Seven things to do this week
TODAY: If you are having trouble sticking to those New Year resolutions, find inspiration at the Dalkey Good Health Fair in Dublin, where information on everything from nutrition, reflexology and personal fitness will be available. Yoga and Pilates classes will be taking place, along with information seminars on many health topics. Dalkey Town Hall today and tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission free
TOMORROW: A host of writers and surprise celebrity guests converge on the Sugar Club on Lower Leeson Street in Dublin tonight to celebrate 30 years of Afri, the organisation which promotes debate and challenges opinion on international peace and justice issues. Roddy Doyle, Conor McPherson and Pat McCabe will be reading from their work as part of "You Still Have to Laugh", a musical and comedy event aimed at raising awareness of Afri's important work. Tickets are available from 01-8827581 or 01-8827563 and cost €25. All proceeds go to Afri.
MONDAY: Consider yourself well in - if you head to Cork for the children's auditions for a brand new production of Oliver! at the Cork Opera House. The production team is looking for boys and girls (more boys are needed) aged between 10 and 14, and auditions are open to anyone with singing and movement ability. Each child will be asked to a sing a verse of a song from the musical. To book an audition slot for your little darling today, tomorrow or Wednesday call 021-4905222. Auditions take place at the Opera House, limited slots available.
TUESDAY: That dysfunctional Lear family are at each other's throats again down at the SFX City Theatre in Dublin, providing a less painful way to swot up on your Leaving Cert Shakespeare. The new production is directed by and stars Alan Stanford as Lear, and includes Niamh Linehan, Caitríona Ní Murchú and Eithne Woodcock as the tragic king's daughters. Booking on 01-8554673 for the tickets, €18.50. Group rates available.
WEDNESDAY: Back after popular demand, the Wine Club in the Vaults bar at the IFSC, Dublin, is hosted by Findlater Wines. Over the next four weeks, the Wine Master will give information about a number of wines, and there will be a regional dish to complement the wines on the night. The course costs €30 per person per night, and booking on 01-6054700 or info@thevaults.ie is essential.
THURSDAY: Surface Tension, an exhibition of new work by the Stoney Batter Studio Artists, begins this week at the Mermaid, Wicklow County Arts Centre in Bray, Co Wicklow. The work of Pádraig Cunningham, Claire Halpin and Linda Shevlin will be display, taking in themes that include communal grief and memory. It is appropriate then that 10 per cent of all sales in the exhibition go to the Irish Red Cross, to help with the after affects of the south Asian tsunami. Phone 01-2724302 for more details.
FRIDAY: It might not be your cup of tea, but the junior showbiz enthusiasts in the family will love Jaz-A-Matazz, a two-hour kids' variety show which takes place tonight and tomorrow at the Rupert Guinness Theatre in Watling Street, Dublin, near the brewery. The event takes place tonight at 8 p.m. and on Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets on the door, €12/€6.
