ISLAND Arts Centre
January to April 2012 Brochure
Bookings
T: 028 92 509254
Welcome to the ISLAND
Welcome to the ISLAND’s latest programme of theatre, comedy, music exhibitions, courses and much more.
ISLAND is all about new ideas and experiences, and sharing thesewith others, be that in a practical workshop setting, in the theatre or in one of the galleries. Whether you are a regular or are new tothe programme we hope you will find something here to interestand inspire you.
Following the success of the first children’s midterm festival inOctoberISLAND has once again teamed up with Cinemagic tohost a range of new and classic family films as part of our schoolholiday mini festival programme during the February midterm andEaster breaks.
We look forward to seeing you soon on the ISLAND.
Test Drive the ISLAND and Tell a Friend
ISLAND Arts Centre and Test Drive the Arts NI offers you guest tickets to theatre, music, ballet andmuch more. Have a look at what’savailable by using the ‘Get Tickets’search on Hurry though - tickets arelimited and it’s first come firstserved!
Anyone over 18 and residentin Northern Ireland can apply. However, because Test Drive is allabout trying something new, youcan only get tickets for a venue,company or organisation youhaven’t been to for at least 3 years.
Please carefully choose theperformance you want to attend.Test Drive the
Arts NI tickets are only issued onceto any individual.
Do You Come Here Often?
Get the most from ISLAND Arts Centre by becoming an ISLAND Member.
What’s in it for you?
• Be the first to hear about upcoming events
• Book ahead of the crowds during members’ priority booking*
• 10% Members’ Discount Treats
The options:
ISLAND Membership £18
ISLAND Concession Membership £10
ISLAND Children’s Membership £6
For full details, terms and conditions and to apply for membership pleaselog onto islandartscentre.com. If you have any further questions pleasecontact Arts Information on 028 92 509509.
ISLAND Members’ Priority Booking is Thurs 12 - Mon 16 Jan.
If you require assistance with your online booking please contact theMembers’ Online Booking Helpline T: 028 92 509503
*Terms & Conditions Apply
Voucher Vault Gift Vouchers*
Looking for the perfect instantaneous gift?
Give the gift of the Arts with ISLAND Voucher Vault GiftVouchers*
Treat friends and family to achoice of dazzling entertainment, inspirational arts experiences andthe finest artworks. Certainly anexciting alternative to socks andslippers!
Voucher Vaults can be usedto buy tickets for any ISLANDevent, exhibition piece, course orworkshop. They can be used inperson and over the phone at ourBox Office.
Your Voucher Vault is valid for oneyear from the date of purchase andcomes in a presentation wallet,ready to be given as a gift.
To order please contact ArtsInformation on T:028 92 509509.
ParentPAY
ISLAND’s ParentPAY Vouchers offer our younger patrons all the benefits
and conditions of regular Voucher Vaults. Parents simply add creditto the Voucher Vault giving theirchildren the freedom to make theirown purchases at ISLAND ArtsCentre, without giving unlimitedaccess to the Bank of Mum andDad!
To arrange a Child’s Voucher Vault,please contact Arts Information on
T: 028 92 509509
ISLAND Performances
The next event is a Guest Hire.
Race Against Multiple Sclerosis & David Hull Promotions present
Country First with Hugo Duncan & Friends
Charity Show in Aid of Race Against Multiple Sclerosis (RAMS)
Date: Fri 13 Jan
Time: 8pm
Venue: ISLAND Hall
Cost: £16
Radio Ulster’s very popular Hugo Duncan ‘The wee man from Strabane’ brings his ever popular country jamboree to the Island Hall, for a night of great country music.
Hugo is joined on the night by a host of country stars including - Queen of Country, Susan McCann, Frankie McBride singing his hits including ‘Five Little Fingers’ and ‘Burning Bridges’, Billy McFarland the Man with the Golden Trumpet, Comedian Big O and Country Harmony.
Join Hugo for a classic night of country.
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The next event is a Guest Hire
David Hull Promotions presents
Kieran Goss in Concert
Date: Sat 14 Jan
Time: 8pm
Venue: ISLAND Hall
Cost: £16.50
Long hailed as one of Ireland's leading songwriters and performers, Kieran Goss’ music has won him fans across the globe. But if his songs have made him a star, his live shows have made him a legend. Live on stage is where Kieran Goss really shines.
This is a rare chance to see Kieran performing live and solo. Don’t miss it!
Dyad Productions presents
The Diaries of Adam and Eve
Adapted from Mark Twain by Elton Townend Jones
Performed by Rebecca Vaughan (Austen’s Women I, Elizabeth) and Elton Townend Jones
Directed by Guy Masterson
Date: Fri 27 Jan
Time: 8pm
Cost: £12
Relationships: whose idea was that?
One of you wants to get things done, the other wants to chill out in the garden. One of you wants a minute’s peace, the other wants to talk (and talk and talk). One of you likes things the way they are, the other wants a project. One of you knows that eating that apple is the wrong thing to do, but the other is going to eat it anyway.
Relationships shouldn’t work, but somehow they do – so who did the groundwork?
In this witty and modern adaptation of Mark Twain’s affectionate satire, Adam and Eve – the world’s first couple – confront their many differences to find successful ways of living and loving together. What they learn about each other on the way will be familiar and funny to anyone who has ever experienced a close relationship.
Tempted?
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Moving on Music presents
Agnew McAllister Duo
Aisling Agnew, flute
Matthew McAllister, guitar
Date: Fri 3 Feb
Time: 8pm
Cost: £12/ £10 con
Programme to include:Bizet Carmen Fantasie, Astor Piazzolla Histoire du Tango and additional Classical, South American and Celtic repertoire.
Irish flautist Aisling Agnew and Scottish guitarist Matthew McAllister are internationally recognised as one of the leading flute & guitar duos. They are renowned for deeply engaging performances, imaginative programming and consummate artistry. Since giving their first concert together in Belfast in 2001 they have performed extensively around the world earning the highest admiration from audiences.
Recent performances include two US tours as well as concerts in Italy, Austria, Holland, Peru, Costa Rica, Malaysia, UK and Ireland. The duo recorded their critically acclaimed début CD Recitalin 2006, they have also recorded for RTE Lyric FM, as featured on the CD release Hiccup.
As this highly expressive form of chamber music continues to grow in popularity, Aisling and Matthew are at the forefront of its evolution through their insightful transcriptions, inspiring arrangements and the innovative new works they commission.
‘Altogether this was a fabulous concert of wonderfully diverse music played by a quality duo that deserves to be heard by anyone interested in good music.’ Classical Guitar Magazine
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The next event is a Guest Hire
White Ensign Cultural Association presents
In the Footsteps of Heroes – from the Somme to D-Day
Date: Sat 4 Feb
Time: 8pm
Venue: ISLAND Hall
Cost: £15
Making their first appearance at the ISLAND, White Ensign Cultural Association proudly present their sell out show which will take the audience on a nostalgic, yet thought provoking journey through World War I and World War II.
This living history production follows ‘Jimmy' as he enlists into the 9th Battalion of the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, his training at Finner Camp through to the re-enactment on stage of the Battle of the Somme and his ultimate death. Hear the fabulous Nicola Moody & The Moodettes perform their unique style of American music with other artists performing ‘The Green Fields of France’, ‘Lilli Marlene’, ‘If I Die Before You Wake’, ‘Broken Blossoms’ and the 1914 Xmas Truce. Also; Winston Churchill's famous speech to the nation on the eve of the Battle of Britain; the 9th Battalion Corps of Drums Band as well as a Royal Marines style drum display. The show incorporates music, song, poetry and sketches and early booking is recommended.
N.B. Show contains loud explosive sounds and images of dead and wounded soldiers.Not suitable for children under 12.
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The next event is a Guest Hire
Fusion Theatre presents
The Boys in the Photograph
Date: Wed 8 – Sat 11 Feb
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: ISLAND Hall
Cost: Wed £10, Thurs £12, Fri & Sat £14
“ Those boys in the photograph, where will they be years from now……..”
ISLAND favourites, Fusion Theatre,bring you this Ireland premiere of a tale of love and peace set in West Belfast at the start of ‘The Troubles’,charting the story of a group of young people and how they are affected by the erupting violence.
‘The Beautiful Game’, written by Ben Eltonand Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has recently been rewritten as ‘The Boys in the Photograph’.
Director Ian Milford and the Fusionteam are delighted to have been working directly with the writers to bring you this moving and thought-provoking production.
N.B. The subject matter may not be suitable for children under 14. Contains some strong language, adult material and strobe lighting.
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Celtic Airs and Graces
Flautist Karin Leitner
Harpist Cormac de Barra
Date: Sat 11 Feb
Time: 8pm
Cost: £12/£10 con
An evening of romantic, evocative and atmospheric music from this celebrated duo. This uplifting collection of music features Irish Airs, haunting Celtic melodies, lively jigs and reels, as well as classical gems and virtuoso pieces that date from past centuries right up to the present day.
Austrian Karin Leitner is a world renowned flautist. She is soloist with the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Vienna Mozart Orchestra, and Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra amongst others; and Principal Flute and Piccolo in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra.
Cormac de Barra, who plays with Clannad, Moya Brennan, Enya and Hazel O'Connor, is one of Ireland’s finest harpists. He studied concert harp in the USA with Leone Paulson, a Julliard graduate and student of the world famous harpist, Carlos Salzedo.
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The Mary Ryan Blues Trio
Date: Sat 18 Feb
Time: 8pm
Cost: £10/ £8 con
Gospel Blues singer Mary Ryan, Roots Blues singer and guitarist Mark Braidner and Ragtime pianist Simon Templeton perform Delta & Gospel blues from the 1920s onwards: Vaudeville ballads, the ‘old time’ Blues of Mississippi Fred McDowell and Willie McTell, the Gospel Blues of Blind Willie Johnson and the Classic Blues of Memphis Minnie and Bessie Smith.
Mary Ryan is a gifted interpreter of Gospel ballads, her soulful voice is rooted in the traditional. She has performed in film, theatre and TV.
Mark Braidner from Belfast sings and plays Blues guitar like he's walked straight out of the Mississippi Delta. With a passion for ‘pre war’ blues, his mastery of styles ranges from Ragtime and Hokum to slide guitar.
PianistSimon Templeton has developed a unique Ragtime style. He was introduced to Stride Piano by his grandfather, a Scott Joplin fan who left him his collection of sheet music from the 30s and 40s.
The trio performs ‘old time’ blues and songs of the freight-train hopping singers who travelled from Beale Street to New Orleans.
‘Mary Ryan’s voice is a refined crystalline instrument. From the opening gospel verve of Washington Philips’ ‘Denomination Blues’ to the lonesome ‘Motherless Children’, she delves deep beneath the surface of the song and unearths a reading that is all her own . . .’ Irish Times
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Green Shoot Productions presents
Brothers in Arms
Written by Sam Millar
Directed by Martin Lynch
Date: Thurs 23 Feb
Time: 8pm
Cost: £12/£10 con
Following the sell-out successes of Chronicles of Long Kesh and Over the Bridge, Green Shoot Productions’ latest work tells the story of two brothers, Frank and Michael Mullan - one a dissident republican, the other a Sinn Fein MLA – who come together to bury their father. Despite their mother’s pleas to let their father rest in peace, old resentments rise to the surface.
Frank spent fourteen years in Long Kesh, experiencing the H Blocks and the hunger-strike era. Now, out of prison, he has deteriorating health, no marriage and no job. In contrast, Michael, who was interned briefly, is a successful politician and one of the rising stars in Sinn Fein. As the political animosity between the two brothers becomes more personal, shameful family secrets are brought out into the open....
Brothers in Arms is an unflinching exploration of the republican movement and the challenges it currently faces. With one section of republicans at the heart of the Stormont government and another planting bombs and shooting policemen, this play takes an explosive look at what this split means, not only to the Mullan family, but to the future of Northern Ireland.
Audio Description
In partnership with Lisburn in Focus this performance will be audio described. For further information, please contact Lisburn in Focus on
028 92600388 or email
Performance contains strong language and adult material
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Ronnie Greer Blues Band
Date: Sat 25 Feb
Time: 8pm
Cost: £12.50
Lisburn's own award winning blues guitar legend Ronnie Greer (Special Achievement Award - 2010 Woodstock Blues Festival)has been at the centre of the Irish blues scene for over 40 years now, having shared stages with some of the music's top names, including Dr. John, Memphis Slim, and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee.
Ronnie brings his powerhouse band back to the Island, featuring some of the top musicians in the country. Slide guitarist and vocalist Anthony Toner, and keyboard wizard John McCullough, combine with bass guitarist Alan Hunter and drummer Colm Fitzpatrick to provide the perfect foil for Ronnie's searing Chicago blues and jazz influenced guitar playing, which has been critically acclaimed as world class.
Expect a night of blues, roots and a little jazz based music, played with style and conviction, by the best in the business.
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Randall Stephen Hall and the Moon Shed
Date: Fri 2 Mar
Time: 8pm
Cost: £10/£8 con
Listeners to Gerry Anderson’s BBC radio show may well already know the treat that is Randall Stephen Hall and the Moon Shed. For those of you who don’t know the band, expect plenty of fine music and banter influenced by a mixture of Irish Folk, Ulster Scots, Americana and a wee dab of funk!
Since getting airplay on the Gerry Anderson ShowBBC Radio Foyle/ Radio Ulster in 2010, Stephen Hallhas been playing locally, taking his popular songs out for a stroll.
Musicians Rohan Young (bodhrán), Barry Tipping (guitar) and Michael Sands (banjo) accompany Stephen to kick up the dust and rattle your keks with such titles as ‘The Wee Wee Man’, ‘Biscuits’, ‘Get Your Pig On’, ‘The Reiver and the Gael’ and ‘Dancing on the Red Road’.
Ian Keable presents
Funny Tricks
...a one man comedy magic show
Date: Wed 7 Mar
Time: 8pm
Cost: £10/£8 con
Fresh from his triumphant Conjuring Up Comedy, Ian presents his new one man show - Funny Tricks. Here Ian, a recent recipient of the prestigious Magic Circle Comedy Award, explains and illustrates some of the techniques he uses to mystify his audience. Is the hand really quicker than the eye? is it all done with mirrors or does everything disappear up the sleeve?
Throughout the show Ian performs a multitude of different tricks demonstrating these secrets. He ranges from sleight of hand to traditional conjuring props to reading minds but all have one feature in common - they are all performed with laughs galore.
With a baffling array of new, never before seen tricks this is a magical treat for everybody to enjoy. Whether you have previously laughed and been astounded, or if you are a newcomer to Ian’s unique style, it’s a show most definitely not to be missed.
‘The audience were delighted with the magic and comedy of Ian Keable. The clever, funny and inclusive act had everyone enthralled as Ian took them on a journey of magic tricks and illusion, seeming to answer their unspoken questions.’ Cornishman
‘...simply mind-boggling’ Islington Gazette
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Ulster Orchestra presents
Baroque Brilliance
Date: Thurs 8 Mar
Time: 8pm
Cost: £15/ £12.50 con
Join the Ulster Orchestra and its Leader, Tamás Kocsis, for an evening of Baroque favourites including Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Handel’s much loved Water Music.
Now in its 46th Season, Northern Ireland’s only professional symphony orchestra has established itself as one of the United Kingdom and Ireland’s major orchestras. Based in Belfast and one of Northern Ireland’s cultural cornerstones, the Ulster Orchestra performs at venues across the region, as well as the National Concert Hall in Dublin and Royal Albert Hall in London.