COMEDY

Colin Geddis: 5 January: Online-based sketch and stand-up comedian Colin Geddis comes to Belfast’s Limelight Theatre this Saturday 5 January. Colin started his stand-up comedy career in 2010 and since then has become a regular headline act all across Ireland, selling out several tours and prestigious venues. Colin’s Youtube channel has now reached almost 10 million hits. He gained notoriety in Northern Ireland in late 2009 with his hit YouTube-based sketch show, I Am Fighter which he wrote, performed and produced, as well as played the lead character. Come along for some general banter this Saturday night. Visit www.ticketmaster.ie for tickets.

THEATRE

Smash & Grab and The Beanstalk: 5 January: The Moat Theatre in Naas, Co Kildare welcomes back the Brian Brady Youth Theatre with ‘Smash & Grab and the Beanstalk!’ Running until Saturday 5 January 2019, our favourite crazy duo Smash ‘n’ Grab are bringing with them a whole set of new shenanigans and hijinks. Think Jack and think Beanstalk, but with a lot more craic. This panto is one not to be missed. A fun show for all the family to enjoy. Tickets are already selling fast so don’t say we didn’t warn you! Get yours now at www.moattheatre.com.

Katherine Lynch.

Snow White: 6 January: Join Katherine Lynch and co at Limerick’s University Concert Hall (UCH) this week. Snow White and all of her crew are on stage until Sunday 6 January. In a faraway magical kingdom, the beautiful but lonely princess, Snow White, is forced by the cruel queen, to work as a maid in their enormous palace. Expect all the magic of this traditional tale, with a contemporary twist. This is Snow White as you have never seen it before. Come see comedian, actress and TV personality Katherine Lynch, as she makes her UCH Panto debut this year in the starring role of the Wicked Queen. Tickets available online at www.uch.ie.

Frances Black performing at the Women & Agriculture Conference 2016.

MUSIC

Frances Black and Kieran Goss: 5 January: The INEC Acoustic Club, Killarney plays host to two of Ireland’s most-loved music artists. Having begun singing with her older siblings in the Black family, when she was 17, Karen Black made it as an award-winning singer. Her pure vocal tone and energetic stage presence goes perfectly with the beautiful voice of Kieran Goss. In the words of country music legend Don Williams, Kieran has an “amazing ability to reach out to his audience and connect with them in a very special way”. Karen and Kieran’s talents blend together in true harmony. Get your tickets at www.inec.ie.

FILM

The Favourite: 1 January: This recently released, early 18th century flick is the perfect way to dispel those January blues. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant Abigail Masham (Emma Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Described as deliciously historic and immensely entertaining, this certainly is one of our favourites. See www.rottentomatoes.com for more reviews.

DANCING DIARY

Connacht

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Social Dancing: 6 January, Johnny Mullen

Big Band Dancing: 5 January, Declan Nerney

Leinster

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 5 January, Michael Collins

Kilkenny: Piltown, Piltown GAA Complex, 6th January Tom Healy

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 3rd January, Magic Moments, 5 January Johnny Brady

Munster

Clare: Ennis, West County Hotel, 6 January, Ciaran Rosney

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 4 January, John McNicholl