Five for your radar: Christmas panto, Will Smith, and Gig for Gaza
Some of what's coming up this week
We are rapidly approaching the beginning of December which means Christmas is coming. A fun time spent with loved ones for many but for others it is a difficult time. This creative documentary takes us on a journey following five people living in a small Irish town as they navigate their personal dilemmas during the Christmas season. It delves into what lies behind the presents and parties and explores the difficulties in managing the great expectations that come with Christmas. So This is Christmas is emotional, heartening and - as is the Irish way - funny with a tinge of tragedy.
Tis the season for celebrity memoirs. This one is interesting for a couple of reasons though. Will Smith has written his memoir and it comes just weeks after his wife - ex-wife? - published her own tell-all. It's hard to imagine Will's tale could possibly make as many headlines as Jada's but the actor and rapper has had a long, colourful career though so he has plenty of stories to choose from. One line from the book's blurb did get me, I must admit: "WILL is the story of how one person mastered his own emotions". Steering clear of the Oscars, are we?
Squid Game was a massive hit for Netflix when it was released in early 2021. Now, Netflix is hoping to capitalise on its success with a spin-off reality competition. Over 450 contestants from around the world will compete for an astounding $4.56m (around €4.18m). They will take on a series of physical and mental challenges mimicking the original show - minus the murder, obviously. Mikie Bowe, 35, a full-time carer from Kildare and content creator Eric Roberts, 32, from Donegal will be among the hopefuls. Will the real-life game show have viewers gripped the same way Squid Game did? Unlikely, but it could be a bit of fun.
The little show that could - this gig was originally to be held in Vicar Street but the huge support for the cause saw tickets sell out in mere minutes so it moved to 3Arena. As well as supporting a great cause - Medical Aid for Palestine - this gig boasts a fantastic line-up. Lankum, who are going from strength to strength, will be joined by Damien Dempsey, Lisa O'Neill, The Mary Wallopers, and more. Irish Artists for Palestine will also be putting on a show in the Olympia on the same night. This gig includes the Saw Doctors, The Stunning, Mary Black, and many more.
Christmas and panto go hand in hand. There's no use fighting it, it's as inevitable as hearing All I Want for Christmas 500 times a day. But really, for all the slagging panto gets, it's genuinely a great family day out. The kids absolutely love it and when it's done well, even the adults will have a giggle. This year's Cork Opera House Panto features Jack (of the beanstalk fame), Nanny Nellie, and a host of other companions. There will be a Relaxed Performance of the show for families on December 13.
