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Jason Byrne
26 May: This brand new show, The Man with Three Brains, plays live at Vicar Street. The show peels back the layers to reveal exactly how Jason’s Byrne’s complex mind works. See his three brains kick into action as soon as this top comedian hits the Vicar Street stage. Byrne, who is renowned for using improvisation and thinking on his feet, will have you in stitches laughing. Audience interaction is common at his shows, so don’t be surprised if he tries to catch you out. Tickets are priced at €28. For further details and bookings, visit www.vicarstreet.com.
Lisa McHugh
27 May: Lisa McHugh plays live at the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle, Antrim. Introduced to the country music scene at a young age, Lisa grew up listening to everything from Daniel O’Donnell to Alan Jackson. Her fabulous voice, along with her desire to have a good laugh, makes Lisa a fan favourite. The Scottish-born singer has been selling out venues throughout the country and this one promises to be no different. See www.marinehotelballycastle.com.
Ham Sandwhich
26th May: Ham Sandwich, one of Ireland's most exciting acts, an indie-rock outfit from Co Meath, will play at The Olympia Theatre this month. The band are celebrating the release of their record, Bodies. The band's top-notch interaction skills will have audiences buzzing with excitement. Known for their lyrical harmonies and irresistible rhythms, this combination makes it one gig not to be missed. Their indie-rock vibe is prompting a sellout of shows across Europe and Ireland. Tickets are available for €22.50. See www.titcketmaster.ie for details.
Applause 2018
26th & 27th May: The Montfort College of Performing Arts presents Applause 2018 to the Cork Opera House. The event, which is now in its 55th year, features over 1,500 students from all over Cork city and county. The night's show will be directed by Trevor Ryan and will feature spectacular costumes, a live band and various dance styles ranging from jazz to hip hop. The students will perform some of the biggest hits from Broadway and Disney, including Mamma Mia and The Lion King. For tickets and more details, visit www.corkoperahouse.ie.
Weighing In
27 May: This topical play, taking place at Wexford Arts Centre, deals with the modern obsession of dieting. Set in the Easi-Slim diet club, we meet the highly driven Pam and the motherly Breda. Both attend the weekly clinic for the weigh-in and strike up an unlikely friendship. Pam has reached her target weight and has only signed up to maintain and brag about the four stone she’s lost. Breda has diligently attended the Easi-Slim meetings but just can’t manage to win the battle of the bulge – until Pam comes along to power-walk her into shape. Pam becomes Breda’s mentor in helping her lose weight through her low-calorie intake and rigorous exercise regime. However, when Pam’s mask begins to slip, Breda is reminded that things aren’t always what they appear to be. Sometimes, you already have the life you wished for. Visit www.wexfordartscentre.com for further details.
Connacht
Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 27th May, Michael English
Leitrim: Carrick on Shannon, Landmark Hotel, 9th June, Michael English
Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,
Big Band Dancing:26th May, Derek Ryan, 29th May, Patrick Feeney.
Social Dancing: 27th May, Chris Dallet
Leinster
Dublin: Dublin, The Red Cow, 25th-27th, The Indians & Friends weekend
Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 26th May, Liam Mannering & Maria
Kilkenny: Piltown, Piltown Gaa Complex, 27th May, Michael Sexton
Louth: Dundalk, The Lisdoo, 26th May, Gerry Guthrie
Meath: Navan, The Ardboyne, 28th May, Eamon MCann
Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 24th May, John Molloy, 26th May, Declan Nerney
Munster
Clare: Ennis, West County, 27th May, Cliona Hagan
Cork: Mitchelstown, Firgrove Hotel, 27th May, Declan Nerney, 4th June (3.30pm), Fran Curry & Muriel O’Connor
Cork: Macroom, Riverside Park Hotel, 28th May, Martin Kearney & Art Supple
Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 25th May, The Outlaws
Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 30th May, Olivia Douglas
Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 27th May, John McNicholl
Limerick: Caherconlish, Millennium Centre, 9th June, PJ Murrihy
Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 26th May, Peter Bourke
Tipperary: Thurles, The Premier Ballroom, 27th May, Dave Rea
Ulster
Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 26th May, Michael English
Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 25th May, Declan Nerney, 26th May, Cliona Hagan, 27th May, Kings of Country
Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 26th May, Jim Devine
Derry: Coleraine, Bushtown Hotel, 28th May, Mike Denver
Monaghan: Castleblayney, Glencarn Hotel, 25th May, Derek Ryan
Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 27th May, Mike Denver
Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 26th May, Lisa McHugh
Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 25th May, Mike Denver
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