New Season Brochure Out Now!

We at Hawk’s Well Theatre are delighted to unveil our brand-new brochure, packed with a vibrant season of events running from January to April 2026 - and it’s out now! Featuring an exciting programme of theatre, music, comedy, musicals, workshops, family shows and community celebrations, the brochure is available to pick up at the theatre, across Sligo, and to view or download at www.hawkswell.com.

Bursting into the season with festive sparkle, we’re thrilled to welcome families to Santa’s Movigloo - a magical, music-filled winter adventure that transforms the stage into a shimmering snowy world where little ones can sing, play and meet Santa himself. Even more exciting, this joyful experience marks one of the very first family events to take place in the newly restored Art Deco Theatre in Ballymote. Freshly reopened and glowing with 1940s charm, the Art Deco now launches into a brand-new chapter as a vibrant creative hub for cinema, live music, comedy, family fun and community events. Together, Santa’s Movigloo and the Art Deco’s
revival set the tone for a season full of wonder, imagination and unforgettable moments across both of our theatres.

The season also marks the hugely anticipated return of the So Funny Sligo Comedy Festival, bringing five laughter-filled nights of stand-up, magic, podcasts and rising talent back to the Hawk’s Well stage. And in March, one of our most cherished annual events makes its return -Ladies Night - an uplifting celebration of women in the arts featuring music, performance, conversation and plenty of surprises.

With a rich mix of homegrown talent, national artists and community-led creativity, this season promises warmth, humour, connection and unforgettable live experiences for all. As always, community is the beating heart of our theatre. With new workshops, creative courses, and our inclusive SHINE programme, we continue to celebrate voices from all walks of life.

THEATRE

In December, Crokey Hill Players' 3 Hail Mary’s by Tommy Marren is back - alive and kicking after a five-year rest from touring and due to phenomenal demand.

Gerry Farrell’s moving and humorous I Had To Go For Counselling about mental health, family pressures, and finding peace comes in January, followed by Effigy; a powerful new play by Treasa Nealon, performed by Órla McSharry, exploring truth, memory, and self-revelation. Jimmy Keary’s sharp-witted comedy One Wife Too Many sees a man whose past and present collide in hilariously inconvenient ways, and enjoy an enchanting evening of theatre by children, for children with Maye School of Speech and Drama Performance. Lastly in January, Mikel Murfi returns with his acclaimed physical theatre piece The Man in the Woman’s Shoes, a tender portrait of small-town life.

In March, Niamh McGrath and Orla McSharry present Medium Rare, a warm, funny, lunchtime theatre experience exploring friendship, everyday ritual, and the joy of connection. Tom Crean: Antarctic Explorer returns to the Hawk’s Well stage with a gripping solo performance recounting the remarkable adventures of the legendary Irish explorer. Seamus O’Rourke brings life and humour to John B. Keane’s tale of a bachelor farmer seeking love with The Love-Hungry Farmer

April brings us Mr. Bergmann of Deadman’s Point, a compelling drama tracking an enigmatic visitor who disrupts the peace of a small coastal community. Also in April, Sligo Drama Circle presents Roddy Doyle’s beloved comedy The Snapper about family chaos, unexpected news, and Dublin wit.

MUSIC

Music lovers are in for a treat with a wide array of genres on offer including Hawk’s Well’s monthly night series kicking off in December - Nightshift - where you can experience an eclectic mix of house, techno and dub in the brand-new Hawk’s Well Studio. Kieran Quinn and a select crew of musicians also bring their uniquely crafted Christmas show Theme Nights Unplugged - Christmas to the studio. Nirvana tribute act In Bloom, who have been packing venues nationwide cover one of the world’s greatest ever rock band’s legendary acoustic performance with Nirvana MTV Unplugged – In Bloom. Lastly in December, Felip Carbonell presents Rumbatism, a 20th Anniversary Recording special audio and live event marking the group’s milestone year.

Into the new year, early January sees the return of Folk Families, an unforgettable celebration of Sligo’s rich musical heritage, and Hawk’s Well is also delighted to welcome back Reeling in the Showband Years to celebrate it’s amazing 16th year. Outstanding tribute band Glory Days brings Springsteen’s anthemic sound to life with passion, energy, and explosive musicianship. Theme Night Academy showcases a brand new collection of original music from the teenage musicians and songwriters of Sligo and the North West with their Young Songwriter’s Showcase. Lastly in January, one of Ireland’s best-loved folk groups The Fureys returns with their timeless classics and heartfelt storytelling.

Into February, the ever-popular Theme Night returns with Kieran Quinn’s Theme Night #37, this time celebrating the bold, brilliant music of the 1980s. A stunning collaboration between two of Ireland’s most respected songwriters brings Pilgrims with Paul Noonan & Brian Crosby. The same month sees a night of soulful vocals and uplifting favourites from one of Ireland’s most popular singers Patrick Feeney, and a unique intimate evening features new stripped back versions of Imelda May's wide discography and favourite songs, integrated with her famed poetry and storytelling with Imelda May – Raised on Songs & Stories.

In March, When Ireland Rocked marks the huge musical revolution in Ireland of the late 60's, 70's and 80's. Dynamic Sligo-based band Rogue Mahone performs a high-energy blend of Celtic rock and folk. A gorgeous recreation of the Carpenters’ iconic sound, featuring lush vocals and beautiful arrangements brings Carpenters Experience. Irish country star Derek Ryan brings a mix of chart-toppers, crowd-pleasers, and new favourites. February also brings The Whistlin’ Donkeys; a powerhouse of Irish folk-rock known for electrifying live performances. Grammy Award–winning pianist Derek Paravicini offers a rare performance by the internationally renowned pianist celebrated for extraordinary virtuosity. Students and tutors take to the stage for a celebratory evening showcasing orchestras, ensembles and young musicians with Sligo Academy of Music Gala Concert. And acclaimed 8-piece band Harvest: A Tribute to Neil Young returns with flawless renditions of Neil Young’s greatest hits.

Into April, two giants of Irish country music Philomena Begley & Ray Lynam join forces for their unforgettable We Go Together concert. Niall Breslin, known to many as Bressie, embarks on his tour to celebrate the release of The Place That Has Never Been Wounded. A Celebration of Music & Song returns in the same month featuring Seán Keane, Michael Rooney, Stephen Doherty, The Ceol na nÓg Trad Orchestra and more - a night of exceptional traditional music. And finally, join Kieran Quinn and the Theme Night Band for the usual feast of great music, surprise performers and live entertainment with Theme Night Social.

MUSICALS

Running for three nights in January, the students of Ursuline College bring the beloved musical Grease to life with energy, style and classic hits.

In February, spectacular family musical Shrek - The Musical by Sligo Musical Society features a full orchestra, dazzling performances and plenty of heart. There is musical storytelling at its finest as the Mad Ravens return with a magical, music-filled tale The Lost Letter, and brand-new, student-created musical Just One Song features original songs and a heartfelt story.

Rock of Ages by Pop-Up Theatre runs for 5 nights in April; an explosive rock-musical set to iconic 80s hits, packed with attitude, humour and hair-raising vocals, and a high-energy musical production of Bring It On by the Sligo Grammar School is filled with cheerleading, big numbers and youthful exuberance for three nights.

COMEDY

Laughter takes centre stage in January with John Colleary’s hilarious WILDLIFE, and following his sell-out tour in 2024, Shane Todd is heading to Sligo's Hawk's Well Theatre with his brand new stand-up show Hold Me Back.

In her brand new stand up show in March, one half of comedy duo DirtBirds, Sinéad Culbert explores the extreme dangers of growing up in the 80’s, the pitfalls of parenting, the myths about marriage and the genuine joy of not giving a shit! Our comedic adventurer Neil Delamere returns with a brand new standup show Reinventing the Neil, packed to the brim of tall tales and hilarious stories. Also in March hilarious and outrageously madcap father-daughter Duo Pat and Faye Shortt bring belly laughs and brilliantly bonkers characters to the Hawk’s Well
stage, and Not My Lemons is a brand-new hour of stand-up delivered with Kyla Cobbler’s trademark honesty, fire, and unapologetic wit.

Then, join Serena Terry in April, creator of online sensation Mammy Banter, on her biggest UK & Ireland tour to date! And join Conal Gallen, Ireland’s master of mayhem, for a night of laugh-out-loud stand-up in The Last Laugh Tour.

PANTO

Coolera Dramatic Society returns in December with a fun-filled production of Mother Goose, featuring their much-loved cast, lively musical numbers, and plenty of hilarious panto antics - a perfect family treat to start the new year.

Then, in January, after a five-year break, Sligo Hospital Musical Society makes a triumphant return with The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This heartfelt, high-energy production brings together hospital staff and local performers for a powerful community celebration, staged in memory of their late co-director, Deirdre Staunton.

OPERA

Irish National Opera brings Janáček’s much-loved The Cunning Little Vixen to Sligo in February, a vibrant and lyrical production that follows a young fox on her journey from captivity to freedom. Featuring a stellar cast and full Irish National Opera orchestra and chorus, this visually rich opera explores the beauty, ferocity, and cyclical wonder of the natural world.

DANCE

Step into the magic of The Toy Box in April, a vibrant, heart-warming dance production where toys spring to life in a whirlwind of imagination. Featuring dazzling performances across ballet, jazz, tap, acro, lyrical, contemporary and musical theatre, this colourful showcase celebrates creativity, storytelling, and the joy of movement. A perfect family-friendly spectacle for audiences of all ages.

TALKS/MUSIC/DRAMA & LITERARY

Help us celebrate International Women’s Day in March by celebrating ladies in the Arts. Hosted by Pauline McLynn, we gather some fabulous ladies for a great night out filled with music, laughter, drama, poetry and dance.

Then join Hawk’s Well Theatre in April for a literary evening as we celebrate the incredible success of Writers from the West. Three of the eight nominees in the Newcomer of the Year category of the 2025 An Post Book awards live in Sligo.

FESTIVALS

Running for five nights in February, the So Funny Sligo Comedy Festival brings an irresistible burst of energy to the season with a brilliant mix of stand-up, magic, podcast mayhem, and emerging talent. Festival favourite Fred Cooke delivers his trademark blend of sharp wit and musical mischief in a lively lunchtime show, while hit podcast duo Kendy & Raybo bring their chaotic charm and Sligo-flavoured banter to the stage.

Family audiences can enjoy the hilarious antics and magical surprises of Colm Dawson, whose comedy-magic hybrid is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The festival culminates in the high-stakes HA! HA! Hawk’s Well Comedy Award Final, where rising comedians compete for the coveted title before judges Sharon Mannion, Terry Markey, Eddie Mullarkey - and the audience themselves. A vibrant celebration of humour in all its forms, the festival promises five unforgettable February nights of laughter.

FOR KIDS

Hawk’s Well Theatre is delighted to present a dazzling line-up of family shows this season. Folk Families for Babies with the Kellys returns in January as part of the Music for Babies series. Soil Story, a playful and theatrical production by Jackie Maguire and Trisha MacLaughlin, invites babies and young children to explore the wonders of soil and nature in a hands-on, imaginative way.

Audiences will also be enchanted by Kyle Riley’s Little Folk On the Road in February, a high-energy concert of award-winning children’s music designed for toddlers and young children, complete with sing-alongs and musical goody bags. Returning by popular demand, Colm Dawson brings his hilarious comedy magic show suitable for all ages following last year’s huge success, in partnership with SO Funny Sligo.

Into March little ones can also discover traditional Irish music in Trad Tunes for Tots, or enjoy a cozy, heartwarming adventure with The Witch Who Couldn’t Sleep, based on Steven Lee’s beloved story. Teddy Play offers autistic children and their grown-ups a gentle, sensory journey through a world of teddies, marbles, and marshmallows in April, while Joe the Magician returns with flying tables, friendly ghosts, and live snowstorms.

FOR SCHOOLS

Hawk’s Well presents an engaging selection of shows in March designed for school audiences. Caith Amach É is a smash-hit comedy based on the Leaving Cert Irish Oral picture sequences, bringing each sraith pictiúir to life with fast-paced physical comedy, clowning, puppetry, music, and audience interaction, making it accessible and entertaining for students of all levels. Up in the Clouds offers a calm, magical experience in a soft, dreamy white tent, guiding small groups through a soothing world of live singing, gentle object play, and immersive storytelling. For older students, and Other Worlds by Jess Rowell delivers an epic sensory-rich adventure, transporting young people aged 12–18 into fantastical realms filled with courageous characters, unusual instruments, and captivating sights, sounds, and textures - perfect for students with additional needs.

WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS

Step into worlds of music, drama, and imagination with a dynamic line-up of workshops and performances for young people. K‑POP Demon Academy offers an electrifying weekend where aspiring K‑Pop warriors bring high-energy music, movement, and supernatural flair inspired by the Netflix hit K‑Pop Demon Hunters. Drama at the Well presents parent-and-child experiences, including Toddler Drama and Kids Drama with Isabel Claffey and Orla McSharry, where children explore acting, singing, and playful storytelling in fun, engaging sessions. Tiny Trees, led by artist Jackie Maguire, nurtures little ones with immersive workshops inspired by Niall MacCoitir’s Ireland’s Trees and the Ogham Tree calendar, sharing myths and stories from nature. Finally, Swifties Sunday Singalong with Sinéad Conway lets young Taylor Swift fans sing their hearts out, make friends, and celebrate music together. From drama and storytelling to music and magical adventures, Hawk’s Well has something for every child and family.

WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS & COMMUNITY

Explore your creative side with Acting for Adults with Isabel Claffey kicking off in January and running for six weeks, or dive into comedy with Stand-Up Comedy led by Terry Markey and John Colleary. Dance enthusiasts can join Dance for Fun with Maeve Foley, while music lovers can discover their true voice in Find Your Voice with Sinéad Conway or improve their ukulele skills with Lisa Cannon. On-screen performers can hone their craft in On-Camera Acting with Monica McCarthy, and writers can deepen their skills in a Poetry Masterclass with Gerry Boland.

Hawk’s Well also nurtures community connections through creative and musical opportunities, including the Pop-Up Community Choir with Michele Feeney, the Pop-Up Community Orchestra with Niamh Crowley, Singalong with Seamie O’Dowd and friends, and festive Christmas Singalongs with Sandy Kelly, Seamie O’Dowd, and Gavan Muldoon.
Additionally, Creative Living with Ursula McHugh empowers participants to explore writing, painting, music, and personal projects, helping uncover joy, purpose, and new perspectives. With so many ways to create, perform, and connect, Hawk’s Well is a hub for lifelong learning and artistic expression.

ART DECO

Hawk’s Well launches Ireland’s cosiest Christmas experience at the Art Deco Theatre in Ballymote! This December, families in Sligo - and visitors from across Ireland - can forget queues in the rain and long drives in the dark of winter: Santa’s Movigloo is here! Created especially with families in mind, this brand-new immersive Christmas experience marks Hawk’s Well’s very first production at the newly acquired Art Deco Theatre in Ballymote, with 22 magical performances only – designed to make Christmas memories for children and the grown-ups who come with them.

Then, the beautifully restored Art Deco Theatre comes alive in the new year with an eclectic mix of cinema, live music, comedy, special events and family favourites, beginning with the Sunday Screening Room in January, featuring the gripping Irish sports drama Saipan.

Families can dive into enchanting stories every week at the Family Film Club, starting with The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and Stick Man in January, moving into Room on the Broom, The Smeds and the Smoods and Zog in February, and continuing through March and April with Zog and the Flying Doctors, Superworm, Tabby McTat, The Snail and the Whale, The Highway Rat, The Greatest Showman plus special 25th anniversary screenings of Shrek and Monsters Inc.

February also welcomes Eclipse Insights, a schools-only programme of Irish short films and Q&A with industry professionals, highlighting real pathways into screen careers

For those seeking something bespoke, the venue offers private screenings for celebrations of all kinds, allowing audiences to enjoy their chosen classic on the big screen in a 216-seat theatre all to themselves.

Music and nightlife take centre stage with Speakeasy Weekends, each pairing a live performance with an iconic film: in February, The Swingtime Starlets and Some Like It Hot deliver vintage glamour, while in March, The Six Merry Murderesses perform alongside screenings of Casablanca, A Night at the Paris Cabaret and The Great Gatsby, complete with dress code and themed cocktails.

The Art Deco stage also hosts a rich sequence of live shows: John Colleary's WILDLIFE
brings razor-sharp comedy in January, followed by a So Funny Sligo comedy double-bill with Joe Rooney & Sharon Mannion in February, Jason Byrne’s new stand-up spectacular Head in the Clouds in March, and smash hit Irish comedian, best-selling author, podcast host and viral online star Emma Doran in May.

The Deco Sessions kick off in February with Mairín Mannion’s mesmerising album launch Seer, Kieran Quinn’s Theme Night Residency, the dynamic folk energy of megaTRAD, and then March features TradLines: A Musical Homecoming, curated by Seamie O’Dowd
and celebrating three great South Sligo musical families. And lastly, a trio of Mikel Murfi’s acclaimed one-man plays runs from February to April - The Man in the Woman’s Shoes, I Hear You and Rejoice, and The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey - forming a soulful theatrical journey through the world of Pat Farnon and Kitsy Rainey.

With cinema, music, storytelling, comedy and cultural experiences flowing from month to month, the Art Deco Theatre’s winter-spring season radiates charm, variety and community spirit.

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.