New Season Brochure Out Now | Jan - April 2024

Hawk’s Well Theatre has announced another new bumper season with its latest brochure for January - April 2024 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.

Kicking off this New Year with a jam-packed season of plays, music, comedy, workshops, talks, and productions of all shapes and sizes including Hawk's Well Theatre’s exciting new musical production of Joe DiPietro’s I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.

Theatre

In December, come and enjoy the New Voices Showcase; a rehearsed reading of short plays written by participants from our New Voices Teenage Playwriting Programme, and don’t miss the hilarious brand new Irish comedy Matches & Old Flames by Tommy Marren – writer of It’s The Real McCoy, Three Hail Mary’s and Nobody’s Talking To Me – and it promises audiences another night of rip-roaring comedy.

January brings us What are the Odds? a gripping tale of desperation and deception from Skreen/Dromard Drama Group.

March sees Druid’s presentation of Sean O’Casey’s classic play, The Shadow of a Gunman, a tale of an ambitious young woman who dreams of a life beyond her Dublin tenement with the mysterious neighbour downstairs. Also in March, Sinead O’Brien’s No One is Coming mixes Irish myths with modern day mammy issues to get to the bottom of what happens when the darkness comes, and towards the end of the month, Pop-up Theatre’s One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest promises to be a powerful night of theatre not to be missed.

In February Neil Titley brings to the stage Work is the Curse of the Drinking Classes, a story set in Paris in 1898 starring an exiled Oscar Wilde played by Will Govan,In February Neil Titley brings to the stage Work is the Curse of the Drinking Classes, a story set in Paris in 1898 starring an exiled Oscar Wilde played by Will Govan,

Then in April we have Fred and Alice; a quirky love story about 2 amazing mischievous characters who meet in a home. Also in April, Exit Does Theatre presents Ante-Beckett which centres around a single character, struggling with life in his mother’s womb and fearful of the one to come.

Theatre & Schools

Cyclone Rep’s production of HAMLET: CyberMadness will showcase great performances, enlightening discussions and the use of modern technology for an innovative take on this timeless classic that connects with students by bringing Hamlet and Shakespeare’s language into their world and times.

Into March, High Rock Productions present Caith Amach É, a smash hit comedy based on the Leaving Cert Irish Oral picture sequences. In April, Amadan Ensemble brings Geppetto to the stage, a non-verbal production featuring physical comedy, puppetry, mime and music.

Music

For music lovers, the Christmas season sees an abundance of gigs of all genres. At the end of December, one of Ireland’s all-time most acclaimed and influential middle of the road, folk and traditional bands, The Fureys comes to the Hawk’s Well Theatre. Then kicking off the new year, don’t miss Folk Families, a fantastic night of talent that combines some of Sligo’s most musically accomplished families - the O’Dowds, Grennans, Carbonells, Kellys and Cathy Jordan.

Also in January, Lisa Hannigan, Gemma Hayes and Paul Noonan will come together to collaborate and share their stage and their songs with each other. Unique nine-piece ensemble of top class musicians Take it to the Limit will perform hits like Hotel California, Take It Easy, New Kid in Town, Desperado and many more. Reeling in the Showband Years returns to Sligo for its record breaking 14th smash hit Year, and back due to phenomenal demand, 80's Icons Show returns to the Hawk’s Well with all the hits from artists like Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, Go West, Paul Young, Phil Collins, Nik Kershaw and many more.

In February, musicians Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly’s unique sound and devoted friendship make for a truly magic live show not to be missed, and Kieran Quinn returns to the Hawk’s Well for a 33rd Theme Night - Simon & Sting. Towards the end of the same month, join Patrick Feeney for an unmissable night of Country and Gospel.

In March, Awarded Female Vocalist of the Year Cliona Hagan now returns to her roots and embarks on a lifelong dream to pay homage to one of the most influential female artist of all time, Dolly Parton. Also in March, with a full live band, Sandy Kelly: Leaving it all Behind Tour promises to be an intimate evening to remember and an opportunity to catch up with one of Ireland’s indisputably successful country music artists.

Dynamic folk orchestra from Sligo, NoCrows, returns to the Hawk’s Well in the same month. Also in March, Andy Irvine and Donal Lunny are uniting for an evening of great music, a mixture of traditional songs, and originals composed by Andy. Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats are back with a brand new fast paced show, full of high energy and surprises as they celebrate 100 years of SWING music. A Million Medleys, the superb new show from Country Star Michael English, comes later in the same month, and On the Road Again promises to be a fun evening of songs and stories as Fiachna Ó Braonáin of Hothouse Flowers, Tom Dunne of Something Happens and multi-instrumentalist Alan Connor hit the road together.

April brings Philomena Begley and Ray Lynam (with special guest Mick Flavin) as they duet songs like My illusive dreams, We Go together and Somewhere Between to name but a small few. Con Brio are immensely proud to present a gala night of song with the gorgeous diva Claudia Boyle accompanied by pianist Finghin Collins.

Grammy-nominated American folk singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier performs in the same month with special guest Jaimee Harris, and after just announcing a new regional tour following the smashing success of his latest album Echo On, Irish songwriter and musician Jack Lukeman also performs on the Hawk’s Well stage.

April also brings a special night of music which will feature Leonard Barry and friends on the night for a one-off concert. And towards the end of the month, Irish rock band Hothouse Flowers step on to the stage. Then join Declan Nerney and his super live band with special guests John McNicholl and John Hogan for a nostalgic night of music, song and laughter.

Musicals

The award-winning Sligo Musical Society is excited to bring yet another classic musical to the stage. Set in Hollywood in the waning days of the silent screen era, Singin’ in the Rain ticks all the boxes in February to ensure a memorable musical theatre experience for all the family.

Also in February, The Mad Ravens present Esmeray, the Girl from the Far Side of the Moon, another Shaun Purcell musical unique to Sligo.

This year’s Ursuline College TY musical FAME comes in March and is not to be missed with electrifying dance numbers and sweet melodies.

In April, the Hawk’s Well are incredibly excited to present their own production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, a hilarious musical that sees four supremely talented actors take on 50 characters in an outrageous, cheeky and side splitting look into love and its consequences! Bring a loved one, a friend, go in a first date, but whatever you do… don’t you dare miss it!

Then, sit back and enjoy as the students of the Sligo Grammar School take you on a musical journey through the decades with their production Showstoppers, exploring a range of genres and an electric mix of modern hits for an unforgettable night of music and dance.

Music

This Winter Solstice, the Hawk’s Well presents With Glowing Hearts as Nichola MacEvilly will once again gather some friends to share songs and stories that will welcome back the light, and celebrate Christmas, including Niamh Crowley, Marie O’Byrne, Luke Devaney, Steve Wickham, Anna Houston and Niamh Farrell.

Ladies Night returns in March to Celebrate Women in the Arts. Hosted by Pauline McLynn, fabulous ladies gather for a great night out filled with music, laughter, drama, poetry and dance.

And in April, bard Aindreas de Staic treads in the footsteps of the Irish great storytellers in a special evening of Irish stories told through music and words in By The Light of the Silvery Moon.

Dance

April sees Dances Like a Bomb, a powerful uplifting duet exploring ageing and care and celebrating the strength of mature bodies and challenging the cult of youth, featuring acclaimed actor Mikel Murfi and leading dance artist Finola Cronin.

Also in April, students aged 3yrs to adults from Victoria Walker Dance can’t wait to be back at the Hawk’s Well Theatre to preform One Moment in Time, a show filled with breathtaking performances and captivating choreography where talented dancers will transport you to a world of elegance and grace.

Comedy

This December, fasten your seatbelts for Pat and Faye Shortt's brand-new slick comedy show Knuckle Down. The sharp wit and physical comedy genius of this comedic duo will have you in pain with laughter.
Starting off January, Sligo Comedy Club presents Comedy Bingo; a pleasantly interactive cabaret experience where performance art meets stand-up comedy. Comedian Jason Byrne returns to Hawk’s Well the same month for Jason Byrne: The Ironic Bionic Man. At the end of January, Sligo native comedian John Colleary also returns with his show Loud & Colleary following his sold out show Sligo Live.

Into February, come vote for the future of comedy with Ha! Ha! Hawk’s Well Comedy Award, with judges John Colleary, Gearoid Farrelly, Justine Stafford and YOU, as they compete to make you laugh with a grand prize of €1,000; a giggle fest with the best names in Comedy for Valentines weekend. And join awfully funny Offaly funnyman Neil Delamere towards the end of the month with his show Neil by Mouth catch hilarious tall tales, razor sharp observations and quick witted improvisation.

This April, Ireland’s favourite Irishman Abroad Jarlath Regan is back to perform an epic new standup comedy show Yer Man. Multi-award-winning Irish comedian Connal Gallen is back on tour this year with his hilarious one-man stand-up show Brace Yourself, and Cork man Chris Kent returns with his brand new show Back at It after a dose if the real world and going back to his job as an electrician.

Children

A shipload of events for children carry us through the season. Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Christmas Toons delivered by the brilliant Dave Flynn, Eddie Lee, Kieran Quinn, Sinead Conway and Ken McDonald (Tonto). Also in December, Coolera Dramatic Society are delighted to return to the Hawk’s Well with this year’s pantomime Dick Whittington; with some exciting new talent, wonderful music and dance and of course lots of exciting adventures, this year’s Panto will be one not to miss!

In January, join Jacinta Maye Drama School in an action packed show featuring dramatic adaptations of children’s including Eddie the Penguin saves the World, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Selfish Giant, Cinderella and Rockerfella.

In February nobody gets the kids jumping, stomping and singing like Kyle Riley: Little Folk - On the Road is his fun family concert perfectly suited for 2-7 year olds and their adults.

Later this month, inspired by Patrick Kavanagh’s A Christmas Childhood poem, The Land of a Hundred Little Hills is a unique, authentic gig theatre experience that intimately celebrates the wonder of childhood.

This April join Ray, International Bubbleologist and Guinness World Record in this fast-paced Ultimate Bubble Show, full of high energy and surprises as Ray uses various different gasses to create bubble structures, effects and magical displays. And later in April, Joe the Magician is back with his brand new show It’s Magic! with all new impossible magic and illusion that will have children of all ages roaring laughing and in complete awe.

Music for Babies Series

Come and experience the magic of live music, a joyful treat for smallies! In December Sinead Conway and Dave Flynn serenade us with festive favourites with Santa Babies.

In January drop in for some some folk goodness with Felip, Maria and Deia Carbonell for Folk Families for Babies (0-12mo)

Into March, rock out with Tabby Callaghan and Gavin Muldoon for Rock Babies.

And finally in April, join Stephanie Pawula and Lisa Cannon for a high energy Tropical Tots!

Take Part: Children

There is a number of exciting creative workshops for children where lots of fun is guaranteed such as Drama at the Well running from January to March; 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.

Take Part: Adults

From January to March 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 January Brian Leyden will give new and more experienced writers the tools they need to pursue their own writing and story making with First Sentence, First Paragraph, First Page.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back for Sing for the Hell of it Project running from January to April; the Hawk's Well's fun sing-a-long evening hosted by the inimitable Dave Flynn.

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.

Hawk's Well Theatre & Sligo Academy of Music host the Sligo Community Adult Orchestra in February, March and April led by conductor Niamh Crowley.

And finally in April, 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.

Take Part: Artists

Hawk's Well Theatre 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 January: The Creative Path workshop will help you discover talents you never knew you had.

Finally, Hawk's Well Theatre are looking to connect with creative practitioners, local Musicians and Music Facilitators who are interested in further training to work with people with intellectual disabilities with their Musicians Callout.

Talk

In January, join Damian Browne, Ireland’s foremost extreme adventurer as he shares extraordinary stories of catastrophe, courage and mental fortitude with Damian Browne: Man Vs Ocean. Later this in the same month, Shane Martin discusses the importance of staying strong and protecting our mental health in Rise and Renew.
And finally, in April Bressie brings his Where is my Mind Live Podcast to the Hawk’s Well about how we can better take care of the beauty and the beast that is the human mind in the head-melty chaos of the modern world.

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.