John Connors stars in the drama Ireland's Call.

Comedy, drama intrigue coming to town

Drama and intrigue, musical moments to remember, historical figures brought to life, and comedy to make your sides split – there’s always something at Mullingar Arts Centre to suit everyone.

The tribute to Legend of Luke Kelly comes to the arts centre on Saturday March 2 at 8pm. Chris Kavanagh and band will perform the songs of Kelly and the Dubliners, plus many more famous Irish ballads.

John Connors stars in the drama Ireland’s Call on Wednesday March 6. It follows the lives and family histories of three young men as they grow up in Coolock on Dublin’s north side and shows what shapes them and entices them to a life of crime.

On Friday March 8, Centre Stage Theatre Company presents The Trials of Oscar Wilde, whose play The Importance of Being Earnest enjoyed a triumphant opening on February 14, 1985. It was the zenith of Wilde’s career. But 100 days later, Wilde was a common prisoner facing two years of hard labour.

Aslan, the Irish rock band and hitmakers of Crazy World and Angie, to name but a few, come to Mullingar for one night only as part of their Goodbye Charlie Moonhead tour, on Saturday March 9.

Due to popular demand, there is a second run of Bothered and Bewildered at the arts centre on Thursday and Friday March 14 and 15. Starring the talented Mary Hughes, this is one not to miss.

On Wednesday March 20, a recital of Chamber Philharmonic Europe lands on the stage. Founded in 2006 in Cologne, Germany, the orchestra engages talented young musicians from 18 European nations.

Roll up, if you dare, for a rare roadshow of revenge when the drama Freak Show comes on Thursday March 21. In the 250th year of circus, the sideshow lunatics have taken over the asylum – and the madness makes total sense! These fairground attractions have axes to grind and bones to pick. Warning – contains dark humour.

Bernard O’Shea and Karl Spain pair up for Fat Chancers on Saturday March 23, and for more comedy, enjoy a ‘Lock-In’ with Danny O’Brien on Thursday March 28.

On Friday March 29, stars from the West End present a magical evening of hits from the musicals, including Les Misérables, We Will Rock You, South Pacific, Singing in the Rain, Starlight Express, and Phantom of the Opera.

Mullingar Arts Centre School of Classical Ballet stage two performances on Saturday March 30, (3pm and 7.30pm). The Sleeping Beauty is a magical production, where young dancers thrill the audience with skill and enthusiasm. Jolly Productions present Goldilocks and the Three Bears on Sunday April 7 at 2.30pm; and TY students present Shawshank on March 4, 5 and April 6.

Chess the Musical is presented by Mullingar Student Players on April 22-27. With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, formerly of Abba, the story involves a romantic triangle between two players in a world chess championship, and a woman who manages one and falls in love with the other.

Blindboy of Rubberbandits fame comes to Mullingar in May. With a best selling book under his belt and a podcast with an international reach, the satirist could possibly single-handedly change people’s mind set on mental health and the stigma that surrounds it. Outspoken, informed and empathetic, Blindboy engages his audience with an unusual touch of realism. There is a authentic feeling of ‘freedom’ he exhumes which allows his listeners and participants to openly speak their minds without judgement and no topic off limits.

VOXX – The Urban Tenors – are classical and modern, traditional and revolutionary. Four of Europe’s finest young singers will give an unforgettable night of music on June 22, from Puccini to Bon Jovi.

Due to the sell-out success of last year’s pantomime Jack and The Beanstalk, in 2019, Mullingar Pantomime Group present Aladdin. Expect magic carpets, spectacular costumes and more! Tickets are already on sale due to the phenomenal demand for last year’s show and some of the cast have already been announced.

Daniel Egerton, who stars in the lead role of Aladdin, trained for three years in The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London, and was a recipient of the Andrew Lloyd Webber scholarship. His professional credits include: BBC’s Doctors (Season 18), Pink Floyd’s The Wall (The Musical), Various workshops with national theatre connections and A Doll’s House with Rail Theatre Company – performances while in training included A Little Night Music, Pentecost, Sweet Charity and Through The Wire.

Playing the role of Jasmine will be Sara Jane Mangan, whose credits include productions of Les Misérables and Godspell at the Gorey Little Theatre, Singin’ In The Rain with Mullingar Musical Society, A Doll’s House with Rail Theatre Company, Peter Pan 2017 and Jack and The Beanstalk 2018 with Mullingar Pantomime Group. She has also performed at the Wexford Opera House with Deirdre Masterson’s Ceol Loch Gorman. Aladdin opens on December 4 and runs until December 22.