Thursday 5th, 12th May Laois Arthouse Stradbally , 2pm-4pm – Join us for a fun introduction to Felt making with textile artist Maria McGarry. Learn the technique of laying fibers of merino wool to create felt using soapy water and gentle rolling. Participants will create their own designed stained glass inspired piece. Booking essential: T: 057 8664033 email: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie Free event.
Writing Your Story – Join renowned local writer Pauline Clooney – Wednesday 4th, 11th 18th, 25th at Laois Arthouse Stradbally from 11am-1pm for a course for creative non-fiction writing (Memoir/biography/autobiography). If you have a story you want to record for posterity or an interest in something or someone specific that you would like to write about, then this may be the course you are looking for. Through prompted written exercises, instruction in the art of writing and the sharing of your work you will be encouraged and guided through the processes involved in writing about fact in a creative manner. Course consists of four 2-hour sessions. Booking essential: T: 057 8664033 email: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie. Free event
In Trust. In Gratitude. In Hope at Laois Arthouse Stradbally – 10 Years at Laois Arthouse Exhibition – guided tours throughout May – Active Age Groups are welcomed to visit this wonderful exhibition featuring the work of 64 artists providing their unique insight to Laois born poet Pat Boran’s specially commissioned poem ‘The Window Seat’ with a stunning series of artworks in a variety of themes. Opening times Tues-Fri 1pm-4pm or by appointment – Booking essential for groups: T: 057 8664033 or E: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie.
Also at the DUNAMAISE ARTS CENTRE Bealtaine events include: – Thursday 5 May, 7pm. FILM: Sunshine on Leith. A fundraising event to screen the film based on the sensational stage hit of the same name, featuring music by pop-folk band The Proclaimers that the award-winning Portlaoise Musical Society bring to the Dunamaise stage for its Irish premiere this November. Friday 6 May, 8pm. THEATRE: Sorry for your Loss. An unmissable night of fun and craic that will have you killed with laughter. The adult comedy show that gives uncle Paddy the send-off he always wanted. If it’s laughter you’re after then this is the wake for you! Saturday 7 May, 2pm. MUSIC: Tell Me This Now. Mountrath Youth Theatre and Mountrath Golden Years Club come together for an afternoon of storytelling to see what we can all learn from each other. Friday 13 May, 8pm. THEATRE: Shirley Valentine. Treat yourself to an evening of laughter and triumph, as Norma Sheahan, one of Ireland’s leading dramatic actors, breathes new life into Willy Russell’s effervescent and iconic character Shirley Valentine. Thursday 19 to Saturday 21 May, 8pm. (7.30pm & Sat. matinee 2.30pm) THEATRE: Waiting for Gateaux. The Irish-premiere of this riotous, laugh-a-minute comedy about friendship, frostbite and French fries! Starring Mary Byrne (X-Factor) and Eilís O’Carroll (Mrs. Brown’s Boys) Wednesday 25 May, 11am and 8pm. FREE CINEMA: Military Wives. A 2019 British comedy drama film inspired by the true story of the Military Wives Choirs, a network of 75 choirs in British military bases across the United Kingdom and overseas. Friday 27 May, 8pm. MUSIC: Declan Nerney in concert with Louise Morrissey and John Hogan. Join Irish country music artist Declan Nerney with his super live band and special guests Louise Morrissey and John Hogan for a nostalgic night of music, song and laughter.
A wide ranging programme of events also taking place at Laois Libraries as well as lifestyle and wellbeing events run by Laois Sports Partnership full programme available on www.laois.ie.
For more information contact: Muireann Ni Chonaill, Arts Officer, Bridie Keenan, Assistant Arts Officer. T: 057 8664033 E: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie.