Comedic treasures at Mayo arts centre

THE launch of Mayo Pride Festival 2024 takes place at the Linenhall Arts Centre on Saturday, May 11, and is followed by Irish comedy’s new wonder-kid, Shane Daniel Byrne, with his fierce and fiery début hour, But He’s Gay, about whatever is wrong with him.

Byrne is a writer, actor, MC and award-winning stand-up comedian and after sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Dublin Fringe, embarks on his first national Irish tour.

In recent years, he headlined the biggest comedy clubs in Dublin, had special guest spots on nationwide tours for Tony Cantwell and Emma Doran, opened for Kiri Pritchard-McClean and even supported one of his comedy heroes, David O’Doherty, who praised him as 'My favourite new Irish comedian for many years'.

'LIAR'

On Thursday, May 30, Tom Moran’s critically acclaimed show, Tom Moran is a Big Fat Filthy Disgusting Liar, comes to Castlebar. An Abbey theatre co-production, with sell-out runs at Dublin Fringe and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, it is funny, heart-warming and honest.

Brimming with compassion and humour, Tom has secrets to share and a future to fix. A self-proclaimed people-pleaser, and expert in empathy, Tom really struggles with the truth.

A hilarious but completely true solo show where he begs the question: “If I never lied again and was just myself, would any of my loved ones still love me?”

MUSIC

There’s music aplenty to relish and on Friday, May 24, a powerhouse trio will grace the Linenhall stage.

World renowned singer and flute player Nuala Kennedy, fiddle maestro Tara Breen (The Chieftains) and one of Ireland’s foremost uilleann pipers and composers, Diarmaid Moynihan, celebrate the release of Nuala’s new album, Shorelines. This dynamic trio can do it all, and are in high demand for their diverse repertoire of song and virtuosic instrumental skills.

Music Generation Mayo presents a Shorelines workshop for Under 18s on Saturday, May 25, with acclaimed musicians Nuala Kennedy, Tara Breen and Tony Byrne. For traditional musicians from intermediate to advanced (Under 18), they will delve into learning new pieces and arrangements, for both solo and group instrumental performances.

This workshop, part of Féile Mhaigh Eo, promises an immersive experience. Participants can explore the depths of traditional music whilst refining their craft.

ALSO COMING UP

Additional upcoming highlights include the official launch of Fiona Neary’s memoir, Parcels in the Post, Growing up with Fifty Siblings, on Thursday, May 9; and singer/songwriter supremo Niall McCabe on Friday, May 10.

Booking information for all events is available at https://www.thelinenhall.com/. Alternatively, contact the box office team on (094) 9023733.