Castleblayney Drama Festival 2010 From Friday 5th March to Saturday 13th March @ 8.00pm Nightly (Note Early Start)
Under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland.
Co Monaghan’s Nominating Festival
Adjudicator : Peter Sheridan
Book online or on 042 9753400/1.

Friday March 5th
Lislea Players/Freedom of The City/By Brian Friel

Saturday  March 6th
Backburners Drama Group/The Gentle Island/By Brian Friel

Sunday March 7th
Cuckoo's Nest Theatre Group/The Caretaker/By Harold Pinter

Tuesday March 9th
Dundalk Theatre Group/Copenhagen /By Michael Frayne

Wednesday March 10th
Castle Players Dundalk/The Lonesome West/By Martin McDonagh

Thursday March 11th
Estuary Players (Dublin)/There Came A Gypsy Riding /By Frank McGuinness

Friday March 12th
Silken Thomas Players/The History Boys/By Alan Bennett

Saturday March 13th
Balally Players/The Plough And The Stars/Sean O'Casey

Nob Nation Live On Saturday 20th March @ 8.30pm EXTRA NIGHT ADDED FRIDAY 19TH MARCH @ 8.30pm   Nob Nation is Ireland’s most popular radio comedy satire series and is broadcast six days a week on RTE 2FM (Gerry Ryan) and RTE Radio 1 (The Tubridy Show & The Business) with regular TV appearances on The Late Late Show and The Café. A controversial thorn in the side of Government, sport and celebrity, Nob Nation has released three best-selling albums in 2007, 2008 and 2009. The show’s mimic Oliver Callan, from Inniskeen, Co Monaghan has sold out live shows across the country from Wexford to Monaghan and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre. Book early for this one. Book online for Friday performance or on 042 9753400/1 for both performances. 



Big Telly Theatre Company Presents The Haunting of Helena Blunden (Written by Paul Boyd and Bernie McGill and Directed by Zoë Seaton) On Tuesday 23rd March @ 8.30pm.  A doorway.  A stairwell.  A story.  Two women: one desperate to cross over the threshold: the other desperate to escape. What is it on the other side that makes eighty-year-old Maggie want so badly to go in?  What is it that has terrified Susan into packing up and leaving?  This is thriller, ghost story, musical. Set in modern Belfast, it has more twists and turns than yarn winding its way round a spindle.   Book online or on 042 9753400/1. 


    
The High Kings On Friday 26th March @ 8.30pm   The last two years have seen The High Kings achieve platinum status with their debut CD and DVD, complete two sellout tours in Ireland – and they were voted Best Newcomer and Best Folk Act at Ireland’s Music Awards. In this new show, The High Kings are showcasing their incredible versatility as multi-instrumentalists bringing a rousing flavour to well-loved folk songs. This new show features songs from their highly anticipated new album. The High Kings serve up laughter, good times and even the odd sing along. See www.thehighkings.com.  Booking on 042 9753400/1. 



Ana Gog On Friday 26th March @ 8.30pm Recently dubbed by The Irish Times as exemplifying the "future sound" of Irish music Ana Gog’s members met in 2006 whilst studying music in various forms at university.  With backgrounds in jazz, classical, electro, trad. and metal music, the group produce a unique sound while collaborating with other art forms in live performance.  Tonight they will be joined by up to ten other musicians and a talented group of visual/live media artists to make The Well into a visual and aural delight.   Unmissable for anyone with an interest in either art or music.   Book online or on 042 9753400/1.



Classical Treasures On Saturday 10th April @ 8.30pm  Due to discerning demand we bring them forward again, these classical singers and
musicians from the Iontas hinterland who so delighted us last summer. (In alphabetical order) Dara Daly (violin), Diane Daly (violin), Liebe Kelly (Soprano), RobertKiernan (classical accordion), Niamh Mc Cormick (Soprano), and Cormuin O Raghallaigh (Piano) all work in national orchestras or opera companies. After theirlast appearance they are no longer a revelation but they are still a cause for joyful celebration.  Book online or on 042 9753400/1.



The Twitters On Friday 16th April @ 10.30am   They were so enjoyed by the children last autumn that we’re having them back. Four musicians and singers, one of them a comedian, sing all the songs beloved by children while a screen shows the lyrics. A treat for any child and wonderful choruses for a school or family sing-along.  Book online or on 042 9753400/1.


   
Wonderland Productions Present Life Shop Till You Drop On Saturday 17th April @ 8.30pm  A wickedly funny satire. After three sell-out National Tours, ourRecruitment Consultant Heroine is here to help you find love and happiness through her ‘sassy girl’s self-help solution!’ This comic satire has plenty of laughs - The Sunday Tribune.  See www.wonderlandtheatre.com.  Book online or on 042 9753400/1. 



Fusion From Thursday 22nd April to Saturday 24th April @ 8.30pm  This 75+ strong singing group aged from 6 -17years are making their debut performance here in Íontas with their wonderful, imaginative and colourful performances of many classic songs including music by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Beatles, The Mamas and Papas, The Police as well as music from the well-known musicals Wicked, The Lion King and Annie. This will be an evening to be remembered with special guest appearances with the backing of this unique vocal group.  Book online or on 042 9753400/1. 

Download January - April 2010 Brochure For All Upcoming Events

Sneak Preview - Some Events Coming From May 2010 Onwards.....

Finbar Wright In Concert On Saturday 8th May @ 8.30pm  Finbar Wright –celebrating an amazing twenty years of concerts and music making- returns to Iontas Theatre.  If you love romantic songs and powerful ballads, then Finbar Wright is the man to deliver a rich and accomplished performance on this special night.  He has graced this stage repeatedly over the years, and the Monaghan audience took him to their hearts from the very start of his career, so make a date with Mr. Wright and enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment.  Supported by the best musicians in the land, a night with Finbar is not to be missed!!  See www.finbarwright.com  Book online or on 042 9753400/1. 



Altan 25th Anniversary Celebration Tour 2010 On Saturday 15th May @ 8.30pm  Traditional Irish music band Altan celebrate their 25th anniversary in 2010.  The band evolved from playing informally in sessions and kitchens in Co Donegal with family and friends to becoming one of the most prolific and important exports in traditional Irish music today.   To celebrate their 25th anniversary the band release a new album recorded with the RTE Concert Orchestra getting a world wide release in Europe, Australia, Asia and America.  Altan have travelled the world from the USA to Japan playing their particular style of fiery Donegal fiddle music, contrasted with poignant melodic Gaelic love songs, in such prestigious venues as the Sydney Opera House, The Hollywood Bowl, The Alte Opera, Koln, The Royal Albert Hall, London to mention but a few.  The Boston Globe described them "The most important band in the Celtic realm".  In 2006 the Irish government recognised their important contribution to the music industry, by issuing a postage stamp in their honour.  Book online or on 042 9753400/1. 


Talks With Foreign Nationals 
The Artistic Director of Iontas wants to talk to foreign nationals about the arts content they would like in the Iontas programmes. If interested ring your name to 042-9753400/1 or contact arts@iontascastleblayney.ie.