Musical

Blood Brothers – 19-21 March: Written by Willy Russell, the legendary Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, after being separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi award-winning Blood Brothers and Bill Kenwright’s production has been a roaring success in London’s West End. This superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True. Blood Brothers comes to the INEC Killarney on 19 March for three nights.

American Idiot Musical – 19 March: Winner of two Tony Awards and the 2010 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Show Album, American Idiot is the story of three boyhood friends who are each in search for meaning in 21st century USA. The show features the music of Green Day with the lyrics of lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong, this thrilling musical has had the fans in rapture. The musical’s hit songs include Boulevard of Broken Dreams, 21 Guns, Wake Me Up When September Ends, Holiday and the blockbuster title track American Idiot. These songs have introduced a generation of regular theatregoers to their powerful and moving musical style. American Idiot plays at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin on 19 March.

Comedy

Comedy night – 15 March: A guaranteed night of laughs is in store at Kavanagh’s of Portlaoise this Friday night. With an exciting line up of comedians and acts, Portlaoise Ladies Hockey team are pulling out all the stops to make sure a great night is had by all. Performing on the night will be Tipp man Tim O’Mahony, who has sold out shows in Dublin, Cork, Edinbourgh and Barcelona, FM 104’s Emma Doran and local star Mark Doheny. Tickets are €15 from www.ticketweb.ie.

Film

The White Crow – released 22 March: The incredible true story of legendary dancer Rudolf Nureyev is brought vividly to life by Academy Award-nominee Ralph Fiennes and BAFTA-winning screenwriter David Hare. From Nureyev’s poverty-stricken childhood in the Soviet city of Ufa, to blossoming as a student dancer in Leningrad, to his nail-biting escape from the KGB and defection to the West at the height of the Cold War, The White Crow is a gripping, revelatory look at a unique artist who transformed the world of ballet forever.

Music

Pilgrim Street – 22 March: Strongly influenced by bluegrass, old-time country and folk music, fused with traditional folk songs from this side of the Atlantic, Pilgrim Street brings a warm and lively atmosphere to their music and have garnered a glowing word of mouth endorsement from venues around the country. With a set list made up of covers and their own original songs they have graced the stages of Electric Picnic and Vicar Street and the band are now setting off on a nationwide tour. An exciting new band, Pilgrim Street play in The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon on 22 March.

Dancing diary

Connacht

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 17th March, (5-8)Michael Collins (9.30pm) Michael Collins, (10.30)Robert Mizzell

Leitrim: Carrick-on-Shannon, The Landmark, 16th March, Derek Ryan

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Social Dancing: 17th March, Chris Dallat

Big Band Dancing: 17th March, Johnny Brady

Leinster

Dublin: Dublin, Red Cow Inn, 14th March, Gerry Guthrie

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 16th March, Declan Nerney

Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown GAA, 17th March, Reunited/Pat Driscoll

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 14th March, Brendan Magee & Eugene Cunningham 15th March, Olivia Douglas and Derek Ryan, 16th March, Jimmy Buckley, 17th March, John Glenn & The Mainliners

Munster

Clare: Ennis, West County Hotel, 16th March, Mike Denver

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 15th March, Patrick Feeney, 16th March, Checkers, 17th Declan Nerney, 18th March, Liam Mannering

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 20th March, Michael English

Cork: Macroom, Riverside Park Hotel, 18th March, Lawrence Campion

Limerick: Kilmallock, Bulgaden Castle, 20th March, Teddy & Cathal Barry

Tipperary: Thurles, Premier Ballroom, 17th March, Unity

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 16th March, Noel Ryan ( Noely)

Ulster

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 16th March, Robert Mizzell Derry, Coleraine, The Bushtown House, 17th March, The Indians,18th March, Jim Devine Donegal: Bundoran, Allingham Arms, 15th March, Robert Mizzell, 16th March, Jim Devine, 17th March, Jimmy Buckley

Down: Newry, Mourne Country, 16th March, Liam Kelly

Monaghan: Monaghan, Hillgrove Hotel, 17th March, Big Shay & Country Memories

Monaghan: Castleblayney, The Glencarn, 15th March, Mike Denver, 20th March, Showbud

Tyrone: Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel, 15th March, Jimmy Buckley

Tyrone: Moy, The Ryandale, 16th March, Patrick Feeney

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Living Life: Going out guide