Christmas marks start of silver year for Laois entertainment hub in Portlaoise

The small team at Dunamaise Arts Centre have been as busy as Santa’s elves and is delighted to present a fantastic new season of events, as they ramp up for the Arts Centre’s 25th Anniversary in 2024!

Dunamaise is calling on Laois people this year to think local when shopping and to continue coming together now that we can enjoy great experiences on local stages. The team is ramping up the creative ideas and has some exciting projects in store for 2024 for everyone.

The Dunamaise is proud to be the creative hub of the Midlands, and to continue to provide new, exciting and invigorating arts events for the Laois and beyond.

They hope you think local this year as your Christmas Gift solution, with many fabulous events to choose from and beautifully presented vouchers available! Giving the gift of tickets or a voucher is a gift that will create a memorable and unique experience together.

They say your support - attending shows, hiring the venue, buying tickets, vouchers and artwork - is the bedrock the arts rely upon, to continue to serve our cultural community.

As part of their reignited new brand launch earlier this year, the Centre wants to invite you to explore, experience and enjoy the best of theatre, music, dance, cinema, exhibitions and more on your doorstep.

What’s on offer in this new Season of events?

Dunamaise is again set to deliver a multi-disciplinary calendar of events, with something for everyone. Christmas nights and days ahead will be brightened with the best of local entertainment.

Tickets for the annual favourite Portlaoise Panto Group are now on sale. This year’s January Panto, Cinderella. Is there more to come? Oh yes there is from January 20 to 27 next year.

Talisman Theatre bring Elfie Saves Christmas, a totally tinsel adventure for families and schools to the Centre's stage from December 17-21.

The hilarious Pat Shortt returns to Dunamaise alongside his daughter Faye, with a new comedy show, 'Knuckle Down', after a sell-out performance of their show 'Well' last year. Fasten your seat belts for an evening of madcap fun and frolics as two generations of Shortts on January 13.

Meanwhile, Anne Gildea will be back later in the New Year with her comical expose - the fabulous, informative, laugh-out-loud show How to get the Menopause and enjoy it on June 14.

Social media savvy people will be excited to hear that Midlands Social Media star Kieran Corrigan has a new date set for his live show 'Up and at It' on February 3.

Theatre lovers are in for a treat on February 22 with 'The Mysterious Case of Kitsy Rainey” - a bittersweet final instalment of Mikel Murfi’s trilogy of solo plays about the cobbler Pat. The New York Times describes Mikel Murfi, the play’s author, director and star, as a marvel of characterization and vocalization.

Meanwhile, children are invited to enjoy the primary school theatre performance of ‘The Land of a Hundred Little Hills’ on February 20. A performance for ages 6+, teachers can bring their pupils along for a gorgeous morning with Ceol Connected, known for their enthralling family-friendly shows.

The local firm favourites Open Door Drama l return for two nights, on March 8 and 9 with their hilarious new farce “Flying Feathers. Theatre lovers can expect talented familiar faces on stage, as well as the usual top quality, home-grown entertainment that Open Door Drama deliver every year.

Everyone loves a concert, and Dunamaise Arts Centre will have another toe-tapping line-up ahead this season. Music lovers can expect a variety of magical concerts including: Jack L, Donal Lunny and Andy Irvine, The Legends of American Country, Declan Nerney, Patrick Feeney.

Sharon Shannon features in collaboration with the Portlaoise Trad Fest again in 2024.

Classical Music lovers will be treated to the talented notes of The Far Flung Trio on March 22.

In a special announcement of our 25th anniversary highlight events, music lovers can expect the most beautiful night of exceptional music when three heroes of the Irish Music Scene combine on Dunamaise stage on April 13. It features Lisa Hannigan, Gemma Hayes, Paul Noonan for an evening of incredible collaboration and song.

Cinema buffs have a whole new exciting season to look forward to.

The new documentary So This is Christmas, by Portarlington filmmaker Ken Wardrop, stars Laois families and individuals. It screens at Dunamaise Cinema December 8.

The classic family film, It’s a Wonderful Life screens on December 20. Cinema-goers can enjoy a mince pie on us to celebrate the season.

Recent box office favourites such as The Miracle Club, Saltburn and Tarrac are on the schedule as well as some interesting, provocative arthouse picks including, French Comedy Two Tickets to Greeece, Korean hit Past Lives and the exciting new painted animation The Peasants.

Profits from the screening of the film Gaza this December will go to Doctors without Borders.

In an exciting move for the arts, Dunamaise will host its first  Virtual Reality event on February 10.

Out of the Ordinary/As an nGnách. is a virtual reality opera where your in-the-moment reactions decide what ending you will see. The Centre team say this is an exciting collaboration with the Irish National Opera brings together experts from the arts, technology and academic sectors, using new technologies and ways to involve local communities in opera. Tickets will be limited for this event so get yours early.

Dunamaise Gallery is free to visit for people of all ages to enjoy exhibitions and visiting artists. This season visitors can enjoy the biggest ever Open Submission Group Show until January 13. It features over 100 artworks to view by artists from all over Ireland.

Other exhibitions to look forward to in the New Year will include works in a solo show by Cecilia Dannell and a new immersive installation called Peatlands that explores Ireland's bogs and wetlands.

The Centre team believe that reaching the 25th year milestone has only been possible with the collaboration of funders and supporters across the communities in Laois and beyond.

As a registered charity, Dunamaise greatly values local generosity. The team say that such as supporting our essential fundraisers, attending events, and collaborating with us to bring your creative dreams to life.

The team concludes by sending warm Christmas wishes to artists, audiences and friends as they look forward to welcoming you back soon and often in Spring 2024!

Info on events and queries to www.dunamaise.ie or by phone to 057 87 63355