After a literally stormy week, you could be forgiven for feeling a bit stir-crazy as there has been little opportunity or desire to venture past the front door. However, with the weather now settling it’s time to start thinking about what to do with your weekend.
As usual we have a packed programme of events from a live production of The Full Monty to the top TV shows across at the main streaming platforms keeping you entertained whether you’re going out or staying in.
GO OUT
Niamh McCann: ‘someone decides, hawk or dove’, The MAC, Belfast – from December 8 – April 7
‘Someone decides, hawk or dove’ is an exhibition created by Dublin artist Niamh McCann which explores the borders of Northern Ireland since partition.
Concerned with acts of remembrance and reflection, this work draws from territory borders, architecture, street names, flags and ceremonies to highlight the complex nature of Northern Ireland’s history. It is a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition that is worth seeing.
Cats for Lunch, the Black Box, Belfast - January 26 at 8pm
It is a truth universally accepted that the film version of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats was awful…with Cahiers du Cinéma calling it “the worst film ever committed to celluloid”. Leaving an indelible mark on anyone who had cause to watch it the first-time arounds.
However, the Black Box is offering the opportunity to have a drink (maybe a few) and laugh at the absurdity of one of 2019′s weirdest blockbusters.
The description reads: “Roar as James Corden wobbles and chunters in a giant cat outfit, cheer as he falls into a bin, gasp as venerable puss Dame Judy Dench deftly attends to her intimate personal hygiene.
“You’ll be having a drink every time Idris Elba flashes his rippling cat-abs, or Sir Ian McKellen gingerly licks his milk, and you can take part in our contented purring contest, if you’re feline groovy.”
The Full Monty, The Grand Opera House, Belfast – January 26 & 27
Even 25 years after its release people still can’t get enough of Simon Beaufoy’s The Full Monty.
After losing his job at a steel factory, Gaz learns that his wife wants to sue him for missed child support payments. Desperate for money, Gaz and his friend Dave decide to create their own male strip-tease act. The two friends recruit four more men, including their former foreman and a security guard. The group promises that their show will succeed because they are willing to go “the Full Monty”: completely naked.
Starring Danny Hatchard as Gaz, Jake Quickenden as Guy and Bill Ward as Gerald, with Neil Hurst as Dave, Ben Onwukwe as Horse and Nicholas Prasad as Lomper this promises to be a great night out.
Teechers by John Godber, The MAC, Belfast – until February 10
Brought to the stage by Bruiser Theatre Company Teechers is a high energy comedy that also says a lot about the education system – particularly the disparity between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’. This powerful story coupled with a brilliant ensemble cast is sure to make Teechers a modern classic.
STAY IN
American Nightmare, Netflix – available now
Dubbed the “real-life Gone Girl” this three-part docudrama tells the story of a couple who staged their own home invasion and kidnapping back in 2015. The entire event is believed to be a hoax when the woman (who was supposedly kidnapped) shows up out of the blue and raising many questions.
Monarch: Legacy of monsters, Apple TV – available now
Following the aftermath of a Godzilla attack, two siblings must team up to uncover their family’s connection to the top-secret organisation known as the Monarch. With season finale airing last week all episodes are now available to binge watch on Apple TV.
True Detective: Night Country, Sky Atlantic – available now
The series takes place in Ennis, Alaska where eight men mysteriously vanish from the Tsalal Artic Research Station. The investigation is spearheaded by Detective Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster), who joins forces with Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) to solve the case.
Role Play, Amazon Prime – available now
Perfect for all Mr & Mrs Smith fans... Starring Kaley Cuoco and David Oyelowo. The story follows a seemingly normal couple who are raising their two children in the New Jersey suburbs. The catch? The wife is an assassin for hire, and her husband has no idea.
Trigger Point, series 2, ITV/ITVX – starts January 28
After nearly a two year wait Line of Duty star Vicky McClure returns as Lana Washington in season two of the crime thriller.
The first series left viewers on edge as they followed Lana, a former solider turned bomb disposal expert with the Metropolitan Police as she tried to foil terrorist threats across London.
The new series begins with McClure’s character returning from secondment training Ukrainian bomb disposal teams but has not returned to active duty. Instead, she is giving routine talks to security officers from major financial institutions about the issues surrounding bomb-centred terrorism.
However, when a bomb attack occurs in the heart of London and Lana is closest to the incident is she ready to take it on? We will have to see…
