Robin Hood
With all the wit, magic and fun that audiences have come to expect from the Helix’s hilarious panto, Robin Hood is a must-see panto for Christmas. Starring some audience favourites and introducing stunning new talent, The Helix Panto usually delivers a great family night out. It runs from now until Sunday January 20. Family tickets cost around €30.
Solstice celebration
The City Of Dublin Winter Solstice Celebration Festival 2018 takes place on Friday, December 21.
This family friendly, participatory and inclusive festival for young and old takes place from 4pm to 7pm.
Starting at Rathdown House, DIT Grangegorman, you are invited to dance, sing, hear storytelling and engage in craft making for the magical outdoor parade where you follow the traditional fire ceremony around Smithfield Square.
For further information visit the Smashing Times website (www.smashingtimes.ie), email info@smashingtimes.ie or call 01-8656613
Christmas concert
On Thursday, December 20 St Francis Xavier's Church on Gardiner Street will swing to the sounds of a festive celebration like no other.
Hosted by the renowned Gardiner Street Gospel Choir (GSGC), in collaboration with the Gardiner Street Junior Gospel Choir and some very special guests, attendees will be treated to the ultimate toe-tapping, sing-along Christmas celebration of the year.
Donations go to the very worthy Peter McVerry Trust, working tirelessly since 2005 to bring an end to homelessness in Ireland.
Tickets cost €12/€10; Under 12s go free but must have a valid ticket. Doors 7.30pm, starts at 8pm sharp.
Tickets are available via www.thegsgc.com and from the Parish Office at St Francis Xavier Church, Gardiner Street.
Richard Coleman exhibition
An exhibition commemorating the Centenary of the Death of Richard Coleman – Swords Volunteer – continues at the Atrium, County Hall, Fingal County Council, Main Street Swords, until December 21.
As part of the Decade of Centenaries commemorations, Fingal Libraries have mounted an exhibition to mark the centenary of the death of Richard Coleman, a native of Swords, who died in Usk prison, Wales, on the night of December 7, 1918.
The exhibition tells the story of Richard’s short life, and includes many original documents and items, donated to Fingal County Council by his nephew, Risteárd Coleman (R.I.P.).
Beauty and the Beast
The Christmas panto at the Red Cow Inn is Beauty and the Beast, where families can follow the adventures of Beauty Bountiful and the mysterious Beast, whose spell cast upon him by the evil witch Desirée can only be lifted by true love. Beauty’s father Benjamin and his friend Dame Stuffy come to their rescue along with their friends Mrs Tea Bags, Little Chip and Lou Mare after Beauty learns the most important lesson of all – that true love comes from within. A timeless classic about a very special friendship. Matinees on Saturday December 22, Friday, December 28 and Saturday, December 29. Other dates available. Tickets cost €15 for adults and €12 for children.
Christmas Experience
The Christmas Experience at Malahide Castle & Gardens includes a trip to see Santa and Mrs Claus in their cosy grotto in the enchanted surrounds of the castle.
All families are invited to tour the beautiful rooms of the castle where special guests will be awaiting them. This year Santa & Mrs Claus have invited their forest friends, Robin Hood, Maid Marian & Friar Tuck, to entertain visitors. An experience not to be missed! Tickets cost €10 for adults and €20 for children, which includes a special gift. It runs until December 23.
Beauty and the Beast
Mill Productions have their version of this classic for all the family following on from last year’s smash hit Aladdin.
A tale as old as time, featuring a host of well-loved characters and lovable crockery, Beauty and the Beast tells the story of Belle and the dreaded Beast in his lonely castle. Belle is beautiful, the Beast is – ahem – beastly and Gaston is still totally in love, with himself! A story of friendship and love, mixing magic and adventure with spectacular song and dance routines and special effects to entertain all the family.
Christmas exhibition
Sean Rocks, Presenter of RTE’s Arena programme is pictured with Sophie Ennis, Ringsend College and Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan, at the launch of a Christmas exhibition of contemporary art by six up and coming Irish artists at Mason Hayes & Curran’s offices in Dublin. The exhibition has been curated by children from three schools in the Ringsend area under the Royal Hibernian Academy’s Art Education Programme, which is supported by Mason Hayes & Curran. Working with guidance from the RHA, children attended workshops, learned about the principles of curation and the business of art, were given tours of the RHA and they then helped to pick the pictures for the exhibition.
Illustration exhibition
A collection of illustrations of fairytales, myths and legends from Ireland and around the world from book illustrator Olwyn Whelan have gone on show at the dlr Mill Theatre Gallery, Dundrum Town Centre. Publishers she has worked with include Barefoot Books, Pavilion books, Frances Lincoln, Quarto Publishing group, Harper Collins, Kingfisher books, Brimax publishing USA and Cricket magazine USA.
She was shortlisted twice for the prestigious CBI award and has had her work exhibited and sold in Europe and the USA. Olwyn works mainly in pen and ink and watercolour with touches of gold leaf.