Film

Darkest Hour

12 January: An exhilarating and inspiring true story, Darkest Hour, directed by Joe Wright, depicts the early days of World War II. Step back in time and relive this explosive period in history when the fate of Western Europe hung on newly appointed British prime minister Winston Churchill. It is he who is left with the critical decision as to whether to negotiate with German politician and leader of the Nazi Party, Hitler, or to fight – despite the incredible odds. Gary Oldman has received rave reviews for his performance as Churchill in this motion picture.

Theatre

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

9 January: Coming to Dublin for the first time, the Olivier-award-winning West End show comes to the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre as part of its UK and Ireland tour. Bask in this beautiful and inspiring true story of King’s rise to stardom, from being part of a hit-song-writing team with her husband Gerry Goffin to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. The musical runs until 20 January and tickets are selling fast, so don’t delay. For ticket information contact (01) 677 7770 or groups@bgetheatre.ie

Music

Bagatelle

13 January: One of the most renowned Irish rock bands of the generation, Bagatelle, takes to the stage at INEC in Killarney. Hailing from Co Wicklow, the band is renowned for the influence they had on U2, and they shared the stage with musical figures such as Bob Marley. Almost four decades on from their humble beginnings, Bagatelle’s success and longevity remains as strong as ever. Relive the tale of Summer in Dublin and indulge in the melodies of Second Violin as this gig will take you back to a time that has since fleeted. Tickets are €25 see www.inec.ie.

High Kings

13 January: The Irish folk group returns with a new show to celebrate the release of their first greatest-hits CD collection, Decade. The Dublin band has had a sensational career to date, building upon the success of their self-titled debut album, which reached No 2 on Billboard Magazine’s World Music chart. Taking to the stage at the Black Box Galway, this is a performance that will be second to none, as the High Kings will be demonstrating why they continue to thrive 10 years on. Tickets are €28, for more information see www.tht.ie

Comedy

Jake O’Kane

13 January: Northern Ireland’s top comic and star of the BBC panel show The Blame Game, is back with a bang with his new show Still sittin’ on the Fence. Jake O’Kane will cast a satirical eye over the proceedings of the last 12 months, combining stories and pictures from the Irish News with the madness of the internet to debunk the good and the bad. Still sittin’ on the fence follows three years of sold-out tours, and Jake’s hilarious performances are definitely worth experiencing. Book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets £22, see www.waterfront.co.uk for more details.

Dancing diary

Connacht

Galway: Ballinasloe, Shearwater Hotel, 14th January, Jimmy Buckley

Leitrim: Carrick-on-Shannon, Landmark Hotel, 20th January, Derek Ryan

Mayo: Claremorris, McWilliam Park,

Big Band Dancing: 20th January, Gerry Guthrie

Social Dancing:14th January, Dermot McConnell

Leinster

Kilkenny: Pilltown, Pilltown GAA, 14th January, Martin Kearney & Art Supple

Kilkenny: Slievrue, Rhu Glenn, 13th January, Dermot McConnell

Louth: Dundalk, The Lisdoo, 13th January, Robert Mizzell

Meath: Navan, Ardboyne Hotel, 15th January, John McNicholl

Westmeath: Moate, The Well, 11th January, Brendan Magee & Eugene Cunningham, 13th January, John McNicholl, 14th January (2-4pm), Robert Mizzell, 4pm, Paul Leavy and 9.30pm Muriel O’Connor

Munster

Clare: Ennis, West County, 14th January, John McNicholl

Cork: Mallow, The Hazel Tree, 12th January, Robert Mizzell

Cork: Glanmire, Vienna Woods, 17th January, Finbar Dennehy

Cork: Macroom, Riverside Park Hotel, 15th January, Eddie Lee & James

Cork: Mitchelstown, Firgrove Hotel, 14th January, Declan Nerney

Limerick: Kilmallock, Bulgaden Castle, 17th January, Checkers

Limerick: Adare, Woodlands Hotel, 14th January, Mike Denver

Tipperary: Newport, Ballymackeogh, Aherns, 13th January, Joe Desmond

Tipperary: Thurles, Premier Ballroom, 14th January, Moynihan Brothers

Ulster

Cavan: Cavan, Hotel Kilmore, 13th January Gerry Guthrie