Hawk’s Well Theatre announces Jan-April P 2015 Programme
Tickets on sale now
Following on from a hugely successful Autumn programme at the Hawk’s Well Theatre in Sligo, the new season promises to be no different with a jam-packed programme from January through to April 2015 offering the best there is in theatre, music, dance, musicals, family fun, comedy, talks, visual arts, workshops and courses to the people of the North West. The Hawk’s Well Theatre has once again delivered a sensational line-up, all under the discerning eye of Director Marie O’Byrne. Ahead of the season O’Byrnehad this to say:
“We are delighted to present our new programme which is packed to the rafters with something for everyone. We are delighted to be bringing Pat Kinevane back to Sligo with his new play Underneath. We’ve a really interesting play Bassam coming in March and Donal O’Kelly’s Catalpa is here in February. Music wise we have some really big names in music coming through like Maura O’Connell, Eddi Reader, John Spillane and Kieran Goss. This is a jam packed season of musicals and we also have comedians, family shows and the return of the Sligo Children’s Book Festival sothis programme keeps our aspiration of having something for everyone. Please drop in and pick yours up today!”
There are plenty of plays to keep theatre lovers entertained this season. Donal O’Kelly has received many awards for his classic piece of modern Irish Theatre Catalpa which he will perform on Sunday 8th of February. This performance features live music by Trevor Knight. Touring productions include Run Don’t Run- a provocative and accessible new play from acclaimed writer Gary Duggan (RTE’s Amber) produced by Bigger Picture Projections which visits in March. Now based in Sligo, the Israeli Writer and Director Idan Meir presents a powerful drama Bassam in March which is performed by Donegal based Palestinian Actor Fadl Mustapha. This performance gives an authentic perspective on the ongoing conflict in the Middle-East. The award-winning play Little Gem - a heart-warming tale of courage, comedy and romance returns to the Hawk’s Well on the 26th and 27th of March. Produced by Breda Cashe this production stars Anita Reeves, Hilda Fay and Kate Gilmore. Fishamble: The New Play Company return to the Hawk’s Well in April with their new production written and performed by Pat Kinevane (Forgotten) and (Silent) for what is sure to be another mesmerising performance. The award –winning The Man in the Woman’s Shoes, written and performed by Mikel Murfi will return to the Hawk’s Well for one night on Friday 15th of May.
Local groups will also be busy on the Hawk’s Well stage with St. Farnans performing the riotous farce Cash on Delivery in February in aid of The Carer’s Association while Sligo’s Everyman present Somerset Maugham’s comedy of manners The Constant Wife in March. Cloonacool Players will perform the ‘kitchen comedy’ Professor Tim later that month in conjunction with The Sligo Traditional Singers Club.
Following on from the success of the ‘Acting for Beginners’ course with tutor Bob Kelly last season, a new acting for adults course ‘Acting for Fun’ will run for 6 weeks from the 12th of January with Bob Kelly (regular collaborator with the Blue Raincoat Theatre Company) tutoring Sligo’s aspiring actors once more. A Forum Theatre Workshop will also take place in April facilitated by Sligo based Theatre Director Idan Meir. Part of the legacy of the late Brazilian Director Augusto Boal, this workshop will explore how we can use theatre as a tool for community and personal development. This season the theatre is also offering a Toddler Drama course with experienced tutor Deirdre Gaule.
There is an over-abundance of musical treats on offer this season starting with Reeling in the Showband Years on the third and fourth of January which is closely followed by Sea Road Sessions - which designates the maritime route historically linking Sweden, Scotland and Ireland, the home countries of a brand new six-piece line-up comprising singer/guitarist Kris Drever, accordionist Alan Kelly, guitarist Ian Carr, banjo ace Éamonn Coyne, flautist/singer Steph Geremia and bassist StaffanLindors. These six critically acclaimed traditional / folk musicians are known for their distinctive character, innovative approach and striking musicality. Duke Special will perform a special solo gig on the 17th of January where he will unveil for the first time some of the material from his new album. You can also witness the first collaboration of legendary singers Maura O’Connell and Karan Casey as they are joined by accordionist Martin Tourish and guitarist Ed Boyd on the 21st of January for a very special gig touring with Music Network. On Friday 23rd of January many of Thom Moore’s friends will join together to celebrate the songs of this great master..the line-up for the night includes Charlie McGettigan, Seamie O’Dowd, Rackhouse Pilfer, Gerry Grennan and many more. Legends of Irish music The Fureys will also return in January. Eddi Reader and Jimmy Buckley will perform in February and a fundraising concert will showcase the best of local Sligo talent on the 22nd of February when local Sligo doctor Sinead Farrell fundraises for a hospital in Uganda. March brings gorgeous music from John Spillane, Pauline Scanlon and new band NOTIFY while celebrated musician based in SligoKieran Goss returns in March. Spike Sligo present The Bright Side – a new four day festival of comedy, music and arts celebrating positive mental health from the 8th to the 12th of April. On Sunday 12th Kieran Quinn will bring together an electric and electrifying group of local musicians and singers in a life-affirming evening of humorous songs in ‘The Bright Side of Life’. Special guest on the night is Spike Milligan’s daughter and celebrated actress and singer Jane Milligan. On the 4th of May Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan visit with the ‘I’m With Her’ tour in what will be an amazing evening of music.
For comedy lovers, there will be plenty of laughs this season with Jason Byrne bringing his new improvised comedy show ‘You Name The Show’ in January and Neil Delamere returning in February with ‘The Fresh Prince of Delamere.’ Conal Gallen returns with his new show ‘A Bit on the Sunny Side’ in May.
Following the sold out performance of Swan Lake from Ballet Ireland at the theatre recently, Ballet Ireland will delight dance lovers with their show Tutus and Beyond coming to the Hawk’s Well in April. This show pays tribute to the purity of classical ballet, whilst also looking forward to contemporary ballet beyond the tutu.
This is the season for musicals at the Hawk’s Wall. Sligo General Hospital Musical Society bring their pantomime The Snow Queen to the Hawk’s Well stage in January. The talented HSE employees have been entertaining Sligo audiences for 18 years and have donated more than €120,000 to local Sligo charities. The award winning Sligo Fun Company return to the Hawk’s Well stage from the 3rd to the 7th of February with Little Shop of Horrors - a deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash hit musical. Later in February Sligo Musical Society present Sweet Charity which tells the story of dance hall hostess Charity Hope Valentine – an eternal optimist who is forever unlucky in love. Another favourite musical in February comes from St. Mary’s College Ballisodare who present The Wizard of Oz from the 24th of the 25th. In April the Ursuline College take to the stage with The Best of Broadway and More.
From the field of literature there are two special events planned. Michael Harding, author, playwright and Irish Times columnist will return to the hawk’s Well in February with his one man show with coincides with the publication of his latest book Hanging with the Elephant. On April 25th the Hawk’s Well celebrates the critically acclaimed author Brian Leyden by joining with his friends and peers from the world of publishing, radio, music and film to pay tribute to his exceptional achievements.
There’s also plenty to keep the kiddies entertained this season. Acclaimed children’s theatre company Theatre Lovett bring their show suitable for ages 7 + and adults of all ages - The Girl who Forgot to Sing Badlyin February with special performances for schools and families. Sligo Children’s Book Festival returns in March for a weekend celebrating family literacy for parents and young children in Sligo. The launch will take place at the Hawk’s Well on Thursday 5th of March followed by a performance of Roald Dahl’s Three Little Pigs from the Quercus Ensemble – an earthy and wickedly funny story for all ages. Collapsing Horse Theatre Company will perform Human Child on Friday 6th – a blazing adventure, fantasy story for ages 8+. A special Lego Stop Motion workshop called Book Flicks will entertain 8-12 years olds on Saturday 7th of March on a Hawk’s Well Production My Favourite Bookon Sunday afternoon will feature special guest David Rawle – a.k.a Martin Moone from Chris O’Dowd’s Mooneboy and other celebrities reading from their favourite books. A special art camp with Sligo artist Wayne O’Connor for ages 8 + will take place over Easter. Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre will return with a very special show for schools and families at the start of May entitled The Elves & the Shoemaker.
Coirm Gael Linn provide a stage for primary school pupils to display their talents on the third of March and local dance school The Melody Academy of Dance will perform a delightful evening of song, dance and family entertainment on Sunday 22nd. Cyclone Rep bring their special performances of The Othello, Romeo and Juliet, King Lear and The Merchant sessions for secondary schools to the Hawk’s Well on the 24th and 25th of March.
Exhibitions in the foyer this season feature artists Daniel Chester and Niall Sheerin with ‘Land-escape’ from the 16th of January to the 23th of February, Deirdre Houston with ‘Drop a line’ from the end of February running to the end of March and ‘Abandoned Time’ from Sarah Stevens in April.
The Hawk’s Well has teamed up with the Kitchen Restaurant at the Glasshouse to offer a great night out for an unbeatable price. Avail of a three-course meal and a ticket to a variety of shows at the theatre for €39.50. Visit for more details.
All events at the theatre are competitively priced and Friends/patrons of the theatre can also avail of special rates and concession rates apply where possible for OAPs and students. The Hawk’s Well has also teamed up with Music Generation Sligo to offer discounts for people aged under 18 as part of a ‘Go See’ initiative.
Brochures are currently being distributed throughout Sligo and the North West. To get a copy call 071 916 1518, drop in to the Hawk’s Well or download a digital copy by visiting
With over fifty shows programmed for the forthcoming summer season, the Hawk’s Well theatre has a host of wonderful delights on offer which will appeal to all the family. So don’t miss out – get your tickets now, take your pick – there’s something for everyone at the Hawk’s Well Theatre!
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For further information, photos or to arrange interview contact Maeve McGowan, Marketing Manager ,Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo, 071 916 1518