Exciting autumn and winter schedule at the Dean Crowe

Starting in the coming weeks, Athlone’s Dean Crowe Theatre has a wonderful and varied programme of events for the months ahead.

The theatre's autumn and winter schedule promises something for everyone, young and old.

The classic children's book 'Dear Zoo' will be brought to life on Sunday, August 24 at 2pm and is a must-see for fans of Rod Campbell’s fantastic book. Tickets are selling fast. Next, the hilarious Conor Moore (aka Conor Sketches) takes to the stage for three nights on August 29-31. The first two nights are sold out, and only a handful of seats remain for the last night, so get booking.

September will have the Heart of Ireland Burlesque Festival on the 12th and 13th, followed by the ever so funny Emma Doran and her show 'Emmaculate' on the 27th.

October kicks off with a jam-packed charity concert in aid of the BTF (Build your Future Today) organisation on the 11th, featuring brilliant artists such as Shaskeen, Trish Reilly, Megatrad and Sarah Clogher School of Dance. Definitely one not to be missed. This is followed by the wonderful Al Porter on October 18, and Classic Seger on October 19, which anyone into the great music of Bob Seger should not miss. October will also feature the Athlone Community College musical and the Attitude Dance Stage School show.

November will be full to the brim with great shows such as Paddy Casey (8th), Onoir (15th) and the ever-popular Abba Forever (16th). Then on the 21st, the amazing 'Definitely Maybe', one of the best Oasis tribute acts, promises a great night with all the Oasis hits.

November will also feature the return of 'One Tribe', as the amazing service-users of Rehabcare and St Hilda’s take to the stage to delight the audience with their singing, dancing and acting talents. This is one of the most wonderful and heartwarming nights of the year in the theatre.

The Gaiety School of Acting will also visit to perform the Leaving Certificate play for two weeks, from November 3-13. November closes with the hilarious Jatlath Regan on the 29th.

December will be another busy month with some excellent shows. Friday the 5th will see the very interesting Manchan Magan take to the stage with his intriguing show “Aran agus Im”, (bread and butter). Saturday the 6th is a must for Bruce Springsteen fans as Ireland’s original tribute act to The Boss takes to the stage.

Denis Deegan returns with his kids’ Christmas show on the 7th and 9th, and is always a hit with the younger audience. Ballinahown NS will perform their end-of-year concert on December 10, while fans of the Rat Pack will be delighted to hear that 'Crooners at Christmas' will be performing all the favourites on the 11th. A must see for Frank Sinatra fans.

There will be an absolute treat for drama enthusiasts on December 13, as the Dean Crowe welcomes renowned Irish actor, Don Wycherly, who is performing the award-winning play 'Paddy' about the life and times of Paddy Armstrong of the Guildford four in a performance that’s been described as unmissable. Sunday the 14th brings the star of Irish country music, Declan Nerney, while the December show from AKT Stageschool, on the 19th and 20th, will be a memorable way to close the year. Athlone Film Club will also be hosting renowned films throughout the season - visit their website for details. See the website www.deancrowetheatre.com for full details on all upcoming events.