Although the Everyman has quite a dated charm - red and gold plush surroundings that I'm sure were…read morevery impressive 20 years ago, it's generally overshadowed by the Cork Opera House. Fortunately, tickets to plays (and the all-important panto) are usually cheaper here and it has the added benefit of being closer to Greene's, the amazing restaurant on MacCurtain Street.

EVERYMAN PALACE 12.10.10…read more Back to the Everyman Palace this week to see the Druid Company's terrific performance of the Sean O'Casey classic: The Silver Tassie. First night was sold out but the venerable venue coped well with the crowd. No bother as we worked our way through the crowded entrance hall; then we produced our tickets and were shown to our seats. And absolutely no problem either as we made our exit. Enjoyed the show and the spirited performance by some top class players. The stage was packed with the set for Act 2. The big gun dominated and its long expected bang at the end of the act wasn't much more than a whimper. But that was the only bum note (and a minor one really) in a magnificent evening's theatre. EVERYMAN PALACE Paid a visit to the Everyman Palace Theatre last evening to see a local production of Anne Frank and Me, first presented as a play in 1996 in New York City. Modern day couldn't -care-less about the past teenager Nicole is transported via a knock on the head to Nazi occupied France and soon begins to realise that the story of Anne Frank (her school reading) is for real and that horrible truth is brought home as the pair are thrown together in a train on the way to a death camp. Eventually, Nicole recovers from her knock on the head, ready to tell her previously skeptical pals the truth of the holocaust with all the zeal of the newly converted. After a scratchy start, as they established the modern credentials of Nicole, the Marion Wyatt directed cast got into their stride to produce quite a convincing performance, laying down an important message as they did so to the many school kids in the audience - the subject is obviously on the curriculum. Well done to all concerned. The interior of the old Palace has changed little, its rich red walls freely adorned with gilt. The seats are comfortable with good space between the rows and the all-voluntary front of house works well and gets you to your seat with efficiency and courtesy. Older Corkonians will have fond memories of the Everyman Place as a cinema. Nowadays, it is one of Ireland's leading middle scale presenting and producing theatres. The beautiful 650 seat theatre is a jewel of late Victorian architecture. A listed building, the theatre is steeped in history and is a favourite with audiences and performers alike for its intimacy and atmosphere. See more at http://www.everymanpalace.com

Prime location, fantastic venue…read more I've been to plenty of events at the opera house over the years and I've always thoroughly enjoyed myself, great acoustics for a gig or musical. The perfect size of the venue creates a wonderful intimate atmosphere for all guests to enjoy. There is a cafe and bar at the venue. The cafe serves coffees/teas/treats and the bar usually opens about a half an hour before the performer is due on stage. Friendly staff. Recommended!

OPERA HOUSE 22.10.10…read more The Cork Opera House was once the hopping headquarters of the Cork Jazz Festival but, after an enforced summer closure, found itself in opposition to the ubiquitous jazz this weekend. And more or less direct opposition at that ss the new management staged a mini-series of one night music events. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac were there on Friday night and the audience was definitely hit by the Guinness powered jazz fest. For all that, neither the band nor the crowd that did come in were in any way fazed and a terrific night of entertainment ensued. The band were as professional and engaging as any I've come across and, before the end, had the audience rocking in the rows, some of us creaking (it has to be admitted). And I ain't telling you no lies, sweet or otherwise. CORK OPERA HOUSE (13.12.09) OPERA HOUSE Back to the Opera House on Sunday night to see Mexican duo, Rodrigo y Gabriella (who regard Ireland, where they got their big break, " as our second home") in fast guitar action, the show started by the feisty Wallis Bird. Not so fast at the start though. The gig, scheduled for an 8.00pm kick off, didn't start until 8.30pm. And neither the house announcer nor any of the acts gave any reason for the delay to the paying public. Mobile phone cameras were hardly in evidence on this occasion but there were quite a few camera flashes, Mickey Mouse guns dying after five or six rows but still annoyingly eye-catching in the dark. By the end though, after close on two hours high paced playing by the Mexicans, that wasted half-hour was forgotten about. CORK OPERA HOUSE (10.12.09) A big downside on a recent visit to the otherwise excellent Cork Opera House was the amount of people who insisted on using their mobile phones (and, to a lesser degree, cameras) to record bits of the show. The mobiles may not have disturbed the artist but people sitting behind were certainly inconvenienced by the bright screens. Time the Opera House got heavy here; they do make a very polite annoucement before each show. But nothing is done about the problem; maybe is is time to send a bit of beef up and down the aisles. And latecomers shouldn't be so easily accommodated when there is a genius at work on stage. Guitar genius Joe Bonamassa turned it on for close on two hours there last night. He is described as a blues player. He is that, but much much more, all demonstrated in a brilliant dazzling stamina sapping performance. Has been playing since he was a toddler and recalled that his dad used collar him to do music on Saturday afternoons. And on one occasion, the study material included a VHS cassette of Rory Gallagher at the Cork Opera House. The show was opened by a fresh faced Sandi Thom (I wish I was a punk rocker, 2006) and her band. They weren't half bad and got a fine reception. But then the adults came out to play. Two non stop hours of WOW!! It is easy to book your tickets for Opera Hosue shows, either at the office or online. A multi-rise car-park, open 'til midnight, is in nearby Paul Street.The seats here are comfortable and there is decent space between the rows.

THE CAT 19.10.10…read more Can't wait for the jazz? Want a little taster? Then do what I did today and drop into the CAT on Carroll's Quay to view a photo exhibition which consists of shots of the artists who have entertained us at the Cork Jazz Festival over the years. Local aces plus some of the big names are featured and nice to see the work of local sports photographer ace Eddie O'Hare as he tackles a different type of action. That exhibition started yesterday and continues for the week. You got to be quick to catch the other jazz related event here as that takes place this Tuesday evening (8.00) when Greg Felton meets Isa Wiss. The blurb carries a warning: Brace yourself for a few bombshells as Greg Felton's trio go head to head with the incomparable vocalist Isa Wiss. This is part of the big Jazz Fringe and tickets cost €15.00. CAT THEATRE The Cork Arts Theatre (CAT) is perhaps the smallest in the City. It seats about 100, is reasonably comfortable, has a small bar and you may also call in for a coffee if you are passing during the day. Aside from plays, CAT may be used for recitals, lunchtime events, poetry readings, lectures and celebrity evenings. I have been there a few times and my last visit was to see an Evening with Graham Poll, the English referee. The current play, When I was God, by Corkman Conal Creedon, is about a referee and is making a return home after outings in places such as China and the US. Worth a visit by all accounts. http://www.corkartstheatre.com/ 021 450 5624

As a former drama student, I spent many hours both as a performer and audience member at the…read moreGranary Theatre. It's nicely located on the Mardyke and close to UCC. It's an intimate space, usually used for small or fringe plays. It's a great option if you feel like seeing something a little more alternative than what's on offer in the Opera House or Everyman Palace.

The Daly family makes absolutely beautiful crystal on par with anything I've seen done by…read moreWaterford. In fact, Gerry Daly was a Master-Cutter for Waterford before starting his own business. We spent an hour in their quaint little shop and Roary Daly explained all about their trade and how they produce the intricate designs on their crystal using a little-used deep-cutting method. We ended up choosing a beautiful decanter. Great place!

This is a must see show. It is 8:00 pm to 10:15. It's a five minute drive from town. They had a…read moreshuttle from international hotel to the show. The show includes dancing, singing, and multiple musicians. During the summer they host it on the grounds of the horse track. Bring your sunglasses. There is a 15 minute intermission. They sell beer, soda, wine, and chips. The dancers are multiple time world champs and local to the area.

This was a GREAT way to experience Killarney!!! The woman who sang had the voice of an angel,…read morepeople from all over the world attended and at the beginning you get to hear what countries are present. Very enjoyable. Went with a group of 20 girls and we all loved it! It won't disappoint!