THE Christmas programme at Ardhowen Theatre really swings into action next week with the opening of Enniskillen Light Operatic's eagerly awaited production of the classic stage musical 'The Pirates Of Penzance'.
Full of comic moments, colourful settings and costumes and a wonderful score by Gilbert and Sullivan, it promises to be one of the most popular musicals around.
Opening on Thursday December 3 and running for ten performances until Saturday 12th, the setting is a rocky seashore on the coast of Cornwall in 1897 where the Pirates of Penzance are holding a party to celebrate their young apprentice Frederick becoming a full-blown member of their band. Frederick, who mistakenly and unknowingly had been apprenticed to the pirates instead of to a pilot is determined to leave piracy at once, having as he thinks completed his apprenticeship, which ends on his 21st birthday which has now arrived.
The pirates however are determined he should stay and as his birthday of 29th February only falls once every four years, they insist that his duty is to stay until 1940, as he is now only five and a quarter!
This is a huge blow to Frederick who has just fallen in love with Mabel, a beautiful daughter of General Stanley, but duty is above all and he asks her to wait for him. In the meantime the pirates capture General Stanley's other daughters and their chaperones and intend to carry them off and marry them, but when the Major General tells them he is an orphan, the pirates who are all orphans themselves, relent and release them.
When they find out that General Stanley is no orphan and that it was only a ruse to have his daughters freed, the pirates promise revenge on him. While all this is happening, the bumbling local police have been informed of the pirates plan and set out to capture them which leads to hilarious happenings altogether.
However, as all good stories have a happy ending, this one does as well. It's a lively, funny and colourful show, which has been produced many times in both London's West End and on Broadway. With a wonderful array of songs, strong imaginative direction and some great choreography, it's a fast moving show that features a strong cast, some great sequences from the sentimental pirates and the bumbling 'Keystone Cops' type policemen and of course a love story with a happy ending. Don't leave it too late to book for what should be a real highlight of Ardhowen's festive season.
SUSAN MCCANN IN CONCERT
Known for many years as Ireland's first Lady of Country Music, Susan McCann has been on the road now for 33 years. Her many local fans will be delighted to see her back on the Ardhowen Theatre stage on Wednesday December 16 at 8pm with her own band and popular guest Malachi Cush who will sing tracks from his new album 'Timeless Tradition'.
THE QUEEN LEGEND
There are a small number of real all time classic bands and of course all time classic tunes. The legendary Queen are one of those bands and since their formation in 1971 they have rocked the world with their music.
As a tribute to them, Ardhowen is staging for one night only, in association with David Hull Promotions, the fabulous 'Flash Harry' in concert, now recognised as the finest Queen tribute band in these Islands. "Flash Harry are absolutely brilliant" is the quote from the official Queen Fan Club when they talk about 'Flash Harry'.
Flash Harry take to the Ardhowen stage on Thursday December 17th at 8pm.
DOMINIC KIRWAN
Popular singer Dominic Kirwan is back on the Ardhowen stage on Friday December 18 with a great pre-Christmas concert.
His Ardhowen show will feature songs from his new album, just released and joining him on stage will be guests Elaine Boyle and Colm Kirwan, for what is sure to be a great Country Music evening.
OTHER SHOWS
Ardhowen presents three great and very different shows immediately after Christmas. The legendary Drifters bring their 'Ultimate Christmas Party' show to the stage on Monday 28th December, while the popular country singer Eamon McCann and guests perform on Tuesday 29th December. Rounding off the year on Wednesday 30th December, it's the turn of Brian Kennedy and his band. All shows start at 8pm.
