Exhibition: finding the most forgiving element by Helen Hughes

Butler Gallery Evans Home, John's Quay,, Kilkenny, Kilkenny, Ireland

Butler Gallery is very pleased to present finding the most forgiving element, a new body of work by Helen Hughes that includes sculptures, print works and two short films.

Making and materiality are foundational in my predominately sculptural practice which takes influence from mass produced commodities and the fetishistic surfaces of retail. Honing and developing my own improvised, markedly physical processes, and utilising materials that are wilful and difficult to control (e.g. balloons and fast-cast resins) my practice is rooted in the body and its way of understanding. My intention counters increasingly virtual ways of navigating the world and a growing remove from materiality.

Free

Sister Act – Kilkenny College

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won't be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood.

Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act will leave audiences breathless. The cast is chock full of amazing roles for women of all ages, making this a perfect choice for high schools and community theatres. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to REJOICE!

€17.50

The Zone Of Interest – Movie

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

In the grounds of Auschwitz, commandant Rudolf Höss and his family live in luxury. As unspeakable atrocities unfold in the concentration camp, the family members go about their lives - wilfully ignoring the ever-present sounds of terrible things happening just over their garden wall.

The Zone of Interest - director Jonathan Glazer’s first film since 2013’s Under the Skin - is a deeply unsettling, masterfully directed cinematic study of the banality of evil. Loosely based on the novel by Martin Amis, Glazer’s film refuses to show the audience the atrocities of the Holocaust. Instead, we’re kept at a devastating, chilling remove - artfully enhanced by pristine camerawork, extraordinary sound design and an eerie, bone-shaking score from Mica Levi.

€7

Breda Cashe and Pat Moylan present Tuesdays with Morrie

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Tuesdays with Morrie is adapted from the phenomenally popular first novel by Mitch Albom. It is an autobiographical story of Mitch Albom, an accomplished journalist driven solely by his career, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch happens to catch Morrie’s appearance on a television news programme and learns that his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Mitch is reunited with Morrie, and what starts as a simple visit, turns into a weekly pilgrimage and a last class in the meaning of life. It is a heart-warming exploration of friendship and life. It will make you cry but above all it will make you laugh.

€20 – €25

Shane Daniel Byrne – But He’s Gay

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

The award winning Shane Daniel Byrne is Irish comedy’s new wonderkid (in his mid 30s). He’s, embarking on his first national Irish tour after sold our runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and the Dublin Fringe. Once considered an exciting talent of contemporary performance art in Dublin he messed that up and now he’s a comedian. Join him for his fierce and fiery début hour about whatever is wrong with him.

€24

The Other Selves

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

A reflection on ageing. The memory and anticipation of ordinary traumas and tragedies. The histories that are embedded in the way you feel your movement. The sufferings of others that have stuck to the skin, the bones the ligaments and which you carry with you. The inevitability of a continuing, perhaps pathetic, conversation with yourself... between yourselves... about who you are, who you have been... who you still might become...

The skeleton of this solo is made out of a series of letters between Anton and Anton, the protagonist of this solo. Letters about different topics related to different fears, ageing and desire. The material of the solo varies from movement scenes, to videos and text. What all materials have in common is a poetic sense to reveal some of the more hidden and deeper layers of the protagonist.

Benno is 65... maybe not such an age these days... but for a dancer? Maybe the intimations of ageing come earlier and more subtly for someone for whom movement is their art; but everyone moves, so maybe the dancers story is just a refined version of everyone’s.

€15

Kilkenny Academy Of Dance Presents The Wizard Of Oz

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

In Act 1, Dorothy finds a world of adventure in the land of Oz which is told through Kilkenny Academy of Dance's very own fun and beautiful interpretation of the classic.

Act 2 will provide a variety showcase including Classical Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz, Contemporary, and Tap Dance guaranteed to suit all interests! Students range from 3 - 18 years. Lots of fun for all the family. A night not to be missed!

€12 – €14

One Night Of Adele

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

One Night Of Adele transports you into the sensational atmosphere of an Adele concert experience; belting out the biggest anthems from the Grammy award winners studio albums including ‘Easy On Me’, ‘Hello’, ‘Someone Like You’, ‘I Drink Wine’, ‘Send My Love’ and ‘Rolling In The Deep’. You’ll hear and sing along to your favourite Adele songs... and you may even find yourself dancing in the aisles!

With remarkable attention to detail, this show will provide you not only with dazzling songs both intimate and epic, but in this true representation you’ll experience the hair, the nails, the dresses, the world famous Adele witty charm... and most importantly, that truly iconic voice!

€32

Sean Keane

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

The Distinctive Voice of Ireland

‘Seán Keane is a touchstone of great singing tradition. He is the past, the present and the future.” The late Shay Healy, songwriter, broadcaster and journalist.

Seán Keane is from the small village of Caherlistrane near Tuam, Co. Galway. Growing up there, he was steeped in music and tradition as part of the legendary Keane family of singers and musicians. Seán has taken these roots to new places with his unique and penetrating voice & his captivating talent as multi-instrumentalist. He along with his band, comprised of the wonderfully talented Fergus Feely and Shane MacGowan have toured with sell out success all over Ireland & Europe and the USA. As well as great vocal & musical talent, any show with Seán Keane is one of warmth, intimacy and a touch of humour.

€31

The Woman Who Shot Mussolini – Written and performed by Alice Barry Violet Gibson

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Step into the fascinating world of The Honourable Violet Albina Gibson in this captivating one-woman play, written and performed by Alice Barry. Born into privilege in Dublin, Ireland, in 1876, Violet's life took a dramatic turn when she attempted to assassinate Italy's fascist leader, Mussolini, in 1926.

Violet, nearly fifty years old at the time, confronts Mussolini in the Piazza del Campidoglio, aiming to change the course of history with a single shot. Experience the tension as we delve into the complexities of Violet's mind as she vehemently defends her sanity. With powerful storytelling and poignant portrayal, this theatre piece sheds light on the enigmatic figure of Violet Albina Gibson and the events that shaped her destiny.

€16 – €20

One Life – Movie

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

1938: Nicolas Winton, an English stockbroker, is shocked by the Nazi’s invasion of Czechoslovakia. He decides to travel to Prague, a journey that results in him helping to rescue 669 children from a terrible fate.

Fifty years later, and Nicky is haunted by the children he was unable to save. But when the BBC television show That’s Life!, introduces him to some of the now grown-up children he rescued, he finally begins to come to terms with the emotions he has carried for many years, and also receives the recognition his unknown bravery deserves.

Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Flynn feature as the older and younger Winton, alongside an all-star cast, in this incredible true story of bravery and heroism.

€7

Mary Byrne – Check Me Out

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Fresh from her successful Irish and UK tour of Menopause, The Musical 2, Mary Byrne returns to her roots to share her incredible story in her own words, live on-stage. This captivating show is touring Ireland and coming to a theatre near you.

Mary Byrne – Check Me Out is a deeply moving and intensely honest portrayal of Mary’s life, from her humble beginnings at the checkout counter to her unforgettable journey on X Factor.

In this world premiere production, Mary takes the audience on a nostalgic ride, filled with music, humour and heartfelt moments. Mary’s unique blend of humour and honesty promises a fantastic night of entertainment that is set to be a sell-out.Her performance will include some of the classic songs associated with Marys career to date: ‘This Is My Life’, ‘This Is A Man’s World’ and ‘Always On My Mind’.

€27

Rhythm Of The Night

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

The students from Dramatic Action Stage, Kilkenny present ‘Rhythm Of The Night’ a variety spectacular showcasing Kilkenny's brightest new talent. The show is directed and produced by Rob Murphy and features talented children and young adults from 3 to 18 years of age.

€19.50

AKA Fringe Festival 2024

AKA is a voluntary run arts festival that showcases the hard work and talent of artists and community groups in Kilkenny City and County. Founded in 2014 by a group of artists and community organisers looking to bring together the scattered events and exhibitions that happen each August in Kilkenny. Over the last eight years the festival has grown from strength to strength and continues to offer a platform to established and emerging artists from Kilkenny City and County.

We are very excited to bring you into the dynamic world of music, art, craft and more. We urge you to indulge in our programme full of amazing artists, crafts and performances which we hope has something to suit everyone’s interests.

Tommy Marren – Matches and Old Flames

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Maureen Corcoran decides to find love for her two maturing sons (Joe and Pat) who have no interest in marriage. She spots an advertisement in the Ireland’s Own magazine where two equally ‘mature’ ladies (Daisy and Rose) are on the lookout for romance and without consulting her sons Maureen invites the ladies to come and inspect the ‘talent’ for themselves!

Get ready for wall-to-wall comedy with rare diseases, tongue twisters, a missing wife, an overdue eternity ring, a ‘dodgy’ sponge cake and news of an old flame all adding to the mayhem and madness – not to mention the ‘sting in the tail’ at the very end!

€24 – €26

Paddy Cullivan’s I Can’t Believe It’s Not Ireland

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Join Paddy on a hilariously insightful journey through the history of partition and the Ireland of the future...

Imagine this. It's 2032. The people have spoken on both sides of the border and Ireland is a brand new 32-county country. There's a new flag. A new anthem. There's even a new capital! As Unionists holiday in the south, discovering the imperial joys of 'Royal' Dublin - southerners discover the ancient landscape of Ulster beyond the retail outlets of Newry and Titanic Belfast. Magical things happen when you create a new country - where EVERYTHING is on the table - and it’s exciting.

Leave all your preconceptions at the door. It's not a United Ireland. It's not an 'agreed' Ireland. It's not 'shared' - nor is it 'new'. It's simply- 'I can't believe it's not Ireland'! But first...we have to get there….

€18

Helping Children and Teenagers Cope with Anxiety With Dr David Coleman

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Anxiety is a normal and important part of our lives. We need to be able to get anxious to keep safe, but sometimes teenagers and children can get so anxious that it prevents them from doing regular things in their everyday lives.

In this presentation, David will focus on understanding how anxiety affects children, teenagers and families and will give concrete and practical tips for how to help children deal with the stresses and pressures in their lives.

There will also be a post event audience Q&A which will take place in the auditorium.

€27

Shania & Friends

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Join us in this high energy, fast paced, fully live tribute to the Queen of country pop, Shania Twain. With more than 90 million albums sold worldwide, Shania Twain is the top-selling female country artist of all time with hits such as: Man! I Feel Like a Woman, From This Moment, That Don’t Impress Me Much, Who’s Bed Have Your Boots Been Under and many more.

Following the sensational tribute to this Country Pop Icon, our second half takes you on musical journey, celebrating some of the greatest Country stars of the 90s & 00s. We may even throw in some of the old classics including artists such as, Garth Brooks, Faith Hill, The Chicks, Leanne Rimes, Lady A and more!

€26

Experience the magic of “The Ennio Morricone Experience”

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

“The Morricone Experience” is a tribute to the late maestro of film music who wrote over 400 film compositions in his lifetime, including the scores for audience favourites “A Fistful of Dollars”, “The Good the Bad and the Ugly”,” Cinema Paradiso”, and “The Mission”.

€28.50

Psychology of Serial Killers

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Learn about serial killers you’ve never heard before in this acclaimed, sellout show brought to you by ex-forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees. ‘The Psychology of Serial Killers’ will give even the most dedicated true crime fan new insights to the phenomenon of serial homicide.

€29.50

Rory’s Stories: Keep ‘Er Lit

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Rory is back on the road with his brand new show, 'Keep 'Er Lit', as he tries to navigate and survive in this ever changing world.

He will take you into his home and life with his relatable humour and unique storytelling ability, as he speaks about growing up in simpler times, winging it, and life as a parent to three...even when feeling like a child himself!

Rory will share his experiences and thoughts on managing our minds, challenging fear and why it's important to never lose the madness!

So come join Rory for a night you won't forget; full of craic, music and inspiration.

€27

Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Phil McIntyre Live Ltd. & Róisín Dubh Comedy present ED BYRNE: TRAGEDY PLUS TIME

From the quote attributed to Mark Twain, humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time. Come and join Ed as he tests that formula by mining the most tragic event in his life for laughs.

Edinburgh Fringe 2023 was a bumper 5-star review year for Ed. They came in thick and fast alongside outstanding critical acclaim for this exceptionally funny, ‘Best Reviewed Stand Up Show at Edinburgh 2023’ (British Comedy Guide).

€35

Nights On Broadway – The Bee Gees Story

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

“Nights on Broadway: The Bee Gees Story” presents a tribute to the Bee Gees through their catalogue of hits over 4 decades from the 60s to the 90s. The fully-live band blends the classic hits, acoustic medleys and killer disco tunes which define the unmistakable and versatile sound of The Bee Gees.

€30

Abba Forever

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

It’s always party time when ABBA comes to town but when it’s the Christmas show, then that’s a real excuse to let your hair down! This happy sing-a-long event is pure escapism. It celebrates ABBA’s music with a loud and proud production and terrific audio visuals of ABBA seminal moments on the giant screen!

It’s the perfect way to start your Christmas celebrations!

€30

Rock Icons Show

Watergate Theatre Parliament St, Gardens,, Kilkenny

Rock Icons Show is the ultimate classic rock concert experience touring Ireland, the UK, Europe and beyond. The show takes you on a journey through some of the world's greatest classic rock bands and albums, featuring the music of rock icons such as Deep Purple, Free, Bon Jovi, Toto, Rainbow, Def Leppard, Thin Lizzy, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd, Status Quo, Van Halen and many more.

€29