HAPPENINGS: A few things worth checking out this week

Chinese New Year Festival

The Dublin Chinese New Year Festival takes place across the city from February 16 to March 4.

This year is the Year of the Dog and this weekend’s highlights include a Spring Festival Gala at 7.30pm on Friday (Feb 16) at the Convention Centre with a varied programme by two acclaimed performance groups. Tickets cost €10-€25 but there are lots of smaller free events around the city during the festival. Check out dublinchinesenewyear.com for more.

F.A.T. D.A.D.

The Complex (15 Little Green Street, off Capel Street) will host the world premiere of Anthony Goulding’s new play, ‘F.A.T. D.A.D.’, from Thursday, February 15 to Sunday, February 25. The play tells the story of the profound impact a teacher and hunger striker had on his pupils in the Smithfield area during the 1980s and 1990s.

‘F.A.T. D.A.D.’ is an acronym for the six counties under British rule. Tickets can be purchased online at a cost of €18/€15 concession/€12 for groups of 10 or more at www.tickets.ie or by emailing [email protected]. For more information visit www.thecomplex.ie

Valentine’s Day at the IFI

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day at the Irish Film Institute (IFI) with a number of special screenings taking place on Wednesday, February 14.

For more information about the events, visit www.ifi.ie Tickets for these screenings are available now at www.ifi.ie or from the IFI Box Office on 01-6793477.

Romeo and Juliet  

Mill Productions have announced that their production of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet will be taking to the stage next week.

Directed by Geoff O’Keeffe this abridged version of the play is the ideal opportunity for all Junior Cert students to see one of Shakespeare’s most popular tragedies performed.

There will be performances from Wednesday, February 21 to Friday 23 at 10am and 1.30pm.

For bookings see www.milltheatre.ie or tel: 01-2969340.

Terenure Tigers

The Terenure Tigers are a special needs team which was set up five years ago to help children who can’t play main stream rugby but want to be part of a team. Members are between the ages of six to 16 years of age. Their first Rugby Blitz will take place in Terenure Rugby Club on Sunday, February 18 at 1pm. This blitz is supported by the IRFU and Leinster Rugby. For more information contact Bernard Molloy on 086-8044214.

Bray Comedy Festival

The Bray Comedy Festival is back for 2018 and is happening from February 14-18 at various venues around the area.

Acts include Karl Spain, Martin Angolo, The Rubber Bandits and Joanne McNally. There’s also workshops like Laughter Yoga at Shoreline Leisure Centre on Saturday and Sunday at 12pm and Kids Science Magic in Bray Town Hall at 1pm on the same days. Check out braycomedyfest.ie or details.

Dublin Derby

The League of Ireland soccer season gets underway this weekend with local clubs hoping to get a good start to the 2018 campaign. Pick of the games has to be the Dublin derby between Bohs and Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park at 7.30pm on Friday, February 16. The other big game in the capital is St Pat’s against champions Cork in Inchicore at 7.45.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra

The Irish Chamber Orchestra has relocated its upcoming Dublin concert from St Patrick’s Cathedral to St Stephen’s Church (The Pepper Canister) Mount Street Crescent, Dublin.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra is collaborating with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatre, which has performed across five continents and was the first company to teach aerial dance in Ireland.

Audiences will be immersed in the richly shaded world of Prokofiev’s ballet music.

The Irish Chamber Orchestra will be performing on Friday, February 16 at St Stephen’s Church The Pepper Canister at 8pm.

Walking club

A community walk catering for all ages and levels of fitness takes place every Tuesday at 9.45am in the Stardust Memorial Park, Coolock. Parents, grandparents and strollers are welcome after the school drop-off. No booking needed. Just turn up and join them for a walk.

For more information contact David Phelan on 087-6525001 or Madeleine Ebbs on 086-8150286.