As Scottish as tartan and shortbread!

Editorial Department • Published 1 Jul 2010 16:00

See also:

Ardhowen Theatre

Ardhowen Theatre's July entertainment programme starts off Saturday, July 10 with a concert by Scotland's own international singing stars, The Alexander Brothers. Discovered by Tony Hatch when they first appeared on stage professionally in Arbroath in Scotland, he took them down to London to record. This led to their own television series and appearances at 'Sunday Night at the London Palladium'. Since that time, they have played in all the major world theatres, including Carnegie Hall, New York and the Sydney Opera House. Their 1960s hit 'Nobody's Child' gained them accolades from all over the British Isles and beyond and firmly established them as performers. They are as Scottish as tartan and shortbread and guarantee a marvellous evening of musical entertainment, with a selection of some of Scotland's finest songs, reels and craic.

Songs, Tunes and Tall Tales

"There are many ways to come to an understanding of ourselves. The tales are just one. A powerful one." Varied, surprising and funny - storytelling is as old as the island of Ireland. A great night of stories woven of people and places, events past and present, magic and healing by three wonderful entertainers on Friday, July 16 at 8pm.

Ben Sands is a multi talented musician who sings songs, mostly his own, and writes about life, love and the ways of the world. Some of his creations are whimsical, some are sad and some are very humorous indeed. Maranna McCloskey is a talented young songwriter from Benedy, Co. Derry. She grew up steeped in the culture of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann and spent her formative years attending seisiuns. She sings both old traditional songs and her own new material. Patsy O'Hagan, three times winner of the Bard of Armagh, was born and reared in Ardboe on the shores of Lough Neagh. From this rural background he recounts tales and yarns of characters he remembers and grew up with. Patsy's clever wit and funny monologues are sharply observed scenes from everyday life.

Clubsound - 40 Year Of Comedy

Clubsound were one of the most successful groups during the 60s, 70s and 80s with an amazing mix of great music and lots of comedy routines. Since that time they have taken time off from touring and now are more selective in their touring schedules. This summer, they are on a an extensive tour to celebrate 40 years in show business. From the early days when they practised at George Jones' house with Van Morrison playing saxophone, right up to the present day, they have cultivated a great local following in Northern Ireland. The line up of George Jones, Davy McKnight, Barry Woods and Alan McCartney hasn't changed, as they take you on a trip down memory lane. Favourite pieces include their Shankill Airways, Andy McFadden and his funky wee five piece band and of course the legendary 'Ballymour Grouse Beaters'. All the comedy classics are there and a great night of great ould Ulster craic is guaranteed. The concert is on Saturday, July 17 and starts at 8pm.

Other Events

Comedy theatre is always a popular element in Ardhowen Theatre's Summer programming. Belvoir Players are first up on July 22, 23 and 24 with a Sam Cree comedy. This is followed by Southbank Theatre's production of Abigail's Party. Booking is now open for all of Ardhowen Theatre's Summer, Autumn and Winter programme right up to and including the panto in January. Why not call in for our new Autumn/Winter events brochure or check it out on line on www.ardhowentheatre.com.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 01 Jul 10

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our What's On archives.