Living life: This week's going out guide

MUSIC

Irish Rambling House Show: 12 December: Kerry’s Siamsa Tire welcomes the Irish Rambling House Show. Radio Kerry brings together musicians, dancers, singers and storytellers for an evening of traditional fun and entertainment. It is a social history event, sure to spark many memories. If laughter is the best medicine, then this show is the prescription you need. The Irish Rambling House Show has played in many major venues in Ireland, but it is best known for its tours of England. After last year’s sell-out performance, The Irish Rambling House returns to Siamsa Tíre with special guests Elle Marie O’Dwyer and Sean O’Sé. See www.siamsatire.com for more information.

Deborah McKeown: 7 December: This Friday night Birr’s very own Deborah McKeown will launch her ep album at Birr Theatre and Art’s Centre, county Offaly. Deborah who began learning the piano from an early age completed her degree in music, media and communication studies in Mary Immaculate College in 2006. Having performed throughout the midlands and Dublin, she is no stranger to the stage. With a love for all kinds of musical instruments, her new EP Hold On To It is varied and harmonious in melody choice. Come along and enjoy the music from one of Ireland’s home grown talents. Visit www.birrtheatre.com for further information.

COMEDY

The Improvised Panto: 7 December: Beginning this Friday at Cork’s Opera House and running until Saturday 22 December, The Improvised Panto is back. Bigger and better than ever before, the hilarious production is now in its eighth year. The audience chooses a different panto every night. It’s all improvised, it’s all made up on the spot, nothing is prepared or scripted. The cast is filled with talented improvisers, actors and comedians including Dominic MacHale from The Young Offenders and comedian Laura O’Mahony, who is no stranger to your screens. Expect the unexpected, the hilarious and the outrageous at this over 18s Panto. See www.corkoperahouse.ie for booking and more.

THEATRE

Roots: 6-7 December: This week Hawk’s Well Theatre, in Sligo welcomes Roots by Miriam Needham. Dawn’s not sure what is real anymore, so she tries to get as real as she can by walking 115km in the wrong size shoes through rainy, cold, hilly Galicia. No one said it was easy, but neither did anyone say that your toes might explode, which would have been nice to know. Join her on her way to Santiago, as she plays psychological games on herself to get herself through the next five kilometres. This event is free of charge and there is no need to book in advance. Find out more at www.hawkswell.com.

FILM

The belly of the whale: 7 December: Two down-and-outs who spend their time at a derelict caravan park are bonded together in misfortune, thus devise a plan to rob a small-town amusement arcade. Directed by Morgan Bushe. Starring Art Parkinson and none other than the adored Pat Shortt star as unlikely friendship based on unlawful ideas and action. Described as an Irish western The Belly Of The Whale, is darkly humorous and sure to intrigue Irish audiences everywhere. For more reviews see www.entertainment.ie.

DANCING DIARY

Connacht

Leitrim: Carrick on Shannon, Landmark Hotel, 15 December, Mike Denver.

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park. Social dancing: 9 December, Chris Dallet. Big band dancing: 9 December, Gerry Guthrie.

Leinster

Dublin: Dublin, Red Cow, 6 December, Gerry Guthrie.

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 8 December, Lee Matthews.

Kilkenny: Piltown, Piltown Gaa Complex, 9 December, Dermot Lyons.

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 6 December, Brendan and Patricia Lee; 8 December, Patrick Feeney; 9 December, Andy Feery.

Munster

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 7 December, Patrick Feeney.

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 12 December, Michael Collins.

Cork: Macroom, Riverside Park Hotel, 10 December, Dermot Lyons.

Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 23 December, Derek Ryan.

Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 9 December, Checkers.

Tipperary: Roscrea, Racket Hall, 8 December, Derek Ryan.

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 8 December, Dermot Lyons.

Ulster

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 8 December, Mike Denver.

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 8 December, Robert Mizzell.

Down: Newry, The Mourne Country, 8 December, Gerry Guthrie.

Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown House, 10 December, Declan Nerney.

Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 16 December, Declan Nerney.

Monaghan: Castleblayney, The Glencarn, 7 December, Mike Denver.

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 8 December, Johnny Brady.

Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 7 December, John Glenn and The Mainliners.