Happenings: A few things worth checking out around the city

Fame

LGMK Productions presents ‘FAME The Musical’ at Liberty Hall this Friday, December 2 (7.30pm), and Saturday, December 3 (2pm and 7.30pm).   

This new stage version of the film and TV series follows some students at New York’s School of the Performing Arts through their four-year course. 

In the heart of Dublin City this extremely talented Irish cast and band will ensure this is an event not to be missed. 

Musically directed by ‘Big Shot The Musical’ creator Lauryn Gaffney the show is choreographed by Mark Kennedy.

Tickets are available through cast members/Production team: €18 Evening, €15 Matinee (No Booking Fee). Online bookings are available at goo.gl/R4VaUb (booking fee applied).

Candlelight Carols 

Join the Park Singers, recent winners of the Grand Prix for Best Choir at the Sligo International Choral Festival, this Sunday, December 4 at 8pm for an uplifting, festive evening of ‘Candlelight Carols’, in the beautiful Christ Church Cathedral.

Singing Christmas favourites, including O Holy Night, (I’m Dreaming of a) White Christmas, Carol of the Bells, Silent Night and The Wexford Carol, the Park Singers will also perform some of its new Christmas material from its programme.

Tickets cost €10 plus booking fee and are available to buy on the Christ Church Cathedral website, www.christchurchtickets.com.

Christmas concert

The Culwick Choral Society will be celebrating Christmas with ‘Tis the Season – Carols & Christmas Songs, at the National Concert Hall on Monday, December 5 at 8pm.

The event will feature special guest soprano Cara O’Sullivan among a jam-packed programme of seasonal music. 

Tickets cost €13-€25 (concessions available). Contact the National Concert Hall Box Office on 01-4170000. Online booking is available at www.nch.ie (no booking fee).

For further information and the full line-up, visit www.culwick.org.

Moving Crib

The Moving Crib has been a key feature of Christmas in Dublin for so long that parents and grandparents, who visited as children, are now bringing along their children and even grandchildren to enjoy and re-live this Christmas experience. 

It’s the Nativity told through handcrafted moving figures (approximately 1 metre high) with beautifully hand-painted backdrops and sets arranged in a range of tableaux depicting scenes that begin with Adam and Eve, through all the key moments in the Bible and finish after the crib scene.

It’s open every day from now until January 8 at 42 Parnell Square from 10am to 6pm and it’s free to see.

The Beautiful Beasts

Visit a weird and wonderful collection of animal sculptures curated by The Ark especially for children at Draoicht in Blanchardstown.

The Beautiful Beasts exhibition runs all through December and features quirky, loveable animals, including a flying horse, a tortoise with a secret story and a toucan in disguise! Created by leading Irish and international artists from materials ranging from bronze, woods, ceramics and steel, visitors can learn about the techniques used to create the artworks and feel samples of the materials used.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa is a fun sleigh ride through the wonders of Christmas that will leave you tingling with Christmas cheer and excitement. 

Follow the magical adventures of Ralphie Jr as he prepares to celebrate everyone’s favourite time of year. Presented by Westside this is one of the best selection box of treats on this Christmas. 

It’s happening at The Helix on Friday, December 2 (8pm), Saturday, December 3 (1.30pm, 7.30pm) and Sunday, December 4  (1.30pm, 7.30pm). Full price tickets cost €22.

National Crafts and Design Fair

Ireland’s top craftworkers, designers and artists will be at the RDS in Dublin this week for the biggest-ever five-day National Crafts and Design Fair that gets underway on November 30.

The Fair gives Irish craft industry workers a chance to showcase their incredible traditional talents and contemporary skills in all areas of crafts and design.

And with over 600 stands bursting with unique gift ideas, it’s a great opportunity to pick up some fantastic original Christmas presents.

Early-bird visitors can get 10 per cent off everything at the Fair on the opening day, Wednesday, November 30. The fair continues at the RDS Main Hall until December 4 from 10am each day.

Presents for sick kids

The Christchurch Fitness Centre, a small gym based opposite the Brazen Head pub in Dublin 8, is holding a fantastic fundraising event in aid of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital on Saturday, December 3 with all proceeds raised from the event going towards purchasing Christmas gifts and required items for sick children.

Deirdre O’Kane: 1Dee

After a seven-year break from stand up, during which she had babies, made a movie in Vietnam and became the mother of Moone Boy, Deirdre O’Kane returns with a brand-new show. She is definitely older but is she wiser?

What has she learned from being a stay at home  

mum, achieving the glory of middle-age and chasing after collagen as it attempts to leave her life forever? She reveals all (well nearly all) in 1Dee.

Find out when she appears at the Pavilion Theatre on Thursday, December 1.