New Season Brochure 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 HERE. From local to touring artists, free lunchtime events and festivals, there truly is something for everyone.

As a Theatre for the People, the community is at the heart of what Hawk’s Well does. We aim to present a diverse programme that reflects the local community, as well as providing a platform for every voice to be heard!

We wish to illuminate and show off these voices and the amazing creativity that has been happening behind the scenes in our Community Workshops. This May 24th, it’s time for the community to take centre stage of the Hawk’s Well and SHOW UP & SHOW OFF. This will be the Shine Participants first time to tread the boards. They have been showing up for rehearsals; now it’s time for them to show off their skills!

THEATRE

This May, dive into Cahal Flynn’s compelling new theatre production, Pure Medicine, as he explores his childhood in rural Ireland. In late May don't miss the uproarious performance by Blood in the Alley Theatre Company, The Empty Nest, which humorously delves into the lives of couples navigating the “empty nest” phase. And as part of the Bealtaine Festival, Hawk’s Well presents a special screening of Brian Leyden’s captivating play, Remember Me. This production, which enthralled audiences on stage last year, is a subtle and deeply moving true story inspired by the memories of Mary McConnell.

Into June, prepare for a collaboration between Tom Moran and the Abbey Theatre as they bring Tom Moran is a Big Fat Disgusting Liar to the Hawk’s Well. Filled with compassion and humour, Tom unveils secrets and endeavors to mend the future.

Also in June, experience the fleeting moments of possibility in late Summer when love touches the lives of the Mundy sisters as the Windmill Players present their unique interpretation of Brian Friel’s award-winning classic, Dancing at Lughnasa. Internationally renowned Brokentalkers brings the hilarious Masterclass to the Hawk’s Well stage, a performance which parodies the “great male artist” to within an inch of his life to uncover some difficult truths about privilege and power.

Towards the end of June, Hawk’s Well Theatre in collaboration with Cranmore Community Co-op will showcase Youth City, a dynamic performance featuring a medley of short scenes and vignettes crafted by young people from the Sligo City East area. These pieces have been honed through a workshop program led by Hawk’s Well Artist-In-Residence Miriam Needham.

And at the end of June, Tam Tully fights tragedy and treachery to save her Ulster distillery from ruin by crafting the Holy Grail of whiskey. Laced with dry wit, casked in raw emotion, Whisk(e)y Wars is a story you won’t forget! You might even get a wee dram to boot…

Then, Beezneez are back in July with John McDwyer’s rip-roaring comedy The Pension Plan about the bachelor Flanagan brothers whose peaceful life on their hillside farm is disturbed by a visiting stranger who brings news that threatens to turn their world upside down.

THEATRE & SCHOOLS

Hawk’s Well are delighted to be part of the Network for Extraordinary Audiences which enables the Theatre to bring the show Sweet Dreams Are Made of This from artist Anna Newell to St. Cecilias school and the Holy Family Preschool this April. This show is specifically for children/young people with complex needs up to the age of 10.

Also in June, come down to the woods with the WhistleBlast Quartet and join the Hawk’s Well for a woodland adventure featuring some familiar characters and well-loved pieces of classical music with If You Go Down to The Woods.

MUSIC

This summer offers an array of gigs across all genres for music enthusiasts. In April, the renowned Irish rock band Hothouse Flowers will grace the stage at the Hawk’s Well Theatre. Known for seamlessly blending traditional Irish music with soulful, gospel, and rock influences, their performance promises an unforgettable experience.

The same month brings Leonard Barry and the artists that collaborated on his third solo CD together to create a special ‘Album Launch’ night of music, featuring some of the leading lights of Traditional music; Michael McGoldrick, Seamie O’Dowd, Andy Morrow, Michael Holmes and Anna Houston. And Declan Nerney and his super live band return with special guests John McNicholl and John Hogan for a nostalgic night of music, song and laughter on the 2024 Where’s the Party nationwide concert tour.

At the end of April, don't miss out on an unforgettable night of music and dance at the Hawk’s Well as the talented students of Sligo Grammar School take you on a captivating musical journey through the decades with their performance, Showstoppers.

Into May, Tom Robinson promises to deliver a vibrant night of music that is not to be missed! Tom Robinson is a dynamic singer/songwriter whose music spans the genres of punk rock, new wave, pop and rock. The same month sees My Darling Clementine presenting Country Darkness including the songs of Elvis Costello.

Sligo Academy of Music Gala will present a special evening of music featuring the Sinfonietta, Jazz Orchestra, Junior Orchestra, Perfect Harmonies Choir, SAM Harp Ensemble, Duly Noted, Sligo Community Orchestra and performances by the SAM tutors.

Also this May, join the gang from Kieran Quinn’s Teenage Theme Nights for their 32nd show in the ever popular series. They will be celebrating the class of 2024 as they showcase their final Teenage Theme Nights performance, in what promises to be a night of memorable entertainment.

Music Network in partnership with the Baltimore Fiddle Fair present the iconic band Flook: with special guest Patsy Reid as they weave and spin traditionally rooted tunes into an enthralling sound. Also don’t miss your chance to witness the next generation of musical talent shine bright as young Sligo musicians take the stage for their unforgettable end-of-year Music Hubz Gala Concert.

Another night not to be missed in May; Onóir put their unique stamp on the timeless ballads and folk songs that we all love. Towards the end of May, renowned Galway singer Seán Keane will headline A Celebration of Music & Song as he is joined by Stephen Doherty, Michael Rooney and The Ceol na nÓg Trad Orchestra to perform his well-known repertoire of songs.

Cash Returns in June, the award winning 9-piece Johnny Cash & June Carter show which brings the authentic sound of American Country Music’s most iconic couple back to the live stage. And get ready to be blown away by amazing beats and soul-stirring melodies as the Hawk’s Well celebrates the incredible musical journey of over 700 talented students at Music Generation Sligo’s ‘Schools Celebration Concert 2024.’

Also in June, Music Network & Sligo Jazz Project present one of Europe’s leading jazz saxophonists Linda Fredriksson, who has garnered wide-spread recognition as a flamboyant improvisor and versatile musician. The Legends of American Country returns for another fantastic night of toe-tapping Country nostalgia in the same month, and the spectacular new show Cloudbusting: The Music of Kate Bush is set to offer audiences a fresh ‘take’ on the tracks that first appeared on The Red Shoes album.

At the end of June, contemporary folk harpist, singer and composer BRÍDÍN brings her layered melodies on harp and voice to the Hawk’s Well stage. Audiences will be treated to a beautiful blend of contrapuntal fiddle, keyboard, electric guitar and bass, all woven together with pulsating drums.

At the upcoming Cairde Sligo Arts Festival in July, the Hawk’s Well Theatre will be hosting a variety of acts, among them the Felip Carbonell Rumba Experience. This brain child of well-known Sligo based Mallorcan musician Felip, is an exciting and ambitious new music project with an anchor in the Catalan Rumba, expanding to other styles of Afro-Cuban and Latin music.

As part of Hawk’s Well’s Lunchtime at the Well series, Green Bird Flying; the alt folk trio of Cliodhna Quinlan (fiddle), Mark Murphy (piano, guitar, mandolin) and Mandi Frankham (vocals) bring their tuneful songs that use poetry as lyrics. Pro Tours Theatre return with Trash Test Dummies, a circus and acrobatic show that’s perfect for families.

Cairde Sligo Arts Festival also brings a unique opportunity to see four brand new performances across different artistic disciplines by emerging and established artists who are blazing a trail in their own art forms. Unveiled, A Showcase of Interdisciplinary Work, will feature Barbarian by Bob Kelly and Diarmuid Armstrong, Wonderhorse by Miriam Needham, Through Our Eyes by Charmaine Matonsi and Wasekera Sekerani, One Hundred Thousand Years by Ashton. Lastly, don’t miss an incredible opportunity to see the Godfather of popular Malian music at work, the Boubacar Traoré Trio.

This July Hawk’s Well are thrilled to be hosting the Sligo Jazz Festival 2024, kicking off with Sligo Jazz Project Young Artist in Residence Fergus McCreadie, with special guests Tom Ollendorff, Sun-Mi Hong, Conor Murray and Michael Murray.

Additionally, don't miss the Double Bill featuring the Sun Mi Hong Trio and Gareth Lockrane & Julian Siegel, accompanied by special guests Phil Robson & Christine Tobin.

Sligo Jazz Project’s 2024 Artist in Residence Elio Villafranca’s Sligo Afro-Latin & Jazz Orchestra lead an all-star nine-piece group with an emphasis on Afro-Cuban and swing styles, and don’t miss The Power of the Voice which celebrates the female voice in jazz with Emilia Martensson, Christine Tobin, Veronica Morscher & Friends. And the SJP All Stars Gala concert will feature the entire 2024 summer school faculty the day before the Festival Wrap Party (The Final SJP JAM SESSION PARTY).

Other Daytime Events during the festival will include the Eleonora Strino Trio, Tom Ollendorff & Friends plus Gareth Lockrane & Friends, and the SJB BIG BASH – The Sligo Jazz Marathon featuring more than 130 musicians of all ages and nationalities.

And at the end of August Award-winning Sligo pianist Nils Kavanagh launches his debut album No Expectations, leading an energetic and explorative piano trio of Ireland’s top jazz performers, with Derek Whyte on double bass and Miles Ronayne on drums.

WORDS & MUSIC

Palestinian poet and spoken word artist Rafeef Ziadah brings her powerful catalogue of poetry to the stage this April, featuring selections from her latest album Three Generations and earlier works from We Teach Life. With original musical compositions by Phil Monsour, this sequence of interconnected poems serves as a poignant and personal tribute to Palestine, chronicling Al-Nakba, exile, defiance, and survival. Also in April, drop in for a special evening of Irish Stories for grown-ups told through words, sounds and music in the bardic style with Aindrias de Staic: By The Light Of The Silvery Moon.

Niall “Bressie” Breslin, one of Ireland’s most formidable and inspiring mental health advocates comes to the Hawk’s Well with WHERE IS MY MIND?; an incredible live experience laced with humour and heart.

In May, come and enjoy a warm and entertaining lunchtime show as Hawk’s Well Theatre presents Songs, Poetry & Theatre in Aid of DVAS (Domestic Violence Advocacy Service), which includes performances by Fiona Maria Fitzpatrick, Sinéad Sexton and Miriam Needham.

DANCE

Sarah Middleton’s Beat It Dance School of Strandhill is coming back this May with a bang! BEAT IT! will include a mixture of dance with dancers aged 3-18 yrs performing a variety of Lyrical, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Jazz and Breakdancing! Towards the end of May, performers of the Lisa Cooper Dance Academy present their annual Summer Showcase, covering a variety of dance styles, including Jazz, Lyrical, Ballet and Musical Theatre.

Join the students from the Chapel Lane School for Performing Arts this June as they present their end of year Chapel Lane Showcase for 2024. Also in June, Michelle Bell’s School of Dance and pupils from Le Studio, Bundoran will be showcasing Magical Moves; an enjoyable variety of dances with Lyrical, Ballet, Jazz and Acrobatic’s choreographed by Michelle Bell.

COMEDY

You’re in for a night of relentless laughs fuelled by warped personal insights as comedic fireball Deirdre O’Kane comes to the Hawk’s Well with her hilarious show O’Kaning It. Also in May, the stage welcomes one of the most thrilling stand-up comedians to emerge from these shores in years: Emma Doran, presenting her show DILEMMA! And as Ireland’s most popular comic satirist, the much-loved multi award winning mimic and comedian Mario Rosenstock will guarantee a night of superb entertainment. Cult hit Solve-Along-A Murder, She Wrote returns in June with an interactive screening of the classic Murder, She Wrote episode Broadway Malady.

Finally, in July, after recently being crowned the winner of Ha! Ha! Hawk’s Well Comedy Award at So Funny Sligo Comedy Festival 2024, Shannon Basso-Gaule is set to take the stage with his debut solo show ‘Lost in Translation'.

CHILDREN

This season enjoy the magic of live music at summertime with Eoin Troy and Aileen Concannon; Summertime Babies is a joyful treat for smallies in May. Later in June, BabyLovesMusic returns to the Hawk’s Well with Nightlight, an informal concert for babies aged 0-12 months.

GAMING

Join the Hawk’s Well Theatre in August for an afternoon of Fantasy Premier League as we look ahead to the new season. For FPL @ the Well, we’ll be discussing all things FPL - with plans, players and teams to get you ready for GW1 and beyond. We will be joined by special guests from the world of football and FPL.

TAKE PART: CHILDREN

There is a number of exciting creative workshops for children where lots of fun is guaranteed such as Creative Club for Teens running in June with Stephanie Pawula’s Music workshop, and Drama and Creative Writing workshops with Miriam Needham.

Also in June, Cruinniú na nOg presents a storytelling, art and drama workshop with Wayne O’Connor and Sinéad O’Brien; Irish Myths and Legends, a fun interactive workshop exploring some of the classic myths and legends of Irish folklore.

The ever-popular Drama at the Well Camp will be running in July. Facilitated by Isabel Claffey and Deirdre Gaule, this tremendously fun drama camp encourages young children to act and participate in many different activities specifically designed to explore creativity and build confidence.

And unlock your child’s creative potential through drama, dance, singing, yoga and performance with the Creative Academy Summer Camp also in July.

TAKE PART: ADULTS

Hawk’s Well warmly invites older members of the community to join us for our Coffee Mornings, a delightful feature of our Cultural Companions program held on the last Friday of every month.

In May, Ursula McHugh will help you discover talents you never knew you had with The Creative Path; a project that illuminates the creativity in everyone.

If you’ve ever thought about making a film, writing a play, or creating a podcast, then the exciting From Idea to Script workshop in June with Monica McCarthy is for you!

Also in June, step out of your comfort zone and unleash your creativity with our exciting one-day Comedy Writing course for adults, led by the talented John Colleary.

In late June, don't miss out as The Lir Academy brings its Intro to Acting intensive weekend workshop to Sligo, meticulously crafted to offer participants a glimpse into The Lir Academy's esteemed actor training program.

And lastly, reignite your passion for singing, learn new songs, and enjoy a lively atmosphere at Hawk’s Well’s singalong sessions with Seamie O’Dowd and Sandy Kelly every Wednesday throughout September.

LUNCHTIME AT THE WELL

And finally, The Hawk’s Well Theatre is thrilled to unveil its Lunchtime At The Well series, curated with support from Lisa Golden, Miriam Needham, and Isabel Claffey. Join us every Wednesday from May 8 to August 28 as we present a rich tapestry of music, theatre, words, and storytelling.

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.