Hawk's Well's New Brochure Arrives Sept-Dec 2023
We have just announced another new bumper season with our latest brochure for September - December 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 Autumn with a jam packed season of plays, music, comedy, workshops, talks, and productions of all shapes and sizes including Hawk's Well's own production of The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey by Mikel Murfi, the new play KING by Pat Kinevane, and I SEE YOU LIKE THIS, an interactive art experience for children.
THEATRE
In September, Aidan Dooley writes and performs the riveting true story of one of Ireland’s unsung heroes, Tom Crean Antarctic Explorer, and Mikel Murfi presents his new one-man-show The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey, following on from ‘The Man in the Women’s Shoes’ and ‘I Hear You and Rejoice’.
October brings Faith Healer by Brian Friel, taking us on a journey of shifting perspectives and uncertain memories. The same month sees the incredible true story of The Murder of Wolfe Tone by historical entertainer Paddy Cullivan, and Quintessence Theatre presents their original new play The Curious Case of Albert Cashier, an exciting, moving and often comedic true story of the Clogherhead-born Transgender soldier.
Also in October, award-winning Irish language theatre company Fíbín sa Taibhdhearc presents An Triail, using puppets, masks, engaging visuals and physical performances to appeal particularly to a younger audience, and Fishamble presents KING, a new play exploring prejudice, privilege and resilience written and performed by Pat Kinevane.
November sees the fast-paced and thought-provoking Lost Lear by Dan Colley & Riverbank Arts Centre and later in the month Mel Bradley’s For The Love Of Mary tells the story of Irish womanhood in all its challenges.
And later in the month of December Crokey Hill Players presents Matches & Old Flames, a brand new Irish rip-roaring comedy by Tommy Marren - writer of The Real McCoy, Three Hail Mary's and Nobody's Talking to Me.
MUSIC
For music lovers September sees an abundance of gigs of all genres, kicking off with Joachim Cooder Trio performing an atmospheric blend of folk, blues, and African music, followed by Sligo tenor James Nelson for a selection of songs to warm the heart.
In the same month modern Irish male folk group Onóir create a contemporary version of the famous Irish folk ballads. High-octane, classic rock show Rock Rising: the Revolution of Classic Rock features rock anthems from legendary acts such as Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Journey, Toto, Thin Lizzy and many more. Vocal powerhouses and exciting duo Ger O'Donnell and Trevor Sexton bring their mix of traditional and original material to the stage, and also in September, 13-piece band 'reviving' the spirit, energy and musical exuberance that was Bruce Springsteen's Seeger Sessions album and live shows brings us The Seeger Sessions Revival. Finally in September, for all kids who love to rock! Join Tabby Callaghan and Gavin Muldoon for a rockin' show with Kids Rock.
Into October, as part of the Baroque Festival, Handel's delightful pastoral opera Acis and Galatea promises an unforgettable experience. Kieran Quinn returns for a 32nd Theme Night celebrating The Power of Love.
Also featuring in October are The Unthanks, described as "a take on tradition that flips so effortlessly between jazz, classical, ambient and post-rock". Be sure to catch Seamie O'Dowd's album launch for Further Down the Line later in the month. One of Ireland's most acclaimed songwriters and singers Mick Flannery also performs in October, and the end of the month brings us the energetic Elton John Tribute Show.
Sligo Fun Company brings modern classic musical Into the Woods to our stage for four nights. Also happening in November, award winning folk singer Aoife Scott will leave you entranced with her dynamic and profound lyrics.
Still in November, ABBA Forever celebrate their Christmas Show with a loud and proud production and terrific audio visuals of ABBA seminal moments on the giant screen. Phil Coulter performs a fresh collection of memories and melodies from his new tour Phil Coulter, Four score and then...
Join us in December for Hawk's Well Theatre's 'With Glowing Hearts' as Nichola MacEvilly gathers some friends to share songs, stories, poetry and prose, that is sure to lift your heart to the warmth of the Christmas season. And finally, catch one of Ireland's all-time most acclaimed and influential folk and traditional bands The Fureys playing at the end of December.
DANCE
November sees Róisín Whelan's choreography confront issues of loneliness and isolation through exquisite dance storytelling with MAN DOWN. An original score, evocative lighting, and foreboding set design, amplify the turmoil of one man’s internal world.
COMEDY
In September Sligo Comedy Club presents a pleasantly interactive cabaret experience in the same month of September with Comedy Bingo.
In November, after six years away, Al Porter steps back into the spotlight with his most personal show to date, Al Porter Now. Later in the month Conal Gallen comes with his 7th comedy play Conal Gallen Up The Poll.
And finally in December, fasten your seatbelts for Pat and Faye Shortt's brand-new slick comedy show Pat and Faye Shortt Comedy Show.
CHILDREN
A shipload of events for children carry us through the autumn including an acclaimed interactive art experience created by Jessica Wilson who turns our foyer into a pop-up studio where kids get to create and snap a fun portrait of their parents with I SEE YOU LIKE THIS in September. In the same month, for all kids who love to rock, join Tabby Callaghan and Gavin Muldoon for a rockin' show and a great time.
In November come and experience the magic of live music with our Music for Babies Series, a joyful treat for smallies! First, at the end of the month Niamh Crowley and Anna Houston enchant babies and adults with String Babies. And then in December Sinead Conway and Dave Flynn serenade us with festive favourites with Santa Babies.
Also in December, Coolera Dramatic Society are delighted to return to the Hawk’s Well with this year’s pantomime Dick Whittington. And towards the end of the month Christmas Toons with Anything Goes celebrates the magic of Christmas in a very special concert delivered by the brilliant Dave Flynn, Eddie Lee, Kieran Quinn, Sinead Conway and Ken McDonald (Tonto).
SCHOOLS
A charming play for audiences in November brings Polar Bear & Penguin written and performed by John Currivan & Paul Curley, a tale of an unlikely encounter between a Polar Bear and a Penguin learning how to survive in a world that is melting beneath their feet... paws... flippers.
TAKE PART: CHILDREN
There is also a number of exciting creative camps for children where lots of fun is guaranteed such as Drama at the Well Camp in September; a nine week course facilitated by Isabel Claffey and Órla McSharry, that offers both Toddler Drama (18 mnths-4 yrs) and Kids Drama designed to explore creativity and build confidence, Acting for Camera (Ages 13-7) with experienced Director Kieran Griffiths, and 9-week playwriting programme New Voices for 15-18 year old's facilitated by actor and writer Miriam Needham.
TAKE PART: ADULTS
Rekindle your love for singing in September by joining us for Singalong Socials on Wednesdays lead by one of Ireland's most celebrated singers, Seamie O'Dowd with Sing with Seamie & Friends.
Hawk's Well Theatre & Sligo Academy of Music host the Sligo Community Ault Orchestra in the same month. Isabel Claffey teaches Acting for Adults in a six-week course that offers a place to explore, create and be challenged.
In for the month of October Brian Leyden will guide workshop participants through the approaches and techniques and craft of writing Creative-Non Fiction with On Memoir & Creative Non-fiction. We can't wait to welcome everyone back for Sing for the Hell of it Project also in October; our fun sing-a-long evening hosted by the inimitable Dave Flynn. Mid-October sees Acting for Camera for Adults lead by experienced Director Kieran Griffiths who will coach participants in preparing for auditions and self-taping.
And finally, older members of the community are welcome to join our Coffee Mornings as part of our Cultural Companions programme on the last Friday of every month.
TAKE PART: ARTISTS
Calling creators from all communities in the North-West of Ireland who have passion for making work for the stage. If you have a great idea for a new performance project, Time at the Well offers you a budget, stage time, tech support and mentorship to help you on your journey to bring that idea to life.
We are also delighted to welcome anyone involved in the performing arts locally to network and share ideas at their Artists Coffee Morning. You can also enjoy a free workshop from Ursula McHugh in October. The Creative Path workshop will help you discover talents you never knew you had.
Finally, we are looking to connect with creative practitioners, musicians and artists in the North-West who are interested in further training to work with people with intellectual disabilities with their Artist Callout.
FESTIVALS
Hawk's Well Theatre & Sligo Baroque Festival returns with Tradroque in September, a juxtaposition of Irish traditional and baroque music traditions featuring Sligo Baroque Orchestra and an ensemble of traditional musicians including Michael Rooney on harp, Liam Kelly on flute, Leonard Barry on pipes and Seamie O'Dowd on guitar.
The only Mental Health Festival for all the family returns in October with Change Your Mind Festival 2023 with entertainment from PJ Gallagher, podcasters Dean & Mano, Jay from RTEJr and a magician as well as fitness, wellbeing, and mindfulness sessions.
International Music Festival Sligo Live brings a host of live acts to the Hawk's Well in October including a double bill of Americana, Bluegrass, Roots & Folk with The Local Honeys & Niall McCabe, and premier Irish cover band to The Smiths and Morrisey These Charming Men.
Sligo Live Festival also presents Sligo native comedian John Colleary as he embarks on a national tour this Autumn LOUD & COLLEARY, which brings him back for a hometown headline show. And Gearóid Farrelly returns to Sligo by popular demand with his Glamour Hamour tour.
Sligo Live also presents a very special afternoon book launch in celebration of Sandy Kelly’s eagerly awaited autobiography In My Own Words, published by O’Brien Press. The festival is also delighted to add Paul Charles Adventures in Wonderland with Martin McGinley - the story of how a music-mad youngster from Co. Derry became one of the most influential music figures ever to come out of Ireland.
Ralph McTell performs a night of lyrical songs with some of the finest fingerstyle guitar playing in the world. Highly talented multi-instrumentalist acoustic quartet Jargon return for some Ragtime, Blues, Folk and Bluegrass, and finally Pauline Scanlon and The Whileaways will celebrate the Songs of Leonard Cohen with Bird on the Wire.
LITERATURE
Lepus Print host their third highly popular and enjoyable Indie Afternoon with An Indie Afternoon with Lepus Print where they will be launching two new books and hosting one-and-a-half hours of literature, dance, music and contributions from their special guests. Their two newest guests are Edwina Guckian and Brian Leyden.
STORYTELLING
In October a new show from award winning storyteller Martin Shaw meanders through electrifying renditions of fairy tales, Irish Myths, and accounts of his own life with Medicine House.
TALK
Later in October, Ken O'Sullivan talks about his life and experiences as an underwater cameraman, documentary filmmaker and ocean conservationist in Ireland's Atlantic waters. Into the Deep explores the underwater world of the North Atlantic.
That’s just a taste of what’s to come this autumn. 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.