The Ulster Orchestra On Your Doorstep
From Bartók’s passion for learning and collecting the music of his Hungarian homeland to Bloch’s inspiration from both Jewish religious and secular music, and Vaughan Williams’s love of arranging new English discoveries for orchestra, composers have always been fascinated by folk music, learning about it, popularising it and weaving it into their work for orchestra.
Much of what you will hear in this concert has its roots in folk music familiar to and beloved by the featured composers and it makes for a vibrant and dramatic evening of music – you might even spot a local favourite!
Thursday February 6, 2025
8pm | £20.00 | Concession £18.00
Creedence Clearwater Review: Green River Tour
The UK No 1 Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute show bring you ‘The Green River Tour’ celebrating Creedence Clearwater Revival’s No 1 Album ‘Green River’ and their No 1 hit single ‘Bad Moon Rising’.
Experience a two hour nostalgia trip back to 1969, the heady days of Woodstock and one of the most important musical periods in history, along with all the greatest hits including ‘Proud Mary’, ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’, ‘Fortunate Son’ and many more.
Friday February 7, 2025
8pm | £22.00
The Trial of John Mitchel (and his statue) Before the Court of History
irst performed in Newry Courthouse, in this historical and political fantasy John Mitchel (1815-1875), an unashamed racist, is called from the grave to answer the charge that he committed a crime against humanity. Padraic Pearse (1879 – 1916), barrister, revolutionary and admirer of Mitchel, is the defence lawyer.
The prosecutor is Sir Charles Gavan Duffy (1816 – 1903), founder of the Nation newspaper and once a friend of John Mitchel. They clashed, bitterly, over the use of physical force and Mitchel’s support of slavery and became lifelong enemies.
Mitchel’s wife, Jenny Verner (c.1820 – 1899), who shared his life and opinions, is called as a witness for the defence. The Liberator, Daniel O’Connell (1775 – 1847), who believed only in moral force, achieved Catholic Emancipation and championed the repeal of the Act of Union, is called as a witness for the prosecution.
The judge is Dionysus Cronos who was present at the trial of Socrates. All of the ghosts are aware of what has happened in the world since they entered the grave. In that vein the play addresses the issue of Mitchel’s statue and legacy.
The audience is the jury. Written by Anthony Russell and performed by the award winning Newpoint Players.
Friday February 7, 2025
8pm | £14.00 | Concession £12.00
Maggie
Missed the Feg Run? Yer Ma sold out? Never seen the original 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue? Well, now is your chance to catch up with ‘Le Muff!’
Maggie is back with a brand-new show which is the whole story – all four Maggie plays – in one show! We’re talking Mr Red, White and Blue and his ‘red room of pain’, getting caught short at Dirty Dancing lessons, a Feg Run to remember and of course, Maggie finds out who her Da is…there will be titters, belly-laughs and the tears will be running down your legs!
All the laughs and all the highlights! Put some fun into your new year and come and see Maggie Muff – the whole story!
Written by award-winning playwright Leesa Harker, directed by Andrea Montgomery and starring the fabulous Caroline Curran – sure you’re guaranteed a geg!
Please note that this performance contains strong language and adult material.
Wednesday February 12, 2025
8pm | £25.00
Patrick Feeney’s Country & Gospel Show
Patrick Feeney was born to sing and from the tender age of four he wanted to be on stage with his father who played in a local band.
The reason for his phenomenal success can be summed up in three words from the title of Patrick’s first album, back in 2003 – that title says it all… Thanks to You.
It’s 18 years since the then teenager released that debut album, and while he has recorded countless songs since, he still lives by the motto that it’s thanks to you, the fans, that he is such a success today.
Thursday February 13, 2025
8pm | £26.00
The PM Big Band
The PM Big Band are excited to be back in The Market Place Theatre.
This classic Big/Swing band pays homage to legendary artists such as Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie and Duke Ellington as well as performing up-to-date arrangements by the likes of Michael Bublé, Amy Winehouse, Tom Jones, Lady Gaga and popular music from film and stage.
Come along and hear this fabulous band for yourself – we guarantee a night of lively, toe-tapping music which will leave you “humming” the weekend through.
Friday February 14, 2025
8pm | £15.00
Rock Rising
Get ready to be electrified as Rock Rising returns to at The Market Place, promising a thrilling classic rock show, designed to catapult you through the evolution of classic rock.
Showcasing an excellent 7-piece band, taking incredible musicianship and stagecraft to a different level, this show features rock anthems from legendary acts such as Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Journey, Foreigner, Toto, Thin Lizzy and many more multi-platinum selling artists from the last four decades.
Timeless classic songs, huge hits, all painstakingly recreated and delivered with a unique sense of honesty and vibe, encapsulated in a stunning custom designed light and pyrotechnic show – Always leaving the audience wanting more.
Saturday February 15, 2025
8pm | £26.50
Féile Scoildrámaíochta 2025 Schools’ Drama Festival for Plays in Irish
Talented young Gaeilgeoirí from schools in Counties Armagh, Down and Tyrone will come to The Market Place Theatre to take part in Féile Scoildrámaíochta 2025, a regional festival for short plays and musicals in Irish. Our adjudicator Aingeal Lund (née Nic an tSabhasaigh) brings a career of experience and success entering plays at local, provincial and national levels in An Cumann Scoildrámaíochta.
Cuirfidh aos óg Ard Macha, an Dúin agus Thír Eoghain féasta drámaíochta ar fáil don lucht féachana. Beidh iomaíocht ghéar ann do na hainmniúcháin chuig Féile Uladh na Scoildramaíochta.
Wednesday February 19, 2025
10am – 1pm | £5.00 | Concession £2.00
Philomena Begley & Ray Lynam Live in Concert
Philomena Begley and Ray Lynam are two household names and true legends of Irish Country music and have both had glittering careers that spans over 6 decades at the very top of the music scene.
They both have enjoyed massive success and have seen their respective careers hit great heights and scoring countless No.1 hit songs like “Blanket on the Ground”, “Gypsy Joe and Me”, “The Queen of the Silver Dollar“ and regularly playing to packed houses in every hall, festival and theatre from Ireland to Tennessee.
Early booking is advised.
Wednesday February 26, 2025
8pm | £26.50
Pat and Faye Shortt: Knuckle Down
Pat and Faye Shortt are back again with their slick comedy show Knuckle Down.
Due to popular demand, they are returning with the final leg of the tour. The show is a collection of mad characters that have won over audiences in venues throughout Ireland and the UK.
Knuckle Down shows off the incredible talent of these two performers, as they glide seamlessly from stand up to hilarious parodies of everyday Irish people. They have the genius of taking ordinary situations and making us laugh at the mundane.
The sharp wit and physical comedy genius of this comedic duo will have you in pain with laughter. Don’t miss this final opportunity to catch this hilarious sell-out show before it closes.
Age guidance: 16+ (small amount of strong language).
Thursday February 27, 2025
8pm | £20.00
Under the Lights
Josh Blair was never any good at team sports, that is until he joins Invictus Grammar School, goes to a rugby training session and is hooked!
After four years of school rugby, the team have made it through to the semi-finals of the Medallion Shield, but in the last few minutes of the game, something is not right. Josh is unsure about going back on, but his team need him, his school needs him, he needs this. Josh takes up his position on the pitch and stands in line, under the lights.
Everyone involved in contact sport should know the signs and symptoms of concussion. A suspected brain injured player should be removed immediately. This play highlights the need to change people’s minds regarding the urgency of brain safety in all contact sports.
This event takes place in our Studio Theatre with an unreserved, tiered seating layout. Presented by C21 Theatre Company. This event is subject to funding.
Thursday February 27, 2025
8pm | £15.00 | Concession £13.00 | Students £10.00
Pretty Vacant
Not many musical explosions define a generation and change music forever. There was Rock and Roll in 1956, Beatlemania in 1963, Flower Power in 1967, The birth of Rock in 1970 and then there was… Punk and New Wave.
Between 1976 and 1979 the music world and popular culture was turned upside down as bands, musicians and fashion adopted a new and fresh ‘DIY’ approach to making music and expressing itself. From its birth in New York City to its adolescence in London and onto its maturity across the globe Punk and New Wave is most definitely the music that defined a generation.
For the first time all the hits, attitude and fashion are brought to the stage by this incredibly talented cast of musicians, singers and dancers that will take you on a rollercoaster ride you will never forget
Kevin Kennedy, best known for his role as Curly Watts in Coronation Street and his stage career including We Will Rock You and Rock of Ages on the West End, will be lending his extraordinary talents as narrator of the show.
Featuring hits originally performed by The Sex Pistols, The Clash, Blondie, The Damned, Ramones, Buzzcocks, Sham 69, The Undertones, Tom Robinson Band, Ian Dury and The Blockheads, The Police, The Jam, Generation X, Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Pretenders, Joy Division, The Stranglers, The Rezillos, and many, many more Pretty Vacant – The Story of Punk and New Wave is the stage show not to be missed.
Thursday February 27, 2025
8pm | £15.00 | Concession £13.00 | Students £10.00
