T’ai Chi and Qigong with Philip
Philip Johnston hosts a weekly T’ai Chi/Qigong class live from the Old Church, Cushendun. For the moment these classes are virtual via Zoom, but will migrate to the Old Church Centre when social distancing restrictions are lifted.
£4 per class. Please click on the link below to book your place.
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt
TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED 2 HOURS BEFORE THE EVENT TO ALLOW FOR PAYMENT TO BE PROCESSED AND THE LINK FOR THE CLASS TO REACH YOUR INBOX.
Weekly Yoga Classes
Exhibition by Local Artists
28 MAY TO 20 JUNE – EVERY FRIDAY, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FROM 12-4PM
ADMISSION £2
An exhibition of work by local painters. To get a sneak preview of just some of the work on view visit https://www.instagram.com/cushendunartexhibition3/
Cushendun Reading Circle
When the doors of Cushendun Old Church opened in the summer of 2019 on an array of lovely new possibilities for the life of the village, many people signed up for Pilates and yoga, activities promising physical agility. Agile, supple minds were attracted to the Reading Circle.
As we emerge from the long, dark night of Lockdown, this seems a good moment to describe to the curious and to those tempted, or even half-tempted, to join us in September what happens in that group.
We have about twelve regular members, though in an average week there are a few absences, leaving us with just about the right number for lively, inclusive discussion. Membership of the (not-for-profit!) group costs just £25 per term, to cover the rental of the hall and the provision of photocopied texts. In December 2019, we had enough money in the kitty to enable us to adjourn to the pub, after a spirited discussion of the catastrophic Christmas dinner featured in A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.
From September to Christmas that year, we read and discussed a selection of short stories by Joyce, O’Connor, James Plunkett and Chekhov, and scenes from novels, among them Hard Times, Emma, Mansfield Park, Pride and Prejudice and Great Expectations. Each story or scene is read aloud at the beginning of the meeting; there is no requirement to engage in any preparation, or even to contribute to the conversation.
Since the collective imagination was fired by our reading of Joyce, the group elected to stay with Ireland around the turn of the last century: we moved after Christmas to a group reading of O’Casey’s The Plough and the Stars and Juno and the Paycock. Discussion of all our texts is fluid and wide-ranging, generally coming to rest on changing socio-economic context and unchanging human nature.
The Reading Circle is an unpretentious group, composed of people with very diverse interests. A few of us have been lucky enough to make a (modest!) living from our enjoyment of books, but everyone’s contribution is equally valued. No-one is there to impress, or to dominate the discussion; everyone is listened to with respect.
If you would appreciate an opportunity to talk seriously about serious and important things (although, as Jane Austen might say, there is no preventing a laugh), and if you are dazzled by bright words, why not consider joining us in September? This year’s programme will feature a selection of short stories by, among others, Tolstoy, Chekhov, de Maupassant and Flannery O’Connor; drama texts are The Playboy of the Western World and Philadelphia, Here I Come! Arrangements for our meetings will be posted on the Old Church website and in various places around the village.
Fiona Lynch
CUSHENDUN COMMUNITY CINEMA
“MIDNIGHT IN PARIS”
Sunday, 13 June, 8.30pm
A Woody Allen film, “Midnight in Paris” sees Gil (Owen Wilson) in Paris with his fiancée, Inez (Rachel McAdams). A frustrated screenwriter, he takes to wandering the Left Bank after hours in search of the artistic mojo of the city’s 1920s heyday. When F. Scott Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston) stops to offer him a lift, his quest takes on literal and literary dimensions.
“Light, assured, and utterly charming: Woody Allen’s sublime gifts are still intact.” – Empire Magazine
Please follow this link to book your tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-ljkmkp
CUSHENDUN COMMUNITY CINEMA
“PINOCCHIO”
Sunday, 13 June, 4.30pm
The classic children’s tale re-imagined. In late-19th-century Tuscany, poor woodcarver Geppetto (Roberto Benigni) finds his newest creation, the little boy puppet Pinocchio, come to life, causing mischief from the start. As Pinocchio defies his father in search of worldly fun, he comes undone — often literally — and must learn right from wrong the hard way.
“This is a playful, tender production. A lovingly made take on Pinocchio, in thrall to goodness and kindness, with beautiful creature creations and eccentric humour, it brings big smiles. ” – Empire Magazine
PLEASE NOTE: This film has a PG rating. This means a film is suitable for general viewing, but some scenes may be unsuitable for younger children.
To book your tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/venueplan/oWPlZHtzLYuJ
BIG ARTS WEEKEND
A great success – thank you to all of our contributors and supporters
FRI 30 APRIL – MON 3 MAY 2021
“We may have to do things differently this year but nevertheless we are still offering a jam-packed exciting festival programme for you to enjoy.”
William Colvin, Chair CBPT.
AMENDMENTS TO PROGRAMME:
Cushendun Village Walk has been cancelled due to unforseen circumstances.
The Art Exhibition will now take place on the 29 May Bank Holiday.
COOLE LADY by Sam McCready
Performed by Joan McCready, “Coole Lady” is a memory play. From her estate at Coole Park, Lady Gregory, co-founder of Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, reflects on a life of service to her country, her family and her friends. She recalls times when she was the centre of Ireland’s literary life and periods of personal tragedy lived in the midst of national struggle. She speaks frankly about her love affairs and her determined efforts to ensure the survival of her beloved Coole. Proud and indomitable on the outside, Lady Gregory reveals a passionate nature and deep vulnerability within. More than anything, the play is a story of survival and courage that engages our sympathies and touches our hearts.
Joan McCready was a founding member of the Lyric Players Theatre Company (now the Lyric Theatre, Belfast) from 1958 until she emigrated to the USA in 1985, where she continued her theatre career as actor, director and teacher. In 2002, she and her late husband, Sam, formed a company Two-for-One Productions to collaborate on a number of One-person plays to be performed and/or directed by each other. Among them were Dickens at the Ulster Hall, Percy French-Melodies of Unforgotten Years, and A Time to Speak (adapted from Helen Lewis’ Holocaust Memoir). The first performance of Coole Lady – The Extraordinary Story of Lady Gregory was in Sligo at the Yeats International Summer School in 2003, and it has played in venues all over the world since then.
Event Details
Fri 30th April 2021 8:00PM to 9:30PM – TICKETS £5 – ONLINE EVENT
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-yxdmxz
A TRIO OF TUNES AND TALES
An evening of song, stories and poetry with Colin Urwin, Stephen O’Hara and Ciaran Mulholland.
Colin Urwin is a singer, songwriter and storyteller. Influenced mainly by traditional Irish and Scottish music and stories, he has been delighting audiences with his writing, playing, singing and storytelling for over forty years.
Stephen O’Hara came to storytelling via his interest in creative writing. He tells stories from Irish mythology and folklore, bringing a love of the language, the culture and history of Ireland to all his tales.
Ciarán Mulholland started playing the fiddle from the age of 11, having found an old 3/4 size fiddle under a bed in his grandmother’s house in Belfast. He plays Scottish and Irish music for céilíthe. Ciarán’s musical passion and artistry is shared by his family, who will join him in this performance.
Join Colin, Stephen and Ciaran on a mystical journey through the Glens of Antrim and beyond in this spellbinding compilation of tunes and tales.
Event Details
SATURDAY, 1 MAY 8:00PM to 9:00PM – TICKETS £5 – ONLINE EVENT
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-knqlne
SHARE A POEM
A sharing of poetry, song and prose delivered by a host of local voices. This year our theme is Inspiration and Cheerfulness. Designed to delight and bring a smile to your face.
Send your contribution or suggestions to info@cushendunbpt.com
Event Details
SATURDAY, 1 MAY Starts at 3:00PM – FREE EVENT – ONLINE EVENT
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-xkrjlk
FILM PREMIERE:
THE WIT AND WISDOM OF MI MUTHER
Stage2Screen Productions brings you the experience of theatre on screen.
Before she became a dotty old dear, Mi Muther was a star upon the stage!
A Yorkshire coalminer’s daughter, she took to the boards at the age of just 14, singing and dancing her way through pantomime, summer season and eventually working men’s clubs.
A funny, touching memoir of a life lived to the full, teeming with heart and humour, this film sees a daughter relate her mother’s journey from the bright lights of the variety halls to her twilight years with a cuppa, carpet slippers and Corrie on the box.
Written and performed by local actress Julie Kinsella.
Following its premiere, the film will be available to view via the website throughout the Big Arts Weekend.
Event Details
SATURDAY, 1 MAY 7:00PM to 8:00PM – TICKETS £5 – ONLINE EVENT
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-lpzapz
BERNIE McGILL, AUTHOR – LIVE AND INTERACTIVE ONLINE!
Bernie McGill is the author of two novels and one short story collection.
She has written audio scripts for heritage projects and stage scripts for theatre. Bernie was born in Lavey, County Derry. She studied English and Italian at Queen’s University, Belfast and graduated with a Masters Degree in Irish Writing.
Her novel The Watch House was nominated in 2019 for the Ireland/European Union Prize for Literature and The Butterfly Cabinet was named in 2012 by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes as his novel of the year.
Event Details
SATURDAY, 1 MAY 5:00PM to 6:00PM – LIVE ZOOM EVENT
FREE EVENT, SPONSORED BY THE JOHN HEWITT SOCIETY
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-gkdeky
SANDCASTLE DISPLAY AND COMPETITION
Register from 11.30am at Glenmona House Car Park. Judging will be at 1pm.
Please note that this event is weather dependent – we will keep you updated via our website and Facebook page.
What began as building a simple sandcastle with his children, led Andrew Difford to create sand sculptures that have become the talk of Co Antrim and beyond! His creations on Waterfoot Beach, include Noah’s Ark, a village, a castle and film characters such as Yoda from Star Wars have astonished and amazed children and adults alike. “I literally just stumbled on doing this during lockdown and the summer holidays and it has sort of spiralled since then,” he said.
Watch as Andrew demonstrates his skill and then off you go to create your own masterpiece.
Event Details
SUNDAY, 2 MAY Registration at 11:30AM at Glenmona House Car Park – FREE EVENT
Location
Cushendun Beach, 1 Church Lane, BT44 0PS
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-enxrnp
STEVE PRICE, MAGICIAN – LIVE AND INTERACTIVE ONLINE!
Add a little magic to your day! Steve Price is one of the UK’s busiest and most well-established magicians. His Zoom shows are interactive so be prepared to be part of the act. His unique blend of laughs, mystery and stunning sleight of hand has thrilled audiences all over the world … and now we are excited to welcome him for the first time to Cushendun!
“Entrancing… fascinating… thoroughly entertaining” The Magic Circle Magazine
Event Details
SUNDAY, 2 MAY 5:00PM to 6:00PM – FREE EVENT – LIVE ZOOM PERFORMANCE
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-qoxgnj
LESLIE TRAVERS, INTERNATIONAL THEATRE DESIGNER
Leslie Travers is an international, award-winning set and costume designer for theatre and opera. He lives at Torr Head in County Antrim and has a design studio in London. He has designed for some of the most prestigious opera houses and theatres around the world, including Teatro alla Scala, Grand Théâtre de Genève, the Polish National Opera, the Norwegian Opera, Gran Teatre del Liceu Barcelona and the Sydney Opera House.
He was the 2019 winner of the prestigious Franco Abbiati Prize for set design given by the opera critics of Italy for his design for ‘Francesca da Rimini’ at Teatro alla Scala.
Join Leslie as he talks about his thrilling adventure in bringing this passionate and romantic opera to life on the vast stage there.
SUNDAY, 2 MAY 6PM TO 7PM – TICKETS £5 – Online Event
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-lpzajz
LITTLE FOLK ONLINE WITH KYLE RILEY
A big treat for your little ones! Kyle presents a virtual version of his very popular live show featuring a genre-busting collection of his own original children’s music, traditional children’s songs and a medley of pop tunes that will get the whole family moving. Push back the coffee table and get ready to move. Grab some noise makers because we’re gonna raise the roof.
Perfectly suited for 6 months to 7 years, but fun for the whole family.
SUNDAY, 2 MAY 10AM TO 11AM – FREE EVENT – LIVE ON ZOOM
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-rvrgvn
LURIG DRAMA GROUP present
“IS THIS SEAT TAKEN?” by Sean Baker
“Acting is attracting” is a statement that Laura and Will believe is their only shot at rekindling the dead flame of what used to be their marriage. After fourteen years of trying to make it work, Will suggests role playing and Laura agrees – only because she loves him.
And so begins this award-winning one-act comedy performed by the excellent Lurig Drama Group.
Event Details
MONDAY, 3 MAY 8:00PM to 9:00PM – FREE EVENT – Online Event
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-dzpxez
RAYMOND WATSON, VISUAL ARTIST
Interview with local visual artist Raymond who creates public artwork, gallery-based art, audio visual installations, audio soundscapes and large-scale art in the community projects.
Raymond works with any material required to manifest the theme he wants to explore. He has worked with mud, bamboo and rice straw in India, ice and steel in Belfast, oranges in Valencia! He has exhibited widely in Ireland and internationally and has produced a number of pieces of public art locally, most of which have been made in close collaboration with local communities and schools.
Although much of his work reflects topics of dislocation, human rights and visions for a better world, he also likes to create beautiful things and to visualise poetry and mythical stories.
Event Details
MONDAY, 3 MAY 4:00PM to 4:30PM – TICKETS £5 – ONLINE EVENT
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-mxqama
RUNABAY – LIVE FROM THE OLD CHURCH!
BOOK EARLY – RUNABAY’S LAST SESSION AT THE OLD CHURCH SOLD OUT WITHIN DAYS!
Originally coming from a couple of small rural villages in the Glens of Antrim and Belfast, Runabay need no introduction to their huge following across the island of Ireland.
The six musicians, through their passion for harmony and melody, have been gathering an enthusiastic following with their writing and recording since 2013. The band has enjoyed national, international and local radio play and many successful gigs in Ireland and the UK, along with appearances at a number of Irish festivals including Sunflowerfest, OTB and Stendhal. Their debut album was released in 2019 under the title “Between the Lines”.
Event Details
SUNDAY, 2 MAY 9:00PM to 10:00PM – TICKETS £5 – ONLINE PERFORMANCE
To book tickets please follow this link: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cushendunbpt/t-rvrgnn
