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JUL | AUG SEP | OCT 2014 BOOKINGS 057 9122911 www.birrtheatre.com

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Page 1: July -  Oct Programme of Events 2014

JUL | AUG SEP | OCT

2 0 1 4

BOOKINGS057 9122911 www.birrtheatre.com

Page 2: July -  Oct Programme of Events 2014

Kinnitty Castle

The Slí Dala Restaurant at Kinnitty Castle Hotel offers an elegant fine diningexperience, enjoy our gourmet cuisine under the expert guidance of AwardWinning Executive Chef Darren Brooks. Our well appointed restaurant

offers guests the perfect setting to enjoy a candle lit evening overlooking ourbeautifully manicured gardens with Four Star Friendly Service.

The Slí Dala Restaurant is open daily from 6.30pm to 9pm, a Three Course Menuis priced at only €37.50pp and a Two Course option is available for €29.50pp.

If you are thinking of planning an event, family gathering or looking for some ideas for a group of friends then we can tailor

something for your needs.

Booking is Essential, to make a reservation please [email protected] or telephone 057 91 37318

Member of the Good Foot Network(A countrywide network of Health Professionals providing care and attention in relation to your footcare and footware needs)

Routine Chiropody TreatmentsiStep Foot Scanning Technology

Orthotics • Diabetic Foot AssessmentAgent for Aetrex & Apex Footwear • Reflexology

Take your first steps to healthy feetRegistered Member of the Irish Chiropodist/Podiatrists Organisation Ltd

MARY’S FOOT HEALTH CLINICCHIROPODIST/REFLEXOLOGIST

MARY MURPHYM.IPCO.I/M.ACH.I/M.I.R.I.L

Sharavogue-Bridge, Birr, Co. Offaly • (086) 3519416

Page 3: July -  Oct Programme of Events 2014

WelcomeWelcome to our new season – a varied selection of events for your

enjoyment! We have a packed programme this season bringing you the

best of local, national and international work for all ages. We have a

selection of summer camps for children and teenagers, visual arts, comedy,

theatre, music, film and song. The highlights this season include Fishamble:

The New Play Company’s production of Forgotten. Written and

performed by Pat Kinevane the Irish Times advises “Drop everything.

Book now...captivating, moving and - yes – even unforgettable”.

You can book and choose your seat for all events on our website -

www.birrtheatre.com. There is no additional charge for booking online.

When paying for your ticket we invite you to donate €1 towards our

running costs – this is completely optional and we thank our patrons,

most sincerely, who have generously donated since introducing this

scheme. The funds raised go towards filling the gap in reduced public

funding over the past few years. Our Box Office is open Monday –

Friday 1 – 5.30pm. Drop in or call us on 057 9122911.

We look forward to seeing you at the Theatre soon!

Emma Nee HaslamVenue Manager

BOOKING YOUR TICKETSTickets are non-refundable and must be paid for at time of booking. Please have your credit/debit card ready.All ticket prices include €1 transaction fee.

Box Office: Open Monday to Friday: 1–5.30pm 057 9122911

BOOK ONLINE: WWW.BIRRTHEATRE.COM

VLADIMIR & ANTON JABOLKOV

SUNDAY 5 OCTOBER

BRENDAN GLEESON IN CALVARYTUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER

By becoming our Friend you will enjoy a host of exclusive benefits while supporting our artisticobjectives as we continue to provide a diverse programme of events throughout the year. Circle Friends €60 per person / Dress Circle Friends €120 per personContact the Box Office for full information

Become our Friend

Page 4: July -  Oct Programme of Events 2014

VISUALARTS

ANTHONY CULLEN18 August – 28 SeptemberDublin based artist, Anthony Cullen, hasbeen painting professionally since 2008. Inhis current collection of apes and monkeysthere is a strong emphasis on the eyes –being the windows to the soul. The apes inhis paintings are often quite melancholicwhich opens the way for more ideas ofconsciousness. His style of paintings is deliberately less expressive and morerestrained and realistic. Each painting takes about two months to complete withan arduous wet on dry oil approach used. Anthony has exhibited in numerousgroup and solo shows throughout Ireland.

JOHN GILLEN1 October – 31 October John Gillen is a native of Birr living inDublin. He attended NCAD butsubsequently pursued a career in publicservice. Having availed of early retirementJohn has resumed his art career withtremendous success. Recipient of thePauline Bewick Bursary in 2002, John hasexhibited in Dublin, at the Cobalt, 101 TalbotStreet, The Blue Leave and Peoples Art St Stephen’s Green and also has had solo and joint exhibition in Birr. He is alsoinvolved in the Botanic School of Art. John specialises in still life, botanicalsubjects and land, sea and street scapes.

GERRY O’MAHONY1 July – 15 AugustGerry O’Mahony is a graduate from L.S.A.D.He has taught art in Ireland and has travelledextensively, spending long periods in bothIsrael and Malawi. These travels have been ahuge influence on his art practice. He is apermanent member of Contact Studios,Limerick, and has exhibited both nationallyand internationally. In my work I seek to confront the instinctive realities of

human and cultural challenges in a world which fluctuates between the familiar

and the unknown, an odyssey that shows humanity’s struggle to find ways to

inhabit the planet in a peaceful, productive and co-operative way.

BIRR FILM CLUB TERMS OF MEMBERSHIPOver 18’s Full membership – €25 (couple €40) Members – €3 per film Friends of Members – €5 per film Non-members – become a member

for the night for €4 (15 mins before film starts) then pay €3 member rate toview for the night. Non-members cannot book in advance and are advised tocheck possible availability the day before to avoid disappointment Friends of theTheatre automatically become Film Club Members Membership valid for oneyear from 23 September 2014.

W W W . B I R R T H E A T R E . C O M

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SIGN UP TODAY FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER JUN

Helping to send Conor Dwyer on his journey to Belgium this summer on the

Special Olympics Team, all funds raised by this concert go to Birr’s own Olympic

champion, swimming for Ireland!’

Vincent Hunt has a post-graduate diploma in Music from University of Ulster, anMA in performing from University of Limerick and is ex-Chairperson of the IrishAssociation of Youth Orchestras. He currently conducts and directs the Laois Schoolof Music Ensemble, the Irish Midlands Youth Orchestra and is a founder memberof the Roscommon County Youth Orchestra and the County Kildare Orchestra.Katherine Crossen returned to Ireland in 2006 from the USA, where she taughtmusic and performed regularly. She now lives near Tullamore where she teaches. Tally Flynn recently completed her Masters in Performance and Musicology inMaynooth and won the Maynooth Concert Competition in 2013 and hascompeted, with distinction, in the Feis Ceoil.SUPPORTED BY OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL ARTS OFFICE3pm • Adults €10/Children U12 €5

Vincent Hunt Cello • Tally Flynn Violin • Katherine Crossen Piano

Come to hear Vincent on Cello, Tally on Violin and Catherine on Piano, as

they take you on a summer’s journey to France for César Franck’s Cello

Sonata, to Austria for Mozart’s Violin Sonata and to the Land of Film for

familiar sounds for young and old

A lot has been written and a lot hasbeen said, whispered, recounted,alleged, supposed and presumed. It’sall quite forgotten now and the songsremain the same, they remain atestament to Mary Coughlan’sseemingly timeless and endlesstalent. Her smoky, bluesy, boozydrawl has always been a seduction,no matter what the subject. The vocalmarrying of sardonic wit, visceralrage, orgiastic between the sheetspassion, the tenderest of sorrowfulregrets – this is Mary’s talent.Regardless of the elements shechooses to manipulate with flawlessease, Mary’s voice has always beenan unforeseen, sudden seduction.This is why she is so loved.8pm • €20/€18 (Friends €18)

MARYCOUGHLANSATURDAY 28 JUNE

SUNDAY 22 JUNE

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JUL S I G N U P T O D AY F O R O U R E - N E W S L E T T E R

MONDAY 7 – FRIDAY 11 JULY STARCAMP, Ireland’s leading and most renownedperforming and fun Summer Camp is coming to BirrTheatre Offaly. Open to boys and girls aged 4-13.Starcamp’s core ethos is to instil confidence andself-esteem through praise and recognition. Wecreate a wondrous, nurturing environment whereparticipation and happiness are key. We enhanceskills and personalities through creative energies thatwill last a lifetime. Sing, Dance and Act all whilemaking new friends and having fun. Run byprofessional, experienced, fully trained and Gardavetted leaders, choreographers and drama coaches.To book your childs place, visit www.starcamp.ie orcall 021 4377900. 9.30am – 2.30pm 1 Child €90, 2 siblings €150, 3 siblings €200

Instructed by

Lord of the

Dance Stars

FLYNN O’KANE ACADEMY

Summer Dance Camp 2014MONDAY 14 – THURSDAY 17 JULY FUN FILLED AND ACTION PACKED!!

Instructed by ‘Lord of the Dance’ stars – Bernadette Flynn and Damien O’KaneA fusion of Irish and modern dance, arts and craft, games and rhythmical routines!Beginners welcome. 10am – 2.15pm • Booking essential: 087 2400861

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B U Y O N L I N E W W W . B I R R T H E A T R E . C O M

MONDAY 14 – FRIDAY 18 JULY SUMMER CAMP FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS FACILITATED BY LISA CAHILL.This is an opportunity for children with special needs age 6 – 12 years to spend timewith an experienced professional dance artist who will lead them in creative danceand movement. It provides an outlet and stimulus to express their feelingsof joy and togetherness. Lisa Cahill returns to Birr for her fourth year towork with her special friends, old and new.SUPPORTED BY OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL ARTS OFFICE2.30pm – 4.30pm • €20

CALLING ALL ROCK STARS! The 9th Annual School of Rock facilitate by award winning multi-platinumselling singer/songwriter Brendan Keeley is now enrolling. This 2-week coursewill give intensive training in writing and performing your own and other well-known songs. It will also provide training in various aspects of the musicbusiness including copyright, publishing, the recording process, voice trainingand instrument tuition. Anyone interested in participating should have at least abasic knowledge of an instrument (guitar, drums, bass, voice). As places arelimited, it is essential that new participants attend a workshop on Thursday 26June, 5pm at which time places on the course will be allocated. Participationat workshop does not guarantee a place on the course. Age 14 – 18yrs • €70 each; 2 siblings €65 each; 3 siblings €60 each

schoolof rock2014MONDAY 21 JULY – FRIDAY 1 AUGUST

Page 8: July -  Oct Programme of Events 2014

FRIDAY 1 AUGUSTFollowing their two weeks intensive training under the guidance of BrendanKeeley, the 2014 School of Rock participants will lift the roof at a gig toremember! Don’t miss your chance to see the musicians of the future and whoknows, someday you might just say “I remember when they just started!”. 8pm • €5

school of rockgig2014

AUG S I G N U P T O D AY F O R O U R E - N E W S L E T T E R

FRI 1 – FRI 9 AUG 201446th Annual Birr Vintage Week & Arts FestivalFestival programme available end of June

www.birrvintageweek.com

ENCORE!MONDAY 4 – TUESDAY 5 AUGUST Following the highly acclaimed ‘Les Miserables’ in concert last year, MidlandMusical Youth returns with another spectacular concert this year. MMYENCORE! will feature some of the greatest choruses, solos, duets and trios fromMusical Theatre through the years, from Classical to Rock, from Broadway tothe West End. This large ensemble of wonderful singers age 16 to 21, drawn fromall over the midlands, are guaranteed to amaze and delight you in what promisesto be yet again a highlight of Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival. Musical Director: Enda O Connor • Production: Maureen de Forge, Tommy Lyndon8.30pm • €16/€14

BIRR STAGE GUILD PRESENTS

MIDLAND MUSICAL YOUTH

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B U Y O N L I N E W W W . B I R R T H E A T R E . C O M

BIRR VINTAGE WEEK & ARTS FESTIVAL PRESENTS LUNCHTIME THEATRE

A SHOW IN A BAG PRODUCTION

WEDNESDAY 6 & THURSDAY 7 AUGUSTWelcome to the world of fashion retail, a labyrinth of sequins, hangers, salestargets and bunions where “the customer is always right”. Four shop employees.One day on the shop floor. A day so jam-packed it is bursting at the seams, andthe workers feel as disposable as the clothes they sell. A whirlwind solo show byStage UK Best Solo Performer nominee in the Edinburgh Fringe 2012, Katie O’Kelly.Come delve in the hidden world behind the super friendly smiles of our departmentstores. Laugh, weep and scream! Ka-chinka-ching! ‘One of those performers with true stage presence’ – British Theatre Guide

‘A kaleidoscopic story...pitch-perfect O’Kelly’ – Irish Theatre Magazine

‘Moves flawlessly from belly laughs to breaking the audience’s hearts’ – Liberty

‘Expertly performed’ – No More Workhorse

***SELECTED AS A THEATRE HIGHLIGHT FOR 2014 BY THE IR ISH INDEPENDENT ***A Show in a Bag Production: Show in a Bag is an artist development initiative of Dublin

Fringe Festival, Fishamble: The New Play Company and Irish Theatre Institute to resource

theatre makers & actors.

1.05pm • €15/€13 (including light lunch)

One day on the shopfloor. Zero hour contracts appear. There will be blood.

Written and Performed by Katie O’Kelly • Directed by Donal O’Kelly

Page 10: July -  Oct Programme of Events 2014

AUG S I G N U P T O D AY F O R O U R E - N E W S L E T T E R

FRI 1 – FRI 8 AUG 201446th Annual Birr Vintage Week & Arts FestivalFestival programme available end of June

www.birrvintageweek.com

BIRR THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE PRESENTSOXMANTOWN SINGERS LUNCHTIME CONCERT

vintage classicsFRIDAY 8 AUGUSTJoin us for a real lunch-time treat of classical music featuringthe very talented Pascal Kennedy (bass) joined on stage bysenior members of the Oxmantown Singers under the guidanceof Deirdre Hanniffy and accompanied by Marie Power. Winner ofFeis Ceoil 2013 (bass solo), Pascal is currently attending the RoyalIrish Academy and looks forward to his Lieder and Opera course inScotland this summer. 1.05pm • €12/10 (including light lunch)

WEDNESDAY 6 AUGUST Five of Ireland’s best new comics aretouring Ireland in a camper van thissummer gigging in as many towns aspossible. The Lads of Comedy will befollowed by a camera crew for a TV pilot tobe aired later in the year. The show will be a mix of stand up comedy andsketches.Kevin McGahern Host of RTÉ’s Republic of Telly, Star of Hardy Bucks and RTÉComedy Awards Finalist. Hilarious… McGahern is fantastic… Nails it – JOE.IE

Trevor Browne Finalist of RTÉ Comedy Awards, writer for Republic of Telly, three soldout solo runs at the Edinburgh Festival. One of the funniest comics I’ve ever seen’ Fringe Guru

Edwin Sammon Featured in Republic of Telly, the RTÉ Comedy Awards and winnerof the coveted Father Ted Comedy Competition in 2011, a lover not a Tweeter,Edwin is one of the best stand ups in the country. Fact. He has played nearlyevery festival imaginable ranging from the Edinburgh Fringe to the Electric Picnic.Ronan Grace Craic Attack and “FM104 Comedy” finalist. He is a regular contributorto the Republic of Telly and is a regular host in the International Comedy Club,Dublin. Ronan’s great stage presence laconic style and acerbic material makes

me think we’ll be seeing more if him on TV screens in the future Colm O’Regan

Andrea Farrell RTÉ Comedy Awards Finalist and regularly featured in Republic

of Telly also likes to tweet memes to celebrities! Andrea did her first Edinburghsolo in 2012 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. Endearing,

charming, with plenty of laughs – The Skinny

9pm • €10

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B U Y O N L I N E W W W . B I R R T H E A T R E . C O M

FISHAMBLE: THE NEW PLAY COMPANY PRESENTS

FRIDAY 8 AUGUSTWritten and performed by Pat Kinevane

Directed by Jim Culleton

Produced by Marketa Dowling

‘Has no one a skitter o’ dignity left?’

Flor wants to bath himself

Dora wants her chowder now

Gustus wants his house back

Eucharia wants to make an announcement…

With exhilarating theatricality and haunting honesty, Kinevane’s captivatingperformance brings to life these sometimes forgotten voices of society. Thisboutique performance by the award-winning Fishamble: The New PlayCompany is now in its seventh year of touring Ireland and abroad. It has beenperformed in over 100 performances throughout Ireland and on tour to England,Scotland, US, France, Czech Republic, Iceland, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey, aswell as in the U.S. to New York, Boston, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles. Fishamble: The New Play Company is a multi-award winning company dedicated to the

discovery, development and production of new work for the theatre. Fishamble is funded by

the Arts Council and Dublin City Council. Its international touring is supported by Culture

Ireland. www.fishamble.com

8pm • €16/€14 (Running time 80 mins)

‘beautifully written and

vivid…uniquely memorable’

The New Yorker

‘an incredibly moving piece

of theatre…unequivocally

beautiful’ The Scotsman

‘a unique theatrical

experience’ LA Times

‘Drop everything.

Book now...captivating,

moving and – yes - even

unforgettable’ The Irish Times

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SEPT

SUNDAY 24 AUGUST Enjoy an afternoon of classical music at the final concert of International SummerMusic School 2014 with performances by young musicians aged 8–18 alongsidea stunning line-up of professional artist-performers! Come and enjoy somefabulous music where upwards of 35 musicians will present a colourful and excitingconcert of instrumental and vocal music – this is a ‘not-to-be-missed’ event! 3pm • €10

International Summer Music School 2014 Concert

S I G N U P T O D AY F O R O U R E - N E W S L E T T E R

SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBERHe’s back! Yes, Conal Gallen returns to the stage this September for a one month standup tour, rolling into Birr this September. Don’t miss out on this rare chance to see Conalback in his one man stand up show and see why he really is Ireland’s funniest man!8pm • €25 (Friends: priority)

Make sure to book your

tickets early…Conal Gallen isTOO funny!!

CULTURE NIGHT FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBEROn Friday 19 September, 2014 everybody will enjoy the unique experienceof Culture Night a FREE night of entertainment, discover and adventure takingplace in towns, cities, counties and islands in Ireland. Museums, galleries,cultural and arts centres will open their doors to welcome people of all agesto taste and sample their cultural delights for free on this evening.

MOON AND SIXPENCE PUPPET THEATRE’S

Red Riding Hood, Features the classic fairy-tale charactersand a talking dustbin, who encourageschildren to pick up litter! The marionettes(string puppets), perform with music andsound effects and draws plenty of audienceparticipation, as much from adults as fromchildren. Running time 50 mins.6pm • FREE All Welcome. Just book your ticket so we know you’re coming!

8pm OFFline Film Festival – Local Programme Launch The 5th Annual OFFlineOffaly Film Festival takes place Wednesday 8 – Sunday 12 October. Join ustonight as we launch the programme in time for you to plan your Festival week!FREE All Welcome Just let us know you’re coming!

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8pm Birr Film ClubMembers €3,Non-Members€7

TUESDAYTUESDAYFILM CLUBFILM CLUBTUESDAYFILM CLUB

*Best Film and BestActor at the Irish Film& Television Awards

*IMDb rating of 7.9

Offaly Dra m a Pr oject

Acting Masterclasswith Geoff Colman

BIRR FILM CLUB

CALVARYTUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBERFather James Lavelle (Brendan Gleeson), a village priest in a coastalvillage in Ireland, is told in the confessional that one of hisparishioners is going to kill him. The man was abused by a priestfor five years as a child; that priest has died, but killing the innocentFr James will be revenge for the other priests’s abuse of an innocentboy. The man gives Fr James a week to settle his affairs. Since heis under the seal of confession and cannot go to the police, thegood-humoured priest sets off himself to try to prevent his murdererfrom carrying out the deed. This proves to be an arduous task sincehis parish is bristling with combative black sheep. Before long thesinister undercurrents that Lavelle tries hard to ignore grow strongerand the powers of darkness begin to close in around him. He mustask himself whether he has the courage to face his Golgotha.- Berlin Film Festival 2013

FRIDAY 26 – SUNDAY 28 SEPTEMBER

An excellent opportunity for experienced actors to TRAIN with an exceptionalacting teacher of international renown. Geoff Colman works with eachindividual on strengthening their core acting practice. It is also amazing toobserve him working with other actors in the group.

Geoff Colman is Head of Acting at the prestigious Central School of Speech andDrama in London. He is regularly invited to give Masterclasses and workshopsboth in the UK and abroad. As a director and professional acting coach he hasworked with playwrights and actors from various performance contexts rangingfrom the National Theatre of Finland and Institut del Teatre Barcelona, to Miramax,Lenny Henry and Derren Brown. This Masterclass is also an ideal chance for directors and less experienced actorsto OBSERVE a director engage with actors. Actor places are limited and will be booked on “first come first served basis”. A placewill be secured on receipt of full fee. Bookings can be made with Fiona Breen at 0868904828 or [email protected] Fee €150 (Observers: €20 per day).

AN OFFALY DRAMA PROJECT, SUPPORTED BY OFFALY ARTS, DRAMA LEAGUE OF IRELAND.

B U Y O N L I N E W W W . B I R R T H E A T R E . C O M

Dir: John Michael McDonagh100mins | Ireland | (English)

Drama 15A

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SEPT

BIRR FILM CLUB

THE ROCKETTUESDAY 30 SEPTEMBERThe Rocket is a heartwarming coming-of-age tale set entirely inLaos. Ahlo is the surviving twin of a difficult birth and is believed bysome to be a source of bad luck. When the 10-year-old Ahlo and hisfamily are displaced by the construction of a dam, further tragedystrikes as they relocate. Upon reaching the relocation village, Ahlobefriends young Kia and her eccentric uncle Purple, but is still ostracisedby the superstitious community, and even treated with suspicion byhis own family. Ahlo decides that his only hope of redemption is theRocket Festival: a riotous, and dangerous, annual competition wherehuge bamboo rockets are set off to provoke the rain gods. Despitebeing too young to enter the competition, Ahlo is determined tosucceed. Set amidst a beautiful landscape, and with lovely performancesby the young actors, The Rocket is a sensitive and uplifting film. -

Sydney International Film Festival 2013

8pm Birr Film ClubMembers €3,Non-Members€7

TUESDAYTUESDAYFILM CLUBFILM CLUBTUESDAYFILM CLUB

*Best First FeatureAward at the Berlinale

*Best NarrativeFeature at Tribeca

*Nominated for 45and winner of 25International FilmFestival Awards

*IMDb rating of 7.5

SUNDAY 5 OCTOBERVladimir is proud to announce his brand new show for 2014. Together with hisbrother Anton they will perform an all new popular movie/musical and classicalprogramme accompanied by their piano player Adam Kuruc. Hear music fromJohannes Brahms, J.S. Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Strauss and themes frommovies/musicals including The Godfather, Dr. Zhivago, Fiddler on the Roof aswell as many sing-along favourites. We’re delighted to welcome Vladimir back toBirr with Anton and know this will be a very special evening. 8pm • €13 when purchased in advance • €16 on the night

Bach

Vivaldi

Strauss

The Godfather

Dr. Zhivago

Fiddler on the roof

Dir: Kim Mordaunth 96min | 2013 | Laos/Australia

(Lao) | Club

S I G N U P T O D AY F O R O U R E - N E W S L E T T E R

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B U Y O N L I N E W W W . B I R R T H E A T R E . C O M

8pm Birr Film ClubMembers €3,Non-Members€7

TUESDAYTUESDAYFILM CLUBFILM CLUBTUESDAYFILM CLUB

INCLUDING LOCALLY MADE SHORTS AND FEATURE FILMSFull Programme available in early SeptemberSee www.OfflineFilmFestival.com for details

BIRR FILM CLUB

THE LUNCHBOXTUESDAY 7 OCTOBERSome romances are written in the stars. Others, it would seem, canbe chalked up to a misread street map. When a lunchbox painstakinglyprepared by Ila (Nimrat Kaur) for her emotionally distant husband ismistakenly delivered to Saajan (the wonderful Irrfan Khan, Life of Pi),the under-appreciated Mumbai housewife and lonely accountantstrike up an intimate correspondence. Continuing to use Mumbai’slegion of lunch couriers as their go-betweens, they share increasinglyinvolved letters detailing their inner thoughts and life stories. The tinges of disappointment and regret that punctuate these missivesreflect the enticing soulfulness of Ritesh Batra’s debut. In turn,there’s exhilaration to be had watching these characters realize thattheir futures are unwritten. But will they putdown their pens and overcome theobstacles keeping them fromone another? - Vancouver International Film Festival 2013

Dir: Ritesh Batra | 104mins2013 | India | (Hindi/English)

Drama | PG

Dir: John Curran | 110mins2013 | (English) | Drama | 12A

BIRR FILM CLUB

TRACKSTUESDAY 14 OCTOBERMia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, Stoker) commands the screenin John Curran’s mesmerizing character study, based on theastonishing true story of Robyn Davidson. With her faithful dog andfour unruly camels in tow, Robyn departed Central Australia on foot,determined to traverse the Outback and reach the Indian Ocean. Heronly obstacles were 2,700 kms of desert and her own personal demons. Curran and Wasikowska capture Robyn’s two-year preparatory phase inAlice Springs, when she learned how to maintain camels and reluctantlyaccepted necessary funding from National Geographic. The catch?She had to allow photographer Rick Smolan (played by Girls’ AdamDriver) to snap pictures at predetermined stops along the way. The arduous physical journey and the arguably more dangerous mental

one are conveyed through Curran’s use of thestunning landscapes as a prominentcharacter in the former and Waikowska’scomplete dedication in the latter. This is one

journey you will not forget. - Vancouver International Film Festival 2014

*Nominated for 30and winner of 19International FilmFestival Awards

*IMDb rating of 8.0

Birr Wed 8 – Sun 12 October 2014

TUESDAYTUESDAYFILM CLUBFILM CLUBTUESDAYFILM CLUB

*IMDb rating of 7.38pm Birr Film ClubMembers €3,Non-Members€7

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OCT

TOM KELLY PROMOTIONS PRESENTS

An Evening of Nostalgia withJOHNNY McEVOY

8pm Birr Film ClubMembers €3,Non-Members€7

TUESDAYTUESDAYFILM CLUBFILM CLUBTUESDAYFILM CLUB

BIRR FILM CLUB

THE PASTTUESDAY 21 OCTOBERFollowing the taut Oscar-winning divorce drama A Separation,Iranian director Asghar Farhadi returns with another stunning study ofmodern family life, this time set on the outskirts of Paris whereAhmad (Ali Mosaffa) arrives from Tehran to finalise the end of histempestuous marriage to estranged wife Marie (Bérénice Bejo). ThePast, however, is not simply a variation on a theme; it is a gripping,emotional detective story, as curious Ahmad investigates the eventsof the previous four years, his interest piqued by Marie’s sulky teenagedaughter Lucie (Pauline Burlet), whose strange contempt for hermother’s new boyfriend Samir (Tahar Rahim) sets the story inmotion. Farhadi’s cast is note-perfect,especially Bejo,… but the realstar is the script, a masterworkof restraint that drip-feedsone explosive revelation after another.Damon Wise / BFI London Film Festival

SATURDAY 18 OCTOBERJohnny McEvoy has always been highly acclaimed for his excellent

shows and his concert at Birr Theatre & Arts Centre on SaturdayOctober 18th is eagerly awaited by his legion of fans. This

nostalgiac evening of ‘Song and Story’ features all of Johnny’smany ‘Hit Songs’, including Muirsin Durkan, Boston

Burglar, Those Brown Eyes, Long Long Before Your Time

etc. His songs are haunting, evocative and beautifullypresented with many in the folk and ballad style. This isa concert not to be missed with one of Ireland’slegendary Singer/ Songwriters. 8pm • €25 (Friends: priority)

Dir: Asghar Farhadi | 130mins | 2013 Iran | (French) | Drama | 12A

FRIDAY 24 – SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER Birr’s One Act Drama Festival has become one of the most sought after Festivals inIreland for award winning drama groups as they compete for a place in the All-IrelandOne Act Drama Finals, with Birr festival winners taking top awards in the past. These threenights provide wonderful entertainment of the highest quality for three plays per night.

Festival Workshops: workshops on performance and directing techniques on Saturday25th October. Booking for workshops essential at 087 2836675 as numbers limited.Friday & Saturday 8pm • Sunday 7.30pm • €13/€11 (3 night rate €26)

BIRR STAGE GUILD PRESENTS

one act drama festival3 P L A Y S P E R N I G H T F O R 3 N I G H T S

*Winner of BestActress at the CannesFilm Festival *Winner of 10International FilmFestival Awards. *IMDb rating of 8.0

S I G N U P T O D AY F O R O U R E - N E W S L E T T E R

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8pm Birr Film ClubMembers €3,Non-Members€7

TUESDAYTUESDAYFILM CLUBFILM CLUBTUESDAYFILM CLUB

*Winner of 15awards includingBest Documentary at the 86th AcademyAwards

IMDb rating of 7.4

BIRR FILM CLUB

20 FEET FROM STARDOMTUESDAY 28 OCTOBERMillions know their voices, but no one knows their names. MorganNeville shines a spotlight on the untold true story of the backupsingers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21stcentury. Triumphant and heartbreaking in equal measure, the filmis both a tribute to the unsung voices who brought shape and styleto popular music and a reflection on the conflicts, sacrifices andrewards of a career spent harmonizing with others. Along with rarearchival footage and a peerless soundtrack, 20 Feet From Stardomboasts intimate interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder,Mick Jagger and Sting to name just a few. However, these world-famous figures take a backseat to the diverse array of backupsingers whose lives and stories take centre stage in the film. -

Vancouver International Film Festival 2013

B U Y O N L I N E W W W . B I R R T H E A T R E . C O M

Dir: Morgan Neville | USA 90mins | 2013 | (English)

Documentary | 12A

HULLABALOO! IS CO-ORDINATED BY OFFALY COUNTYCOUNCIL ARTS OFFICE AND BIRR THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE

8th Annual

Birr clara Edenderry

29 October – 1 November 2014Festival Programme available in September

www.birrtheatre.com www.offaly.ie

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BOOKING Tickets are non-refundable and must be paid for at time of booking.Please have your credit/debit card ready. All ticket prices include €1 transaction fee.Box Office: Open Monday – Friday: 1 – 5.30pm 057 9122911Online: www.birrtheatre.com where you can select your seat (no additional charges).Cheques payable to Birr Stage Guild Ltd. In the final hour before a show only ticketsfor that performance can be processed. To comply with fire regulations children (evenbabies) must have a ticket.

CONCESSIONS We offer concession rates, where possible, to students, under 18’s,senior citizens, unemployed and disabled. Current I.D. is essential to avail of these concessions.

GROUP RATES Group rates are available. Please enquire at Box Office.

LATECOMERS All performances start at 8pm (unless otherwise stated). Doors open30 minutes before performance. Performances will start on time – please don’t belate! Latecomers will not be admitted until there is a suitable break, which in somecases may be the interval.

DISABLED ACCESS Birr Theatre and Arts Centre is accessible for wheelchair users.We also have a house wheelchair for your use. This can be booked for a performanceor the chair can be used to bring you from your car to your seat (please note: there aretwo steps to the front row seats). Please make your requirements known at the time ofbooking. It is advisable to book in advance.

CHILDREN Children must be accompanied by an adult at all performances.

FOOD & DRINK Wine, coffee and soft drinks will be available during the interval. No food and drink permitted in the auditorium.

PARKING There is ample street parking. However we remind you we are located in aresidential area and ask you to be conscious not to block private entrances.

MAILING LIST Join our mailing list now by emailing [email protected] orleave your details at reception. Ensure to leave your mobile number for regular textreminders.

FURTHER INFORMATIONBirr Theatre & Arts Centre Oxmantown Hall, Birr, Co Offaly Box Office: 057 9122911 Email: [email protected] Web: www.birrtheatre.com Venue Manager: Emma Nee Haslam

Information correct at time of print. Sometimes changes are unavoidable and we apologise for same. Call Box Office or check local press for further details.

Comhairle Chontae Uíbh FhailíOffaly County Council

Comhairle Baile BhiorraBirr Town Council

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Kinnitty Castle

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