Upcoming at the Theatre Royal

Red Brick and Time In The Shade

After kicking off their World Domination (or Back to the Day Job!) tour in Downes last February, Red Brick return to their home town when they share the stage in a double bill with Time in the Shade.

Formed in 1983, Time In The Shade were one of the highlights on the local music scene with their unique, polished sound and beautifully-played brand of original music, penned by the legend that was Mick Plus Power. The highlight for Time In The Shade was the release of ‘Out There’ in 1995, an album of real quality consisting of nine original songs all in the classic Time In The Shade style, reminiscent of bands such as Prefab Sprout and Love And Money and written by the hugely talented Mick Plus. However the band went their separate ways shortly after the release of the album and its potential, sadly, was never realised. 

After a couple of reunions over the years, the band decided to reform at the start of 2015 and played gigs at the Spraoi and Imagine festivals but 2016 tragically saw the short illness and passing of Mick Plus, bass player, songwriter, sound engineer, producer and all round music legend. An incredible tribute night followed, after which the band thought it would be a shame to let the music written by such a talent to die with him, so the band recruited a new bass player and added a female vocalist to the line-up. For this gig, you will hear a mix of songs from ‘Out There’ with additional material being aired for the first time in many years. 

With influences from David Bowie to Talking Heads, Roxy Music to The Clash, Red Brick certainly know how to entertain a crowd and abide by the unwritten rule of rock’n’roll to send everyone home with a spring in their step and a tune or two rattling around their heads. 

Friday 25th September

Starts @ 8 p.m. Tickets: €16 from Box Office,051 874 402 or www.theatreroyal.ie 

Tara Ann Byrne Presents SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM

Get ready to laugh, cry and fall in love with lyrics that are heartbreakingly true and music that captures the soaring emotions of a new generation with Side by Side by Sondheim. Simple and unpretentious, this Tony Award-winning musical is a perfect introduction to the work of this contemporary master and a must for diehard fans. Stephen Sondheim has been the leading composer of musical theatre for the past fifty years. His work is timeless. Now, with this award-winning revue of his work, some of the most lush, unforgettable songs from this musical theatre master are presented in one magical evening. Minimal sets and costumes, a small but incredibly talented cast and one piano allows the brilliant songs to shine.

Saturday 26th September

Starts @ 8 p.m. Tickets: €25 from Box Office,051 874 402 or www.theatreroyal.ie 

CROWMAN ….by playwright Katie Holly and performed by Jon Kenny

Jon plays Dan, a man in his 50s who is living alone. After a dear friend passing, he is forced to look back on his own troubled youth and face up to his demons. The play is at times poignant and tragic yet also has a warmth and humor as Jon slips seamlessly in and out of the many uproariously funny characters. The people he depicts are surreal but tinged with tragedy and Jon plays each with his amazing ability of character acting and hilarious humor.

Thursday 1st October

Starts @ 8 p.m. Tickets: €21 from Box Office,051 874 402 or www.theatreroyal.ie