Ben Portsmouth is Elvis

Ben Portsmouth is Elvis

Thurs 4^th Feb | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €27.90

A fitting tribute to the King of Rock and Roll!

Ben, a multi talented musician, singer and songwriter had Elvis’s DNA in his blood from an early age. His father was an avid Elvis fan and Ben grew up on a diet of Elvis songs. Having honed his musical talent Ben started his journey as an Elvis Tribute Artist in 2005 when he formed the “Taking Care of Elvis” band. Audiences and promoters quickly realized that this was someone with a special talent. He looked like Elvis, sang like Elvis and had an on stage charisma that had audiences believing at times they were watching the King himself.

This talent saw Ben rapidly rise through the ranks of Elvis Tribute Artists in the UK. In 2006 he was voted the best Elvis at the prestigious international Elvis festival at Porthcawl Wales, the largest of its kind in Europe. He was the youngest competitor and was the total opposite to the stereotypical Elvis impersonator – he was sexy, didn’t need a wig and was wearing the most authentic outfits flown in from America.

Success in the UK was followed by success in Europe and Ben qualified to represent Europe in the final of the “Images of the King” contest in Memphis 2010 to find the World Champion Elvis Tribute Artist. It was a daunting task to be competing against the best Elvis Tribute artists in what is effectively Elvis’s backyard. However Ben was up to the task, inspired no doubt by his first visit to Graceland. Ben was voted World Champion ETA by both the judges and the public vote.

When Ben returned to the USA some months later and won again at another major Elvis festival near New York, the global Elvis industry sat up and took notice. No Elvis Tribute Artist had made a first time appearance at two consecutive major festivals in America and walked away the winner of both. This success led to offers from US promoters for Ben to headline shows in America. His first successful concert was in New England and many more are set to follow.

Ben’s career in Europe has also taken off where he is playing on the biggest stages to audiences across Europe that are measured in thousands. However Ben is humble and down to earth. He can’t believe he gets the opportunity to entertain as an Elvis Tribute Artist and he wants to stay in touch with his core fan base. There will always be a place for the smaller more intimate concert where he can connect on a more one to one basis with his audience.

In 2012 Ben was crowned winner of Collinwood, Canada Elvis Festival which qualified his entry to the Worldwide Ultimate Elvis tribute Artist contest held in Memphis. Ben went on to win this contest and in August was crowned  by Elvis Presley Enterprises the Worldwide Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist 2012

When Ben performs it’s as if he is inhabiting the persona of Elvis. His triple octave vocal range and perfect pitch allows him to hit the most challenging high notes. His guitar virtuosity enables him to authentically recreate Elvis’s 1968 comeback concert.

There was only one Elvis but Ben is the closest you will ever get in terms of Elvis’s looks, his singing voice and on stage charisma.   

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

Jimmy Carr

Jimmy Carr

 Thurs17th December | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €38

  

Due to the success of last year’s sold out Irish tour, Jimmy Carr will bring his brand new show, Funny Business, around the country this December.

Jimmy will stop off for a show at The Royal Theatre, Castlebar on Thurs 17^th December 2015.

Jimmy’s been described as ‘the hardest working man in comedy’. Which, let’s face facts, is not that impressive.

It’s like being the ‘Tallest Dwarf’ or the ‘Healthiest Glaswegian’. Really not that big a deal.

Live comedy is what Jimmy does best. His stand-up achievements to date include a British Comedy Award for ‘Best Live Stand-Up Tour’ and a Perrier Award nomination. On stage, he’s even funnier and even more outrageous - Funny Business is his brand new stand-up show.

Over 1.5 million people have now seen Jimmy perform live and his new tour will see him play over 200 dates between April 2014 and December 2015.

Come for the witty and incisive musings on the human condition; stay for the knob gags.

___________________________________________

Jimmy Carr - Funny Business Multiple choice.

Jimmy Carr’s ‘Funny Business’ will be:

a) Packed with jokes

b) Rude and offensive *

c) A great night out

If you answered a) b) or c) you were right!

* If you are easily offended. Don’t be a dick about it

The show is not suitable for anyone who hasn’t bought a ticket.
_____________________________________________________

‘A comedy hero for our times’ - Guardian

‘Jimmy Carr is a world-class comedian…I envy his brilliance with words’ – Independent

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

It Sounds Like Christmas (Kids Show)

It Sounds Like Christmas (Kids Show)

Tue 15^th Dec | Show 11am | Tkts: €10

It Sounds Like Christmas: Interactive Show - for children 4-9 years of age, their parents and all who love Christmas.

Christmas is the amazing time of year for celebrations. It is full with lights, presents and surprises. What about another way of celebrating? In this hectic world, with shopping and advertising, we might believe that this is the only way to celebrate Christmas.

This is the story of a little boy called TimTom. TimTom is a little boy who is sightless and his biggest wish is to feel Christmas for the first time. With your help, we will turn his wish into reality by experiencing Christmas like never before: through sounds, movement and interaction!

Join a one of a kind experience, where we learn how we can come together and create magical moments for each other. We will do this by creating a magical choir, singing and creating a magical exploration of the real Christmas Spirit!

The Interactive Show lasts for 50 min and children 4-9 years of age and parents

Keith Barry

Sat 12^th Dec | Doors 7.30pm. Show 8.30pm | Tkts: €30

Internationally acclaimed mentalist Keith Barry brings a brand new live show 'Out of Control' to The Royal Theatre on Sat 12th Dec.

  

"Unfuckingbelievable" - Morgan Freeman

“Keith Barry is dangerous. I've seen him see inside people's souls and hypnotise even the hardest of skeptics. You'll never see anything better live than Keith. Go see him. He's mindblowing" - Woody Harrellson

"Incredible" - Ellen De Genres

"I'm terrified.." - Paul O’Grady

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

The Matchmaker

The Matchmaker

Sat 28^th Nov | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €20

  

One of Ireland's greatest comic talents Jon Kenny comes together with the legendary Irish actor Mary McEvoy in a revival of Michael Scott's iconic production of The Matchmaker.

John B Keane's hilarious hit play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn from all parts of the country. At the centre of this celebrated production is John B’s marvellous and mischievous wit coupled by his unparalleled way with words.

John B. Keane takes us back to a simpler time, when even phones were few and far between and the only web was one left behind by spiders!

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 'Buy Tickets' button, bottom right.

OPERA - CARMEN

Fri6th Nov | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €49.25, €47.25, €33.20

An Ellen Kent Production... Carmen.

One of the most famous and seductive operas of all time, the irresistibly emotional Carmen guarantees an evening of passion and romance.

The story is of the bewitching gypsy girl whose tantalising beauty lures a soldier to desertion and leads to her own murder - and the score includes one famous melody after another: the Habanera, the Seguidilla, the Flower Song, the Chanson Boheme and perhaps the best-known baritone aria of all, the Toreador's Song.

With international soloists, a highly praised chorus and full orchestra. A traditionally staged, dazzling new production set in Seville and reflecting a Goya painting - including a replica of Seville’s main square with fountains, flowers and orange trees.

Sung in French with English surtitles.

CLICK HERE FOR A SHOW PREVIEW

'Impassioned and sultry' - The Observer

'Hot-blooded, a joy' - The Independent

'A Spanish treat for opera lovers' - Bristol Evening Post

'It is a stunning show, worth five stars all the way through' - Brighton Argus

'Sexy Carmen is a feast for the eyes and ears' - Edinburgh Evening News

'In fact this may have been the best Carmen I’ve ever seen' - Oxford Mail

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

Menopause The Musical

Menopause The Musical

Sat 24^th & Sun 25^th Oct | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €30

Following previous sell-out Irish tours in 2010 and 2008, Menopause The Musical comes to The Royal Theatre this year for 2 performances only on 24th & 25th October. Tickets are now on sale.

Starring X Factor sensation Mary Byrne, Sue Collins (The Nualas), Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh and Linda Nolan (The Nolans) the hilarious Menopause The Musical has entertained and inspired women across the world since 2001. Don’t miss it this No 1 girl’s night out.

This hilarious celebration of women and 'The Change', the all-singing, all-dancing comedy brings together four women (at a department stores lingerie sale), who have nothing in common but a black lace bra and hot flushes, night sweats, memory loss, chocolate binges, not enough sex, too much sex, plastic surgery and more!

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

Ghost Story (Kids Show)

Ghost Story (Kids Show)

Tue 20^th Oct | Show 11am | Tkts: €10

Ghost Story: Interactive Halloween Show for children 4-9 years of age, their parents, grandparents and teachers.

Halloween is a beautiful celebration of lights and has a lot of spooky fun around it!

In the Ghost Story, we personally meet a real ghost and he is funny! He does not know he is a ghost and he is afraid of ghosts. Helping him to understand and cope with his fears will be a great learning and adventure.

Join the Interactive Show and get ready to move, sing, interact, become characters of the friendly Ghost Story and share your ideas!

Let's learn together how to accept who we are and to have the courage to be our real self, so that no matter what the situation is, we are always amazing.

The Interactive Show lasts for 50 min. Show performed by Abracadabra School for Creative Kids: www.abracadabracreativeschool.net.

Jurassic Adventures

Thurs 1^st Oct | 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

IABS Convention 2015

The Irish Association of Barbershop Singers (IABS) recently launched their 2015 Convention in fine vocal harmony at an evening of singing and much banter. The event was launched by Maire Hunt, Chairperson of IABS, and Edward Horkan, represented the Mayo International Choral Festival (Chairman), the working team on the ground who will assist with the running of the event. The national award winning female Barbershop quartet - Note-Orious 4 and also the sizzling Sandbars male quartet provided a taste of what's to come in October - and boy were they in top vocal form!

Maire Hunt said “We are delighted to be bringing our celebration of Barbershop Singing to Castlebar this year. We have great interest from a lot of overseas groups who want to come to the West of Ireland. Our big announcement is that we can confirm that Storm Front, one of the premier quartets in the USA, will be our guests at the 2015 Convention”. She also thanked the Mayo International Choral Festival for their ongoing help, the Royal Theatre, the TF Royal Hotel and Harlequin Hotel for their assistance with the launch.

Edward Horkan, stated that, as Chairperson of Mayo International Choral Festival and on behalf of the committee, he was delighted to welcome Maire Hunt and the Barbershop Singers to the official launch of The IABS Convention and is looking forward to an extremely successful event this October.

Pat Jennings who spoke on behalf of the Royal Theatre and Martina Nicholson from The Harlequin Hotel said that the team was eager to show the Barbershop delegates true Mayo hospitality throughout their stay in Castlebar.

Michael Baynes, Castlebar tourism and events coordinator, expressed the importance of so many visitors coming to Castlebar over the IABS weekend and what a fantastic opportunity it was for both the Barbershop delegates and the people of Mayo to have such a wonderful convention in the county town. He thanked IABS for deciding to host their convention in Castlebar.

Every year the Irish Association of Barbershop Singers (IABS) hold Quartet and Chorus competitions for National and International Barbershop Singing in different locations around Ireland. While the emphasis is on competitions, it also impacts the streets and nightlife of Castlebar, generating a significant boost to the local economy. Castlebar can expect top quality concerts, and a host of free performances, taking place at key locations across the town on a Barbershop Trail.

All events are open to the public and the evening concerts are the highlight of the weekend, when the award winners take to the stage! Barbershop groups from many countries travel each year to enjoy the Irish convention including from the U.S.A., England, Scotland, Wales, Holland, Finland and Sweden.

The internationally renowned event is being hosted by Mayo International Choral Festival, who contacted IABS in 2013 to consider hosting the event in Castlebar, and subsequently invited the IABS committee to have one of their meetings in Castlebar, where they experienced first hand the hospitality and friendliness of Mayo people, as well as performance and accommodation facilities.

The Irish Association of Barbershop Singers was founded in Offaly in 1988 and promotes the tradition of barbershop singing in Ireland. The first Irish Barbershop Convention was held in Birr in 1989. Since then a dedicated and growing number of Barbershop enthusiasts have ensured the growing popularity of this very distinctive four-part harmony a cappella style of singing. There are many studies and theories relating to the history of Barbershop, and many believe that, as the name implies, it started in barbershops in the USA, while people were waiting their turn for a haircut or shave.

The barbershop soon became the place to hang out, and the singing continued in the streets after the barbershop closed for the day. By the early 1900s, barbershop had become immensely popular, and no show was complete without a Barbershop Quartet. The influence of barbershop music on other forms of popular music has been profound. Frank Sinatra sang in a barbershop quartet before he became famous as a solo singer. The vocal quartets of bands such as those of Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller were also greatly influenced by the barbershop style. Close harmony was the hallmark of many pop groups such as the Beach Boys and the Four Seasons, and is very popular today with many singers and groups.

Castlebar, Thursday 1st - Sunday 4th October 2015.

For more information, contact iabsconvention2015@gmail.com

Or visit: www.iabsconvention.com

Tickets to the concerts, open to the public, available at a later date.

Paddy the Musical

EXTRA SHOW ADDED DUE TO DEMAND!

Fri 25^th Sept | Doors 7pm. Show 8pm | Tkts: €30

International multi-award winning singer Tommy Fleming takes to the stage for his first major acting role in a brand new original drama/musical entitled 'Paddy'.

This must-see show, which is co-written by Tommy Fleming alongside singer/songwriter Gerry Carney and Tommy Marren (writer of the hugely successful 'Its the Real McCoy), tells the story of Patrick Murphy who emigrates to England to start a new life on the building sites of London.

With a gripping storyline that is set in both Ireland and England over a 25-year period - alongside 13 original songs - 'Paddy' promises to be a unique night of stunning drama and spectacular music.

Simply unmissable!

Tickets In-Person: Royal Theatre Box Office, Westport Road, Castlebar

 Albert Hammond

Sat 10th Oct   |   Doors 7pm. Show 8pm   |   Tkts: €25

Legendary singer / songwriter, Albert Hammond, comes to The Royal Theatre, Castlebar on Saturday 10th October, for one memorable show!

One of the all time greatest songwriters, his live performances are also tremendous! He´s joined on stage by his own band to present a stunning 2.5 hour journey through five decades of our lives.

There was amazing reaction to Albert on The Late Late Show recently, when sitting on the couch beside Ryan Tubridy, with his acoustic guitar in hand, he stunned the audience, when he sang one massive hit after hit, which he has written down through the years.

Albert Hammond has accumulated no less than 360 million records sold worldwide. This stunning show contains his most successful songs like ‘It Never Rains in Southern California’, The Free Electric Band, When I Need You and The Air Than I Breathe. Hear the songs, the stories behind them and the artists Albert has worked with including: Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond, Julio Iglesias, Willie Nelson, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner and many many more...

Other hits include ‘Down By The River’, ‘One Moment In Time’, ‘I'm A Train’, ‘To all the girls I’ve loved before’, ‘When I need You’, and others too numerous to mention.

He’s even responsible for making our own Joe Dolan an international star! He penned ‘Make me an Island’, ‘Good Lookin’ Woman’ and ‘Teresa’ for Joe. “I loved Joe” He said. “After I wrote those songs for him, I moved to California. Joe was looking for more material to record. But nobody told me. That was a big regret of mine. Joe was an amazing talent and a wonderful person”

Albert has been writing hit songs for over 50 years. There has not been a single decade in which he has not written multiple hits songs since he scored his first hit with ‘Little Arrows’ at the age of 24. That song was a Number One in the Irish Charts for The Dixies Showband and the Spanish version went on to top the charts in many Latin American Countries.

 His songs have been responsible for over 50 chart-topping hits.

He has been inducted into The Songwriters ‘Hall of Fame’ and has been awarded an OBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

The man is simply a living legend. Don’t miss him in concert!

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

 

Lisa Canny

  Fri 7^th Aug | Doors 8pm. Show 9pm | Ruby Room | Tkts: €13

Lisa Canny is a multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter from County Mayo. With roots in Irish traditional, folk, pop, and soul music, Lisa’s unique sound has been compared to a wide range of artists from Kate Bush and Sinead O’Connor to Ingrid Michaelson and Hozier. 

Lisa is set to release her debut single entitled “Lifeline” on 12th June 2015. She wrote the song with Grammy Award winning songwriting Jodi Marr. Although only new to the singer/songwriter scene Lisa has already grabbed the attention and backing of major players in the industry including Miles Copeland (The Police, Sting), Julian Emery (McFly, Busted), and George Noriega (Shakira, Ricky Martin). The next year looks hugely promising for the small-town girl with the big voice! 

With 7 All-Ireland titles to her name on traditional harp and banjo, Lisa toured the US and Canada extensively with Celtic Crossroads as lead singer and musician, appearing on their PBS special DVD in 2014. At home on the road Lisa has also toured France, Germany, Austria, Russia, Italy, the UK & Ireland with groups Fuinnimh, Celtic Spree and Ragus. After graduating with a First Class Honours degree in Irish Music and Dance at University of Limerick in 2010, Lisa went on to achieve a First Class Masters degree in Ethnomusicology at University College Cork.  

In September 2012 Lisa went to ASCAP’s songwriting retreat in France. She was invited by Miles Copeland (former manager of The Police) after he saw her perform in L.A. During her time in France Lisa worked with some of the biggest artists, songwriters, and producers in the business including Priscilla Renea Hamilton (Rihanna, Madonna, Selena Gomez, Cheryl Cole), Jodi Marr (Mika, Paloma Faith, Ricky Martin), Hillary Lindsey (Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw), and Claudia Brant (Barbara Streisand, Josh Groban, Michael Bublé).

In August 2014 Lisa signed a publishing deal with London/Nashville company AbFab Music Publishing (ASCAP)/Little Ruth Music (ASCAP).

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