Local talent takes centre stage at Ardhowen Theatre this week when Enniskillen Amateur Dramatic Society returns with William Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’ on Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st February.
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS
Enniskillen Amateur Dramatic Society brought us the fantastic ‘Calendar Girls’ in 2012 followed by last year’s ‘Allo’ Allo!’, both phenomenally successful productions. This talented local troupe returns this year with William Shakespeare’s ‘The Comedy of Errors’ on Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st February at 8pm nightly. One of William Shakespeare’s early plays, ‘The Comedy Of Errors’ is his shortest and one of his most farcical comedies, with a major part of the humour coming from slapstick and mistaken identity, in addition to puns and word play.
A traveller and his servant, both looking for their long-lost twin brothers, arrive in the 17th Century Caribbean pirate town of Port Royal, Jamaica, where the ‘lost’ brothers, who were never told that they had twins, are happily settled. A fast-paced romp through mistaken identities soon has both sets of twins exasperated, bemused, confounded and running for their lives.
Enniskillen Amateur Dramatic Society has been provided with guidance, skills training and directing support from The Lyric Theatre, Belfast, and The Royal Shakespeare Company through the RSC’s Open Stages Project.
GIVE MY HEAD PEACE LIVE – BACK WITH A BANG!
Laughs are guaranteed on Tuesday 24th February at 8pm when Ulster’s favourite dysfunctional family are back in town. Uncle Andy takes his annual week off from the Kneebreakers to bring sophistication, Protestant culture and laughs to the Ardhowen Theatre. He’ll be ably assisted by Pastor Begbie (Paddy Jenkins) as well as Billy, Dympna, Ma and Cal. Da will be there too – unless he gets an invite to the Palace.
Give My Head Peace Live will also feature up to the minute satire and hilarious stand-up from Tim McGarry. If you haven’t seen the Gang live find out why they always sell out! Please note this show contains adult references. Responsibility for allowing under-12s to view lies with the accompanying adult.
RITCHIE REMO AND FRIENDS IN CONCERT
With four studio albums under his belt and a string of awards this young versatile entertainer is a must see act for all music lovers. Things have been going from strength to strength for Ritchie following the launch of his live 5 piece band in 2013, featuring at premier venues and festivals on a regular basis.
Ritchie’s concert on Wednesday 25th February at 8pm showcases his most popular tracks such as ‘Cutest Girl’, ‘Absent Friends’ and ‘Oh Eh Oh’ to name a few, along with his rip-roaring covers from greats like Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash and Mumford and Sons.
REELING IN THE SHOWBAND YEARS
The Irish Showband was a dance band format which became popular in the late 1950s when traditional dance orchestras trimmed their numbers to 7 or 8 musicians, pushed aside their music stands, donned colourful suits and started jumping around the stage with the emphasis on excitement, entertainment and the occasional gimmick.
At its height, the Showband industry employed thousands of musicians, support staff and managers. www.irish-showbands.com/ballrooms-a-k.htm” Ballrooms started to spring up all around the country as the old parochial halls could no longer cope with the huge crowds the bands were attracting.
On Thursday 26th February at 8pm, RTE’s Ronan Collins will be Compere at this hugely enjoyable evening celebrating a unique era in Irish show business. Featuring many of the stars who dominated the music scene in Ireland at that time and influenced generations of Irish musicians to come, the show will include Roly Daniels, Eileen Reid, Paddy Cole, Ronan Collins, Lorraine McDonald and The Conquerors Showband. All of the stars will join in for a medley of songs from the unique Showband years bringing you back in time to this magical musical period.
NEIL DELAMERE – THE FRESH PRINCE OF DELAMERE
Star of RTÉ’s The Panel, BBC’s The Blame Game and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Neil Delamere returns with a brilliant new show on Friday 27th February at 8pm. Described by The Scotsman as “a master”, Delamere is renowned for his on-stage banter and quick-witted, well-observed yarns. Patrons please note: this performance is now sold out and due to the strong content is suitable for over 18s only.
DE DANANN – 40th ANNIVERSARY TOUR
De Danann was formed in 1975 in Galway and since releasing their debut album ‘De Danann’ they have recorded 14 albums including ‘Anthem’, ‘Star Spangled Molly’, and ‘A Jacket of Batteries’ and achieved chart success, with many of the albums reaching gold and platinum status.
Once described as ‘the Rolling Stones of Irish Traditional Music’, the legendary group De Danann, returned to the stage in 2009 with a new album and trips to Finland, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy and the USA. The band have found themselves once again in demand by promoters in Europe and North America.
Founding member Alec Finn is joined by Eleanor Shanley (vocals), Derek Hickey (accordion), Brian McGrath (banjo/piano), Ronan O’Flaherty (fiddle) and Neil Lyons (bodhrán) on Saturday 28th February at 8pm. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see one of the most influential bands in Irish Traditional Music.
COMING UP
The 35th Enniskillen Annual Drama Festival begins on Friday 6th March with ‘The 39 Steps’ kicking off nine nights of amateur drama culminating in the presentation of awards on the final night Saturday 14th March. Call the Box Office or visit the theatre website at HYPERLINK “http://www.ardhowentheatre.com” www.ardhowentheatre.com to book tickets or purchase gift vouchers. You can keep up to date with all the latest news and offers on Facebook or sign up for the theatre e-Newsletter.