New Season Brochure Out Now!

We at Hawk’s Well Theatre are delighted to unveil our latest brochure, packed with an exciting new season of events running from May to August 2025 — and it’s 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 www.hawkswell.com.

Our new Summer Brochure promises a season full of colour, creativity, and connection. Bursting with performances from local talent and acclaimed touring artists, along with free lunchtime events and festival highlights, this vibrant programme truly offers something for everyone.

Two standout highlights are the return of the popular Lunchtime Series, offering audiences a chance to enjoy free live music in a relaxed atmosphere, spotlighting talented local and visiting musicians, and the much-loved community celebration Show Up and Show Off – which invites the community to take centre stage, featuring heartwarming performances from Hawk’s Well’s own Community Choir, Orchestra, Shine Drama Group and more - showcasing the incredible creativity that happens behind the scenes all year round.

Then, looking ahead to the upcoming season, two Hawk’s Well productions promise to captivate audiences. Two Sisters: Constance & Eva is a compelling musical portrait of the iconic Gore-Booth sisters, blending powerful storytelling with evocative original music. Meanwhile, B O Y – An Unforgettable Life in Words and Music offers a deeply moving collaboration between renowned uilleann piper Leonard Barry and acclaimed poet and playwright Damian Gorman, bringing a nationally significant story to life on stage with heart and artistry.

As always, community is the beating heart of our theatre. Championing a diverse and inclusive programme, we continue to celebrate voices from all walks of life.

THEATRE

This May, Seven Letters offers an honest and insightful look at our relationship with old age, youth, and memory. A heartfelt tribute to the everyday women who carry the weight of memories on their hearts. Later in May, Common Ground brings generations together through original, devised performance in a special Bealtaine event. This inspiring collaboration is the result of workshops led by Hawk’s Well Artist-in-Residence for 2025, Niamh McGrath.

On the following day, Lola Montez & Lady Morgan: An Imagined Conversation takes audiences on a journey with two trailblazing women of the early 1800s - one seeking fame, the other respect. Montez dances, Lady Morgan writes; both challenge the status quo.

Into June, Is Mise Éire Eile: I Am Another Ireland tells the true story of a community coming to terms with the arrival of 100 international protection applicants. That weekend, Paddy – The Life and Times of Paddy Armstrong shares a testament to resilience, freedom, and forgiveness.

Then in July, Colin O’Rourke presents I Had To Go For Counselling, a hilarious and thought-provoking journey through retirement, regrets, and life’s unexpected lessons.

And looking to the season ahead, Hawk’s Well Theatre presents B O Y – An unforgettable life in words and music, a moving new production that brings a nationally significant story to the stage. Celebrated Sligo-based uileann piper Leonard Barry joins acclaimed poet and playwright Damian Gorman to illuminate this powerful tale through music and spoken word.

MUSIC

This summer offers an array of gigs across all genres for music enthusiasts. Kicking off in April is A Celebration of Music & Song – North West Suite Premiere, featuring the legendary Seán Keane, Michael Rooney, Stephen Doherty, and the Ceol na nÓg Trad Orchestra. A night where platforms blend and musical worlds collide in harmony. Also on the bill that evening, The 4 of Us return with their signature blend of soulful melodies and storytelling. Expect fan favourites like Mary, Washington Down, Sunlight and more, in what promises to be a nostalgic and unforgettable night. The same month sees Sligo Parkinson’s Choir assisted by their friends from the Orpheus Choir host an evening of entertainment with Voices of Parkinsons and Friends.

Into May, Cash Returns marks 20 years since Walk the Line with their acclaimed Johnny Cash and June Carter tribute. JP Mac and Karen Martin, backed by a 9-piece band, deliver timeless hits like Ring of Fire and Jackson. Frances Black brings her Talk to Me tour to town, continuing her legacy as one of Ireland’s most loved voices. The popular Teenage Theme Night returns with its 35th edition, spotlighting the class of 2025 and rising talent from 4th and 5th years. The cinematic celebration continues with Soundtracks!, as Sligo Grammar School students perform iconic film songs through the decades.

Still in May, Genticorum—winners at the 2024 Canadian Folk Music Awards—bring their spirited Québécois folk to life in an evening of harmony, rhythm and tradition. Feel-good nostalgia takes centre stage with the Legends of the 60s Show. Expect over 40 hit songs from Elvis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and more. Join Declan Nerney for his Round and Round tour, celebrating over 40 years of Irish country music, with special guests John McNicholl and John Hogan.

Folk icon Ralph McTell celebrates his 80th year and a five-decade career with Time Drift of the Road, featuring classics like Streets of London. Young Sligo musicians take the spotlight in the Music Generation Sligo Gala Concert, with performances from Youth Voices, harp ensembles, teen bands and more.

In June, saxophonist Emma Rawicz closes Music Network’s spring season with her stellar quartet including Ivo Neame, Kevin Glasgow, and Asaf Sirkis. Duly Noted, Sligo’s newest choir, brings light and joy with a lunchtime concert of uplifting favourites including Fields of Gold and Adiemus. The Legends of American Country Show returns with tributes to icons like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Garth Brooks. Penguin Café revive the legacy of Penguin Café Orchestra, delivering their magical and genre-defying sound. Cloudbusting pay tribute to Kate Bush with stunning visuals and soaring vocals. A must-see for die-hard fans and new listeners alike. Contemporary folk band Onóir take the stage at the end of the same month, bringing their viral charm, powerhouse vocals, and uniquely Irish blend of americana, soul, and trad.

Then, as part of Cairde Festival in July, Cormac Begley performs, showcasing his groundbreaking work with the concertina across 13 instruments. A unique voice in Irish traditional music. Zimbabwe’s Gonora Sounds take over mid-July, led by blind guitarist Daniel Gonora and his drummer son Isaac. From streets to global stages, their energy is infectious.

Sligo Jazz Festival 2025 (supported by Sligo County Council) returns in July with some incredible acts lined up. SJP Young Artist in Residence Matthew Halpin returns for a special reunion performance alongside the 2025 jazz faculty. Jazz@Lunch with guitarist Ant Law and vocalist Brigitte Beraha offers a poetic, modern take on the genre.

A Double Bill with The Freddie Hendrix Experience and vibraphonist Sasha Berliner promises brilliance, rhythm, and innovation. Saxophonist Melissa Aldana, Grammy-nominated and globally acclaimed, headlines a special set with her exceptional ensemble. Don’t miss SJP’s 2025 Guest of Honour, jazz legend Rufus Reid, performing in concert and leading a big band finale.

Francesco Turrisi & Shannon Barnett team up in another Double Bill, blending world music and soul-stirring trombone magic. The SJP All-Stars Concert lights up the week with a revue of 2025 faculty highlights, led by Melissa Aldana and Rufus Reid.

The 20th Birthday SJP BIG BASH is a marathon celebration of jazz in its purest, most joyful form. Voices of SJP brings together vocal luminaries Emilia Mårtensson, Brigitte Beraha, and Veronika Morscher for a stunning harmony-driven finale. And finally, catch Festival Jam Sessions throughout the week — spontaneous, thrilling, and full of surprises. You never know who might show up to join in!

MUSIC/THEATRE

This May, we throw open our doors for Show Up & Show Off! — a joyful celebration of local talent and creativity. With over 100 participants regularly engaging in our community workshops, this vibrant showcase gives them a well-deserved moment in the spotlight, shining a light on the inspiring work of Shine drama group, Community Orchestra, Community Choir, and many more. It’s a night to applaud the energy, passion, and dedication that fuel our artistic community.

And mark your calendar for October, when a celebration, a revelation, and a musical tapestry of poetry and history comes to the Hawk’s Well stage with Two Sisters; a powerful musical portrait inspired by the lives of Constance and Eva Gore-Booth. Set in the scenic Juniper Barn, audiences can choose to experience one or both parts of this evocative and immersive musical journey.

MUSICALS

Lights, music, and storytelling come together in two unforgettable performances this May. Get ready for MOVICALS – A Movie Musical Extravaganza! This show-stopping celebration takes audiences on a dazzling journey through the most iconic movie musicals of the past 50 years. From the powerful emotion of Les Misérables, to the high-energy hits of Fame, and the feel-good fun of Mamma Mia—this is a musical experience for every generation.

Critically acclaimed and fresh from their Off-Broadway debut, Malaprop Theatre brings their award-winning production HOTHOUSE on its first Irish tour. Set on a melting Arctic cruise ship, HOTHOUSE is a bold and fast-paced tale of love, loss, and family legacy - spanning six generations, from 1960s Ireland to a speculative 100 years in the future. Written by Carys D. Coburn with original music by Anna Clock, and guided by a delightfully unhinged cruise ship captain, this is theatre that pushes boundaries while tugging at the heart.

Audiences can also explore the creative process behind HOTHOUSE in a devising workshop led by Claire O’Reilly - see the Take Part section for details.

DANCE

In May, step into a world of magic with Wonderland, as curious young Alice journeys through a dreamlike land filled with eccentric characters - from the White Rabbit to the Queen of Hearts.
Brought to life by students from North Leitrim Dance School.

BEAT IT! returns in May where dancers aged 3 to 18 take the stage with a high-energy mix of Lyrical, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Breakdance. A vibrant and eclectic show from Beat It Dance School. The same month sees talented young performers aged 3 to 17 present a lively evening of Jazz, Commercial, Lyrical, Ballet, and Musical Theatre with Lisa Cooper Dance Academy – Summer Showcase. An energetic celebration for the whole family.

The start of June brings Chapel Lane School of Performing Arts Showcase; a joyful, end-of-year celebration full of music, movement, and fun. Guaranteed to leave you singing and dancing all the way home! Towards the end of June, get ready for iDance, a spectacular family event featuring dancers aged 3–18. Expect an electrifying mix of Commercial, Acro Dance, Musical Theatre, Jazz, Lyrical, and Hip Hop.

Michelle Bell Dance School Showcase students from Le Studio, Bundoran showcase an impressive variety of Lyrical, Ballet, Jazz, and Acrobatic pieces choreographed by Michelle Bell. Talent from ages 5 to 17 takes the spotlight!

And as part of Cairde Sligo Arts Festival - Fidget Feet & Tobi Omoteso present H.O.M.E; a unique blend of Aerial Dance, Opera, and Hip Hop. This deeply emotional and visually stunning performance tells a story of love, connection, and the meaning of home.

COMEDY

In April, Conal Gallen brings a wealth of jokes, charm, and song to every show with Conal Gallen – Gallens of Laughter. No script. No rehearsal. Just pure, spontaneous comedy gold — as it happens on the night!

Cork comedian Chris Kent returns with Offline in May, a laugh-out-loud reflection on midlife, nostalgia, and the challenges of living without the internet. And at the end of the same month, pop the presecco for Norma Sheahan – It’s Wine O’Clock. From Tinder chaos to midlife revelations, Norma takes you on a riotous journey through single life, second chances, and sparkly Spanx. A feel-good comedy celebration of love, laughter, and letting loose.

TALKS/LITERARY

In May, step into the wild with ornithologist Seán Ronayne as he embarks on an epic quest to record every one of Ireland’s 200 bird species with Nature Boy: A Journey of Birdsong & Belonging with Seán Ronayne.

Then join legendary mountaineer Kenton Cool in June for Everest: The Untold Story — for a gripping evening of exploration, endurance, and extraordinary tales.

And in July, join an inspiring panel discussion about Community Resilience in a Changing Climate as leading voices explore the power of local action and our relationship with nature in tackling climate change. Featuring writer Kerri ní Dochartaigh, Aoife Hammond of Common Knowledge, and more.

THEATRE/DANCE/CLOWN

Presented by Cairde Sligo Arts Festival, Unveiled: A Showcase of Interdisciplinary Works brings together four exciting new works-in-progress from emerging and established artists across theatre, dance, and clowning. Featuring Ikenna Anyabuike (Theatre), Amir Sabra & Laura Lundy (Dance), Angelica Santander (Clown/Theatre), and Know Promises (Theatre), this evening celebrates bold storytelling, experimentation, and artistic risk-taking.

FOR KIDS

There is a number of exciting creative workshops and music for children where lots of fun is guaranteed such as Saturday Musicals Singalong with Sligo’s singing sensation Sinéad Conway and Kieran Quinn running in June. A lively showcase for local young talent in music, dance, theatre, and comedy also kicks off in June with Cruinniú nÓg Late.

Enjoy special, unhurried time with your little one in a nurturing space created by artist Jackie Maguire with ‘early years’ workshop Tiny Trees for babies aged 0-12 months and a parent/guardian.

For all kids who love to rock, Join Tabby Callaghan and Gavin Muldoon for a rockin’ show and a great time as Kids Rock returns in June. And drop in for BabyLovesMusic; an informal concert for babies aged 0-12 months featuring 4 award-winning musicians with musical arrangements by Irish Chamber Orchestra’s Malachy Robinson.

This summer at Hawk’s Well Theatre, young minds are invited to explore their creativity through a series of inspiring and fun-filled events. The Creative Academy Summer Camp offers children aged 7 to 12 the chance to dive into drama, dance, singing, filmmaking and performance.

Drama at the Well Camp will bring a week of playful performance and confidence-building activities. Tailored for younger children, it’s a joyful space to discover the power of imagination through theatre.

Then in September, little ones and their grown-ups can step into the shimmering world of Shimmer, a dreamlike dance show for babies by Anna Newell and The Civic, Tallaght. With its gentle movement, light, and wonder, it promises a magical and intimate first theatre experience.

TAKE PART: ADULTS

This season at Hawk’s Well Theatre, creativity and community take centre stage with a vibrant lineup of workshops and participatory events. In April, join the uplifting Sing with Seamie
singalong social, a perfect chance to reconnect with your voice, expand your songbook, and enjoy the joy of communal singing.

The stage will also come alive with the energy of local talent as the Pop-up Community Choir, under Michele Feeney’s direction, and the Community Orchestra, led by Niamh Crowley, prepare for their upcoming Show Up and Show Off performance. A celebration of collaboration and creativity, it’s a showcase of what happens when community comes together in music.

For aspiring writers and comedy lovers, John Colleary hosts a one-day Comedy Writing workshop, offering adults a fun and supportive space to find their comedic voice and craft their own short stand-up set.

Theatre-makers can explore the art of creation in a Hothouse Devising Workshop with director Claire O’Reilly, who will share foundational devising principles and insights into the making of HOTHOUSE—an exciting chance to learn directly from an acclaimed Irish production.

Finally, The Creative Path with Ursula McHugh in June invites participants to discover hidden talents in writing, painting, music or entrepreneurship. Designed to reignite passion and purpose, this reflective and empowering workshop is all about uncovering what brings you joy - and giving you the tools to follow it.

Cultural Companions continues to extend a warm welcome to older members of the community, offering a complimentary cuppa and the joy of gathering in a vibrant cultural space.

In partnership with Riverbank Arts Centre, Up in the Clouds by Anna Newell brings a gentle, magical theatrical experience to the students of St. Cecilia’s. Created especially for children and young people with complex and profound needs, this sensory-rich adventure offers comfort, wonder and imagination in equal measure.

Weekly Drama Workshops in collaboration with Down Syndrome Sligo are in full swing, providing creative expression and confidence-building opportunities for children.

Hawk’s Well’s Shine creative engagement programme, supported by the AIB Community Fund, continues to thrive. This year, 25 participants are taking part in weekly rehearsals, building toward their exciting performance in Show Up and Show Off! this May.

In development for our youngest audiences, Soil Story by artists Jackie Maguire and Trisha MacLaughlin is an imaginative exploration of soil as a living ecosystem.

And in March, audiences engaged with the deeply moving Mammary Mountain — a powerful VR experience and film screening presented in support of Sligo Cancer Support Centre, highlighting the transformative power of art in raising awareness and funds for vital community services.

LUNCHTIME AT THE WELL

And finally, we are thrilled to unveil our Lunchtime At The Well series, curated with support from Ailíse Maxwell. Join us every Wednesday from May 7 to August 27 as we present a rich tapestry of traditional music, jazz, folk music and theatre.

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.