AU T UMN/ WIN T ER 2026
W W W.PAVILIONTHEATRE.IE 1
Autumn/Winter 2026 Sat 19 Sep
August - September Thu 27 Sun 30 Aug Thu 27 Aug Fri 28 Aug
Sat 29 Aug Sun 30 Aug Tue 1 Sep Wed 2 Sep Thu 3 Sep Fri 4 & Sat 5 Sep Sun 6 Sep Mon 7 Sep Tue 8 Sep Wed 9 Sep Thu 10 Sep Fri 11 & Sat 12 Sep Sat 12 Sep Sun 13 Sep Sun 13 Sep Mon 14 Sep Tue 15 Sep Wed 16 Sep Thu 17 Sep
Fri 18 Sep
2
COLOUR GUIDE
Julia Donaldson’s Tales from Acorn Wood Exhibition on Screen: David Hockney André Rieu’s 2026 Summer Concert: Viva Maastricht! Bat Out of Hell: The Musical Paul Howard John Spillane Wallis Bird Celine Byrne Jarlath Regan
Sat 19 Sep
Aindrias de Staic: By the Light of the Silvery Moon The Christophers To Hell in A Handbag Folk Fest: Pentangle Folk Fest: Bright Phoebus Revisited Folk Fest: Bonnie “Prince” Billy Folk Fest: Andy Irvine Folk Fest: Ellie O’Neill Folk Fest: Destroyer A Private Life Exhibition on Screen: James McNeill Whistler Hello Charlie by Caoimhe Farren Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Pauline Scanlon, Tom Morrow & John Doyle Culture Night
Mon 5 Oct Mon 12 Oct Tue 13 Oct Wed 14 Sun 18 Oct
THEATRE
MUSIC
DANCE
National Theatre Live: The Playboy of the Western World Big Screen Musicals: Girl from the North Country Dr Richard Hogan Power Ballad Opera Collective Ireland: Mansfield Park Cactus Pears Dublin Theatre Festival: REFUGE by Deirdre Kinahan
Sun 20 Sep Mon 21 Sep Fri 25 Sun 27 Sep Mon 28 Sep Wed 30 Sep – Sun 11 Oct
October
Mon 19 Oct Tue 20 & Wed 21 Oct Thu 22 Oct Fri 23 Sun 25 Oct Sat 24 Oct Sun 25 Oct Mon 26 Oct Tue 27 Oct Wed 28 Oct Thu 29 Oct Fri 30 Oct Sat 31 Oct
CINEMA
Rebuilding Primavera Lambert Decadent Theatre Company: NUALA by Hugo Hamilton Familiar Touch Shawn Colvin Bill Laurance Dinosaur World Live National Theatre Live: The Misanthrope Radiohead x Nosferatu Kokuho Daoirí Farrell Trio Martin Taylor Dr David Coleman Sophie Hutchings Solve-Along-A-MurderShe-Wrote
LITERARY
COMEDY
Calendar of Events November Sun 1 Nov Mon 2 Nov Tue 3 Nov Wed 4 Nov Thu 5 Nov Fri 6 & Sat 7 Nov Sun 8 Nov Mon 9 Nov Wed 11 Sat 14 Nov Sun 15 Nov Mon 16 Nov Tue 17 Nov Wed 18 Nov Thu 19 Nov Sat 21 & Sun 22 Nov Mon 23 Nov Tue 24 Nov Thu 26 Fri 27 Nov Sat 28 Nov
Sun 29 Nov Mon 30 Nov
December Kristin Hersh Dead Man’s Wire Unreconciled by Jay Sefton & Mark Basquill Claire Martin & Jim Mullen Group Andy Irvine & Quilty Shirley Valentine Dún Laoghaire Comedy Festival: David McSavage Romería St Patrick’s Dramatic Society: Noises Off Desnuda: Flamenco from Seville Pressure Cheng² Duo Altan Sinéad Culbert Good Girls by Clare Monnelly Nino Claudio Constantini ADRIFT by Deirdre Kinahan An Evening with Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Tom Dunne & Alan Connor Andy Fairweather Low & the Low Riders The Blue Trail
Tue 1 & Wed 2 Dec Thu 3 Dec Fri 4 Dec Sat 5 Dec
Sun 6 Dec Mon 7 Dec Tue 8 & Wed 9 Dec Thu 10 Dec Fri 11 Dec Sat 12 Dec
Sun 13 Dec
Mon 14 Dec Wed 16 Dec Thu 17 Dec Fri 18 Dec Sun 3 Jan Fri 18 Dec Sat 19 Dec Sun 20 Dec
ABBA Forever Dolan Family Dublin Gospel Choir An Evening with Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Tom Dunne & Alan Connor Phil Coulter Just an Illusion Cosima with Mary Murray Ken O’Sullivan: Stories From the Sea Ryan Tubridy: The Bookshelf Live Iarla Ó Lionáird with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh & Cormac McCarthy André Rieu’s 2026 Christmas Concert: Let It Snow Bitter Christmas Eimear Quinn The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show It’s a Wonderful Life Elf Home Alone
Spring/Summer 2027 See Pages 47 – 50 for even more great events on sale now, and check paviliontheatre.ie regularly for the most up-to-date schedule.
TALKS
COMMUNITY
FAMILY/SCHOOLS
OFFSITE
3
MONDAY NIGHT CINEMA Love film? Get a great deal with our MONDAY NIGHT CINEMA SEASON TICKET
PRESENTS
MONDAY
NIGHT CINEMA
The Christophers
★★★★★ “The onscreen chemistry of the year” The Guardian ★★★★★ “A masterclass” The Times
For just €142.50 (incl. booking fee), this season ticket guarantees you entry to 15 weeks of Monday Night Cinema this season. That’s just €9.50 per film! For more information or to buy your season ticket, visit paviliontheatre.ie or call us on (01) 231 2929 Please Note: season ticket available to purchase until Mon 21 Sep. Special screenings not included in season ticket. All screenings are subject to licence/change.
Mon 7 Sep, 5pm* & 8pm €10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available English | Cert: 15A | 2025 | 100mins
In Steven Soderbergh’s (Erin Brockovich) slick and playful black comedy, the greedy children of reclusive British artist Julian Sklar (the legendary Ian McKellen) hire a talented “assistant” (Michaela Coel) to secretly complete an unfinished series of Sklar’s paintings – with a view to selling the forgeries after his death. Both leads are superb as two stubborn, talented and frustrated characters caught up in an COUNTY increasingly messy scheme. WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO DÚN LAOGHAIRE RATHDOWN COUNCIL
A Private Life
Mon 14 Sep, 5pm & 8pm
(Vie privée)
€10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available
Best Actress Nominee, Lumière Awards 2026
French & English | Cert: 15A | 2025 | 104mins
★★★★★ “Foster is a (French-speaking) marvel” The Times
Jodie Foster (Silence of the Lambs) - speaking fluent French throughout - leads the cast of Rebecca Zlotowski’s new film. Dr. Lillian Steiner, an American psychotherapist living in Paris, finds herself investigating the suspicious death of one of her patients. Part psychological character study and part Hitchcockian suspense thriller, this is a thoroughly enjoyable mystery with some of contemporary French cinema’s finest actors starring alongside Foster.
Power Ballad
Mon 21 Sep, 5pm* & 8pm
★★★★ “[A] warm, charming film” Irish Times
€10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available
Best Film, Boulder International Film Festival 2026
English | Cert: 15A | 2026 | 94mins
Irish director John Carney’s delightful new film is a worthy follow up to his previous hits like Once and Sing Street. One year after wedding singer Rick Power (Paul Rudd) and ex-boyband star Danny Wilson (Nick Jonas) hit it off at a reception, Rick is shocked to discover Danny’s comeback hit is a song he wrote – and he risks everything to get the credit he deserves. 4
*Includes Open Captions for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, displaying subtitled dialogue and other information not conveyed in speech.
Monday Night Cinema – Season Ticket Available
Cactus Pears
Mon 28 Sep, 5pm & 8pm
★★★★ “Puppet[s] heartstrings” The Irish Times
€10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available
Grand Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival 2025
Marathi | Cert: Club | 2025 | 112mins
Loosely based on his own experiences, this impressive first feature from writer-director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade provides a fascinating insight into funeral traditions and cultural practices in rural India, alongside a sensitive exploration of loss, class and forbidden love. After his father’s death, Mumbai call centre worker Anand returns to his village for mourning rituals. Reconnecting with childhood friend Balya, a tender bond forms.
Rebuilding
Mon 5 Oct, 5pm* & 8pm
★★★★★ “One of the best films of the year” Irish Examiner €10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available Best Film Nominee, Seattle International Film Festival 2025
English | Cert: PG | 2025 | 96mins
After a wildfire destroys his home, divorced father and ranch owner Dusty (Josh O’Connor, The Crown) must plant new roots. Now living in a close-knit trailer community, he quietly reassembles his life, reconnecting with his estranged young daughter and ex-wife (Meghann Fahy). From filmmaker Max Walker-Silverman and also starring Oscar-winner Amy Madigan, Rebuilding is a heartfelt portrait of resilience and human connection in the wake of loss.
Primavera
Mon 12 Oct, 5pm & 8pm
★★★★ “Soulful Venetian drama” The Times
€10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available
3 Wins & 3 Nominations, David di Donatello Awards 2026
Italian | Cert: 15A | 2025 | 110mins
World-renowned opera director Damiano Michieletto delivers this fictionalised account of Antonio Vivaldi’s time as resident composer and violin teacher at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, where he composed most of his major works - told from the perspective of one of his most talented female students. An exceptional example of centring a woman’s story in an historically patriarchal society, modernising a tale never previously told.
Familiar Touch
Mon 19 Oct, 5pm* & 8pm €10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available
★★★★★ “Kathleen Chalfant is wonderful” The Guardian ★★★★★ “Intimate and dignified” The Irish Times English | Cert: Club | 2024 | 92mins
Sarah Friedland’s debut feature follows Ruth (an extraordinary Kathleen Chalfant), an older woman experiencing the onset of dementia who is moved to an assisted living facility by her son. Frustrated by her restricted freedom, Ruth remains determined to make the most of her new life - bringing her culinary skills to the kitchen and forming warm bonds with her caregivers. Elegant, gentle and surprisingly funny. 5
Monday Night Cinema – Season Ticket Available
Kokuho (国宝)
★★★★ “Heartfelt drama” The Guardian
Best Makeup & Hairstyling Nominee, Oscars 2026
Mon 26 Oct, 3.30pm & 7.30pm (note earlier start times) €10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available Japanese | Cert: 15A | 2025 | 175mins
The highest-grossing Japanese live action film of all time, Oscar nominee, and winner of 10 Japanese Academy Film Prizes, Kokuho is an epic drama about friendship, love and the cost of fame and ambition. After his yakuza father is killed in a raid by a rival gang, aspiring teenage actor Kikuo is taken under the wing of iconic kabuki star Hanai Hanjiro II, whose son he befriends.
Dead Man’s Wire ★★★★★ “Bill Skarsgård is mesmerising” The Times Best Director, Denver Film Festival 2025
Mon 2 Nov, 5pm & 8pm €10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available English | Cert: 15A | 2025 | 104mins
The new thriller from Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting) dramatises a real-world kidnapping incident from 1977. In Indianapolis, an aggrieved customer Tony Kiritsis took his mortgage broker hostage at gunpoint, leading to a multi-day televised stand-off. Van Sant’s take on the story is tense, surreal and darkly comic, with excellent performances from a cast including Bill Skarsgård (Nosferatu), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing) and Al Pacino.
Romería ★★★★★ “Dazzling coming-of-age tale” Financial Times Palme d’Or Nominee, Cannes Film Festival 2025
Mon 9 Nov, 5pm* & 8pm €10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available Spanish & Catalan | Cert: 15A | 2025 | 111mins
Acclaimed Spanish director Carla Simón (Summer 1993, Alcarràs) once again brings her distinctive style to this intimate, intelligent and compelling drama. Marina, 18, lost both her parents when she was very young. To secure a signature for a scholarship application, she travels to Spain’s Atlantic coast to find her estranged grandparents, unravelling her family’s hidden past. Another extraordinary and beautifully crafted piece of work from an instinctive filmmaker.
Pressure
Mon 16 Nov, 5pm* & 8pm
★★★★ “Terrifically tense” Time Out ★★★★ “Frantically satisfying” Arizona Republic
€10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available English | Cert: 12A | 2026 | 100mins
Starring Andrew Scott (Vanya, 1917) and Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin) this tense, intelligent wartime drama revisits one of the most pivotal moments in World War II. Early June, 1944. As Allied leaders secretly prepare for D-Day, accomplished meteorologist Gp Capt. James Stagg must convince under-pressure leaders such as Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower (Brendan Fraser) that failure to heed his storm forecast could be catastrophic. 6
*Includes Open Captions for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, displaying subtitled dialogue and other information not conveyed in speech.
Monday Night Cinema – Season Ticket Available
Nino ★★★★ “Gutsy, life-affirming” The Irish Times Best First Film, César Awards 2026
Mon 23 Nov, 5pm & 8pm €10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available French | Cert: 15A | 2026 | 97mins
This accomplished film from Pauline Loquès is a thoughtful and empathetic drama, with a subtle lead performance from Canadian actor Théodore Pellerin. On the eve of his 29th birthday, Nino is diagnosed with cancer. As he meets with friends, family, old acquaintances, and strangers, Nino reckons with the uncertainty that lies ahead while also opening up to new perspectives on his life and future.
The Blue Trail
Mon 30 Nov, 5pm & 8pm
(O Último Azul)
€10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available
Silver Bear, Berlin International Film Festival 2025
Portuguese | Cert: 15A | 2025 | 86mins
★★★★ “A minor masterpiece” The Irish Times
Part adventure film, part dystopian sci-fi and part coming of (old) age story, The Blue Trail is the vibrant and playful new film from acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker Gabriel Mascaro (Neon Bull). In the near future, older Brazilians are sent to distant “colonies” for their final years. Teresa, 77, rejects this fate; escaping authorities, she travels down the Amazon by boat to find a different kind of retirement.
Just an Illusion (Juste une illusion)
★★★★★ “Moving and nostalgic” Le Figaro ★★★★★ “Touching comedy” Le Parisien
Mon 7 Dec, 5pm & 8pm €10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available French | Cert: 12A | 2026 | 116mins
Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano, directors of The Intouchables, return with this funny and charming study of 1980s family life. Vincent, 13, lives with his family in a suburban apartment block, unaware that his father has recently lost his job and is hiding it. Meanwhile, Vincent navigates the highs and lows of early adolescence and his very first crush. A lovingly nostalgic crowd-pleaser with a rich 80s soundtrack.
Bitter Christmas (Amarga Navidad)
★★★★ “Darkly compelling” Financial Times
Palme d’Or & Queer Palm Nominee, Cannes 2026
Mon 14 Dec, 5pm* & 8pm €10/9 (+ booking fee) | Season Ticket Available Spanish | Cert: 15A | 2026 | 111mins
Oscar-winner Pedro Almodóvar appears to have made one of his most candid and self-reflective works yet… or has he? Filmmaker Raúl is working on a film about troubled director Elsa, beset by panic attacks and writer’s block. But Elsa’s story is being dictated by Raúl’s real-life emotional and relationship crises. Bitter Christmas proves another delightfully twisty and playful addition to the Spanish master’s oeuvre. 7
MATINÉE LISTINGS
Do you prefer an earlier performance? We’ve got a great selection of matinées this season to brighten up your afternoons.
Aindrias de Staic By the Light of the Silvery Moon
Decadent Theatre Company LITERARY & MUSIC
Sun 6 Sep, 3pm €26 (+ booking fee) See page 14 for more information
THEATRE
Sat 17 Oct, 2.30pm | Sun 18 Oct, 4pm €27 (+ booking fee) See page 27 for more information
Andy Irvine as part of Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival
NUALA by Hugo Hamilton
MUSIC
Solve-Along-AMurder-She-Wrote
COMEDY LITERARY & CINEMA
Interactive Halloween Screening
Sat 12 Sep, 2pm €32 (+ booking fee) See page 19 for more information
Sat 31 Oct, 2.30pm €25 (+ booking fee) See page 31 for more information
Ellie O’Neill
as part of Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival
Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine MUSIC
Livin’ Dred & Once Off Productions
Opera Collective Ireland THEATRE & MUSIC
Sun 27 Sep, 3pm €33/30 (+ booking fee) See page 23 for more information
as part of Dublin Theatre Festival 2026
Sat 3 & 10 Oct, 2.30pm | Sun 4 & 11 Oct, 4pm €39 (+ booking fee) See page 25 for more information
8
Good Girls by Clare Monnelly Sun 22 Nov, 2.30pm €26/24 (+ booking fee) See page 36 for more information
Fishamble & Staatstheater Mainz
REFUGE by Deirdre Kinahan
THEATRE
Sat 7 Nov, 2.30pm €25/23 (+ booking fee) See page 34 for more information
Sun 13 Sep, 2pm €24 (+ booking fee) See page 19 for more information
Mansfield Park
Starring Norma Sheahan
THEATRE MUSIC
THEATRE
EVENT CINEMA & SPECIAL SCREENINGS
In addition to our regular Monday Night Cinema, we also have a variety of special screenings and event cinema from the worlds of theatre, musicals, opera, ballet and art… Exhibition on Screen
National Theatre Live: Encore
David Hockney at the Royal Academy of Arts
The Misanthrope
Thu 27 Aug, 8pm €13/11 (+ booking fee)
by Martin Crimp after Molière
Sat 24 Oct, 8pm €16/14 (+ booking fee)
Concert Screening
Silents Synced Screening
André Rieu’s 2026 Summer Concert
Radiohead x Nosferatu
Fri 28 Aug, 7.30pm €16/14 (+ booking fee)
Sun 25 Oct, 7.30pm €13/11 (+ booking fee)
Musical Screening
Concert Screening
Bat Out of Hell – The Musical
André Rieu’s 2026 Christmas Concert
Viva Maastricht!
A Symphony of Horror
Let it Snow
Sat 29 Aug, 8pm €16/14 (+ booking fee) Handa Opera (Encore Screening)
Verdi’s La Traviata on Sydney Harbour
Tue 15 Dec, 7pm €16/14 (+ booking fee) The Royal Ballet (Encore Screening)
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker
Sun 6 Sep, 7.30pm €16/14 (+ booking fee)
Thu 17 Dec, 7pm €16/14 (+ booking fee)
Exhibition on Screen
Christmas Movies
James McNeill Whistler
It’s a Wonderful Life
Tue 15 Sep, 8pm €13/11 (+ booking fee)
Fri 18 Dec, 8pm €10/9 (+ booking fee)
National Theatre Live: Encore
Christmas Movies
The Playboy of the Western World
Elf
by JM Synge
Sat 19 Sep, 2pm €16/14 (+ booking fee)
Sat 19 Dec, 5.30pm Child €7, Adult €9, Family €28 (+ booking fee)
Big Screen Musicals
Christmas Movies
Girl from the North Country
Home Alone
Music & lyrics by Bob Dylan
Sat 19 Sep, 7.30pm €16/14 (+ booking fee)
Sun 20 Dec, 5.30pm Child €7, Adult €9, Family €28 (+ booking fee)
9
Norwell Lapley Productions Ltd
Tales from Acorn Wood
FAMILY
Based on the favourite stories by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler Thu 27 Aug, 3pm | Fri 28 Aug, 2pm* & 4.30pm | Sat 29 Aug, 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm | Sun 30 Aug, 11am & 2pm
€21 (+ booking fee) Family €72 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 55mins (no interval) | Age Guidance: 2yrs+ | *Relaxed performance
Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Tales from Acorn Wood stories are brought to life on stage for the first time in an enchanting lift-the-flap experience. Poor old Fox has lost his socks! Are they in the kitchen or inside the clock? And Rat-a-tat-tat! Who’s that keeping tired Rabbit awake? You can also join in with Pig and Hen’s game of hideand-seek and discover the special surprise Postman Bear is planning for his friends. Packed full of toe-tapping songs, puppetry, and all the friends from Acorn Wood, this beautiful show from the team that brought you Dear Zoo Live! promises to be the perfect treat for children of all ages. ★★★★★ “A magical adventure” What’s Good to Do
“A delightful, fun show” The Reviews Hub “I am sure this production will delight children and families” Julia Donaldson 10 10
Exhibition on Screen
David Hockney at the Royal Academy of Arts
CINEMA
A Bigger Picture 2012 & 82 Portraits and One Still Life 2016
Thu 27 Aug, 8pm | €13/11 (+ booking fee) Duration: 85mins
To celebrate the life of David Hockney (1937–2026), Exhibition on Screen’s 2017 film returns to cinemas for a limited run. Widely considered Britain’s most popular artist, Hockney was a global sensation whose exhibitions attracted millions worldwide. Featuring intimate interviews with the artist, Phil Grabsky’s revealing film focuses on two blockbuster exhibitions held at London’s Royal Academy of Art in 2012 and 2016. ★★★★★ “There could be no better tribute” The Reviews Hub “[An] illuminating documentary portrait” The Guardian
Concert Screening
André Rieu’s 2026 Summer Concert Viva Maastricht!
Fri 28 Aug, 7.30pm | €16/14 (+ booking fee) Duration: 177mins (incl. interval)
CINEMA & COMEDY MUSIC
This year, André Rieu celebrates a spectacular milestone - the 20th anniversary of his iconic summer concerts on the magnificent Vrijthof square. Captured live in his beloved hometown, this cinema event marks two decades of music and unforgettable magical summer nights. Joined by his world-renowned Johann Strauss Orchestra and a vibrant ensemble of artists, André brings the spirit, culture, and warmth of his hometown to life in a dazzling new concert filled with emotion and wonder. “For 20 years, Rieu’s concerts have showcased a musical magnetism that never fails to thrill” The Irish Times
Musical Screening
Bat Out of Hell – The Musical
Featuring Jim Steinman & Meat Loaf’s Greatest Hits Sat 29 Aug, 8pm | €16/14 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 135mins (incl. interval)
*Photo: Anthony O’Connor
CINEMA & COMEDY THEATRE
Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s iconic anthems come to the big screen! This heart-pounding West End production, with a powerhouse eight-piece live band, brings to life hits like I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That), Paradise By The Dashboard Light, and, of course, Bat Out of Hell. With sprawling multi-level platforms to transport you from Raven’s bedroom to the underground world of the Lost, it’s a visual feast that pushes the boundaries of live theatre. ★★★★★ “Gloriously over the top” The Independent ★★★★★ “One hell of a show” Metro 11
Dubray
Paul Howard in conversation with Matt Cooper
LITERARY COMEDY & TALKS
Live Path to Power Podcast Sun 30 Aug, 7.30pm | Ticket only €15 (+ booking fee) | Ticket + book* €30 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 80mins (no interval)
Dubray are delighted to present the brilliant creator of Ross O’Carroll-Kelly and bestselling author, Paul Howard, as he discusses his audacious new novel A Nation Once Again in a live interview with one of Ireland’s leading journalists Matt Cooper for his Path to Power podcast. A Nation Once Again is a smart, satirical, thought-provoking novel, following near-retired career diplomat Fiac O’Bric, who is strong-armed into managing a top-secret department attempting to prepare for a United Ireland. Journalist, author and comedy writer, Howard has topped the Irish bestseller charts and been awarded multiple awards for his work. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to hear him speak about his hilarious new novel followed by a book signing. “Ireland’s pre-eminent satirist” The Irish Times “One of the world’s funniest writers” Irish Independent “[A Nation Once Again] is hilarious, bang-on, even slightly disturbing - everything I love about Paul Howard’s writing” Roddy Doyle *Includes a signed copy of the of A Nation Once Again by Paul Howard.
12
In Bloom Agency
John Spillane
MUSIC
Tue 1 Sep, 8pm | €30 (+ booking fee)
John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer. Rooted in people, place and story, the Cork native’s music transports the listener, and his live performances captivate audiences around the world. He has an extensive back catalogue beginning with The Wells of the World (1997), and his songs have been covered by Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Sean Keane and many others. John is inspired by and encapsulates Irish traditional music in its contemporary form; his music is a reflection of Ireland today. Spillane’s latest release, his most artistically ambitious work to date: Fíoruisce – The Legend of the Lough, won Best Album at the 2025 RTÉ Folk Awards. “John Spillane, startlingly alive to the breath of nature, is among the last of the great bards” Hot Press
Photo: Claire Keogh
“World music for a new world” The Irish Times
Turning Pirate
Wallis Bird
MUSIC
Wed 2 Sep, 8pm | €30 (+ booking fee)
Wallis Bird has been enrapturing audiences for over a decade, playing over 1,000 shows in that time worldwide. She has won multiple international awards including two Irish Meteor Awards, and has also received a nomination for the Choice Music Prize. Her irrepressible energy on stage is one of her trademarks; even the Irish Times once noted it could “kickstart an entire economy”. In her music, Bird turns the spotlight onto herself, raising issues that are sometimes hard to confront. Among these are issues of trust, alcohol abuse, stagnation, self-censorship and self-improvement, some addressed through personal recollections of crucial moments accumulated over the last two years. Each, however, is delivered by a voice uncommonly blessed with joy, ingenuity and empathy. “It is her humour and bold honesty that makes Irish singersongwriter Bird so special” The Guardian
Photo: Rory Grubb
“Upbeat, assertive, unconventional and playful” Hot Press 13
Celine Byrne
MUSIC
Songs of Inspiration and Hope Thu 3 Sep, 8pm | €30 (+ booking fee)
Join world-renowned soprano Celine Byrne for a night of music from stage and screen with her new concert, Songs of Inspiration and Hope. She’ll be accompanied by her ensemble of David Munro on piano, Siobhán Lynch on cello and Nicole Hudson on violin. Expect iconic songs including What a Wonderful World, You’ll Never Walk Alone, Climb Every Mountain and Dream the Impossible Dream, along with popular arias and Irish songs. A night not to be missed.
Jarlath Regan (SOLD OUT)
COMEDY
Gas Man
Fri 4 & Sat 5 Sep, 8pm | €33 (+ booking fee) Age Guidance: Strictly 16yrs+
Ireland’s favourite comedian/Mammy translator, Jarlath Regan returns to the stage with a brand new show for 2026. The world knows and loves him for his hilarious daily clips, now it’s time for you to see this Gas Man in person for an evening packed to the gills with his unique brand of spot-on observational material and ridiculous stories. We are all going to need a laugh in 2026, and Jarlath is here to deliver it. “Downright hilarious… comedy genius” The Irish Times “A subtle yet sublime helping of observational wit” The Herald
Aindrias de Staic
LITERARY COMEDY & MUSIC
Sun 6 Sep, 3pm | €26 (+ booking fee)
A special afternoon of Irish stories for grown-ups told through words, sounds and music in the bardic style. Well known as a presenter on TG4, his comic turns on Hardy Bucks, and his viral interview on The Tommy Tiernan Show, De Staic has a unique style of storytelling; irreverent and bawdy, fast and furious. There is magic, myth and music as he interacts with percussionist Brian Fleming and harpist Aisling Lyons, who enhance each tale with a live sonic landscape.
By the Light of the Silvery Moon Age Guidance: 16yrs+
*Photo: Anthony O’Connor
14
“He breathes new life into the old tales – infusing them with musicality, rhythm and his unique insights on life” Manchán Magan
Handa Opera (Encore Screening)
Verdi’s La Traviata on Sydney Harbour Sun 6 Sep, 7.30pm | €16/14 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 145mins (incl. interval)
CINEMA COMEDY & MUSIC
Verdi’s hugely popular La Traviata returns to the Sydney Harbour water stage featuring a breathtaking soaring 9-metre high, 3.5-ton chandelier covered in 10,000 shimmering Swarovski crystals. This glamorous production was captured on location on Sydney Harbour in 2021 in front of a sold-out audience. La Traviata features timeless romantic arias, lively choreography, beautiful costumes and spectacular fireworks. ★★★★ “A triumph” Sydney Morning Herald ★★★★ “Dazzling fun and brilliantly staged” Bachtrack “An evening to remember” Time Out
Once Off Productions
To Hell in a Handbag by Helen Norton & Jonathan White
THEATRE
The Secret Live of Canon Chausable & Miss Prism
Photo: Ste Murray
Tue 8 Sep, 8pm | €25/23 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 60mins (no interval)
This subversively funny take on Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest returns for a 10th anniversary tour, having sold out previous runs in Ireland & the UK. While others are preoccupied with cucumber sandwiches and railway cloakrooms, two minor characters from Earnest are up to their necks in something else. A country rector and a governess, models of Victorian propriety in public. But in private? This is the play behind the play: a tale of blackmail, false identity… and money.
★★★★★ “A delight – beautifully written and acted” Mail on Sunday ★★★★ “Packs extraordinary amounts of plot and top-notch gags into a compact package” The Irish Times “Wickedly, side-splittingly funny” Sunday Independent “Altogether a hoot of an instant classic” The Observer
15
1616
Curator’s Note This is, in fact, the third edition of Dún Laoghaire Folk Festival, a project we started with the good people at Pavilion Theatre back in 2021 in the height of COVID when we were only allowed to have 50 people attend each show! Surreal times, but fond memories. We had a second edition in 2022, this time with full houses, and it’s great to be back after a 3-year gap supported by Pavilion Theatre’s Patron Donation Award. We’re greatly appreciative of the support they offer, not just to us, but to so many independent promoters, curators, performers and producers in this challenging climate for the arts. The mood of this curation is one of psychic happenstance, the existential properties of gloomfolk, the authentic voice, and some boring practical reasons I won’t go into. But it was also partly influenced by the topography and elemental energy of Dún Laoghaire itself. I often feel like coastal towns are at the coalface of climate, the harbour a portal to the humours of the outside world; one day a horizon of gentle sun-glitter as far as the eye can see, the next a tempestuous dance of wind, rain and wave. Whatever the disposition of the seasonal forces, Dún Laoghaire makes for an inspirational environment for music and singing, whether these artists are channelling the oral tradition or writing a new chapter of their own. It is with great gratitude we welcome overseas artists who have gone out of their way and routed their travel plans to visit our special little programme by the sea, including the great Bonnie “Prince” Billy whose songs we in Ireland hold great affection for. It’s such a privilege to welcome Jacqui McShee, co-founding member and original voice of Pentangle, the supergroup who defined the transcendence and eeriness of 1960s folk rock more than anyone. We also welcome back Destroyer’s Dan Bejar all the way from Vancouver, British Columbia, one of contemporary music’s great experimental storytellers for a rare solo set. Meanwhile, we will host Irish debuts for Dutch British songwriter Tessa Rose Jackson and the fascinating traditional music project Garefowl. Very special thanks to Campbell Baum of the wonderful folk revival collective Broadside Hacks for offering us the opportunity to celebrate Lal & Mike Waterson’s landmark album. Music history is littered with documents that are somehow out of sync with popular judgement and it’s usually a very good sign. Bright Phoebus is no exception. I’ve been fascinated with the Watersons ever since I watched Derrick Knight’s wonderful 1966 BBC documentary Travelling for a Living portraying the life of the Hull vocal quartet on the thriving English folk club circuit. Bright Phoebus comes much later when Lal and Mike Waterson reunited to record their songs in 1972 with an all-star supporting cast of contemporaries, creating an album that simultaneously offended folk purists and confounded the pop world at the time of release but has since been lauded as a groundbreaking blueprint for so much cross-pollinating music to follow. Our homegrown contingent draws from artists in various stages of their career. Andy Irvine needs no introduction to these parts, his legacy in folk music is unmatched. Brigid Mae Power is one of Ireland’s best kept songwriting secrets and a great interpreter of songs to boot. Cork born Dún Laoghaire resident Art Lorigan has quietly reinvented himself from a drummer of renown to a secret songwriter on the fringes of visibility. And it goes without saying, nothing excites us more than introducing new faces such as Roisín Gowen, Donegal’s Aongus and Cork’s Rua Rí. We hope you enjoy this year’s roll-call of musical personalities. Additional thanks to Dan MacDonald for his excellent artwork. All going well, we’ll be back next year with a completely different programme and a completely different mood.
Leagues O’Toole, Foggy Notions
17 17
DÚN LAOGHAIRE FOLK FESTIVAL 2026
Foggy Notions & Pavilion Theatre
Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle Wed 9 Sep, 8pm | €45 (+ booking fee)
MUSIC
Known for their brilliantly successful combination of traditional and non-traditional, Pentangle forged a whole new era in folk. Going way beyond traditional folk, they created a new music rooted in jazz, folk and blues. Founder member Jacqui McShee is the central link right back to the first days of the original band. Subsequent line-ups have always featured her unmistakeable voice and approach, with the best contemporary players interpreting the songs and music in ever more diverse ways. “By pulling together folk, jazz and blues into evocative, melodic albums, Pentangle were ahead of the curve” The Guardian
Foggy Notions & Pavilion Theatre
Broadside Hacks presents Bright Phoebus Revisited
MUSIC
Featuring Marry Waterson, Eliza Carthy, Daragh Lynch (Lankum), Matt Deighton, Martyn Barker & Ben Nicholls
Thu 10 Sep, 8pm | €36.50 (+ booking fee)
The London-based promoter and record label presents a celebration of Lal and Mike Waterson’s 1972 folk-noir masterpiece, featuring Marry Waterson, Eliza Carthy, and special guests Lankum’s Daragh Lynch, Matt Deighton, Martyn Barker, and Ben Nicholls. Bright Phoebus has long been recognised as one of British music’s legendary lost records. Following the parting of ways of The Watersons, Lal and Mike’s love of words allowed them to serve the needs of their songs in ways that weren’t possible when singing traditional songs. “A masterpiece... Imagine the most severe voices in folk music pitched against lush, boozy, crushingly tender instrumentals” The Guardian
Foggy Notions & Pavilion Theatre
Bonnie “Prince” Billy (SOLD OUT)
MUSIC
& special guests Garefowl & Brigid Mae Power Fri 11 & Sat 12 Sep, 8pm | €45 (+ booking fee)
Not his first time visiting Pavilion Theatre, Bonnie “Prince” Billy performed a mesmerizing set here in 2014. In fact, he’s been generously visiting Irish shores in various forms (Palace Brothers, Palace, Will Oldham, Bonny Billy) for 33 years, over the course of which he has nurtured a deep connection with Irish audiences. His latest album, We Are Together Again, was released in March. Joining him are Garefowl (Friday), inspired by the remote Scottish archipelago of St Kilda, and Irish dream-folk singer Brigid Mae Power (Saturday). “Superb, warm, involving” The Times
Photo: Urban Wyatt
1818
DÚN LAOGHAIRE FOLK FESTIVAL 2026
Foggy Notions & Pavilion Theatre
Andy Irvine
MUSIC
& special guests Tessa Rose Jackson & Roisín Gowen Sat 12 Sep, 2pm | €32 (+ booking fee)
Photos: Carina Hedlund, Bibian Bingen
No stranger to these parts, Andy is royalty in Irish folk music terms - although he would most likely not appreciate that metaphor. He is one-time member of Sweeney’s Men, Planxty, Patrick Street, Mozaik, LAPD, Usher’s Island, and compadre of Paul Brady amongst others. As a soloist, Andy fills the role of the archetypal troubadour with a show and a travelling lifestyle that reflect his lifelong influence, Woody Guthrie. He is joined by emerging indie singer-songwriter Gowen and Dutch-British folk artist Jackson. “One of Ireland’s most creative talents” The Boston Globe
Foggy Notions & Pavilion Theatre
Ellie O’Neill
MUSIC
& special guests Aongus & Rua Rí Sun 13 Sep, 2pm | €24 (+ booking fee)
Ellie O’Neill is an artist from Co. Meath whose music weaves a rich, diverse and tender landscape, traversing raw and intuitive explorations of intimacy and loss, friendship and queer identity. Her incredible debut album Time of Fallow is a luminous and deeply introspective body of work that moves through memory, grief, desire and self-reckoning with rare clarity. She is joined by genre-bending Donegal cellist, singer and multi-instrumentalist Aongus and Cobh singersongwriter Rua Rí whose songs reflect his seaside roots. “Gracefully join[s] the dots between Judee Sill and Laura Marling” The Irish Times
Foggy Notions & Pavilion Theatre
Destroyer
MUSIC
& special guest Art Lorigan Sun 13 Sep, 8pm | €32 (+ booking fee)
This is a rare solo performance from Destroyer’s Dan Bejar from Vancouver, British Columbia. Dan Bejar started Destroyer as a solo home-recording project in the early to mid-90s. Exploring and overturning genres such as glam, MIDI, yacht rock, and even underground Spanish independent artists, Bejar was proclaimed “Rock’s Exiled King” by The Fader. Destroyer’s 14th album Dan’s Boogie was released in 2025 was nominated for the Polaris Prize. He is joined by Corkborn, Dún Laoghaire-based drummer-turned-artist Art Lorigan. “Both doomily familiar and refreshingly modern” The Irish Times 19 19
Exhibition on Screen
James McNeill Whistler Tue 15 Sep, 8pm | €13/11 (+ booking fee) Duration: 90mins
CINEMA
Considered by some to be one of the great innovators of 19th-Century art, Whistler was a contemporary of the Impressionists, much admired by Van Gogh and Manet. Whistler disrupted the strict conventions of Victorian society in pursuit of a new cult of beauty. His most famous painting, commonly known as Whistler’s Mother, is a revered and often parodied portrait of motherhood. Tate Britain is now holding the first major retrospective of Whistler in three decades, which this film brings to the big screen. “A luscious, seductive blockbuster for the painter who scandalised Britain” The Guardian
Music Network
Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Pauline Scanlon, Tom Morrow & John Doyle Thu 17 Sep, 8pm | €27/25 (+ booking fee)
Culture Night 2026 Fri 18 Sep | Free Events (booking required)
20
MUSIC
Join us for an evening celebrating the beauty, depth and spirit of Irish music. Marking Music Network’s 40th anniversary, this exceptional collaboration features Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh and Pauline Scanlon, whose rich, emotive voices blend seamlessly. They are joined by Dervish fiddle player Tom Morrow and acclaimed guitarist John Doyle. Together, they bring fresh interpretations to cherished traditions, weaving exquisite harmonies, vibrant instrumentals and captivating storytelling into a truly memorable live performance that honours Ireland’s musical heritage.
CULTURE
Celebrate Culture Night 2026 at Pavilion Theatre! This will be the 21st edition of Culture Night, a unique, annual island-wide celebration of the arts, culture and creativity which showcases Ireland’s rich diversity through thousands of free events. It seeks to actively promote the belief that culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives every day. Throughout the day and night we’ll have a diverse mix of free events, with something to suit every age and interest. Keep an eye on our website for our full line-up of events: paviliontheatre.ie
SkelpieLimmer, Front and Centre & An Grianán Theatre in assoc. with Pavilion Theatre, Fishamble & The Lyric Theatre Belfast
Hello Charlie by Caoimhe Farren
THEATRE
Directed by Gina Donnelly & Seón Simpson Wed 16 Sep, 8pm | €28/26 (+ booking fee)
Approx. Duration: 120mins (incl. interval) | Age Guidance: 14yrs+ (mature themes)
Hello Charlie follows Sisters Maeve and Kate. They have fled their past trauma in Derry and now live in London. Hedonistic Maeve binge-drinks to oblivion; stoic Kate sees history repeating itself. But Maeve dodges culpability for her drunken antics; the blame clearly lies with her beloved, inebriated alter-ego: Charlie. A laugh out loud-dark-comedy about trauma, sisterhood and breaking the cycle of familial addiction that is courageous and fiercely original in its portrayal of alcoholism. Caoimhe Farren’s play was developed as part of The Lyric’s New Playwrights Programme. It was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Playwriting, and a finalist for the Victoria Wood Playwriting Prize for Comedy. It was further developed as part of the inaugural Front and Centre playwrighting symposium, gaining partnership with the multi-award-winning fringe stalwarts SkelpieLimmer, and longstanding North-West producing house An Grianán Theatre. “Funny, fearless and thought provoking. Hello Charlie is an incredible piece of work and Caoimhe Farren is a remarkable new voice” Lisa McGee, creator of Derry Girls Supported by a Pavilion Theatre Patron Donation Award. 21 21
National Theatre Live: Encore
The Playboy of the Western World by JM Synge | Directed by Caitríona McLaughlin Sat 19 Sep, 2pm | €16/14 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 150mins (incl. interval)
CINEMA & THEATRE
Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton) joins Éanna Hardwicke (Saipan) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) in JM Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery. Pegeen Flaherty’s life is turned upside down when a young man walks into her pub claiming that he’s killed his father. Instead of being shunned, the killer becomes a local hero and begins to win hearts, that is until a second man unexpectedly arrives on the scene… Caitríona McLaughlin directs this darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets. “Gorgeously acted” Financial Times “Full of rich and elegant imagery” Evening Standard
Big Screen Musicals
Girl from the North Country
Written & directed by Conor McPherson | Music & lyrics by Bob Dylan Sat 19 Sep, 7.30pm | €16/14 (+ booking fee) Duration: 150mins (incl. interval) | Cert: 15A
CINEMA & THEATRE
Written and directed by celebrated Irish playwright Conor McPherson (The Weir), Tonywinning Broadway hit Girl from the North Country reimagines 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan as they’ve never been heard before, including All Along the Watchtower, Hurricane, and Like a Rolling Stone. It’s 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota. We meet a group of wayward travellers, brought to vivid life by extraordinary actors, whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life, and hope. ★★★★★ “Tremendous” The Irish Times ★★★★★ “Depression-era dynamite” The Guardian
Lisa Richards
Dr Richard Hogan
TALKS
Parenting the Screenager
Sun 20 Sep, 7.30pm | €25 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 90mins (no interval)
Today’s teenagers are growing up in a fast-moving digital world, leaving many parents unsure how best to support them. Parenting the Screenager is a practical, engaging live show where leading psychotherapist Dr Richard Hogan (RTÉ’s Brenan O’Connor & Raised by the Village, Virgin Media’s Dinner with the Enemy) shares expert advice on navigating social media, anxiety, bullying, body image, exams and more. Through relatable stories and actionable strategies, parents will learn how to set healthy boundaries, reduce conflict and build stronger family connections. “Hogan felt compelled to write this book after his years of working with teenagers” The Irish Times
22
Photo: Patricio Cassinoni
Opera Collective Ireland
Mansfield Park
THEATRE MUSIC & MUSIC
Music by Jonathan Dove | Libretto by Alasdair Middleton
Fri 25 & Sat 26 Sep, 7.30pm | Matinée: Sun 27 Sep, 3pm | €33/30 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 125mins (incl. interval)
Opera Collective Ireland presents Mansfield Park, reimagined for today’s audiences in a contemporary adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel. Fanny Price stands at the centre of a world shaped by privilege, desire and tension, navigating shifting loyalties as she finds her voice. Ivor Novello winner Jonathan Dove’s sparkling score, with a libretto by Alasdair Middleton, features visionary direction by Patrick Mason with the 14-piece Opera Collective Ensemble conducted by David Parry. The opera is performed by a dazzling cast of ten led by Heather Sammon, Sean Boylan, Anna-Helena MacLachlan and Jamie Rock. Bold designs by Catherine Fay and Paul Keogan create a visually compelling world. Fresh, powerful and emotionally charged, this is Mansfield Park as you have not seen it before – direct and immediate, for Jane Austen readers, first-time opera goers, and those interested in contemporary theatre. “A most charming contemporary opera” Bachtrack “Captures the spirit of the original while making the story fit for the medium of opera” MusicOMH “Dove’s sparkling score propels the action forward with great energy” Opera Today 23 23
Photo: Andreas J Etter 24 24
Fishamble: The New Play Company & Staatstheater Mainz in assoc. with Pavilion Theatre & Lime Tree Theatre | Belltable
REFUGE by Deirdre Kinahan
THEATRE
Irish Premiere as part of Dublin Theatre Festival 2026 | Directed by Jim Culleton Wed 30 Sep – Sun 11 Oct | Evenings: Tue – Sat, 8pm | Matinées: Sat, 2.30pm & Sun, 4pm €39/35 (+ booking fee) | Approx. Duration: 80mins (no interval) | Age Guidance: 14yrs+
“Why are you here?” 1710, Rathkeale, County Limerick. The Palatine community flees persecution in Germany and is offered land in Ireland that should never have been given. REFUGE traces their journey and explores the enduring connections between displaced communities of the past and those seeking safety today. REFUGE is a thrilling new play that weaves past, present, and future. Produced by Fishamble (For Dolores, HEAVEN, KING) and Staatstheater Mainz, it is written by Deirdre Kinahan (OUTRAGE, The Saviour, Rathmines Road) and directed by Jim Culleton, whose productions for Fishamble have won Olivier, The Stage, Scotsman Fringe First, and Irish Times Best Director awards. REFUGE was a huge hit recently in Germany and has a limited run in Ireland before returning to Germany as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency Culture Programme. With an international cast of seven that includes Mary Murray (Cosima, Holy Mary) and Aidan Kelly (Say Nothing, Killing Eve, Poor), and live music played by Steve Wickham (The Waterboys), it tells the story of longing, love, and loss, and the human need to find a place, a home, a refuge. “A moving evening of theatre that intertwines historical and contemporary experiences of displacement” SWR “Quite a story, and one that hasn’t yet been told... Outstanding” Die Deutsche Buehne “The narrative skills vividly portray the subtle nuances and conflicting emotions” Nacht Kritik Co-produced by means of a Pavilion Theatre Patron Donation Award. REFUGE is presented as part of Ireland’s EU Presidency culture programme. Reading events supported by the Goethe-Institut. 25
25
Photo: Andreas Hornoff
Pavilion Theatre presents
Lambert
MUSIC
as part of WAVESeries Tue 13 Oct, 9pm | €32 (+ booking fee)
Lambert is a genre-blending, Berlin-based pianist and composer from Hamburg who has been known for more than a decade for his inventive versatility. To mark the release of his new album I Am Not Lambert, he returns to the stage for a special tour, coming to Dublin for a highly anticipated performance. This tour offers a rare opportunity to witness the masked performer’s unique blend of piano and production live as he explores the themes of his latest work. Lambert creates something magical with his music, touching on classical ideals and reworking tracks from a number of musical greats to create something new. He has played with ideas of identity for 9 albums now; though initially his mask derived from a wish to leave his past behind, he remains famously known as a masked performer.
“Manages to distill pop culture whilst taking elements from the classical world to create something mesmeric and enticing” Clash “One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen” A Closer Listen “One of the most original and forward-thinking contemporary jazz artists” Bluebird Reviews “Sublime jazz” Louder Than War 26 26
Decadent Theatre, Town Hall Theatre Galway & Pavilion Theatre present
NUALA by Hugo Hamilton
THEATRE
Dublin Premiere | Directed by Andrew Flynn Wed 14 – Sun 18 Oct | €27 (+ booking fee) Evenings: Wed – Sat, 8pm | Matinées: Sat, 2.30pm & Sun, 4pm
“I have friends and family, I am in this wonderful country, I have money, there is nothing much wrong with me except I am dying” NUALA, adapted from the novel Every Single Minute by Hugo Hamilton (The Speckled People), is an uplifting and heartbreaking account of Irish writer Nuala O’Faoláin’s (Are You Somebody?) trip to Berlin the month before she passed away from cancer. Touring the city for the first and last time, Úna strives still to understand the tragic death of her younger brother. At a performance of the opera Don Carlo, she realises the true cost of letting memory dictate the course of her life. NUALA is the story of a candid friendship, full of affection, humour and reconciliation, hard-won at last, with a stellar cast of five comprising Janet Moran, Tony Doyle, Molly Logan, Peter Gowen and Jarlath Tivnan. “Hamilton’s story, a slightly fictionalised account of his 2008 trip to the city with the dying Nuala O’Faoláin, is a tender one. It takes the reader to the heart of things… Ordinary moments take on great significance in this tale, which is as much about living in the moment as it is about revisiting the past” Sunday Times “Hamilton’s warm attentiveness makes this a loving homage to an indomitable woman” Metro 27
Old Flattop
Shawn Colvin
MUSIC
30 Years of A Few Small Repairs Tue 20 & Wed 21 Oct, 8pm | €39.50 (+ booking fee) Over the course of three decades, Shawn Colvin
has established herself as a captivating performer and a revered storyteller, well-deserving of the commendation of her peers and the devoted audiences who have been inspired by her artistry. Celebrating 30 years of her classic album A Few Small Repairs, Shawn returns to the UK and Ireland for a rare tour. As she enters her third decade as a songwriter and performer, Shawn continues to reaffirm her status as a vital voice in music. “Shawn Colvin’s musicianship, her immaculate singing and her eye for an acute lyric make her compelling company” The Times Music Network
Bill Laurance Thu 22 Oct, 8pm | €27/25 (+ booking fee)
MUSIC
Experience the electrifying sound world of Grammywinning pianist and composer Bill Laurance. A founding member of Snarky Puppy, he blends jazz, classical, electronica and groove into a distinctive musical voice. His latest album Lumen showcases rich, layered arrangements and expressive depth. Having collaborated with artists from David Crosby to Jacob Collier, Laurance brings dazzling virtuosity, soulful improvisation and boundless creativity to the stage in a truly unforgettable live performance this October. “Intimacy and grandiosity in equal measures” The Irish Times
National Theatre Live: Encore
The Misanthrope
by Martin Crimp after Molière | Starring Sandra Oh Sat 24 Oct, 8pm | €16/14 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 120mins (no interval)
28
CINEMA & MUSIC THEATRE
Emmy winner Sandra Oh (Killing Eve, Grey’s Anatomy) plays the title role in this razor-sharp reimagining of Molière’s classic dark comedy. Telling the truth isn’t always that simple. Alice, a brilliant novelist, despises the carefully constructed lies of modern society. But the more she challenges those around her, the fiercer the backlash becomes. Soon, she must confront the price of speaking her truth in a world that would rather silence her. Filmed live on stage, Indhu Rubasingham directs. ★★★★ “Gloriously off-kilter” Sunday Times ★★★★ “A glittering satire” Arts Desk
Dinosaur World Live
FAMILY
A Dino-Mite Adventure Direct from the West End! Fri 23 Oct, 3pm & 5.30pm | Sat 24 Oct, 11am, 2pm & 4.30pm | Sun 25 Oct, 11am & 2pm €21 (+ booking fee) | Age Guidance: 3yrs+ | Approx. Duration: 50mins (plus 15mins meet-and-greet)
Back by roaring demand, the Olivier Award-winning international smash hit Dinosaur World Live returns to Dún Laoghaire. Don’t miss this interactive adventure for all the family – featuring the biggest and best dinosaur puppets live on stage. Step into a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) creatures. Meet an incredible line-up of dinosaurs, including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, alongside a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus. A special meet-and-greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend. Packed with fun, dino-mite discoveries, this Jurassic adventure is not to be missed. Book before tickets become extinct! ★★★★ “A spectacular interactive show” OK! Magazine ★★★★ “The perfect family show. Educational and entertaining” The Reviews Hub 29
Silents Synced Screening
Radiohead x Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror Nosferatu (1922) soundtracked by Kid A & Amnesiac Sun 25 Oct, 7.30pm | €13/11 (+ booking fee) English | Cert: PG | 1922 | 90mins
CINEMA MUSIC & MUSIC
Silents Synced pairs classic silent movies with epic rock music. This reimagining of Nosferatu (1922) features Radiohead’s timeless Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) albums. An unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Nosferatu is the quintessential silent vampire film, crafted by director FW Murnau and starring Max Schreck as the terrifying Count Orlock. Don’t miss this iconic combination, back by popular demand! “FW Murnau’s celebrated silent-era vampire film has been given new life for the 21st Century” Los Angeles Times
Daoirí Farrell Trio
MUSIC
with Tim Doyle & Niall Preston
Tue 27 Oct, 8pm | €26 (+ booking fee)
A product of Dublin’s famous club An Góilin Traditional Singers, singer and bouzouki player Daoirí Farrell has gone from strength to strength. He can boast numerous honours from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and RTÉ Folk Award nominations to ALSR Celtic Music accolades. He has toured and played major folk festivals across the world, including at the National Folk Festival in Australia, in the USA as a guest singer for Lúnasa, and with Transatlantic Sessions across the UK. “The torch bearer for Irish folk song” The Irish Times
Old Flattop
Martin Taylor
MUSIC
with special guests Hugh Buckley & John Moriarty Wed 28 Oct, 8pm | €29.50 (+ booking fee)
The virtuoso of fingerstyle jazz guitar returns with a brand-new solo show celebrating the golden age of jazz through fresh and evocative arrangements of classic tunes from the Great American Songbook. Renowned internationally for his warm stage presence, dazzling fingerstyle technique, and unforgettable interpretations, Taylor has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning six decades, including collaborations with Stéphane Grappelli, Tommy Emmanuel, Chet Atkins and many more. An intimate, uplifting concert experience from one of the true greats of our time. “The best guitarist in the world” Jeff Beck
30
Dr David Coleman
TALKS
Ready for Anything: Building Emotional Resilience in Children & Teenagers Thu 29 Oct, 8pm | €31 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 110mins (no interval)
Today’s children and teenagers are growing up in a world that feels faster, louder and more pressurised than ever. Academic demands, social media pressures and every day challenges can overwhelm them. In this talk clinical psychologist, UCD professor, RTÉ broadcaster (21st Century Child) and author of Parenting is Child’s Play Dr David Coleman will show how you can help them discover that they can survive adversity, and thrive afterwards - delivered with his usual blend of expertise and humour. “Coleman offers sound psychological advice” The Irish Times
Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote Interactive Screening of the Episode “A Witch’s Curse”
COMEDY MUSIC & CINEMA
Sat 31 Oct, 2.30pm & 8pm | €25 (+ booking fee) The cult hit event Solve-Along-A-Murder-She120mins (incl. interval) | Age Guidance: 14yrs+ Wrote returns to Dún Laoghaire for Halloween with
an interactive screening of the spooky Murder, She Wrote episode “A Witch’s Curse”. A newcomer to Cabot Cove is suspected of witchcraft, but soon there’s a murder only Jessica Fletcher (or you!) can solve! Hosted by super-fan Tim Benzie, the show is a unique and hilarious night featuring games, prizes and audience participation, with special permission from NBC Universal Television. ★★★★★ “I’d go again in a heartbeat” Broadway World ★★★★ “Highly entertaining… even if you have never seen an episode” British Theatre Guide
Dictionary Pudding
Kristin Hersh Sun 1 Nov, 7.30pm | €30 (+ booking fee)
MUSIC
Kristin Hersh’s prolific career has seen her heralded as queen of the alternative release. The songwriter, guitarist and singer has released over 20 records to date with Throwing Muses, 50FOOTWAVE and as a solo artist. She is the author of an acclaimed memoir entitled Rat Girl (Paradoxical Undressing in the UK), which was named the eighth-greatest rock memoir of all time by Rolling Stone. Here, she celebrates the release of a new solo album in Autumn 2026. “One of indie rock’s most fascinating figures” The Guardian 31
Photo: Jess Gleeson
Pavilion Theatre presents
Sophie Hutchings
MUSIC
as part of WAVESeries
Fri 30 Oct, 8pm | €28 (+ booking fee)
Mercury KX recording artist Sophie Hutchings has quietly established herself among the top tier of the world’s contemporary classical musicians, releasing eight albums and achieving over 350m streams. She picked up her first ARIA Award, the most prestigious music award in Australia, in 2024, and she has been twice nominated for the respected Australian Music Prize. From her beachside studio in Sydney, Australia, her music has taken her around the world, touring internationally, opening for artists such as Ólafur Arnalds, Hauschka, Federico Albanese and Lambert, and topping the UK Classical Charts with her album Echoes in the Valley. Her latest album Become the Sky has garnered critical & audience acclaim and charted across Europe. She recently collaborated with UK producer Digitonal on a remix of her track The Gathering Dusk, which was released in March 2026 and immediately connected with her significant global streaming audience. “Stirring, vigorous, grandly melodic” MOJO “Sophie Hutchings doesn’t just play the piano, she flows with the notes” A Closer Listen “She creates undulating, post-minimalist soundscapes that are as fearsome as they are fragile” Sydney Morning Herald 32
Unreconciled by Jay Sefton & Mark Basquill
THEATRE
Performed by Jay Sefton | Post-show discussion with Colm O’Gorman Tue 3 Nov, 8pm | €26 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 80mins (no interval) | Age Guidance: 14yrs+
Following a critically acclaimed run as part of Belfast International Arts Festival 2025, US writer-performer Jay Sefton’s searing play comes to Dún Laoghaire. Set in suburban Philadephia, Unreconciled is based on the true story of an adolescent actor cast as Jesus in a school play directed by a parish priest. Told with raw honesty, vulnerability, and unexpected flashes of humour, this is a moving exploration of family, place, memory, and the elusive search for reconciliation. “[A] brilliant performance... what a powerful, affecting piece” BBC Followed by a post-show discussion with One in Four founder, exAmnesty International Ireland director and former Senator Colm O’Gorman.
Funkgurus Artist Management
Claire Martin & Jim Mullen Group
MUSIC
with Ian Thomas & Laurence Cottle Wed 4 Nov, 8pm | €30 (+ booking fee)
Photo: Kenny McCracken
An intimate night of Great American Songbook classics with celebrated jazz vocalist Claire Martin OBE and her longtime collaborator, the legendary Scottish guitarist Jim Mullen. Joining them are bassist extraordinaire Laurence Cottle and the highly sought-after drummer Ian Thomas completing a truly all-star quartet. Recording artist Claire Martin has garnered worldwide critical acclaim, establishing herself as a tour de force on the UK jazz scene over three decades and winning many awards, including eight British Jazz Awards. “Our finest jazz singer” The Times “Mullen’s palette of raunchy blues, graceful bebop and purring tenderness glows” The Guardian
The Headline Agency
Andy Irvine & Quilty Thu 5 Nov, 8pm | €28 (+ booking fee)
MUSIC
Founded in 1993, the Swedish band Quilty are the foremost band of the Irish folk music scene in Scandinavia. In 2023 Quilty invited legendary Irish musician Andy Irvine, formerly of Planxty, Usher’s Island and more, to join them on a tour of Sweden. Extending their musical palette, Quilty and Irvine now offer an exciting concert program consisting of both Irish and Swedish traditional music – adding a new facet to the world music influences that have been Irvine’s trademark since the early 70s. “One of Ireland’s most creative talents” The Boston Globe [on Irvine] “Quilty’s Irish folk music has been loved by audiences for a quarter of a century” Upsala Nya Tidning [on Quilty] 33
City Theatre Dublin
Willy Russell’s Shirley Valentine
THEATRE
Starring Norma Sheahan | Directed by Michael Scott Fri 6 & Sat 7 Nov, 8pm Matinée: Sat 7 Nov, 2.30pm | €25/23 (+ booking fee) Approx Duration: 125mins (incl. interval)
Back by popular demand! Treat yourself to an evening (or afternoon) of laughter, triumph, and a hilarious journey of rediscovery. Norma Sheahan returns to Pavilion Theatre with her hit portrayal of Willy Russell’s effervescent and iconic character Shirley Valentine – on the 40th anniversary of the Olivier and Tonywinning play that inspired the Oscar-nominated film. Trapped in a dreary marriage and humdrum life, an unexpected trip to Greece offers Shirley a chance to be more than “St Joan of the fitted units”. “[Sheahan] takes on the Shirley role with gusto and an Irish twist” The Irish Times
Dún Laoghaire Comedy Festival 2026
David McSavage
COMEDY
Pig Ignorant
Sun 8 Nov, 8pm | €25 (+ booking fee) Age Guidance: Strictly 16yrs+
David McSavage is an Irish comedian, satirist, and the creator of the cult RTÉ series The Savage Eye. He’s been making people laugh (and occasionally call their solicitors) for over two decades. Politics, religion, the media, the lot - nothing is off-limits and nobody gets a free pass. His new show Pig Ignorant will help you recognise the wrongs perpetrated against you, and take great comfort as McSavage shines a revenge-fuelled comedy baseball-bat-sized light on them. “Hilarious, raw, necessary. Uncomfortable in the best way” The Irish Times “Sharp, honest and furiously funny” Chortle
St Patrick’s Dramatic Society Noises Off Wed 11 – Sat 14 Nov, 8pm | €21 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 150mins (incl. interval)
34
COMMUNITY & THEATRE
St Patrick’s Dramatic Society are delighted to present Noises Off, Michael Frayn’s backstage farce, widely regarded as one of the funniest plays ever written. A hapless theatre troupe tries to stage a hapless sex comedy and everything falls apart, on stage backstage and everywhere in between. Door slam, props vanish, romances tangle and egos collide. Fast, farcical and relentless, it’s proof that nothing goes wrong in the theatre quite like things going wrong on purpose.
Compañía María “la Serrana”
Desnuda
DANCE
Flamenco from Seville Sun 15 Nov, 7.30pm | €28 (+ booking fee)
Flamenco dancer María “la Serrana” is renowned for her authentic, deeply rooted gypsy Flamenco. Her powerful footwork, expressive movement and instinct for improvisation bring a raw honesty and vibrant energy to every performance. Marking her fourth visit to Dún Laoghaire, Desnuda (“naked”) is not about physical nudity but emotional openness. She is joined by Antonio Moreno “Polito” for a striking paso a dos, alongside musicians Antonio Amador and Juan Fernández (vocals) and Luis Amador (guitar). Featuring local guest Joyce Richardson, this is an evening of powerful, authentic flamenco.
Music Network
Cheng² Duo
MUSIC
A Hero’s Welcome
Tue 17 Nov, 8pm | €25/23 (+ booking fee)
Music Network brings 2026 to a spectacular close with these rising stars on the international stage. Acclaimed for their electrifying chemistry and flawless performances, cellist Bryan Cheng and pianist Silvie Cheng share more than musical brilliance. As siblings, their deep bond and intuitive connection infuse every note with warmth, vitality and authenticity. Performing an exquisite programme, expect to hear the finest interpretations of sonatas by Brahms and Poulenc, an enchanting fairytale by Janáček and a gorgeous Music Network commission. “[The duo] afford much pleasure” The Times
Music Capital
Altan
Wed 18 Nov, 8pm | €34.50 (+ booking fee)
Photo: Claire Loughran
MUSIC
Known for their electrifying performances and exceptional musicianship, Donegal’s Altan are celebrating 40 years on the road with a concert showcasing their distinctive blend of traditional music and contemporary artistry. The current line up features founding members Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (fiddle, vocals), Ciarán Curran (bouzouki), and Mark Kelly (guitar), joined by Martin Tourish (accordion) and Clare Friel (fiddle, vocals). Their collaborations have included performances with The Chieftains, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, and John Prine. “The hottest band in the Celtic realm” The Boston Globe “Altan have never sounded better or tighter” The Irish Times 35
Lisa Richards
Sinéad Culbert
COMEDY
I’m No Wonder Woman
Thu 19 Nov, 8pm | €25 (+ booking fee) Age Guidance: Strictly 16yrs+
Sinéad Culbert is a stand-up comedian, comedy writer, actress and one part of the highly successful comedy duo and internet sensation DirtBirds. In her new stand-up show, Culbert explores the extreme dangers of growing up in the 80’s, the pitfalls of parenting, the myths about marriage and the genuine joy of not giving a sh*t! Sinéad was a semi-finalist in So You Think You’re Funny (Channel 4) and the Funny Women Awards, with many tours and festival performances solo and as part of DirtBirds. “Turning the ordinary lives of Irish women of just about every nationality, social class and county into something worth giggling about” IMAGE
Livin’ Dred & Once Off Productions
Good Girls by Clare Monnelly
THEATRE
Directed by Aaron Monaghan
Photo: Ste Murray
Sat 21 Nov, 8pm | Matinée: Sun 22 Nov, 2.30pm | €26/24 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 120mins (incl. interval) Cast: Alex Conlon, Maeve Fitzgerald, Katie Honan, Amilia Keating, Aisling O’Mara, Roseanna Purcell
The girls are back! Together for the first time in a long time. Their friendships were forged in a garden shed in the noughties and built to last. From Meanies to mid-life crises, pre-drinks to school drop offs, sneaking out to sneaky affairs, life has gotten complicated, and it’s all about to hit the fan. Can the bonds of girlhood withstand the messy truths of adulting? Jumping between the teenage chaos of the noughties and the equally chaotic present day, Good Girls is a fast-paced, hilarious and heartfelt love letter to female friendship. Written by award-winning playwright Clare Monnelly (Charlie’s A Clepto, The Hare) and directed by Aaron Monaghan (Playboy of the Western World, Tarry Flynn), Good Girls brings together a stellar cast of six alongside an incredible creative team to serve up a night of theatre you won’t soon forget. Funded by the Arts Council and co-produced with Droichead Arts Centre. 36
Photo: Steven Lüdtke
Pavilion Theatre presents
Claudio Constantini
MUSIC
as part of WAVESeries
Tue 24 Nov, 8pm | €26 (+ booking fee)
Claudio Constantini is a captivating artistic personality whose music transcends boundaries, blending virtuosity and passion with exceptional versatility. His seamless ability to alternate between piano and bandoneon is a hallmark of his artistry, offering audiences in more than 30 countries an experience as unique as it is exhilarating. Originally from Peru and now based in Spain, Constantini has collaborated with many of Spain’s most prominent orchestras, including the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, and his talent has taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Off stage, Constantini is equally active in the recording studio, having released 12 albums on renowned labels such as Warner Classics. Many of his original works have amassed millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, and, with a social media following of over 800,000 across all platforms, he is one of the most influential figures in the classical and instrumental music world today. “Total elegance on the piano and bandoneon” Chicago Tribune “A true magician of the keyboards” El País “The number one virtuoso of the bandoneon” Diario de Sevilla“Sublime jazz” Louder Than War
37
Nomad Theatre Network in assoc. with Once Off Productions
ADRIFT by Deirdre Kinahan
THEATRE
Directed by Marc Atkinson Borrull
Thu 26 & Fri 27 Nov, 8pm | €27/25 (+ booking fee)
“Ireland is full”? Of what exactly? A birthday celebration turns febrile when a rural Irish family address their sister’s relationship with a refugee. Fierce, funny and immediate, ADRIFT is a contemporary family drama exploring the psychology of fear and Ireland’s complex relationship with emigration from acclaimed playwright Deirdre Kinahan (REFUGE, The Homecoming of Joesph Grace, The Saviour, Rathmines Road). “You can’t even have the conversation!” Well, what better place than theatre? In ADRIFT, Kinahan explores the ironic rise of Irish anti-immigrant sentiment with her celebrated humour and humanity, taking the arguments that seem to set fire to hearts and buildings right into the Irish kitchen. Joined by a stellar cast of of five including Bríd Ní Neachtain (Róise & Frank, The Banshees of Inisherin), John Olohan (An Cailín Ciúin), and Catherine Byrne (That They May Face the Rising Sun) and acclaimed Director Marc Atkinson Borrull (An Ideal Husband, Three Sisters) ADRIFT promises a wonderfully honest, empathetic and unsettling night at the theatre.
38
Lifeforce Artists by arrangement with MPI Artists
An Evening with Fiachna Ó Braonáin, Tom Dunne & Alan Connor Sat 28 Nov & Sat 5 Dec, 8pm €35 (+ booking fee) | Approx. Duration: 150mins (incl, interval)
MUSIC
Fiachna Ó Braonáin (founding member of Hothouse Flowers) and Tom Dunne (lead singer of Something Happens) and have joined forces with Alan Connor (pianist with The Late Late Show house band and Sharon Shannon) to form a unique trio. This special night features songs from both bands, plus a selection of the trio’s all-time favourite tracks. Expect an evening of stories and shared memories, unforgettable songs and harmonies, jaw-dropping musical moments, guitar, low whistle, charm, laughter, tears, and maybe even a sing-along.
Old Flattop
Andy Fairweather Low & the Low Riders (SOLD OUT) Sun 29 Nov, 7.30pm | €35 (+ booking fee)
MUSIC
Andy Fairweather Low first rose to fame as lead singer of Amen Corner, delivering 60s hits like Bend Me, Shape Me and (If Paradise Is) Half as Nice. His early success hinted at a stellar career that later saw him collaborate with icons including Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Elton John and The Who. In 2025, is album The Invisible Bluesman hit No. 1 on the UK Jazz & Blues chart, with a record-breaking tour. Don’t miss this remarkable frontman live. “The ultimate musician’s musician” The Guardian
Tommy Swarbrigg Productions
ABBA Forever
MUSIC
The Christmas Show Tue 1 & Wed 2 Dec, 8pm | €32 (+ booking fee)
ABBA Forever, the much-loved tribute to the iconic Swedish supergroup, makes their 15th visit to Dún Laoghaire to ring in the Christmas season. Led by virtuoso musician Dennis Scally - former musical director for The Supremes - the band features exceptional vocalists Lucinda O’Connell and Marie O’Hara, joined by guitarist Rae Daniel. Expect all the classics, from Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia! to Waterloo and Fernando, in a feel-good evening perfect for getting in the festive mood. Does Your Mother Know? If not, tell her! 39
Lifeforce Artists by arrangement with MPI Artists
The Dolan Family presents Remembering Joe
MUSIC
Celebrating the Life of Joe Dolan Thu 3 Dec, 8pm | €35.50 (+ booking fee)
Celebrate the music of Joe Dolan, one of Ireland’s greatest singers, with the Dolan Family as they mark the 19th anniversary of Joe’s passing. Joe’s brother Ben Dolan, who shared the stage with his younger brother for 47 fun-filled years, will highlight Joe’s successful singing career. He will be joined on stage by Joe’s niece Sandra, nephews Adrian and Ray, and singer Karen Carroll alongside members of Joe’s original backing band. A nostalgic evening of hit after hit. After all, “there’s no show like a Joe show”!
Christmas with the Dublin Gospel Choir Fri 4 Dec, 8pm | €30/27 (+ booking fee)
Photo: Owen Breslin
MUSIC
Join Ireland’s most beloved gospel ensemble, Dublin Gospel Choir, for a soul-stirring Christmas concert filled with festive joy, powerful harmonies, and uplifting gospel music. Blending seasonal favourites with inspiring gospel classics, this special evening promises warmth, celebration, and unforgettable musical moments. From heartfelt carols to vibrant rhythms, audiences will be swept up in the magic and spirit of Christmas. This enchanting performance is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends!
Four Seasons Music
Phil Coulter
MUSIC
Gold and Silver Days Sun 6 Dec, 7.30pm | €41 (+ booking fee)
Phil’s 2026 tour promises to be a heartwarming trip down memory lane, as he takes his audience through some of the highlights of his glittering 60-year career. Fans will relax in the glow of nostalgia as they hear piano favourites from his Tranquility series alongside his classic songs, from Puppet on a String to The Town I Loved So Well; from Scorn Not His Simplicity to the Ireland’s Call. An evening of pure quality, not to be missed. “Coulter’s professional life has been one of almost constant success” Sunday Business Post
40
Breda Cashe Productions
Cosima with Mary Murray
THEATRE
by Sheena Lambert | Directed by Rex Ryan Tue 8 & Wed 9 Dec, 8pm | €26 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 70mins (no interval) | Age Guidance: 14yrs+
“Cosima Wagner had about as interesting a life as anyone who didn’t found a religion or personally lead an invasion of a foreign empire” Philip Hensher, The Telegraph (2010) Wife of Richard Wagner, daughter of Franz Liszt, but Cosima Wagner was so much more. Sassy, driven and passionate, she had her own ambitions and refused to be a victim of her era. Now, it’s Cosima’s time to tell the world who Cosima Wagner really was. After sell-out runs and rave reviews, Mary Murray’s electric performance breathes new life into this powerful woman, placing her firmly centre stage. ★★★★ “Magnificent performance from a mesmerising Mary Murray” The Arts Review “Mary Murray is a powerhouse” Irish Independent
“A gripping seventy minutes of theatre” No More Workhorse “Murray’s standing ovation is richly deserved... her skill and stage presence is enormous” The Reviews Hub Award-winning Underwater Filmmaker
Ken O’Sullivan
TALKS
Stories from the Sea
Thu 10 Dec, 8pm | €23 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 75mins (no interval) followed by Q&A
In his new show, Stories from the Sea, multi-awardwinning filmmaker Ken O’Sullivan brings us on his 25-year journey exploring the North Atlantic ocean and seas around Ireland, with stories, video pieces and personal insights into his experiences. Ken has now produced more than 20 natural history documentaries for RTÉ and his last series North Atlantic was acquired by BBC and broadcast in over 30 countries. He features alongside David Attenborough in BBC Earth’s Stunning Underwater Nature Footage which has 7 million views on YouTube. From being surrounded by a pod of killer whales to swimming with thousands of dolphins and fin and blue whales, Ken regales us with stories of the beauty of the natural world and our emotional connection with it. “Daring and bold, and with a sixth sense for wild spectacular beauty, Ken O’Sullivan has captured images and scenes which have in turn captivated audiences in homes throughout Ireland and much further afield” RTÉ 41
The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy Live Podcast
LITERARY MUSIC & TALKS
Family Matinée*: Fri 11 Dec, 4pm | Child €20, Adult €35, Family €99 (+ booking fee) Evening Show: Fri 11 Dec, 8pm | €35 (+ booking fee)
On his podcast The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy, the renowned broadcaster, author and book lover sits down with household names to discover the books that have influenced their lives. Every week, Ryan turns the pages of their life through the prism of three books: The childhood book, the book that brought them joy, and the book that changed their life. This special live event invites you to pull up a chair beside one of Ireland’s most beloved broadcasters as you have never seen him before as he brings an interactive evening of stories, conversation - and, for one night only, the audience can ask the questions too! Ryan also invites the whole family to a special festive Family Matinée, joined by a special guest for an afternoon of joyful, interactive storytelling perfect for children and grown-ups alike. Expect a magical mix of festive favourites and much-loved children’s books, plus the chance for the audience, young readers included, to ask Ryan and his guest some questions.
*Family Matinée Age Guidance: 6yrs+
42
In Bloom Agency
Iarla Ó Lionáird with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh & Cormac McCarthy Sat 12 Dec, 8pm | €33 (+ booking fee)
MUSIC
An inspired pairing of twice Grammy-nominated sean nós vocalist Iarla Ó Lionáird with renowned pianist/ composer Cormac McCarthy with special guest (and bandmate from The Gloaming), acclaimed fiddle maestro Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh. Ó Raghallaigh, part of This Is How We Fly, plays a 10-string hardanger d’amore, blurring the line between tradition and the avant-garde. This exciting, moving and dramatic new ensemble comes together to explore Iarla’s rich and varied repertoire through their compelling transcendent interpretations. “One of the most dramatic voices in contemporary music” The Guardian [on Ó Lionáird]
Concert Screening
André Rieu’s 2026 Christmas Concert Let it Snow
Tue 15 Dec, 7pm | €16/14 (+ booking fee) Duration: 165mins (incl. interval)
CINEMA MUSIC & MUSIC
This heartwarming festive spectacular, filled with beloved Christmas classics, enchanting waltzes, and magical surprises, will leave you smiling long after the final encore. Joined by his world-famous Johann Strauss Orchestra, exceptional sopranos, and a powerful 120-voice male choir, André Rieu brings the spirit of Christmas to life in an unforgettable musical event. Whether you’re surrounded by snow or simply dreaming of it, experience the magic of Christmas on the big screen with those you love. “[His] devoted, multi-generational audience comes back year after year” Starts at 60
Eimear Quinn
MUSIC
Songs of Winter Dreaming Wed 16 Dec, 8pm | €30 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 120mins (incl. interval)
Join us for a magical evening of ethereal music as Eimear Quinn returns to Dún Laoghaire. Known for her crystal-clear soprano and captivating, soulful presence, Eimear will bring her unique blend of traditional, Celtic and classical sounds to transcend the winter’s night. The Classic FM Hall of Fame composer and Eurovision winner will be joined by the Mamisa String Quartet and guitarist Robbie Overson to perform music for the season including pieces from her critically acclaimed album Songs of Winter Dreaming. “One of the most renowned voices of her generation” Hot Press 43
44 44
Fri 18 Dec – Sun 3 Jan | Visit paviliontheatre.ie for schedule & relaxed performance info €21 (+ booking fee) | Family €72 (+ booking fee) | Schools/groups call (01) 231 2929
FAMILY & SCHOOLS
Approx. Duration: 50mins (no interval) | Age Guidance: All Ages
Share a joyful holiday with The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show as Eric Carle’s timeless classics leap from the page to the stage. Created by Jonathan Rockefeller, the critically acclaimed show features a menagerie of over 75 magical and larger-than-life puppets, including the star of the show – The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Alongside the Very Hungry Caterpillar, audiences will meet the colorful characters of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, travel the world with 10 Little Rubber Ducks and celebrate the spirit of the season with Dream Snow. These beloved tales are brought to life by a captivating cast of storytellers, sweeping original music, breathtaking puppetry and maybe a special guest or two. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show family of productions have been enchanting audiences for more than a decade in over 20 countries to 3 million children and counting!
★★★★★ “Pure genius... Your favourite small person will be changed for the better” Live Theatre UK “A knockout success” The Telegraph “Refreshing, clever and a great time... Brings the work of Eric Carle to life” NY Theatre Guide Photo: Russ Rowland. Created by Jonathan Rockfeller. Based on Eric Carle’s books. ™ & © (2026) Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved.
45 45
CHRISTMAS MOVIES The Royal Ballet (Encore Screening)
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker
Thu 17 Dec, 7pm | €16/14 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 210mins (incl. interval)
“Pure Christmas joy” The Guardian
Herr Drosselmeyer must save his nephew Hans-Peter, cursed into a Nutcracker. Only by defeating the Mouse King and finding a girl to love him can the spell be broken. Hope arrives in young Clara, whom Drosselmeyer meets at a Christmas party. Magic transforms the cosy celebration into a dazzling adventure. Since its 1984 premiere, Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker, with Tchaikovsky’s beloved score and Julia Trevelyan Oman’s exquisite designs, has enchanted audiences of all ages.
It’s a Wonderful Life
★★★★★ “A genuine American classic” The Guardian ★★★★★ “Timeless” BBC
Fri 18 Dec, 7.30pm | €10/9 (+ booking fee) English | Cert: G | 1946 | 129mins
This moving film is a true masterpiece of cinema. The story finds kindly banker George Bailey (James Stewart) in turmoil: framed by his arch-rival, beset by financial problems and feeling as though the world would be better off if he had never been born. Just in time, a guardian angel pays him a visit to remind him how worthwhile his life has been.
Elf “[A] perfectly cast family treat” The Hollywood Reporter
Sat 19 Dec, 5.30pm Child €7, Adult €9, Family €28 (+ booking fee) English | Cert: PG | 2003 | 97mins
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human who was raised as an elf in the North Pole. All grown up, Buddy heads to New York City to find his true place in the world, but soon realises it’s not all sugarplums and candy canes; his father (James Caan) is a Scrooge, his stepbrother doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, and everyone has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas!
Home Alone Best Picture Nominee, Golden Globes 1991
Sun 20 Dec, 5.30pm Child €7, Adult €9, Family €28 (+ booking fee) English | Cert: PG | 1990 | 103mins
Family comedy starring Macaulay Culkin as 10-year-old Kevin McAllister who is inadvertently left home alone by his family when they go on vacation. With the house to himself for Christmas. Kevin must cope not only with life on his own but with the threat of two persistent, albeit incompetent, burglars: Marv (Daniel Stern) and Harry (Joe Pesci). Can his mother (Catherine O’Hara) make it back before disaster strikes? 46 46
The Piano Man: Elton John & Billy Joel
MUSIC
A Live Celebration
Fri 8 Jan, 8pm | €30 (+ booking fee)
Following a sold-out date in 2026, The Piano Man is back! A spectacular live show that will transport you into the legendary worlds of Elton John and Billy Joel. Having collectively sold over 500 million records, they are two of the most influential artists in history. John Forde and the 52nd Street Band deliver a powerful and energetic performance, captivating audiences with their authentic renditions of timeless classic hits including Rocket Man, My Life, Your Song, Uptown Girl, and, of course, The Piano Man.
The Highwaymen Reincarnated
MUSIC
Nelson | Jennings | Cash | Kristofferson Fri 15 Jan, 8pm | €34 (+ booking fee)
Experience the music, legacy and spirit of the world’s most iconic country supergroup in The Highwaymen Reincarnated — a spectacular live theatre production celebrating Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson. Featuring four exceptional lead vocalists backed by a powerhouse nine-piece live band, The Highwaymen Reincarnated delivers authentic performances of legendary hits including Folsom Prison Blues, Ring of Fire, Always on My Mind, Me and Bobby McGee, Luckenbach Texas, Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to Be Cowboys, Highwayman and many more.
MPI Artists
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Beyond Sat 16 Jan, 8pm | €29 (+ booking fee)
MUSIC
From the group behind The Ennio Morricone Experience and The Hans Zimmer Experience, this performance - featuring soprano Katy Kelly and tenor Eoin Hynes, piano and backing vocals by Annalisa Monticelli and cellist Davide Forti - offer a vibrant journey through an iconic and emotionally powerful repertoire. It is anchored by the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, from Phantom of the Opera to Cats, and complemented by vintage and contemporary selections from Stephen Sondheim, Stephen Schwartz, Leonard Bernstein and more. 47
The Speks Sun 17 Jan, 2pm & 4.30pm €12 (+ booking fee) | Family €44 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 50mins (no interval) Age Guidance: 2yrs+
FAMILY
The Speks present a lively show of nursery rhymes and sing-along songs set to acoustic Irish music which will have adults and kids jumping in their seats! Their hand-clapping, toe-tapping, heartylaughing show is all about life on Glasses Island – a magical island off the coast of Co. Clare where everybody wears glasses. Encouraging everyone to sing, scream, clap and dance along during their performances, this will be a great, fun event for kids aged 2 to 92! “If your little ones love fantastic, magical song… then The Speks are the boys for you” Tom Dunne, Newstalk
Suzanna Rosenthal Productions
An Evening without Kate Bush Performed by Sarah-Louise Young
Fri 22 & Sat 23 Jan, 8pm | €30 (+ booking fee)
Photo: Steve Ullathorne
MUSIC & MUSIC THEATRE
Enter Strange Phenomena, howl with the Hounds of Love and dance on the moors with Wuthering Heights. Kate’s not there, but you are. This award-winning cult cabaret by Sarah-Louise Young (Fascinating Aïda) pays glorious tribute to the music, fans and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music. Whether you’ve been a “Fish Person” for decades or recently joined the shoal via Stranger Things, release your inner Bush and celebrate at this joyful, unique and mind-blowing show. Best Cabaret Award, Adelaide Fringe 2025 ★★★★★ “Spellbinding” The Telegraph
Pavilion Theatre presents
Joseph O’Connor
LITERARY
in conversation with Madeleine Keane Tue 2 Feb, 8pm | Ticket only €17 (+ booking fee) Joseph O’Connor returns to Pavilion Theatre to Ticket + signed book €31 (+ booking fee)
Photo: Urszula Sołtys
48
discuss The City of Echoes, the conclusion to his stunning Rome Escape Line Trilogy following on from My Father’s House and The Ghosts of Rome. In May 1944. Rome is still ruled by the Gestapo, but the Allies are closing in. As tensions rise, John May’s work smuggling escaped prisoners of war to safety through the Vatican Escape Line grows ever more treacherous. Interviewer Madeleine Keane is the Literary Editor of the Sunday Independent. “There is no finer writer of historical fiction” Liz Nugent
Blackbox Music
Eddi Reader
MUSIC
and Band
Thu 11 & Fri 12 Feb, 8pm | €36 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 130mins (incl. interval)
Celebrating over 40 years as a live performer, Eddi Reader has effortlessly developed into one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers. Though first brought into the limelight as frontwoman for Fairground Attraction, whose #1 single Perfect and its parent album First of a Million Kisses both topped the charts in the UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Japan, it was Eddi’s subsequent solo albums that signalled her ability to assimilate different musical styles and make them very much her own. With 10 critically acclaimed solo albums, 3 BRIT Awards, a #1 single and an MBE in tow, Eddi continues to delight audiences worldwide. “One of my favourite singers of all time” Jools Holland “Eddi Reader gets every song just right” Sunday Times “Timeless and universal” The Scotsman
Photo: Genevieve Stevenson
Aiken Promotions
Eric & Ern
with special guest Dana Tue 18 May, 8pm | €30 (+ booking fee) Approx. Duration: 125mins (incl. interval) | Age Guidance: 8yrs+
THEATRE MUSIC &COMEDY
A heartwarming celebration of the comedy legends Morecambe and Wise with Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens, the Olivier-nominated duo behind the hugely celebrated critically acclaimed West End hit Eric & Little Ern. In keeping with The Morecambe & Wise Show, the duo will welcome special guest international singing star Dana to the stage. This is a show for all the family from 8 to 80; a brilliant homage crammed full of renditions of those famous comedy sketches, that hits all the right notes! From Greig’s Piano concerto to Mr Memory - “Arsenal!” it’s a show full of Morecambe and Wise’s most loved routines, songs and sketches. As seen on BBC’s The One Show and ITV’s The Alan Titchmarsh Show. “You’ll have the giddy out-of-time illusion that you are watching the legendary double act live” The Independent “[An] affectionate tribute... Unexpectedly moving as well as funny” The Telegraph “A hugely enjoyable piece of comedic theatre” The List 49
2027 EVENTS ON SALE NOW Visit paviliontheatre.ie or call us on (01) 231 2929 for more information or to book your tickets. Make sure to check our website regularly as we are always adding new events!
Foster & Allen Wed 13 Jan
Philo by Peter Sheridan Tue 9 & Wed 10 Mar
Chris Kent
Shane Daniel Byrne
Thu 14 Jan
Thu 18 Mar
Neil Delamere
Anne Gildea: You’re Welcome
Wed 27 & Fri 28 Jan
Fri 19 Mar
Reeling in the Showband Years
Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors
Thu 28 Jan
Fri 16 Apr
The Special Consensus
Mary Coughlan Fri 21 May
Sun 7 Feb
50
Violinist Anton Jablokov
The Simon & Garfunkel Story
Sun 14 Feb (Valentine’s Day)
Tue 25 & Wed 26 Mar
Lindisfarne
Risteárd Cooper
Fri 26 & Sat 27 Feb
Fri 28 May
Tommy Fleming
Deirdre O’Kane
Thu 4 Mar
Thu 16, Sat 18 & Sun 19 Sep
Booking Information Box Office: (01) 231 2929, or visit our website: paviliontheatre.ie. Please note that a booking fee of €1 per ticket applies, increasing to €1.50 in 2027. Keep in Touch Box Office opening hours are Mon-Sat, 2-5pm and 2 hours before all performances. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Pavilion Bar Our theatre bar is open for pre-theatre drinks and snacks prior to every evening performance and select matinée performances. An interval order facility is available for certain shows, and we accept both cash and card payments. So if you fancy a cup of tea or a G&T, make sure to arrive early and relax. Discounts Concession rates are available for select shows. Bringing a group? We may be able to offer a group discount; please get in touch on (01) 231 2929 or boxoffice@paviliontheatre.ie Refunds/Exchanges & Latecomers • Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded unless an event is cancelled by the venue. • Please arrive 15 minutes before show time. Latecomers are only admitted at the discretion of the theatre. Please note visiting companies will have differing policies in this regard. • Prices and information can be subject to change. Pavilion Theatre reserves the right to refuse admission even when tickets have been purchased. • For full terms & conditions on all Box Office policies, visit paviliontheatre.ie/boxoffice
Accessibility If you have any questions about accessibility in the theatre, visit our website (paviliontheatre.ie/visit/accessibility) or call Box Office on (01) 231 2929 Getting Here On Foot/By Bike - We are located on the seafront in Dún Laoghaire, approximately 3 minutes’ walk from the bus stops and the DART station. There are three bike rails in close proximity to the theatre at street level. We do not have any bike rails on the upper podium. Bus / Train - Dún Laoghaire DART station and bus terminus is located directly across the road from the theatre and accessed via bus numbers: E2, S8, L25, L27, 111. Other routes serving nearby stops: 7, 7a, 45a, 45b, 59. Parking Options Park Rite Car Park – situated under Pavilion Theatre, entrance on Queen’s Road. dlr LexIcon Car Park – situated next to Park Rite, entrance on Queen’s Road. Royal Marine Hotel Car Park – entrance on Marine Road. On-street parking – Free from 8pm – please check parking meters for more information. Pavilion Theatre is not liable for any parking facilities in Dún Laoghaire.
Gift Vouchers Available Pavilion Theatre Gift Vouchers are the perfect present for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine’s and Special Occasions. ift Vouchers can be purchased over the G phone on (01) 231 2929 or by dropping into our Box Office (Mon – Sat, 2-5pm) or any time on our website – www.paviliontheatre.ie
51
Seating Plan BOX
BOX
BALCONY
BALCONY
RESTRICTED VIEW
RESTRICTED VIEW
Pavilion Theatre Marine Road Dún Laoghaire Co Dublin A96 Y959
Keep up to date with events at Pavilion Theatre by joining our email list! Scan here:
Box Office: (01) 231 2929 boxoffice@paviliontheatre.ie www.paviliontheatre.ie GOT A GROUP? GET A DEAL! Call us for further information on discounts for group & school bookings. We also have a groups mailing list if you would like to be kept up to date with all our fabulous offers! DESIGN: W W W.RE VERT DESIGN.NE T
52
FRON T PAGE: REF UGE (PAGES 24 & 25 )