The Whistlin’ Donkeys
Hailing from County Tyrone, The Whistlin’ Donkeys have been performing together since 2011 and have gained a strong following in Ireland and around the world. The band are known for their unique blend of traditional Irish music and Celtic rock influences, creating their own distinctive sound that will keep your feet stomping and hands clapping all night long.
The band features Fergal McAloon on vocals, Stephen Corrigan on guitar, Tomás Quinn on banjo, Michael Kerr on fiddle, Danny McCormack on bass, and Oscar Bradley on drums. Together, they deliver infectious energy and captivating live performances that are not to be missed. From fan favourites like ‘Bees Wing’, ‘South Australia’, and ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’, as well as their latest release ‘When The Ship Comes In’, the band perform a perfect mix of upbeat songs, catchy melodies and thought-provoking lyrics that create an unforgettable experience for all who come to see them.
Whether you’re a fan of Irish folk music or Celtic rock, the Whistlin’ Donkeys are a band that you won’t want to miss.
Saturday January 11, 2025
8pm | £27.50
The Stars of Country Show
Back by popular demand The Stars of Country Show returns for another night of memorable toe- tapping magic that features 6 of your favourite stars all on one super show.
The stellar line-up includes the hilarious Gary Gamble and his surreal impressions of Daniel O Donnell, the young social media phenomenon Owen Mac with his hit song ‘Play Me the Waltz of the Angels’, the yodelling king from Tyrone, Kenny Archer, the hugely popular Curtis Magee with his entertaining stories and medleys, the rising star of Country music from Co. Down Gavin Gribben and his hit song ‘Pub Crawl’.
Each of the acts will be accompanied by top backing duo Country Harmony who might even sing a song themselves! One thing is for sure, if its country music you like then this is the show for you!
Friday January 17, 2025
8pm | £25.00
Jake O’Kane: The Absent Intelligence Tour
Jake O’Kane, one of the country’s most popular stand-up comics returns along with the talented Terry McHugh for his annual end of year review show.
Expect a high-tech presentation of photos and videos picking apart the great, the good and the not so good from 2024.
As always, the backbone of the show remains Jake’s unique mix of political satire and personal observations covering his struggles with ageing, modern technology and his beloved Protestant and halflings.
If you’re one of Jakes army of fans you’ll already know who the Protestant and halflings are; if you don’t, then you won’t regret buying a ticket to find out!
Saturday January 18 – Friday January 24, 2025
8pm | £25.00
Sharon Shannon
In June 1989 Sharon was rehearsing and demoing tracks for her first album, when she was whisked away to the Glastonbury festival with The Waterboys.
In the 30 years that have elapsed since then, Sharon has recorded 10 studio albums, five live albums, four ‘Best of…’ compilations and three live concert DVDs. She has received many awards including being the youngest ever recipient of the Meteor Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2009. She has collaborated, recorded and toured with everyone from Willie Nelson, Bono, Johnny Depp, Shane MacGowan and John Prine, to Nigel Kennedy and the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and had many hit records including ‘The Galway Girl’ with Steve Earle, ‘It’s Christmastime Again’ with Wallis Bird and ‘Go Tell the Devil’ with Imelda May.
In 2021, Fáilte Ireland and TG4 joined forces with Sharon on a travel and music programme called Heartlands. The four-week series featured Sharon and her niece Caoilinn Ní Dhonnabháin showcasing the Shannon River region across Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands while catching up with a host of musical friends, such as Liam O’Maonlaoi (HothouseFlowers)’ Steve Wickham (The Waterboys), Eleanor Shanley, Nathan Carter, The Henshaws, Seamus Begley, Mundy, Gerry ‘Banjo’ O’Connor and Susan O’Neill.
In 2023 Sharon released a new compilation album Now and Then to celebrate 30 years at the forefront of Irish Music.
Thursday January 23, 2025
8pm | £25.00
Greatest 80s Show
Back by enormous public demand, we are delighted to announce that the Greatest 80s Show is returning to Market Place Theatre! Get ready to travel back in time to the 1980s with this exciting live music theatre production.
This high-energy show features all of your favourite hits from the decade of neon and big hair, including songs from iconic artists like Duran Duran, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Spandau Ballet to name just a few.
With a dynamic and powerful set full of the greatest songs of the 80s, this show is a massive hit with audiences of all ages. It will take you on a nostalgic journey through the decade, with memorable performances of classic songs such as ‘Take On Me’, ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’, ‘Together in Electric Dreams’ and ‘Real Gone Kid’.
Featuring a setlist that is both electrifying and heartfelt, the show is a celebration of the music, fashion and culture of the 80s and always has audiences dancing in their seats! Don’t miss your chance to relive the decade that defined a generation.
Saturday January 25, 2025
8pm | £25.00
The Special Consensus 50th Anniversary Tour
Chicago-based bluegrass outfit Special Consensus has covered a lot of musical territory in the half a century since banjoist Greg Cahill founded the band in 1975. Two-time Grammy nominees and six-time International Bluegrass Music Association winners, the group has amassed an expansive discography of over 20 releases.
With their latest release ‘Great Blue North’, Special Consensus turns their gaze northward, across the great lakes, to Canada.
The album offers a thoughtfully curated collection of well-known and obscure songs from Canadian writers and features collaborations with some of Canada’s most notable bluegrass and folk musicians. Taken as a whole, ‘Great Blue North’ expands Special Consensus’s musical footprint, furthering their legacy as Chicago’s premiere bluegrass ambassadors and establishing them as torchbearers for the international reach of bluegrass music. 2025 will mark the band’s 10th visit to The Market Place Theatre.
Saturday January 25, 2025
8pm | £22.00
Songs Around an Irish Fireside
Introducing a concert show like no other, The Murphys will bring their home to the stage, with hits such as ‘Streets of Promise’, ‘Dancing With The Fisherman’ and ‘My Connemara Marble Ring’.
‘Songs Around an Irish Fireside’ is designed around the Murphy’s living room, the place where dad Pat used to sing to his little girls and play his accordion every night beside the fire, the same living room that all of their hit songs were later written in.
With beautiful stage visuals, a full live band and specially designed costumes all wrapped up in family harmonies, The Murphys welcome you into their family home, for a very special night of songs and memories showcasing their proud contribution to Irish country music.
Friday January 31, 2025
8pm | £23.50
Jazzlife
The MOBO nominated drummer/composer presents next generation NI jazz talent from Jazzlife Alliance’s Jazz Juniors scheme.
Drummer/composer David Lyttle started out in the band of Irish guitar legend Louis Stewart and has gone on to bring his projects to almost 50 countries, recently including tours in North Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Canada, and receive nominations in the MOBO Awards and Urban Music Awards.
He has worked with many global jazz icons and carried out several ambitious artist residencies, including a coast-to-coast U.S. road trip performing for subcultures ranging from bikers in California to UFO tourists in Nevada.
Closer to home, David is the founder of Jazz Juniors, a nationwide jazz improvisation scheme for under 18s funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Recently David had the honour of performing for President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Friday January 31, 2025
8pm | £10.00 | £5.00 (under 18s / students)