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Hawk's Well's New Brochure Arrives May-Aug 2023

Cover of Brochure 23 with a collage of images of all events and shows from May to August 2023 with the Hawk's Well Theatre's logo and website

Hawk’s Well Theatre has announced another new bumper season with its latest brochure for May – August 2023 out now. Featuring all the incredible shows and events taking place during the coming months, the booklet is available to pick up at the theatre, at locations all over Sligo, and to view or download at https://www.hawkswell.

Kicking off this spring with a jam packed season of plays, music, comedy, workshops, talks, and productions of all shapes and sizes including YES! Reflections of Molly Bloom, Hawk's Well Theatre's own productions Hear Me Speak! for families and schools and Remember Me written by Brian Leyden.

THEATRE

In May, the Hawk's Well presents the World Premier of Brian Leyden's moving true story Remember Me, inspired by the memories of Sligo lady May McConnell. May also brings us From a Low and Quiet Sea, adapted for the stage from Donal Ryan’s Booker Prize-nominated novel, and Niamh McGrath's GomBean, a comedy set in the sleepy town of Sligo.

Grange Players presents The Weir, written by Olivier award-winning playwright Conor McPherson in June, while Wild Mountain Flower Productions brings us YES! Reflections of Molly Bloom, a daring theatrical journey into the mind and heart of James Joyce’s most sensual hero, and later in June we see The Ballad of Mossy Flood, written and performed by Seamus O'Rourke, who makes us laugh and examine ourselves in a way we haven't done before.

Later in the month of July Beezneez Theatre Company presents a new rip-roaring comedy The Pension Plan from the pen of John McDwyer.

MUSIC

For music lovers there's an abundance of gigs of all genres. May sees Declan Nerney in concert for a nostalgic night of music, song and laughter. We join award winning guitarist Tom Ollendorff from the UK and international jazz scenes, and don’t miss a rare opportunity to hear the Trad Trio Connections featuring guitar legends Seamie O’Dowd, Patrick Doocey and Shane McGowan. Also featuring on the night are the renowned traditional singer and flute player, Nuala Kennedy who is joined by Clare fiddle maestro Tara Breen and Dublin guitarist of note, Tony Byrne.

In the same month Kieran Quinn will perform his 29th Teenage Theme Night for two nights, and Cash Returns with the very best tribute to Johnny and June out there.

The month of June is a particularly bumper one as renowned Galway singer Seán Keane will headline a trad concert to perform his well known repertoire of songs joined by Michael Rooney, Stephen Doherty & The Ceol na nÓg Trad Orchestra.

Celtic Fiddle Festival will celebrate the violin in all its globetrotting variations, and The Legends of American Country will return for another fantastic night of toe tapping and hand clapping Country nostalgia. Also happening in June, Coolaney Gospel Choir & Sligo Cancer Support Choir will unite in singing for the love of it with their In Sweet Harmony concert, while much-loved musician Francie Lenehan: Guitar Man is celebrated, featuring a host of local and national guests. And a special treat for football lovers, be sure to catch Olé at the end of June as we celebrate through music and chats a historic moment for women’s football in Ireland in advance of the Women’s World Cup 2023.

Then in July, acclaimed Irish flautist and singer Steph Geremia will celebrate the release of her new album.

Finally, running throughout the summer from 10th May to 30th August, the ever-popular Trad@Lunch returns! Curated this year with support from Lisa Golden, Trad@Lunch are free lunchtime sessions famous for featuring some of Ireland's most renowned musicians and rising stars.

DANCE

May sees Liz Roche and her company create a brand-new dance piece, Yes and Yes, which explores episodes of Ulysses through movement, film and sound design with four extraordinary dancers.

COMEDY

From the world of comedy, nothing is off limits in David McSavage's standout comedy show in June, and elsewhere, cult hit event Solve-along-a-Murder, She Wrote comes to town, a hilarious night featuring games, prizes and audience participation.

CHILDREN

A shipload of events for children carry us through the summer; BabyGroove returns to get parents and children dancing at the end of April, and the Hawk's Well presents an exciting new theatrical adventure by Hawk's Well Theatre's 'Artist-in-Residence' Miriam Needham called Hear Me Speak! which combines physical theatre, object manipulation and audio of Sligo children's voices.

Into June and during Cruinniu na nOg, Husheen (for ages 0-12 and a later time for ages 1-2) is a beautiful performance of Irish songs from deep within our ancient song store, and whatever you do, definitely don't miss the unique and utterly bonkers Paperworld by Mimirichi Clowns, a fast-paced physical comedy for all the family with hilarious slapstick and the biggest paper fight ever.

Also in June, an eclectic musical journey for babies and their carers, BabyLovesMusic, features four award-winning musicians, the 4-year-olds from Anne Carton’s Creche add their own charm and sparkle to the classic fairy tale Cinderella in this production for their families and friends, and at the end of June The Speks present a "Riverdance for kids" as nursery rhymes and sing-along songs will have your kids jumping in their seats, and finally, The Splash Test Dummies return in July to drown you in tears of laughter!

TAKE PART: CHILDREN

There is also a number of exciting summer camps for children where lots of fun is guaranteed such as Creative Club for Teens, Drama at the Well Camp, and the Hawk's Well Creative Academy Summer Camp.

LOCAL CHILDREN PERFORMANCES

Local children aged 3-18yrs from Beat It Dance School will perform Can't Stop the Beat in May, and Lisa Cooper Dance Academy will also present their Annual Summer Showcase.

Also in May, students from Music Generation Sligo will present their special end of year Music Hubz Gala Concert, and students from Sligo Academy of Music will also perform their Gala concert.

May also sees Sligo Grammar School presenting an evening of classic pop, rock and jazz with Stars in our Eyes, and Transition Year students from Summerhill and the Mercy college present The Takeover; a dazzling array of theatre, music and poetry. In early June Chapel Lane School for Performing Arts will present their end of year showcase.

TAKE PART: ADULTS

We can't wait to welcome everyone back for Sing for the Hell of it in April; the Hawk's Well's fun sing-a-long evening hosted by the inimitable Dave Flynn. In for the month of May, renew your old music skills with Sligo Community Adult Orchestra. Older members of the community are welcome to our Cultural Companions as part of our Coffee Mornings, and join poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin for a workshop in The Art and Craft of Writing Poetry.

TAKE PART: ARTISTS

In May, artists can come and meet with like-minded people in a relaxed setting at an Artists Coffee Morning hosted by 'Artist-in-Residence' Miriam Needham. And running from the end of May and into June is A Week at the Well, offering professional freelance theatre practitioners paid time to work on their projects.

FESTIVALS

July in the Hawk's Well is full to the brim with festival performances as Cairde Sligo Arts Festival kicks off with 'Pluirin na mBan': a collaborative body of work performed by Cathy Jordan, Claudia Schwab and Irene Buckley, an evening celebrating traveler artists with The Pavee Performance, clown show Juanita's Big Problem, one woman show exploring a day in the life of a tour guide playing the role of Eva Gore-Booth Gazelle, and finally Culture Shift, a Panel Talk on how we can continue to create in time of climate crisis

Then running from the 25th to 29th July the Sligo Jazz Festival will bring us the energetic and explorative group Nils Kavanagh Trio, the Sligo Jazz Generation Celebration, award-winning London saxophonist Tony Kofi, a night of vocal jazz with Liane Carroll, Sara Colman & Friends, and SLP ALL-STARS who are always a festival highlight featuring the entire 20-strong summer school faculty.

That’s just a taste of what’s to come this summer. There’s something for everyone at Hawk’s Well Theatre this season, so pick up the new brochure today!

Full details of all Hawk’s Well events are available online, and in the new brochure. For ticketing, visit the website or call the box office on 071 916 1518.