Festive fun at Birr Theatre

Festive themes join comedy, music and more at Birr Theatre and Arts Centre this December. Common Ground The fifth annual Common Ground art exhibition opens at Birr Theatre on Thursday, December 6 at 7pm. The exhibition is the result of a group of artists coming together for a professionally curated exhibition to shoe the diversity of visual artists in the midlands today. The exhibition will open Monday to Friday from 1pm to 5.30pm and during performances until mid January 2013. Out of Order Banagher Drama Group returns to Birr Theatre with what's widefly regarded as Ray Cooney's funniest play on Saturday, December 1. The farce centres around a UK Junior Minister as he tries to lie his way out of an embarrassing situation. Tickets for the 8pm show are on sale for €14/€12. Family Christmas Origami Workshops Creator of Origami Wonderland George Dempsey will lead a very special workshop teaching you how to create your own recession friendly Christmas decorations on Sunday, December 2. Advance booking is recommended. Those aged seven and over are welcome when accommpanied by an adult, with children aged nine and over welcome without adult supervision. Tickets (adults €7, children €5 or family ticket of one adult and two children €15) available for workshops at 2pm and 4pm. Le Harve Birr Film Club brings this 2011 Finnish film to Birr Theatre on Tuesday, December 4. The movie's protagonist Marcel Marx (Wilms) is a middle-aged shoe-shine boy with an upstanding wife Arletty, a faithful dog, a natural belief in fraternité, and a mystical sense of calling. His opportunity for comradely action comes when he meets a young Senegalese boy, who was separated from his stowaway family and is being sought by the French authorities as an illegal alien. Despite the complication of Arletty's terminal illness, the snooping of grim-faced inspector Monet and the machinations of the neighbourhood snitch, Marcel is able rally the denizens of Le Havre's old fishermen's quarter to the boy's aid, complete with a "trendy charity concert". Tickets for the 8pm screening are available for €7, €5 and €3. Mike Denver Ireland's most popular country singer Mike Denver is back in Birr Theatre on Wednesday, December 5. With his excellent band and super stage show this promises to be the concert of the year. Tickets for the 8pm show are available for €25. Treasure Island The Birr Stage Guild panto comes to Birr theatre for a five night run with Treasure Island from December 11 - 15. The show is suitable for anyone five years and over. Group rates are available, while single tickets are available for €16/€14. The Irish Christmas Musical Get into the spirit of Christmas with the Emerald Vocal Ensemble (formerly the Tullamore Concert Choir) on Wednesday, December 19. Tickets for the 8pm show are available for just €10. More information on all events at Birr Theatre are available by calling 057 9122911 or see www,birrtheatre.com.