With only a few days left of what's felt like the loooongest January EVER, like many of you I'm so looking forward to February - and pay day of course! If you've been hibernating since Christmas along with most of the population, let's get a few dates in the diary to get out, about and having fun in February. There's loads to choose from right across NI with superb theatre performances, live music, family events and more... here's a run down of the highlights on my radar.
THEATRE
Ruby! The Lyric
11-16 February
Following on from it’s critically acclaimed sell out run last year, Little Willow Productions is proud to return with Ruby! a play written by Michael Cameron and featuring Libby Smyth as Ruby Murray.
Belfast born Ruby Murray was one of the most popular singing stars in the world in the 1950s, becoming the only recording artist in history to have five songs in the Top Twenty in the same week. Behind the triumphs however, a darker story was unfolding in Ruby’s life. This intimate drama enthralled audiences on its debut run.
Under the Hawthorn Tree, The MAC
30 January - 9 February
The acclaimed production Under The Hawthorn Tree is returning to Belfast in a presentation by the award-winning children’s theatre company, Cahoots NI and the MAC, featuring a star-studded cast of exceptional performers including Frankie McCafferty and Julia Dearden.
Based on the internationally acclaimed book by award-winning author Marita Conlon-McKenna and published by The O’Brien Press, Under the Hawthorn Tree follows the journey of three brave siblings as they fight for survival during the Potato Famine in Ireland, 1845.
Running from 30 January until 9 February there are already limited tickets for some shows.
The story is told alongside compelling music and song and is suitable for children from seven years and up.
It is the tale of three children, Eily, Michael and Peggy. When their father goes to find work and their mother leaves to find him, the trio, starving and faced with the workhouse, embark on a treacherous journey to find the great aunts they have heard of only in stories.
https://themaclive.com/event/under-the-hawthorn-tree1
FAMILY
Walled City 400
18 February -31 March
Derry~Londonderry marks the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Derry Walls, the largest ancient monument in Northern Ireland and only remaining Walled City in Ireland.
To mark this anniversary a vibrant programme of events will enable visitors and locals to experience the Walled City at its very best. Featuring an eclectic range of musical, dance, exhibitions, workshops and more!
www.walledcity400.com/events.html
NI Science Festival
13-23 February
Various venues
The NI Science Festival offers a range of workshops, talks and interactive activities for young people, parents and schools with more than 180 events across 50+ venues. A wide range of day time events will focus on the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while evenings will feature an eclectic mix of scientific debate, talks, theatres, comedy, music and film for adults.
Toddlers Take Over the Museum, North Down Museum
Friday 14 February, 10am-12noon
Calling all tiny Vikings! As part of Playful Museums Month, North Down Museum will once again be hosting ‘Toddlers Take Over the Museum’.
Featuring Jump Jiggle & Jive and Artist Marie-Therese Davis, the building will become a fun and exciting place for children aged 3-5 years old. Through the theme Vikings, your wee one can experience arts and crafts, storytelling and dancing.
http://www.northdownmuseum.com/What-s-On/Toddlers-Take-Over-the-Museum
MUSIC & DANCE
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show, SSE Arena
19-23 February
Riverdance as you have never seen it before! 25 years ago, 7 minutes changed the face of Irish dancing forever. The Eurovision interval act performance gave millions of people a new and exciting glimpse of the future of Irish dance. Producer Moya Doherty, composer Bill Whelan and director John McColgan were only beginning their Riverdance journey- and 25 years on will celebrate their anniversary at the SSE Arena in Belfast.
https://www.ssearenabelfast.com/whats-on/riverdance-25th-anniversary-show
Supergrass, Ulster Hall
17 February
English rock band Supergrass, will headline the Ulster Hall, Belfast on 17 February 2020 as part of their UK and Ireland Tour.
A rare opportunity to see the seminal British group perform after a surprise comeback when they took to the stage unannounced at Glastonbury Pilton Party to rip through a mesmerizing Greatest Hits set, including Richard III, Moving, Alright, Caught By The Fuzz and more.
A Country Night in Nashville, Belfast Waterfront Hall
2 February
A Country Night in Nashville recreates the scene of a buzzing Honky Tonk in downtown Nashville, perfectly capturing the energy and atmosphere of an evening in the home of country music. With songs from its biggest country stars that graced the stage, this is a night for any country music fan. Hits from Johnny Cash to Alan Jackson, Dolly to the Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson to Kacey Musgraves, are showcased by the amazing Dominic Halpin and the Hurricanes.
https://www.waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/a-country-night-in-nashville/
The Johnny Cash Roadshow, Ulster Hall
7 February
The only show to be endorsed by the Cash Family, The Johnny Cash Roadshow is back on top form for 2020 with a brand new show. This year award winning Clive John pays homage to Cash’s American Recordings alongside his iconic Wife June Carter played by Emily Heighway the Roadshow Horns and on selected shows The ‘Carter Sisters’.
With all the hits such as Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Boy Named Sue along-side some of the darker more atmospheric songs like Hurt, Rusty Cage and The Man Comes Around making this year’s show an emotional roller-coaster of songs through Cash’s career, packed together in one fantastic evening’s entertainment.
SPORT
Stena Line Belfast Giants Match, Odyssey Arena
1-2 February
Join the Stena Line Belfast Giants as they take on Cardiff Devils in Elite Ice Hockey League action on 1 and 2 February!
https://www.ticketmaster.ie/belfast-giants-tickets/artist/30107
AND RELAX
Coastal Winter Yoga Retreat, Ballycastle
31 Jan-2 Feb
Yoga and meditation by the sea at Marine Hotel, Ballycastle.
Step on the mat, breathe, and rediscover your flow. This yoga weekend offers an opportunity for meditation, physical exercise and relaxation, set in a location with calming natural surroundings.