Film

The Children Act:24 August: What is a high court judge to do when asked to choose between respecting somebody’s religious choices and saving a life? Justice Fiona Maye is asked to rule in the case of a minor whose parents are refusing to let their child have a blood transfusion for religious reasons. Should she force him to live or accept the freedom of religion? This complex drama also deals with a breaking marriage and personal crises of the judge in an emotionally taut film that is sure to keep your attention from beginning to end.

Theatre

Frnknstn: 17 August to 1 September: Everybody knows the standard Frankenstein tale. This exciting modernisation of the classic re-imagines Victor Frankenstein as a gene-splitting molecular biologist who crafts human life from his own DNA. Naturally, the results are devastating. Speaking from a holding cell, Frankenstein is eager to set the record straight. An updated ghost story and thrilling psychological exploration, FRNKNSTN will keep you on the edge of your seat and chill you to your very core. Tickets cost €20-€25 at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin, and the show is not suitable for under 16s. Visit www.abbeytheatre.ie for further details.

Music

Stephanie Rainey:25 August: Singer Stephanie Rainey is returning to her native Cork to perform at The Castle Glanmire on 25 August. The illustrious singer is best known for her hit single Please Don’t Go. Her influences range from all sorts of artists, including Alison Krauss, Coldplay and Florence and the Machine. The singer spent years trying to break into the music industry before the success of Please Don’t Go, which changed things for the artist. Don’t miss the chance to see her live in Glanmire. Tickets are priced at €15 each or €50 for a family of five. Visit www.thecastleglanmire.ie for further details.

Stiff Little Fingers:24 August: Punk rock band from Northern Ireland, Stiff Little Fingers are taking to the stage at The Academy in Dublin. They formed in 1977 during the Troubles and continue to tour and record to this day despite personnel changes and some splits in the band. The energetic group secured their place at the forefront of the formerly budding punk movement in Northern Ireland and released hit albums such as Inflammable Material. The band are currently working on a new album and have already debuted some of the songs at their recent live performances. The show takes place on 24 August in The Academy and tickets are priced at €25. See www.ticketmaster.ie.

Comedy

Mario Rosenstock: 24 August: Returning to his home county of Waterford, renowned comedian Mario Rosenstock is sure to entertain with an evening of sketches and stories featuring all of his famous Gift Grub characters on Today FM. There will be impressions galore at the show, with everyone from Miriam O’Callaghan, Leo Varadkar and John Halligan subject to his witty, razor-sharp observations at the Theatre Royal. This is a show not to be missed by anyone in the area who loves a good laugh and an even better impression. Tickets are priced at €41 and can be purchased on www.theatreroyal.ie.

Dancing diary

Connacht

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 26 August, Patrick Feeney

Leitrim: Carrick on Shannon, Landmark Hotel, 25 August, Mike Denver

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Big Band Dancing: 25 August, Gerry Guthrie. 28th August, Jimmy Buckley.

Social Dancing: 26 August, Liam Mannering.

Leinster

Dublin: Dublin, The Red Cow, 23 August, Declan Nerney

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 25 August, Patrick O’Sullivan

Kilkenny: Piltown, Piltown Gaa Complex, 26 August, Brian McDermott

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 23 August, Declan Aungier, 25 August, Derek Ryan

Munster

Clare: Ennis, The West County, 26 August, Jimmy Buckley

Cork: Macroom, Riverside Park Hotel, 27 August, Thomas Maguire & Fhiona Ennis

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 24 August, John Glenn & The Mainliners

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 29 August, Thomas Maguire & Fhiona Ennis

Limerick: Kilmallock, Bulgaden Castle, 29 August, Peter Bourke

Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 26 August, Gerry Guthrie

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 25 August, Seamus Sheehy & Pat Maloney

Ulster

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 25 August, Robert Mizzell

Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 24 August, Cliona Hagan & Philomena Begley, 25 August, Lisa McHugh, 26 August, Mike Denver & Seamus Moore

Down: Newry, The Mourne Country, 25 August, Shaun Cuddy

Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 26 August, Michael English

Monaghan: Castleblayney, The Glencarn, 31 August, Mike Denver

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 25 August, Patrick Feeney

Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 24 August, Declan Nerney