The Ardhowen has two fantastic new workshops coming up as part of its busy programme of events for the whole community. Join Mary McGuigan for a Step Dancing workshop for adults on Saturday, August 13 at 10am to learn the steps from the dance called ‘Maggie Pickens’ – an old dance which is believed to have been danced for well over 100 years in several counties.

Marcella Gilligan facilitates a Community Tribal Drumming and Percussion Workshop on Thursday, August 25, and Friday, August 26 at 10am, at which participants will have lots of fun playing music and getting creative.

This workshop is suitable for those aged 16-plus; no experience is necessary and all instruments are provided.

Fermanagh Musical Theatre last graced the Ardhowen Theatre stage with the hugely successful ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ in 2021, and this year they are back with another hit production, their hilarious theatre production of ‘9 to 5 – The Musical’, as detailed on the facing page.

That’s not the only great music in store at the Ardhowen, which also has ‘Ireland – The Show’ in store on Thursday, August 25 at 8pm.

Featuring an all-star cast of the island’s most talented singers and performers, accompanied by the Keltic Storm band and world champion Gael Force Irish dancers from Kerry, Mayo and Clare, this unmissable show will take you on a journey featuring many aspects of culture across the island.

The show, which has received high acclaim, will feature well-known ballads and singalongs such as ‘Dirty Old Town’, ‘The Town I Loved So Well’, ‘Tell Me Ma’ and ‘The Fields of Athenry’, to name but a few.

This show has now been seen by a live audience of more than 250,00 people, receiving nightly standing ovations and rave reviews.

Returning to theatre now, and Friday, August 26 and Saturday, August 27 will see the Holywood Players return to the Ardhowen’s stage with a new production, ‘Death By Design’, by Rob Urbinati.

Set in 1932, actress Sorel Bennet and her playwright husband Edward return to their country manor from London. Guests arrive unexpectedly holding long-held secrets, emotions run high and a murder occurs – but who has done it, and why?

It’s up to Bridgit, the maid, to solve this dastardly crime in a hilarious murder-mystery comedy that’s full of larger-than-life characters and brilliant one-liners.

It’s described as the banter and wit of Noel Coward meeting the intrigue and plotting of Agatha Christie, and promises to be a great whodunnit to take in.

Last but definitely not least, MOBO award-nominated Jazz musician David Lyttle will take a break from his 20-country 2022 tour to visit the Ardhowen Theatre on August 20 at 11.30am for a free Jazz workshop for young people.

He’ll also talk about the innovative new NI youth scheme ‘Jazz Juniors’, which is now entering its second year.

No experience in Jazz is necessary to take part in the workshop, and friends and family of interested young people are also welcome to attend. Participants should register via the Ardhowen’s website.