Get your dancing shoes on for The Big Ceili dance party.

A humdinger Halloween at Mayo arts centre

IN the Linenhall calendar over the fast approaching midterm break and Samhain are exciting entertainment and activities for young people and families, as children’s arts festival Roola Boola continues.

The Adventures of Shay Mouse, performed by Padraic McIntyre and Shane Carroll, has been newly adapted by the duo into an inventive production suited to children aged 5 and upwards. On Tuesday, October 28, based on the warm, lively book penned by Pat McCabe, the show features song and delightful regional accents.

Mayo-based Little Gem Puppets presents the endearing story Maggie on Wednesday, October 29. Kindhearted Maggie and best friend Rexy encounter a powerful witch lurking in the shadows, changing the course of their adventure. An interactive way of having fun with Irish, best enjoyed by those aged 5 - 9.

Halloween will be hailed at what is becoming an annual Roola Boola hooley. Vibe to The Rolling Waves, strike some scary moves while donning your dress up and dancing shoes at The Big Ceili dance party on Thursday, October 30, at 3 p.m.

An introduction to painting techniques with watercolours, guiding on how to bring images to life as a magic lantern, will be delivered bi-lingually, in English and as Gaeilge, by facilitator Sharon Ní Chuilibín on Friday, October 31. Uiscedhathanna Draíochta: Magical Watercolours is most suited to young people aged 7 - 12.

The Irish Sign Language gallery tour of magnificent exhibition Cat Crainn agus Madraí Uisce is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28. A collaboration of acclaimed visual artist Corrina Askin and the late Manchán Magan, it absolutely sparkles.

Energetic dance show Rolling! encourages spectators (aged 3 plus) to be actively involved in the performance of an extraordinary dancer on Saturday, November 1. Experience expressive and explosive movement paired with live music and percussion - a dynamic and captivating combination choreographed by Mónica Muñoz.

ALSO COMING UP

At The Women in Tech Roadshow, The Lir Academy and the Abbey Theatre introduce young women to careers in theatre lighting, sound and stage management. Visiting the Linenhall on November 6, this opportunity for female pupils aged 14-16 highlights the importance of these departments in the professional creation of live performance.

Also upcoming, the latest monthly instalment of hit series Open Mic Poetry and Short Prose returns on November 3 with poet and author Alice Kinsella as the featured reader. Dedicated to the beauty and power of the spoken word, listeners and readers are enthusiastically welcomed.

Discover more on the Linenhall’s programming via thelinenhall.com. For interest in the roadshow and/or tour, please contact the box office on (094) 9023733.