilarious humour to a whole new level in this side-splitting 2 Act comedy farce.

The action takes place in the household of Bridie and Willie Murphy, a couple who have fought the war of marriage, for over 30 years!

It is a love story unlike any other. Wandering eyes, wandering feet, wandering hands.....It's all here! Bodies get tangled, food orders mixed up and money gets moved with the addition of just one letter to a cheque - a big cheque too! Join Bridie, Willie, Dick and Cynthia as this tale of passion and intrigue unfolds!

The demand for tickets has been overwhelming for the Donegal Comic,  even with a track record like his. Having 18 sell out nights over 4 weeks is a fantastic achievement, and that count is steadily rising!  Conal said that he is absolutely over the moon with the reaction to the play so far "There is no better feeling than arriving to do a show to a full house, and by the way theatres are already booking, the whole tour could be Sold Out in advance" 

As Conal says himself, “To do this play, I really had to sit back and make the decision to step back from my live stand up shows. This was a hard decision to make; I have spent a long time, working very hard, building up my Stand–up tour. It has been my bread and butter all my life. To take a break from this to pursue the comedy play is a major risk. For it to be as successful as my stand-up comedy career, I have to give the play 100% of my time and effort.”

MARY BLACK Sat 14th Feb, 2015 | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €30.00

To coincide with the launch of her autobiography “Down the Crooked Road”, Mary Black is delighted to announce a date at The Royal Theatre, Castlebar on St Valentine’s Night 14th February 2015.

This is Mary’s first Irish tour in four years and she is looking forward to getting back to her Irish audiences. Mary will be joined on stage by her band - Bill Shanley, Pat Crowley, Nick Scott and Richie Buckley.

For the last quarter-century, singer Mary Black has been a dominant presence in Irish music, both at home and abroad. She has shared stages, tv shows and recording studios with some of the most revered performers of her time. She has also played a frontline role in bringing Irish music, past and present, to an increasingly appreciative and ever-growing global audience. The San Francisco Chronicle has described her as "one of the best interpretative singers around".

Coming from an intensely musical family, with her mother a fine singer and her father an entertaining fiddle player, Mary first came to the music public’s attention in the late ‘70s as a member of the group General Humbert with whom she recorded and toured. In 1983 she teamed up with guitarist/producer Declan Sinnott (later to become Christy Moore’s musical sidekick) and released her eponymously-named debut solo album. It reached No. 4 in the Irish Charts and is ranked among the best Irish albums of the early 1980’s.  It won her the Irish Independent Arts Award for Music, the first in a staggering sequence of awards that continue to come her way.

2008 marked the 25th anniversary of Mary’s first solo album, and to celebrate the momentous occasion Mary released a special compilation double album 25 Years/25 Songs. The album went straight to No. 1 in the Irish charts, where it remained for a staggering five weeks, spending over seven months in the Irish top 40!

The British magazine ‘What Hi-Fi?’ considers Mary Black’s voice to be so pure that they have repeatedly used it for comparing the sound quality of different high fidelity systems. In an industry noted for its fickleness and its almost insatiable need for fresh novelties, Mary Black’s enduring successes have proven that her depth of talent and her love of singing transcend the generations, as well as national and musical boundaries too. She is indeed a real Irish treasure and her talent a gift from this small Ireland to a grateful world.

Mayo Rape Crisis Centre (MRCC) name Martina Jennings as Mayo’s Inspirational Woman

 

Nollaig na mBan Inspirational Woman 2015 Martina Jennings pictured with Senator Marie Louise McDonnell and Therese O’Grady, Sports Clinic West, who sponsored the event. Photo: Trish Forde.

Inspirational sister, daughter, mother and relentless Cystic Fibrosis activist, Martina Jennings, was  awarded the title of Mayo’s Inspirational Woman by MRCC, at a packed out venue at the TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar 06.01.15. The fundraising event Nollaig na mBan or Women's Little Christmas, was held to raise funds for the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre building in Castlebar which is in urgent need of repair after recent storm damage revealed extensive structural problems.

Martina Jennings was nominated by her brother Billy who has CF, as well as others including her own daughter. Martina's mother died when Billy was 7 years old and since then, together with her sister Caroline she has cared for Billy right up until a recent lung and heart transplant and continues to do so. As a fundraiser extraordinaire for CF West, she has helped make a 1.3 Million euro clinic for people with Cystic Fibrosis a reality. Focused on her goal, Martina has been relentless in her pursuit of making the world and Mayo not just more informed but a better place for those with CF.

The event, which was sold out within days of the tickets going on sale, saw keynote speaker, Senator Marie Louise O Donnell, broadcaster, politician and lecturer, deliver a hilarious yet thought-provoking speech about the empowerment of women, ending with an outstanding recital of renowned African-American poet, Maya Angelou’s ‘Phenomenal Woman’. Luxury gifts generously donated from across the local business community for spot prizes and raffle prizes were distributed to over 130 women who enthusiastically supported the event, including well-known TV presenter sisters, Grainne and Sile Seoige.

Loretta McDonagh, MRCC Acting Director of Services said: “Martina Jennings is a very worthy winner and we are very proud to award her our inaugural Mayo’s Inspirational Woman title for her outstanding work for Cystic Fibrosis. Indeed all the women who were nominated for this award are truly inspirational and deserve to be recognized for the positive impact they have had on the lives of others.

We were completely overwhelmed by the huge level of support we received from the Mayo community, both businesses and individuals, for our Nollaig na mBan fundraising event. This is indicative of the community spirit which has helped us to build the foundations and facilitate a vital service for over 20 years for those affected by sexual violence here in Mayo. With constant threats to our funding we have to rely on the generosity of our local public and they have delivered time after time.”

Beyond the Barricade - feat. songs from Les Miserables

Following a sell out run in Ballina, Beyond the Barricade comes to The Royal Theatre on Fri 16 & Sat 17th of January 2015.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Beyond The Barricade tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption - a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.

Ex-convict Jean Valjean (Patrick Lacken) is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Michael Slater) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Tara Doherty) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Featuring show stopping classics from the musical phenomenon that is Les Miserables including “I Dreamed A Dream”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More”,"Master of the House" and “On My Own” to name a few. This is a performance not to be missed. It boasts an impressively talented 80 strong cast called "Heroes for Hospice" based in Ballina and the surrounding areas and directed by Lavinia Gilmartin .

All proceeds from this production are being donated to Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Don't miss out on your chance to be part of it.

Tickets on sale now from Box Office 094 90 23111 

Panto Time Again!!

It is almost time to boo, laugh, scream, and holler 'oh yes it is' as the onstage antics unfold at one of the firm favourites in the entertainment calendar in Mayo.

Castlebar Pantomime is ready to make a big splash with its 30th anniversary production of The Little Mermaid in the The Royal Theatre from Thurs 8th to Sun 11th. And, according to director Antoinette Starken, this year's production is going to be absolutely spectacular as the panto committee celebrates 30 years onstage in the county town.

Many will be familiar with the much loved story of The Little Mermaid, Ariel, who dreams of being able to live on land and live happily ever after with her dashing prince. In order to get her wish and exchange her tail for legs, the mermaid has to give Ursula the enchantress something in return - her voice.

Will it all be worth it? Or will some other evil prevent the two from being together?

This year, the pantomime committee is using a system of projected backdrops, 
similar to those used in a West End show, to give their 30th anniversary production
some extra 'wow factor'.

The Little Mermaid looks set to be a colourful, musical, entertaining show
for all of the family to enjoy.

Tickets: Child €14, Adult €17, Family ( 2 adult, 2 child) €50, €14 for all tickets on Thursday 8th

EVENING SHOWS:
Thur 8^th – Sat 10^th Jan 2015
Doors 7pm. Show 7.45pm

MATINEES:
Sat 10th & Sun 11th Jan 2015
Doors 2pm. Show 2.45pm