New Season, New Brochure.

A bumper new season has just been announced, with the latest brochure for the first third of 2023 available to pick up at the theatre, in locations all over Sligo, or to download.
Among the many highlights this season, we’re delighted to welcome back Mikel Murfi with The Man In The Woman’s Shoes and I Hear You and Rejoice. There’s also an abundance of productions from Sligo’s schools and colleges, and a celebration of one of the greatest comedy series’ of our times. Elsewhere there’s music, drama, comedy, workshops and more.
MUSIC
There’s an abundance of attractions for music fans of all genres as the year begins. Back in its traditional early January slot, Reeling in the Showband Years takes a look back to yesteryear with Showband legends including Red Hurley, Linda Martin, Keith and Lorraine McDonald, Shaun O’Dowd and Dave Lawlor. It’s a night not to be missed.
Eagles’ tribute Take It To The Limit play to a sold-out crowd in January, while in the same month Kieran Quinn will perform over four nights for his 31st Theme Night. The same month, West Atlantic Sessions will celebrate the incredible folk music talent in the region, and Michael Rooney and June McCormack with Niamh Dunne and Sean Óg Graham will celebrate their new albums with a special show at the theatre.
February sees country star Patrick Feeney bring his Country and Gospel show, while Multi-Grammy-winner Tim O’Brien teams up with Jan Fabricius for a night of rootsy acoustic instrumentation and sweet harmony singing. The Special Consensus Bluegrass Band will do similar as the month begins while four of traditional music’s finest in Noriana Kennedy, Oisín Mac Diarmada, Mirella Murray and Donogh Hennessy come together, in mid-February.
In March, Cliona Hagan will be singing from The Dolly Parton Songbook, while it’s time to rewind with 80’s Icons for a night of classic pop nostalgia, in what’s sure to be one of the most fun nights of the season. Songbird Eddie Reader also returns in March, while three titans of the Irish music scene; Máirtín O’Connor, Seamie O’Dowd and Cathal Hayden team for a special night at the end of the month. Also happening, Sligo Academy of Music present A Night for Stan, a farewell concert to a retiring giant in the Sligo community.
April is also jam packed with musical treats, with Deirdre Correia launching her latest CD, as Hope & Feathers, Queen of Country Philomena Begley bringing her ‘It Ain’t Over’ tour to Sligo, and Jack Lukeman celebrating 25 years as a performer. Elsewhere the Irish Chamber Orchestra will be joined by the amazing Kristian Bezuidenhout who is one of today’s most notable and exciting keyboard artists, while Irish singer-songwriter Karan Casey will be appearing with Niamh Dunne and Sean Óg Graham.
THEATRE
In theatre, there’s two chances to catch the brilliant Mikael Murfi as the critically acclaimed The Man in the Woman’s Shoes returns in January, while I Hear You and Rejoice takes place in early April.
Windmill Players present Martin McDonagh’s The Cripple of Inishmaan in January, while Calry Drama Group take on Calendar Girls, the much loved show about courage and strength that comes from friendship, towards the end of the month.
February brings Gina Moxley’s Danti Dan, a funny tale of the sexual-awakening of five innocent youngsters, while Skreen/Dromard Drama Group stage comedy The Will to Surprise, and Sligo Musical Society take on Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic The Sound of Music.
March sees Mercy and Summerhill Colleges present hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy All Shook Up, while Jon Kenny and Norma Sheahan star in hilarious dramatic comedy The Matchmaker, and Ursuline College Sligo TY Students present The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Finally, April sees Pop-Up Theatre’s production of hit musical Hairspray, while The Doris Day Story promises a compelling musical journey through the life of the film icon, incorporating some of her greatest songs.
COMEDY
Tickling the funny bone this season, there’s stand up, and a night celebrating all things Father Ted.
In February, in his brand new show Unblocked Jason 2.0, Jason Byrne will bring an evening of pure unadulterated old fashioned fun, followed by Neil Delamere, who takes his new stand-up show Delamerium to the theatre in March.
Offering a slightly different slant, Dermot Whelan will give attendees the tools to destress through meditation and find more happiness and fulfilment, in Mind Full. A certified meditation teacher, the show will be delivered in his much-loved comedic style.
Meanwhile March also sees Father Damo himself, Joe Rooney host A Celebration of Father Ted. Looking back at one of the greatest sitcoms ever made, Joe will host a screening of classic episode ‘Old Grey Whistle Theft’, take you behind the scenes, and set a Craggy Island quiz.
CHILDREN
For the smallest theatre goers, the much loved ‘Babies’ series of shows continues, with Folk Babies, Edelweiss Babies and Acoustic Babies happening during various Sundays throughout the season.
There’s also an action packed show featuring dramatic adaptations of children’s stories, as Maye School of Speech & Drama struts its stuff in January, and Kyle Riley takes his Little Folk - On the Road tour to Sligo in February.
For families, Theatre Lovett go down to the woods for The Teddy Bear’s Picnic in February, while BabyGROOVE will get parents and children dancing in April.
TAKE PART
Of course it’s not just shows, but we’ve plenty of workshops taking place as 2023 begins.
For children, Toddler Drama returns, running from early January. Delivered by Isabel Claffey and suitable for ages 18 months to four years, this fun course offers the perfect experience to bond with your child as you play, sing and dance together. For bigger kids, Drama at the Well runs from January to March. Hosted by Deirdre Gaule, this fun and engaging drama course encourages young children to act and participate in many different activities.
Elsewhere, our ever-popular junior book club for children Books and Hot Chocolate returns in February, while an immersive experience for 5-8 year olds, Hear My Voice arrives in April.
For adults, there's plenty to keep you occupied as the year kicks off. Led by Niamh Crowley, Sligo Community Adult Orchestra is a fun initiative that is sure to get attendees on song in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Also in music, Sing for the Hell of it! with Dave Flynn returns monthly from January.
There's also Acting for Adults with Miriam Needham for those who wish to improve their theatre skills, and author Bryan Leyden goes On Memoir, both as the year begins.
With all this to look forward to plus magic, events for schools, dance, talks, and a very special Ladies Night at the Well in time for International Women’s Day, there’s something for everyone this season.
Click HERE to view or download the new brochure.