Down Arts Centre’s New Season Programme Out Now! (Jan - April 2026)

It's that time again! Start the year with Ronnie Greer! Get some of those January blues, but in a nice way! Ronnie returns to Down Arts Centre for his annual January performance with his all-star band, including Anthony Toner, John McCullough and special guest Ken Haddock. Critically acclaimed as one of the very best blues and roots bands playing anywhere on the planet at the moment, don't leave it too late to be a part of the experience!

The Last Witch Bridget Cleary The play tells the powerful story of Bridget Cleary, a young woman from Tipperary who was burned to death by her husband in 1895. Her murder, carried out under the belief that she was a changeling, was sensationalised at the time as "the last witch burning in Ireland." The piece combines theatre, folklore, history, and social commentary to explore gender, superstition, and power in a rural Irish community on the brink of modernity. Performed by actor Eve O'Mahoney who is currently appearing in TG4's television series Am Abú, The Last Witch Bridget Cleary is a dynamic, theatrical piece designed to engage and challenge audiences.

While some comics tour to buy their mothers a bungalow, Jake O'Kane is on tour to buy his mouth some teeth. Following years of playing rough sports and drinking in rougher bars, Jake needs a mouth overhaul. Join him and his trusty sidekick, Terry McHugh, as he recounts the many adventures that led to this dental odyssey. As always, Jake will sink his remaining teeth into our local politicians and the peculiarities of life in our odd part of the world.

While some comics tour to buy their mothers a bungalow, Jake O'Kane is on tour to buy his mouth some teeth. Following years of playing rough sports and drinking in rougher bars, Jake needs a mouth overhaul. Join him and his trusty sidekick, Terry McHugh, as he recounts the many adventures that led to this dental odyssey. As always, Jake will sink his remaining teeth into our local politicians and the peculiarities of life in our odd part of the world.

Stray Gaiters are a group of seasoned musicians who pay homage to the enduring legacy of Neil Young, channelling the spirit of his distinctive sound – raw, authentic and unapologetically real.

Straight off the back of 2025's smash hit, 'Maggie' – all 4 plays in one hilarious show, the Muffsta's story continues with 'Maggie's Menopause!' After the shocking revelation that Maggie is now in the menopause, how will Maggie navigate these buck-daft times? Will she lose the plot with the hot sweats? Will she get her lovelorn lust back? Or will she end up in Maghaberry after batein long-suffering Billy round the bap with her leopard-print stiletto? Menopausal Muff like you've never seen her before! Written and produced by award-winning writer Leesa Harker Directed by international director Andrea Montgomery Starring critically acclaimed Caroline Curran You're guaranteed a geg!

Straight off the back of 2025's smash hit, 'Maggie' – all 4 plays in one hilarious show, the Muffsta's story continues with 'Maggie's Menopause!' After the shocking revelation that Maggie is now in the menopause, how will Maggie navigate these buck-daft times? Will she lose the plot with the hot sweats? Will she get her lovelorn lust back? Or will she end up in Maghaberry after batein long-suffering Billy round the bap with her leopard-print stiletto? Menopausal Muff like you've never seen her before! Written and produced by award-winning writer Leesa Harker Directed by international director Andrea Montgomery Starring critically acclaimed Caroline Curran You're guaranteed a geg!

When Gerry Tully performs Christy Moore songs, he brings a deep respect and understanding to the material, while adding his own unique touch. Christy Moore's music is iconic in Irish folk, known for his powerful storytelling, political edge, and emotional resonance, and Gerry Tully honours these qualities in his interpretations. Tully's voice is warm and emotive lending itself beautifully to Moore's repertoire. His smooth tone has an aged timbre and plenty of emotional texture in songs like Ride On or The Voyage. There's a sincerity in his delivery mirroring Moore's original passion allowing the listener to experience the lyrics in a more intimate way.

The Give My Head Peace gang pay their annual pilgrimage to Down Art Centre. Your favourite characters from Northern Ireland's number 1 sitcom return with another brand new show. Da, Ma, Cal, Pastor Begbie, Sandy, Billy and Dympna will all be on stage for a night of guaranteed laughs. There will be the usual hilarious mixture of character comedy, topical satire, silly plots, top class stand-up from Tim McGarry and the odd song or two. For a night of riotous local humour, look no further. Give My Head Peace Live never disappoints!

A legendary blend of rock, soul and folk Hailing from Newry, Northern Ireland, The 4 Of Us has been captivating audiences for over three decades with their soulful melodies and compelling lyrics.

Celtic Soul – The Definitive Van Morrison Tribute From Belfast to Berlin, Celtic Soul have been thrilling audiences with their sell-out performances of Van Morrison's timeless music. Recognised as the definitive Van Morrison tribute band, they bring an authenticity and passion to the stage that few can rival. What makes Celtic Soul unique is their ability to capture the essence of Van's catalogue. From the soulful intensity of Astral Weeks to the driving rhythms of Moondance, every note is delivered with precision, respect, and a deep understanding of the music. This is more than a tribute — it's a heartfelt celebration of one of Ireland's greatest musical icons. Critics and fans alike praise Celtic Soul for their faithfulness to Van's s

NI Comedy presents Stephen Large – Having It Large Stephen Large is a comedian, comedy writer and Kindle chart-topping author. He's the brains (or lack thereof) behind the social media sensation The Dundonald Liberation Army. His previous stand-up tour, Sabotage, produced four sold-out Belfast shows. He's written five stage comedies which have sold out venues such as the Grand Opera House and Waterfront Hall. Stephen's written for television and radio, while his online content for BBC Comedy has amassed over 100 million views. He's self-published three books, one of which reached the top of Kindle charts.

The Boondocks 'Hank Williams, Glen Campbell, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Gram Parsons, Merle Haggard…' 'I'm so Lonesome I could Cry, Galveston, Sea of Heartbreak, Love Hurts, Always on my Mind, Silver Wings…' Just some of the names and songs that have built the foundations of country music and the craft of great songwriting; lyrics and music that have survived and continue to survive because they speak to the heart. Beautiful melodies, touching words, soaring harmonies and intricate solos are the core of great country music. Anthony Toner (vocals, electric and acoustic guitar), Mark Crockard (vocals and acoustic guitar) and Marcus McAuley (acoustic guitar and mandolin) have come together as 'The Boondocks' to play the old school coun

JAK-IN-THE-BOX POP-UP THEATRE PRESENTS "THE BENCH" One Bench. Seven Stories. A Whole Host of Characters. You never know who you'll meet on a park bench! "The Bench" is a 60-minute show suitable for audiences aged 14+ Two performers - Julie Kinsella and Maria Quinn - play a total of 14 characters (some human, some not!) whose stories play out over one afternoon on a solitary, sunny park bench. "The Bench" takes a look at the wonderful, quirky characters that inhabit our towns and villages while you, the audience, hear their tales unfold. The themes are universal: friendship, love, loss, an appreciation of nature … and a dash of the absurd. The show was performed as "Benches", an outdoor promenade-style piece at the Eastside Arts Festi