We are very excited to announce that our Rural Stage Schools are expanding, this September we will open a new stage school in Ballymahon in St. Matthews National School with tutors Aimee MacManus and Joanne MacDonagh. Aswell as Ballymahon, we also have stage schools in Rathwire, Rathowen, Ballynacargy, Castlepollard, Delvin, Rochfortbridge and Kilbeggan and our own stage school in the centre. To enrol your child for September or for more information, simply call us on 04493-47777.

Presented by Bruiser Theatre Company, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 by Sue Townsend is a wonderfully comic play that covers the first of the Adrian Mole diaries in which the anti-hero adolescent, undiscovered poet and intellectual tries to deal with his parents' crumbling marriage, his spots, his school, his unrequited love for Pandora and the erratic behaviour of his dog. All this whilst trying to get his poetry accepted by the BBC! Sue Townsend's adaptation of her best selling book stays true to its source, creating a play filled with music and warmth. Adrian Mole and his secret diary will appeal to theatre-goers young enough to relate and old enough to remember. Bruiser's stage version will enable Townsend's humour and pathos to shine, in a fast, witty portrayal of 80s Britain.
The Secret Life Of Adrian Mole plays Mullingar Arts Centre on October 11th.
Booking: 04493-47777/mullingarartscentre.ie

Our BOOM! Mullingar & Rural Summer Camps have kicked off for the month of July. We will be incorporating music, dance, drama, games, activities and much more. We still however are taking enrolments, for more information and for booking call us on 04493-47777

Our BOOM! Mullingar & Rural Summer Camps have kicked off for the month of July. We will be incorporating music, dance, drama, games, activities and much more. We still however are taking enrolments, for more information and for booking call us on 04493-47777

Winner 1977 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, Best American Play One of America’s greatest playwrights, David Mamet infused American Buffalo with his trademark style and dramatic craftsmanship, creating a theatrical tour de force that stands the test of time. In a Chicago junk shop, three small-time crooks plot to rob a man of his coin collection, the showpiece of which is a valuable “Buffalo nickel”. The three conspirators fancy themselves as businessmen pursuing the legitimate concerns of free enterprise - but in reality, they are merely small-time crooks, and all of their plotting amounts to nothing in the end. American Buffalo is a triumph of language and a devastating snapshot of what human beings are capable of doing to each other when they run out of options. A darkly comic and ultimately shattering classic. “Gripping drama” The New York Times “It isn’t often that a play with a dramatic intensity of American Buffalo comes to the Broadway theatre.” New York Post.
American Buffalo plays Mullingar Arts Centre on September 6th and 7th
Booking: 04493-47777/mullingarartscentre.ie

'A Powerful piece exploring grief and all its raw emotions' -'It so aptly showed the stages of grief in their purest forms' -'Powerful and moving' -'Stunning Choreography portrayed so beautifully by some of Ireland's best dancers' Part one begins with those honored in the sculpture called “The Dark Elegy” by Suse Lowenstein, the mother of one of the passengers killed in the skies over Lockerbie, Scotland, (Pan Am flight 103) in 1988. Her son was on way back from his London study abroad with Syracuse University, Rory Hughes' alma mater. The performance will move into how we try to 'hold on' when life unexpectedly gets out of control. From loss of a family member, to loss of a relationship, to even loss of what could have been, we continue on and struggle to get by day by day. With this piece we are taking everyday realities and exploring the journey we take to live and love, even when our whole world crashes down around us.
Holding On plays Mullingar Arts Centre on September 30th
Booking: 04493-47777/mullingarartscentre.ie

Lyngo Theatre presents There and Back Again – An Odyssey The Odyssey is the mother of all stories, the ultimate source of myths and legends full of epic battles, floating islands, one-eyed giants, angry Gods and powerful magic. Follow CBeebies Patrick Lynch as he and his companions go on a fantastic 20 years long voyage to get back home. Miniature worlds come to life on our big screen as we create them out of sand, stones, fire and water. This epic brings to life in a magical way this wonderful fable that everyone can follow – a thrilling ride across the magical world of ancient Greece. No matter how far you roam, there’s no place like Homer!
There and Back Again – An Odyssey plays Mullingar Arts Centre on October 10th.
Booking: 04493-47777/mullingarartscentre.ie

The world premiere of The Mental, the third play in John MacKenna's Barrow Trilogy - following Corner Boys and Lucinda Sly. Set in St Joseph's psychiatric hospital in 1990, it's the story of John Salter, a man who has been in psychiatric care for forty years for "attempting to do a good deed." But times are changing and patients are moving into community houses - something John Salter is resisting. "If I go, who'll get the crows up in the morning and who'll get them into their nests at night?" he asks. The Mental is a warm and gentle story of one man's journey through a life that might have followed a different path. Directed by Angela Keogh.
The Mental plays Mullingar Arts Centre on November 4th.
Booking: 04493-47777/mullingarartscentre.ie

Cyclone Theatre presents The Shakespeare Sessions - The Merchant Of Venice, Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet and King Lear.

"The Merchant Session is an abridged version of the play and contains, an entertaining scholarly review that clarifies the main themes and topics as well as an invitation for discussion and interaction. The show is an entertaining and informative synthesis of analysis and performance that has the primary goal of helping Junior Cert learners in their understanding of Merchant of Venice while at the same time highlighting what a fine comedy it is." Themes & Topics analysed or mentioned during the show: Friendship and Loyalty, Merchant of Venice in Nazi Germany, Launcelot’s Conscience, Mercy and Justice, The Role of Religion, The Pound of Flesh, Father and Child Love, Romantic Love, Love Between Friends, Significance of Tubal, Isolation, Money & Wealth, The function of the caskets, Women’s Appearance & Reality, Prejudice. Review from teacher: "I've been teaching twenty years, and I have never seen a better student friendly play. Genius." - Kieran Doyle, County Cork Teacher Review from student: "It was very funny and it helped me learn. I hurt so much from laughing so hard. I loved the way they stopped to explain the important bits and the way they included the audience. It was very funny." - J.H. (Student from Ennistymon CBS, Limerick)

Come and solve the puzzle that is Macbeth! The mystery and magic of The Scottish Play as you’ve never seen it before! Hecate joins the actors analyzing the bards’ goriest play. A riddle is put forth to the students which, once answered, will aid understanding in how to dissect the themes of bloody Macbeth for their exams." Themes & Topics analysed or mentioned during the show: The Source, The Porter’s Speech, Appearance vs. Reality, Conscience/Guilt, Corruption/Ambition, The Theme of Blood, Evil vs. Good, Tropes, Manhood & Kingship, Lady Macbeth’s Motivation, The Role of Women in the Play, The Role of the Supernatural in the Play, Free Will vs. Fate. Review from teacher: "I have seen many productions of Macbeth over the years and I thought this one was brilliant. The reason being that it brought the students into the event. The time passed quickly and we really enjoyed our trip to the theatre." Brendan O'Sullivan, Cork Teacher (Review from our last run of Macbeth in 2014).

"Cyclone Rep presents an updated version of the tale of star-crossed lovers with new cast, new look and new music! In this show Shakespeare comes to life and directs a group of modern actors in his great romantic tragedy. However, problems arise as Mr. Shakespeare’s XVIth century attitudes and demeanour clash with those of the modern performers. Once again Cyclone Rep introduces students to one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays with stunning performances, historical background, discussion of major themes, audience participation and interaction." Themes & Topics analysed or mentioned during the show: The passage of time in Romeo and Juliet, Nature of love, Love as a religious experience, Benvolio’s function, Fate, Love vs. Lust, Conflict, Historical context of the Capulet/Montague feud, Lack of women performers in Elizabethan Theatre, Parental Authority, Storytelling in Shakespeare’s time, Characters & Interpretation. Review from student: "I like how the show was modernised, which made it more relatable and it was easier to follow than the movie version, for example. The play was very well presented in terms of performance, and the music created an appropriate but often lively atmosphere. I really enjoyed the characters, particularly Romeo and the Nurse. It was very easy to follow overall and the little intermissions between scenes helped me to understand why something was happening and its importance." - E.O'S. (Student from Coláiste Mhuire, Askeaton)

"Following your feedback we’ve created a new session version of King Lear. The new version cranks up the humour as the Cyclone Repertory actors explore the motivations of Lear, Kent, Goneril, Regan, Cordelia, Gloucester and Edmund with humour, discussion and arguments that focus on the major themes of the play. And as always, the play is performed faithfully to the text with top notch dramatic performances." Themes & Topics analysed or mentioned during the show: The Natural Order vs. The Unnatural; Filial Ingratitude; Madness; The Divine Right of Kings; The Nature of Man; Power and Responsibility; Families Mirroring Nations; The Parallels of Lear and Gloucester’s Journey; The Political Context of Lear’s Time. Review from student: "The King Lear Reboot is a highly engaging review of King Lear as well as giving students a better understanding of the themes and motives of the characters in the play. A humorous, engaging experience - well worth the money and time." - C.B. (Student from Colaiste an Eachreidh, Galway)

The Shakespeare Sessions plays Mullingar Arts Centre from November 8th - 10th. Booking: 04493-47777/mullingarartscentre.ie

'If a cow fell over you'd all go and look at it' he says" Sara Tansey's father is just back from overseas and is being very annoying! Just because he's bought her oranges doesn't mean he can say nothing happens in their town. He wasn't there when the murderer came. But was he really a murderer? Or a Playboy? Or both? And does the Playboy see just how clever and nice Sara is? Passionate, lyrical and angry Sara invites us into a world where people are made by the stories they tell and parents need to be told who their children really are. Based on Synge's The Playboy of the Western World the third of our Priming the Canon series. Priming the Canon brings standalone plays based on the classics directly into schools. With pre and post show workshops and online curriculum based materials Me, Sara brings a timeless Irish classic into the heart of the classroom.
Me Sara plays Mullingar Arts Centre on November 13th and 14th.
Booking: 04493-47777/mullingarartscentre.ie

Last week 55 members from our Sweet Tunes Active Retirement Group facilitated by Angela Lynch competed in the 6th Mayo International Choral Festival. Sweet Tunes placed runner up in Competition K as first time competitors. We are so proud of the choir who have been working so hard all year. Sweet Tunes continue to go from strength to strength with them about to compete in The Marigold Festival in Tullamore this week and they shall set off to Rome next year for St. Patrick's Day. New members are welcome to join Sweet Tunes, contact Mullingar Arts Centre on 04493-47777 for more information.

Our Summer opening hours have changed, we will resume back to later opening hours in September. The centre will be closed on Saturdays with the exception of performances, you can however continue to book tickets for shows through our website at mullingarartscentre.ie

We are very excited to announce that our Rural Stage Schools are expanding, this September we will open a new stage school in Ballymahon in St. Matthews National School with tutors Aimee MacManus and Joanne MacDonagh. Aswell as Ballymahon, we also have stage schools in Rathwire, Rathowen, Ballynacargy, Castlepollard, Delvin, Rochfortbridge and Kilbeggan and our own stage school in the centre. To enrol your child for September or for more information, simply call us on 04493-47777.