Living Life: This week's going out guide

Theatre

Girls and Dolls: 11 to 15 September: Girls and Dolls is the smashing debut play from Lisa McGee, writer and producer of the much-loved TV comedy Derry Girls. It all started in Derry, 1980, with best friends Emma and Clare having the summer of their lives. However, terrible things are to come and that summer would tear their lives apart, binding them together forever. Now in their thirties, the pair struggle to come to terms with the heartbreaking events that began that fateful summer all those years ago. The play will be showing at the Gaiety Theatre and ticket prices start from €18.50. Tickets can be purchased on www.ticketmaster.ie.

Film

American Animals: 7 September: Based on a true story, this exciting crime film focuses on four friends from Kentucky in the US who lead very ordinary lives. This all changes, however, after a visit to Transylvania University when one of the friends hatches a plan to steal the most valuable and rare books from the school’s library. As one of the most famous art heists in US history comes to fruition, the group wonder whether this attempt to bring excitement and purpose into their lives is merely a misguided attempt at finally achieving the idealised American Dream.

The Seagull: 7 September: Summer visits to the country estate are nothing new for ageing actress Irina Arkadina (played by Annette Bening). She visits her brother Pjotr and, on one occasion, decides to bring along a successful novelist known as Boris Trigorin whom she is seeing romantically. All is going well until a local girl from the neighbouring estate, Nina (played by Saoirse Ronan), falls in love with Boris. Not an easy situation, especially when you consider Nina is dating Irina’s son Konstantin. Love and rejection are aplenty in this enthralling drama.

Music

Lisdoonvarna Second Country Music Weekend: 7 to 8 September: Get your dancing shoes and your beating heart ready as Ireland’s finest country music stars are back for a second weekend of love and laughter at the Country Music Weekend. Jive along to live music by Derek Ryan, Mike Denver and a host of other renowned country stars at this event as part of the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival. Whether you’re looking for love or just a good night out, the Country Music Weekend in Lisdoonvarna is the one for you. Tickets for the two-night event cost €55 and can be purchased on www.ticketweb.ie.

Comedy

Dara O’ Briain: 8 September: Renowned Irish comedian Dara O’ Briain is back with his stand up show, The Voice of Reason, at Vicar Street in Dublin. Laughter will never be too far away when O’ Briain is around as he is no stranger to the comedy sphere. He is best known for hosting topical panel shows such as Mock the Week, The Panel and The Apprentice: You’re Fired. Described as a “masterclass in intellect” by The Guardian, this is one show you can’t miss. Tickets are priced at €30 each and can be purchased on www.ticketmaster.ie.

Dancing diary

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