It’s not here just yet, everyone is still wrapped up in a tangle of tinsel and eating their way through a vat of turkey curry. But still, we know it’s just around the corner – January. Stay in, lock the doors and don’t come out until St Patrick’s Day, right?

Wrong. Undoubtedly, the pace of life is much slower for the first couple months of the year and many are getting back to normal after a delectably indulgent Christmas. But it’s still nice to get out and about. For those wanting an affordable night out without going too mad, a trip to the theatre is always a good option.

Irish Country Living profiles three plays to go and see at the beginning of 2019.

The Cripple of Inishmaan

If you like either the stage or screen work of Martin McDonagh, then The Cripple of Inishmaan is a must see. Showing at The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, from Friday 25 January, this popular play and venue together are sure to make an exciting mix. Acutely portraying the playwright’s trademark black humour, The Cripple of Inishmaan is set on the Aran Islands in 1934, where the inhabitants are excited to learn of a Hollywood film crew’s arrival to make a documentary about life on the islands. “Cripple” Billy Claven, eager to escape the gossip, poverty and boredom of Inishmaan, vies for a part in the film. To everyone’s surprise, the orphan and outcast gets his chance, or so some believe. Tickets start at €18.50 and are available on www.ticketmaster.ie

On Blueberry Hill

Fresh from New York City, On Blueberry Hill will land in Ireland on 6 February and is touring the whole country, making it accessible to many. The play will travel to Hawk’s Well Theatre Sligo; Watergate Theatre Kilkenny; Pavilion Theatre Dun Laoghaire; Town Hall Theatre Galway; Lime Tree Theatre Limerick; Glór Ennis; Cork Opera House and Theatre Royal Waterford. Presented by acclaimed theatre company Fishamble: The New Play Company, On Blueberry Hill is directed by current laureate of Irish fiction, Sebastian Barry. The plot features best of friends and worst of enemies, Christy and PJ, played by Niall Buggy and David Ganly. Tickets and dates are available on each of the theatres’ independent websites.

3 Hail Marys

If it’s a rip-roaring comedy you’re looking for, then look no further than 3 Hail Marys. Written by Tommy Marren – who previously penned It’s the Real McCoy and Nobody’s Talking To Me – the play tells of Mary O’Toole, Mary O’Neill and Mary O’Brien, who have to bid farewell to each other after spending 10 years together in a nursing home. Last day or not, the Marys are celebrating in style. With nostalgia, laughs and even a few sing-a-longs, it’s going to be one hell of a party. 3 Hail Marys is in the Town Hall Theatre, Galway, on 21-22 February. Tickets start at €20 and are available from www.tht.ie CL

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Local theatre series: St Mary’s Theatre, Rossmore

Local theatre series: An Grianán Theatre