Drama, music, comedy... 12 highlights of the new season at the Everyman in Cork
Des Kennedy, artistic director at the Everyman Theatre in Cork. Picture: Darragh Kane
Belfast native Des Kennedy launched his first programme as artistic director of the Everyman in Cork on Tuesday evening. Highlights include Cork-made and visiting theatre productions, as well as an eclectic mix of concerts, comedy and other entertainment offerings.
Over the next few months, theatre-lovers attending the MacCurtain Street venue will have a chance to see a Brian Friel play, Laura Whitmore in an adaption of The Girl On The Train, and three of Sean O’Casey’s comedies. Michael Harding and Nigel Owens are among the figures who’ll be discussing their lives on stage, while the comedy roster includes international star Jason Manford and Dublin’s Emma Doran.
The Twinbrook man, also acting CEO of the theatre, paid homage to Cork’s rich culture during his launch speech at the Moxy Hotel, in particular referencing the defunct Corcadorca theatre company.
Kennedy also spoke of the importance of the Everyman’s role in providing an outlet for local actors and other creatives. “I’m determined to create a venue that will be somewhere those young people can work professionally, make artistic careers without having to move to other cities,” he said.
- For bookings and details of the full programme, see everymancork.com
The Dublin comedian is regular visitor to Leeside, and has built up a huge following in the city.
Garry Hynes directs the likes of Marie Mullen and Marty Rea in Druid’s production of three of the legendary playwright’s lighthearted works.
Not many people will have seen this Brian Friel play in recent years, and the Derry playwright’s 1988 work has an extra appeal for Cork audiences in that it looks at the fortunes of Gaelic chieftain Hugh O’Neill before and after the battle of Kinsale. Everyman artistic director Des Kennedy directs a cast that includes Whitechurch actor Denis Conway.
The Cavan writer is a hugely-popular fixture on Brendan O’Connor’s radio show, and on the Everyman stage will talk about his own life and his philosophies of self-improvement and how to take steps towards fulfilment.
The Ballincollig-based ensemble have been one of the great success stories of the local music scene in recent years, growing to the extent where they can now headline two nights at the venue with their mix of folk, Americana and other rootsy genres. Support acts include The Raines and the White Horse Gospel Choir.
The former rugby referee is a great raconteur, and as well as tales from his days in the sport, has spoken in the past about coming out as gay in 2007, and his battle with eating disorders.
The upcoming three instalments of the ever-popular Songbook series will have separate concerts featuring the work of Dean Martin, Vera Lynn, and Michael Bublé.
Well-known Skibbereen actor Don Wycherley stars in a play based on the memoir of the Guildford Four member. At the age of 25, the Belfast man was wrongly convicted of involvement in IRA bombings in England and spent 15 years in prison before being eventually released in 1989.
Nancy Harris’s work will be familiar to those who’ve watched her TV show, The Dry, and here she switches to playwright mode for a family drama involving a celebrated feminist who’d renovating a house on a West Cork island. One of four plays in the ‘Everyman Makes’ strand.
The Manchester comedian has been one of the stalwarts of the UK standup scene over the past 15 years or so, and the Cork stop on his latest tour, A Manford All Seasons, is likely to be a sell-out.
Imelda May returns in the role of Kathleen Behan, a remarkable woman in her own right, as well as for giving the world her three sons Brendan, Brian and Dominic.
Laura Whitmore is best known for her MTV shows and presenting programmes such as Love Island, but here the 39-year-old Dubliner shows her acting talents in an adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ hugely popular novel.
