Latest news with #NationalOperaHouse
Belfast Telegraph
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Food Q&A: ‘I would say my true culinary heroes are the chefs who trained me in Kelly's Hotel, Rosslare.'
Passionate about Wexford and its produce, Tony Carty loves to focus on local, seasonal produce in his cooking. Outside the kitchen, he is an award-winning amateur musical theatre singer and actor, and a co-founder of Sing Out Loud! which sees more than 4,000 primary school children perform in Wexford's National Opera House and the TLT Theatre in Drogheda annually.
Irish Independent
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford School of Ballet 60th anniversary show will be ‘a tribute' to generations of past students
To mark six decades, staff and students at WSBPA have spent the last few weeks busily preparing for a special show – Diamonds – which will take to the National Opera House Stage on Sunday, June 29. With shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Suzanne says that it will be a real celebration of how far the school has come from its humble beginnings in 1965. Indeed, Suzanne herself has put in 36 years with the school, having come on board in 1989 to help her mother to expand its reach, reputation and repertoire. 'Today, that legacy lives on in every leap, twirl and tap echoing through Studio 12 – our new purpose-built facility in Westpoint Business Park,' Suzanne says. "To see my mother's vision flourish into what it is today—hundreds of students, a purpose-built studio, and a sold-out opera house—is incredibly moving. Diamonds is not just a show. It's a tribute to the generations of students, teachers, and families who have made our journey so meaningful.' A limited amount of tickets for Diamonds remain on sale from the National Opera House website.
Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
All the photos as Wexford Festival Opera volunteers unwind with traditional summer barbecue
Over 150 volunteers attended the pre festival summer barbeque in Whites Hotel on Thursday June 5. The volunteers were joined by members of the Wexford Festival Opera and National Opera House teams for this annual barbecue, to thank them for their commitment and work both throughout the festival and across the year. Sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance, the Wexford Festival Volunteer Programme has over 350 volunteers from all over the county who support the festival and dedicate their time to all aspects of the programme of events. The 74th Wexford Festival Opera will kick off on October 17. For more see:
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Over 50 free events to take place across Wexford for Cruinniú na nÓg
This year's programme boasts over 50 free events for children taking place on the day across Wexford's five libraries. Additionally, the county's iconic cultural venues, from the National Opera House to the Wexford Arts Centre, will be alive with activities ranging from animation and coding workshops to creative writing, mural painting, printmaking, and much, much more. Also announced in the programme, teenagers from Belfast and Wexford will present a unique virtual reality performance, while a special night time event has been announced for Enniscorthy's Vinegar Hill. Speaking at the programme launch Elizabeth Howard, the creative communities Engagement officer, invited the young people of Wexford to come and be inspired. 'It's a fantastic free day for young people to try something new, show off their skills, or discover a hidden talent. The theme of this year's programme is inclusion and connection and we would encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to join celebrations.' Speaking at the announcement Cllr. Pip Breen, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council remarked, 'Cruinniú na nÓg is an incredible celebration of youthful creativity, providing a platform for children and young people to participate in the arts within their communities. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the local youth organisations, creative professionals, libraries, and community groups, without whom this event would not be possible. I would encourage all young people in the county to come join the celebrations.' This year specially curated workshops will take place across Wexford's five libraries. Designed from toddlers to twelve year olds, activities can be booked on the official website. At Wexford Town Library, children will have the opportunity to explore the art of weaving or create memory maps through collage, coloring, and drawing. Artist and designer Cuan Cusack will lead workshops focused on creating fine art prints using shadows and sunlight. Young musicians can also participate in the 'music and movement for little ones' workshop. Additionally, theatre maker Alison Ni Mhairtin will conduct an Irish Sign Language drama storytelling workshop specifically designed for children with additional needs. At Gorey Library, renowned painter Lillian O'Sullivan will conduct introductory oil painting classes for children. Young people can explore bookbinding and illustration, or participate in a bilingual singing workshop. Elizabeth Flynn will lead a weaving workshop using seasonal plants, and there will be an opportunity for aspiring computer scientists to learn coding through bracelet-making. Additionally, neurodiverse children, or those who may feel overwhelmed, will benefit from the Sensory Hour facilitated by Cathy Coughlan. At Enniscorthy Library the award-winning designer and upcycling advocate Lynn Haughton will lead a workshop where children can decorate large puzzle pieces with upcycled materials. The Wexford Youth Theatre WACT will offer acting lessons, while NCAD graduate Millie Case will conduct workshops in wet wool felting. Additionally, children can take part in stop motion animation workshops or engage in a sensory activity where they will 'Create their own calm down bottle'. Over at Bunclody Library there will be storytelling through LEGO games and musician Laura Hyland will be leading a workshop in singing and voice work. At New Ross Library artist Celeste Shimora Goedert will lead workshops in 'print making with natural materials' and there will be workshops in drama and music. There are also many other activities geared towards teenagers, and fans of The Banshees of Inisherin. At the Taghmon Family Resource Centre, filmmaker Leah O'Toole, known for her work on The Banshees of Inisherin, will be leading a filmmaking workshop. Additionally, the Red Moon Theatre Company will offer workshops for children. Director Tony McLeane-Fay from Barecheek Theatre Company will conduct acting workshops at The National Opera House and at the Gorey Family Resource Centre there will also be workshops led by mixed media artist Elaine Tobin from the Gorey Arts Collective. Teenagers can look forward to mural painting demonstrations at the Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy, as well as at the Wexford Arts Centre. Facilitated by The Walls Project, Wexford Arts Centre will also host coding workshops presented by Anyone4Science. The Stella Maris Centre in Kilmore Quay will host 'Yola and Our Stories', an engaging theatre workshop for children focusing on heritage, history, and storytelling, facilitated by Chris Moran. This year, teenagers from Wexford and Belfast will come together as part of an innovative 'Shared Island' project that aims to spark critical discussions about misinformation surrounding the topics of climate change and health. The groups will engage online and work with theatre professionals to create a scripted performance. A 360-degree VR video expert will record the final performances, and members of the public will have the opportunity to experience the piece using Google Cardboard viewers that will be available at libraries throughout the county. As part of this year's theme of inclusion and connection, Cruinniú na nÓg will partner with seven groups across Wexford identified as 'Seldom Heard.' These essential community groups provide support to young people on various issues, including LGBTQI+ support, young individuals in direct provision, and those living with long-term illnesses. Each group will be matched with an artist or expert facilitator who comes from similar background or has been through similar life experiences as those participating in the groups. The day will end with a bang on top of Vinegar Hill featuring 'The Night Belongs to Youth,' a collaborative project with Creative Places Enniscorthy. The sunset event on Vinegar Hill will be open to the public and will feature a movement piece led by young people of Enniscorthy to the summit of the hill. The full schedule with details can be accessed on the website.
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford workshop to explore stories through sound for children with additional needs
Led by theatre-makers Eoghan Rua Finn and Alison Ní Mháirtín, Club Éist (Storytelling through Sound with Gaeilge, English and Lámh) is for children with additional needs from five to 12 years of age and their caregivers/families. Inspired by natural and manmade sounds, the workshop at Wexford Town Library on Saturday from 11am to noon will explore how stories are created and will feature a range of fun activities for the group to enjoy. The workshop will be facilitated through Gaeilge, Lámh and English but no prior knowledge of the languages used is required. Alison's previous projects for Cruinniú na nÓg include the bilingual film 'Slaney ar Strae', which was set in Redmond Park and featured collaborators Heather Hadrill, Rebecca Hadrill and Dominic Palmer. Alison says: 'Cruinniú na nÓg is such a celebration of children's creativity that is fantastic to be working with the Cruinniú team, Eoghan and Wexford Town Library to bring an accessible event for all the family to this year's line-up.' To book the workshop, please visit and for any for any access requirements/queries, contact alisonnimhairtin@ Alison and Eoghan are Wexford-based theatre makers with an interest in accessibility in the arts and both have worked in disability services. The duo will also be leading a bilingual drama workshop called Réalta agus Scéalta, funded by Seachtain na Gaeilge, in Wexford Arts Centre on Sunday, June 22 from 12:30-13:30. The free but ticketed event still has some places available and is available for booking through Meanwhile, Eoghan has a new play called Invitations at the National Opera House on September 4, 5 and 6 and booking will be available through the National Opera House.
