HAPPENINGS: A few things worth checking out this week

The Curse of the Button Accordion 

This is a new play written and performed by Sharon Mannion. Sharon is known as a comedian and has worked on TV on shows such as ‘Moone Boy’ and the ‘Republic of Telly’.

Possibly of more relevance, she has also worked as a stand-up comedian for many years and is well used to the stage. The play draws on her own childhood, growing up in Roscommon and learning to play an instrument that stopped being cool a long time ago.

Her hilarious show is based on her

?¯worries, fears and adventures growing up in a Roscommon village. Will she live up to the expectations of her ex-showband star father and her Midwest FM radio-loving mother? 

It plays on Thursday, April 5 at 8pm in dlr Mill Theatre Dundrum. Tickets €16/€14.

East Asia Film Festival 

The East Asia Film Festival Ireland presents four days of compelling films from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, from April 5-8 at the Irish Film Institute (IFI).  

The festival is honoured to welcome acclaimed cinematographer Mark Lee Ping-Bing, long-time collaborator of Hou Hsiao-Hsien and other masters of Asian cinema. Tickets for the festival are available now at www.ifi.ie/eaffi-2018 or by calling the IFI Box Office on 01-6793477.

French Boules

The People’s Park Boules Club in Dun Laoghaire is now open to new players. The club plays every Saturday at 11am in the park near the children's playground, weather permitting. Contact numbers are 0872390985 or 0872566076

Bewley’s Café Theatre is home

Bewley’s Café Lunchtime Theatre is to return to its home on the second floor of Bewley’s Grafton Street on April 9.

Bewley’s Café has been refurbished with a streamlined foyer area and a graceful curved wall and a redesigned lunch service space.

Technical equipment has been upgraded and there is a new and improved air conditioning system.

The inaugural lunchtime show to christen the space is ‘Normal’ by Caitríona Daly, which took the 2017 Fringe by storm. Normal opens on Wednesday, April 11

Flower Show in Coolock 

The Dublin Five Horticultural Society's annual Spring Show will take place this Saturday, April 7 at 2pm in Chanel College, Coolock Village.

All are welcome to attend the event where a large array of flowers will be exhibited.

Tea and Tales at Dogs Trust

Do you like dogs? What about stories? And cake? Everyone likes cake, right? Well then, why not go along to the Dogs Trust Tea and Tales event on April 7 from 12-2pm.

This educational event is for children (aged 7-13) and their families and is full of exciting and educational activities. There will be a variety of guest speakers including a vet, a groomer, a trainer, a canine carer and more.

There will also be a canine career quiz, to find out what doggy career you would be best suited to, and Dogs Trust will host a behind the scenes exclusive tour of its rehoming kennels. It’s happening at the Dogs Trust centre on Ashbourne Road, Finglas. Tickets available on Eventbrite.ie.

Jesus Christ Superstar 

Rush Musical Society is staging the hugely popular hit Rock Musical ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ at the Millbank Theatre, Rush, from Thursday, April 5 to Saturday, April 14 from 8pm. 

Directed by Barry Kavanagh, this show is packed full of local talent both young and not so young! Bookings are open at the Millbank Theatre with a new online booking system now in operation allowing patrons to choose their own seating. Book online at https://millbanktheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows

The Little Mermaid Jr

Sean Gilligan Performing Arts presents an amateur production of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid Jr' on April 7-8 at the Helix Theatre. 

Join Ariel, Prince Eric, Flounder, Ursula, Sebastian and friends on a magical adventure under the sea which sees the Hans Christian Anderson classic come to life on stage.

Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production and featuring hit songs such as ‘Part of Your World’, ‘She’s in Love’ and the Oscar-winning ‘Under the Sea’ this musical, set in the magical kingdom fathoms below, should be a hit with all the family, both young and old.

Shows at 4pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, April 7 and at 2.30m and 6.30pm on Sunday, April 8. Tickets from thehelix.ie cost €19 plus booking fee.

Exhibition at Dublin Castle 

The Office of Public Works (OPW) invites the public to discover the ‘Making Majesty: Building and Borrowing the Regal Image’ exhibition at Dublin Castle through a series of talks and events running until April 28.  

The exhibition explores the shaping of the royal and viceregal image at Dublin Castle through grand architecture, stately ceremonies and fine furnishings.  Times: 9.45am–5.45pm (last admission at 5.15pm). Admission: €3.00. The exhibition is included in the general admission price to the castle (for ticket prices and visitor options, visit www.dublincastle.ie).

Friday night soccer

The league of Ireland soccer action this Friday takes place at Dalymount Park where Bohs take on Limerick while south of the Liffey St Pat’s are welcoming struggling Bray Wanderers to Inchicore.

It’s a great way to round of the week while supporting your local club and watching Ireland’s top league players in action.