DRACULA COMING TO WEST WATERFORD!

Everything’s now coming together beautifully for Brideview Drama’s latest production, the Hallowe’en special ‘Dracula is Alive and Well and Living in Tallow!’ Written by Charles McKeown (best known for writing the movies ‘Batman’, ‘Brazil’ and ‘Time-Bandits’), the play is a musical comedy with over 20 in the cast.

It’s all about how Dracula (Tomas Roche) suddenly moves into West Waterford. He brings with him all his undead girlfriends (the cream of Tallow’s teenage dancers), and sets off a frenzy in all the local rats and bats (the even creamier younger crowd of the Tallow area). He’s renovated Castle Kilwatermoy, made himself at home and the locals are going to suffer!

Fighting off the vampire’s evil intentions are expert ‘trick-cyclist’ Dr Anna Seward (newcomer Sarah Allen), her faithful helper Hennessy (other newcomer Martin Sheehan), the weird and always wonderful Professor Van Helsing (Will Motherway) and the pompously uptight Jonathan Harker (the hilarious Patrick Smith).

They all work very hard to protect Dr Seward’s beautiful sister Mina (Anne Tobin) and deal with the local madman Renfield (John Roche) and the gentle but suddenly uncontrollable maid, Davis (Olivia Scheibelreiter).

Very much a play for families and those who enjoy a good laugh as winter sets in, the production sees Tallow Community Centre taken over and completely redecorated by three national schools: Scoil Mhuire in Tallow, Curraglass National School and Knockanore National School (the townland of John, Tomas, Patrick and Will in the cast).

Backstage, Matthew Kavanagh has put together a super-spooky soundtrack, while Des Fitzsimons and his merry crew slave away on the set. Chris Sheehan, Maxine Rooney, Denise Fitzsimons are backstage keeping all in order, while Olivia doubles up with her fabulous dance choreography.

Starting the night of Friday, October 31 at 8.30pm (giving everyone time to go out and do their trick or treating), then continuing all that weekend, again from Friday to Sunday the next weekend.

There are two matinees at 2pm each Sunday, Nov 2 and 9. Tickets will, of course, be available on the door for every performance, and the price includes refreshments for all. If you would like to book, please call 058-56304 between 2 and 6pm. See you there!

EXHIBITIONS IN DUNGARVAN

The Old Market House Arts Centre, Dungarvan is currently exhibiting ‘Wild Blue’ by Mary Duffy and ‘Unveiled’ by Donna McNamara.

On display in the upstairs gallery is ‘Market 08’ with a large range of artwork by various artists featuring Anne Lennon Power, John Tubbritt, Ciaran Foley, Lucia Cullinane Garcia, Patricia Greenwell and Helene Brunicardi.

These exhibitions continue until Saturday, 18th October, 2008. The autumn/winter season of the Old Market Film Club began on Thursday, last with the French film ‘The Diving Bell and The Butterfly’.

There are still some season tickets available, full details on all the films and how to join are available by contacting the Arts Centre on 058/48944. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm. Admission free, all welcome.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES RAGES ACROSS IRELAND

Man and woman have been attempting to co-exist since the beginning of time, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by two of Ireland’s leading playwrights.

This classic battle of the sexes can be seen in a double-bill of Irish comedies at Friars’ Gate Theatre, Kilmallock on Wednesday, 22nd October at 8pm.

‘The Well of the Saints’ is Synge’s compelling comedy about two blind beggars whose world explodes when a passing saint restores their sight.

‘The End of the Beginning’ - Darry Berill, a farmer, challenges his harried wife Lizzie to a life swap for a day.

Big Telly is delighted to be working with an acclaimed cast featuring some of the country’s best-loved performers; Nuala Hayes (Abbey Theatre), Brendan Conroy (IFTA Award Winner), John Anthony Murphy, Ciaran McMahon and Georgina Millar. Bookings 063-98727.

‘JACK THE RIPPER – VOICES OF THE VICTIMS’

That got your attention didn’t it. No matter how long ago it happened, we still seem to have a morbid fascination for the ultimate ‘Who dunnit’ of the infamous Jack.

There is an original play about Jack the Ripper being performed this Hallowe’en (Wednesday, 29th October – Saturday, November 1st) by the Luvius Theatre Group in the Firkin Crane Theatre, Cork.

The story concentrates on the ‘unfortunates’ - on the prostitutes that were murdered – that’s what they were called back then and this play – rather than concentrating on him, concentrates on them; who they were and why were they there.

All too often with salacious stories and gory details, the victims themselves are forgotten and become merely the statistics in the background. This play will give the ladies their voices, their stories and their chance to become 3 dimensional.

Come on, come see us - you know you want to, don’t you!

CHORAL CONCERT IN ST MARY’S, CASTLETOWNROCHE

A concert of popular choral classics, featuring Cor Mhagh Ealla (director Nicholas McMurry), will be held in St Mary’s Church, Castletownroche on Tuesday next, 14 October at 8pm.

Tickets, which will be available at the door, cost just €10 each. Proceeds will go to the church maintenance fund. Some nice flower arrangements will bedeck the church, helping to make this an even more rewarding experience.

Established in September 2001, Cor Mhagh Ealla is a secular 4-part choir of approximately 45 members.

Since its formation, it has been building its repertoire and participating regularly in choral festivals and competitions. It sings a mixture of music to suit all tastes ranging from early sacred music to Billy Joel, from spirituals to swing!

THE KILKENNYS IN KILWORTH THIS SUNDAY NIGHT

A feast of top class singing and dancing is in store for patrons of The Village Arts Centre, Kilworth on this Sunday night when The Kilkennys pay their first visit to the North Cork venue.

The lads will be joined by a group of Irish dancers so a lively night can be expected. Formerly known as Uisce Beatha, The Kilkennys is made up of Davey Cashin (vocals, mandolin, banjo, tin whistle; Adam Cashin (vocals and bodhran), Tommy Mackey (vocals and bass guitar) and Robbie Campion (vocals, acoustic guitar and banjo).

The lads have been influenced mainly by Irish artistes such as The Wolfe Tones, Christy Moore, The Dubliners and The Fureys, their shows are lively, energetic, and the unique blend of traditional instruments and four tightly structured vocals always leaves the crowd wanting more.

From Co Kilkenny and although still in their early twenties, the boys have entertained audiences all over Ireland for the best part of a decade. Trips to Great Britain, Europe and three visits to the U.S.A. have given them a chance to show their talents to a wider audience.

Tickets now on sale (€15/12.50) from 025-32227) and usual outlets - The Avondhu office, Fermoy (025-32227), Cotter’s Kilworth (025-27109), Hyland’s Bookshop, Mitchelstown (025-24528) and from 087-6492514.

VILLAGE ARTS CENTRE NEWS UPDATE

We regret to announce that the Dan Crary date (Mon 20th) has been cancelled due to the economic downturn. Evidently a number of venues could not guarantee him his fee.

We are delighted to welcome Jackie Daly back to Kilworth on Saturday, Oct 18th. Legend of the Irish accordion and expert in the music of Sliabh Luarchra, Jackie (Johnnie) lived in Kilworth for 2 years in the late 60s when he played with The Cymbals Showband.

As a member of De Dannan, Patrick Street and a number of other bands Jackie has played his music throughout the world. He was presented the Gradam Ceoil (the national music award, TG4) in 2005. He will be accompanied by John Faulkner who worked for many years with Dolores Keane.

He composed her chart topping song ‘Lion in a Cage’ about Nelson Mandela. ‘On Raglan Road’ comes to us on Thursday, Oct 23 - a play on Kavanagh, Hilda Moriarty and Behan.

VERY SUCCESSFUL RUN OF ‘DA’ BY THE PALACE PLAYERS

The Palace Players concluded their very successful run of Hugh Leonard’s play, ‘Da’ on Monday night. The four previous nights saw the ‘house full’ sign go up, hence the decision to stage a further performance on Monday.

The group would like to thank all who made it such a success - particularly the play’s director, Noelle Clarke. Thanks also to the back stage crew of Jim Baylor (S.M.), Margaret Sheedy (ASM) and Tomas Quirke (lights/sound).

The Palace Players are grateful to Cork County Council for the ongoing help they receive in the form of sponsorship and to The Avondhu and to C103FM for the invaluable publicity they afford the group.

A special word of thanks to Marcianne Clifford who played with the group for the first time - let’s hope we see you back on stage again soon!

The focus now will be on selecting a play for the festival run when we look forward to seeing you all again.