Rigoletto, The National Opera House, Friday May 15
The National Opera House are delighted to present the award winning Opera Theatre Company’s presentation of Verdi’s tragic masterpiece Rigoletto.
Filled with passion, revenge and betrayal, it tells the tale of a father desperate to protect his innocent daughter from the clutches of his daughter, a degenerate womaniser, the Duke.
Under the direction of Selina Cartmell, who took the gong for best director 2015 at the Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards, the production is dramatically reimagined in a newly commissioned, contemporary translation by Irish playwright Marina Carr, transporting this medieval tale into our time and world.
This powerful cast features the best of Irish and international operatic talent with Northern Irish baritone Bruno Caproni, soprano Emma Nash as Gilda, mezzo Kate Allen as Maddelena, brazilian tenor Luciano Botelho plays the degenerate womaniser The Duke and OTC stalwart John Molloy as Sparafucile – assassin for hire.
Tickets are priced at €27/€30 and are available from the box office.
Smokie, The National Opera House, Saturday May 16
The 1970s were a simpler and in many ways a better time. Although the haircuts and fashion may have changed slightly, we’re now seeing a resurgence of 70s trends. One thing that was big in the 70s that never went away was Smokie, and they are looking forward to taking their always thrilling live show back before a Wexford audience at The National Opera House.
The evergreen band’s hit list reads like a musical backdrop to the 70s with their massive hit ‘Livin’ Next Door To Alice’ only being the tip of the iceberg. There were also hits like ‘Something’s Been Making Me Blue’, ‘I’ll Meet You At Midnight’, ‘Don’t Play Your Rock n’ Roll to Me’, ‘Oh Carol’, ‘Needles and Pins’ ‘Have you ever seen the rain’, ‘Mexican Girl’ and many many more which have given the band their ticket to travel the world for the past 30 years.
The show, which is called ‘The Irish Collection’ will feature every single hit the band had, as well as some of their current albums which have been big chart hits in many European countries.
Tickets are priced at €30 and are available from the box office on 053 9122144.
AIMS Choral Festival, New Ross, May 22 – 24
If it’s musical theatre that floats your boat, then all roads lead to New Ross as the 31st Annual Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) Choral Festival takes over the town between May 22 and 24.
The organisation consists of over 130 musical societies nationwide and most of them will be represented at this large scale competition and one of the biggest events on the annual calendar for musical theatre.
Over 20 competitions will take place over the course of the weekend with Junior and Adult competitions, both of which have gained a massive reputation over the years for their high standards, set by a renowned panel of adjudicators. As well as this the competition prides itself on its friendly and informal atmosphere and organisers are hoping for a great, fun weekend.
Over 1,000 participants will descend on New Ross and will display the best of choral music in all its many forms. There will be several great events to attend including competitions for youth choirs, soloists and adults as well as workshops and a gala concert. For more information contact 051 422259.
Man United Legends Game & Dinner, Ferrycarrig Park & Riverside Park Hotel, May 23.
While it looks like it’s going to be another uncharacteristically trophy-less season for Manchester United, their fans will get to relive some of the glory days at Ferrycarrig Park as a team of United legends take on a team from Tesco Gorey in a charity game to raise funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Among those playing on the day will be David May, Clayton Blackmore, Keith Gillespie, Arthur Albiston, Neil Webb, Frank Stapleton, Lee Martin and Sammy McIlroy.
Tickets are priced at €10 for a match ticket, €20 for a ticket to the players lunch at The Riverside Park Hotel and €50 for the dinner dance with the players also at the Riverside. Tickets are selling fast and are currently on sale at Tesco Gorey or by calling John on 087 6610049 or Karen on 087 2257959.
An Evening with Phil Neal, Jack Bailey’s, Wexford, May 27
All the fun isn’t just for United fans either. Fresh after legendary goal scorer Ian Rush’s visit to Wexford last year, another man who has been there and done it all for the reds will be meeting with fans at Jack Bailey’s on Wednesday, May 27.
Phil Neal is Liverpool’s most decorated player. Having won four European Cups and a total of eight league titles, to list just some of his impressive honours, Phil was there right through the glory days of Liverpool back when they were the most feared team in Europe and players weren’t afraid to throw in a tackle or two.
He will also no doubt have plenty of tales about the legendary Bob Paisley and sharing a pitch with characters like Rush, Dalglish, Souness and many many more over the years.
Tickets for this special night are priced at €15 and are available by contacting John Block on 087 9717310 or Mugger on 087 6980378.
There will also be finger food on the night and a special raffle for Liverpool memorabilia.