Film
God’s Own Country
1 September: Heralded as ‘Britain’s Brokeback Mountain’, God’s Own Country has received a positive reception from critics around the world. The film focuses on Johnny Saxby, a sheep farmer from Yorkshire who numbs his emotions through the desire to keep his family’s farm going after his father was paralysed by a stroke and his grandmother became too old to work. Johnny’s life is turned upside down by the arrival of migrant worker Gheorge Ionescu on the farm. The movie is loosely based on director Francis Lee’s own life and stars Josh O’Connor, Alec Secareanu, Ian Hart and Gemma Jones.
Theatre
The Great Gatsby
31 August: Running until 16 September, the Gate Theatre in Dublin travels back though time to the 1920s for each performance of the Great Gatsby. Seats have been removed from the auditorium and the audience become the guests of the infamous Jay Gatsby’s parties. The theatre has been opened up, with backstage areas and spaces made accessible to the public for the first time ever. Audiences are encouraged to dress in a 1920s style and dancing shoes are mandatory. For ticket information and booking, see www.gatetheatre.ie.
Music
Bagatelle
1 September: Irish music stalwarts Begatelle play their Final Year Tour at the Europa Hotel in Belfast this autumn. The band have been on the road for over 35 years, with six number one singles and having shared stages with the likes of Bob Marley, Van Morrison, Thin Lizzy, John Denver and U2, they have enjoyed enormous success. Songs like Second Violin, Leeson Street Lady and the iconic Summer in Dublin are sure to be performed on the night. Tickets start from £20 and can be purchased on www.ticketmaster.ie.
Derek Ryan
1 September: Irish country music superstar Derek Ryan takes his nationwide tour to the City North Hotel in Gormanston, Co Meath, on the first Friday in September. The Carlow native is currently on a jam-packed tour up and down the country, delighting fans with top tracks such as Hold on to your Hat, Life is a River, Raggle Taggle Gypsy and Kiss me Mary. With two Irish number-one albums and a host of accolades to his name, including entertainer of the year, album of the year and best live performer, Derek is currently riding the crest of a wave and is becoming ever more popular with fans. Tickets cost €30 and are available from www.ticketmaster.ie.
Celtic Woman
2 September: Celtic Woman bring their Voice of Angels tour to the 3 Arena for one night only on 2 September. The ensemble of Susan McFadden, Éabha McMahon, Mairéad Carlin and new violinist Tara McNeill will be accompanied on the night by a group of equally talented musicians and dancers, who will bring a high energy and fresh fusion to the show. The concert features new stage designs, wardrobes, choreography and arrangements in the group’s signature blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Tickets start at €44.05. For more information and booking, see www.ticketmater.ie.
dancing diary
Connacht
Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Hotel,
Big Band: 9th September, Gerry Guthrie
Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 3rd September, Mike Denver
Leitrim: Carrick-on-Shannon, Landmark Hotel, 2nd September, Mike Denver
Leinster
Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown Gaa, 3rd September, Twice Shy
Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 2nd September, Lisa McHugh
Meath: Navan, Ardboyne Hotel, 4th September, Gerry Guthrie
Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 2nd September, Robert Mizzell
Munster
Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 1st September, The Outlaws
Cork: Glanmire, The Vienna Woods, 6th September, Michael Collins
Cork: Macroom, Riverside Hotel, 4th September, C&M Sound
Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 3rd September, Declan Nerney
Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 2nd September, Dermot Lyons
Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 3rd September, Catherine & Images
Ulster
Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 2nd September, Jim Devine
Donegal: Letterkenny, Josies, 1st September, Jimmy Buckley
Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 2nd September, Declan Nerney
Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 2nd September, Shane Owens
Monaghan: Castleblayney, Glencarn Hotel, 1st September, Johnny Brady
Monaghan: Monaghan, The Hillgrove Hotel, 3rd September, Michael English
Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 1st September, Robert Mizzell, 2nd September, Jimmy Buckley
Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 1st September, Jim Devine
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