The Lion King

Circle of Life: 1. Siobhan O Connor; 2. Aoibhinn Garrihy; 3. Ray Foley and wife Kate Carolan. (Pix. BME)

A host of well known faces graced the red carpet for the spectacular premiere of the The Lion King. The official opening night was also attended by Sir Tim Rice, the show's Co/Lyricist.

The acclaimed stage adaption of  Disneys 1994 animated film was first seen on Broadway in 1997 and has been seen by 70 million people worldwide to date.

It is the first time Julie Traymor's internationally celebrated production with an international cast of 52 performers from 17 different countries has performed in Ireland.  The Lion King will play for a limited season in Ireland until 22 June.

Also in town this week was William Devine of Quintessentially.  Originally from Geneva, he is now based in Warsaw where he recently established the Quintessentially concierge business in Poland, through his company Devine Intervention (along with business partner Emmanuel de Croy - Solre who runs Geneva based wealth management firm Jawer SA).  

Things are not going so well for Devine however and we hear that angry creditors are circling and a number of his top management have already departed acrimoniously, including the MD and head of PR.  Law suits have followed and indeed will join the queue of people already suing the hapless Devine.

History is certainly repeating itself. In 2007 Devine was accused of mismanagement and misappropriating funds after the collapse into bankruptcy of French jewellery firm Poiray, just 8 months after he and a business partner acquired it with a view to rescue.  

Antonello del Balzo, the former director of the Bulgari boutique in Geneva, invested CHF 1.8 million into the business but alleged that the money was used to prop up another Devine company and pay huge salaries.  In any event he lost the lot and brought a case against Devine.

Followers of luxury industry will recall that William Devine was subsequently CEO of top watch company Bedat & Co., part of the Gucci Group. His arrival there was much heralded but less than 2 years after joining the firm he left under a cloud.  Plenty of rumours abound, including one of impropriety, but whatever the reasons Devine has never worked for a watch company since.  Persona non grata perhaps?

Never one to be undeterred William Devine is certainly not giving up, despite numerous personal and business setbacks.  We will follow closely his next foray into the luxury market.

Workin' 9 to 5

Workin: 1. Aideen Kennedy and Deirdre Finnegan; 2. Sean Munsanje and Kyra Callinan; 3. Michelle Doherty and Jenny Buckley. (Brian McEvoy)

Dolly Parton's 9 TO 5: The Musical has debuted at the BGE Theatre in Dublin and played to packed audiences as part of its first ever UK & Ireland tour. The hilarious comedy is based on the hit movie and centres on three office workers who turn the tables on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot of a boss.

Natalie Casey (Hollyoaks, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps), Bonnie Langford, West-End star Amy Lennox , Ben Richards (The Bill, Footballers’ Wives) and comedienne Jackie Clune give stellar performances and there’s even appearances from the diva Dolly herself!

With plenty of gags and well known songs the audience was as much part of the show as those on stage.

Among the guests on the first night were Alison Canavan, Marie Staunton, Claire Byrne, Michelle Doherty and Jenny Buckley.  The show ends on Saturday so this really is your last chance to see it in Ireland.

Fashion Exposure

Spring into Fashion: 1. Marietta Doran; 2. Sinead Considine; 3. Marion Cunningham; (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

The annual Irish Fashion Exposure - Spring Summer 2012 event in association with The Design Centre was a sellout event for the third year running.  Fashion lovers filled the Stephen’s Green Hibernian Club for a fashion show opened by Sonya Lennon of “Off the Rails” followed by lunch.

The concept of this exciting show is to create a relaxed environment for fashion lovers to enjoy a top-of-the line fashion show and have the opportunity to place orders and interact with the designers on a more personal level.  Some of Ireland's leading designers including John Rocha, Philip Tracy, Roisín Linnane, Umit Kutluk, Synan O’Mahony and Sean Byrne were featured.

The event also aims to raise funds for the Order of St. Lazarus Ireland, a charity engaged in humanitarian work with children and the invalided and those who cannot help themselves.  Well known guests included designers Claire O'Connor, Roisín Linnane, stylist Marietta Doran, Caroline Sleiman of Moet, Caroline Harrington and Liz O'Donnell.

Sugar Club Magic

 (Pix. Richie Stokes)


That’s Magic: 1. Aly Marron and Cici Cavanagh; 2.Keith Barry and Shane Gillen.

Late Night Magic launched on Friday the 13th at Leeson Street's well known Sugar Club venue.  Hosted by illusionist Shane Gillen, Late Night Magic is a tailored event designed to engage an audience with parlour, vaudeville, street and stage magic in a way that remains intimate, humorous and memorable.

The auditorium's round tables are under candlelight to create an atmosphere for the on-stage performances and guests can also find themselves in the Parlour Room. for one-on-one close-up and intimate magic performances by the entertainers.

Patrons can sit around the parlour table and even learn some of the secrets of magic. Games of 'Beat-the-magician' are played at various intervals throughout the evening where guests will be encouraged to guess how the trick works or perform a trick for themselves, if they can do it - they'll win a cocktail named after the magician they have just beaten.

There will be 5 'Queen of Hearts' cards hidden within the venue. Find one of them and automatically find yourself in with the chance of winning €250.  Late Night Magic will run monthly in The Sugar Club will alternating performers and acts every month, set to become one of Dublin's flagship events. Admission is €10 on the door and spaces are limited. Doors open at 7pm, and the show begins at 8pm sharp.

Dirty Dancing

Hey Baby:: 1. Anna Daly; 2. Ruth Scott; 3. Claire Moore and Danielle Moyles. (pix. Brian McEvoy)

Dirty Dancing touched down at Dublins Grand Canal Theatre this week with Phil Michael Jones as Johnnie and Charlotte Gooch as Penny, while Emily Holt plays Baby One of the most successful tours in West End history, having broke box office records in 2006 when it opened in London with advance ticket sales of over 15 million euro, the show has since played to over 1 million people receiving nightly standing ovations.

Among those on the red carpet on Thursday night were Miriam Ahern, Jenny Buckley, Gay Byrne, Sinead Desmond, Joe Duffy, Glenda Gilson and Karen Koster, as well as George McMahon and Mairead Farrell. The show continues at The Grand Canal Theatre (soon to be the Bord Gais Energy Theatre) until Saturday 25th Feb 2012.

Skating in a Winter Wonderland

Ice, Ice Baby: 1. Sadhbh Kelly Cahill and Ciaran McKay; 2. Kirsteen O'Sullivan; 3. John Hayes and Katie Kelly. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

A host of Irish celebrities including Lorraine Keane, Bernard Dunne and Lisa Murphy attended the opening night of 7UP Winter Wonderland, Ireland's newest and largest free-to-enter Winter Park, at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham in Dublin.

7UP Winter Wonderland is the first event of its kind and scale in the country and featuring Ireland's largest covered ice rink with a dedicated children's rink, a Christmas circus, cosy bars & cafes, foods and crafts market stalls, and rides and attractions for all ages. The Winter park is open until the 8th January 2012. A multi-generational Christmas attraction, it is anticipated that the event will boost visitor numbers to Dublin from both home and abroad.

Aladdin at The Helix

Oh no they didn’t: 1. Martha Christie & George McMahon; 2. Michelle Hennessey and Diane Bunici; 3. Diarmuid Gavin with daughter Epi (left) and Aisling Power. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

The pantomime season kicked off with the opening performance of Aladdin at The Helix in DCU. This is the fourth year that TheatreworX has brought its traditional family panto to The Helix and taking an action packed adventure through Arabia are George McMahon (best known as the memorable Mondo in Fair City) as hero Aladdin and his forbidden love, the captivating Martha Christie (one of Ireland’s top models and a classically trained singer) as Princess Jasmine.

Bringing laughs as George and Martha take their magic carpet ride in Arabia’s Agrabah City are West End musical performer Eoin Cannon who returns to The Helix stage as scheming villain Jafaah, comedian and actor Aidan Mannion as Jafaah’s hapless idiot son Janowah and Colin Hughes as Aladdin’s best mate Wishee Washee. Seasoned pantomime performer Frank Mackey stars as the sharp-tongued and quick-witted Dame Twankey and new starlet Jacqueline Brunton shines as Jewel.

Aladdin will now run until January 15th and with a charming love story, magic, a happily ever after and referencing everything from Justin Bieber for the kids to the evening news for grown-ups, Aladdin is a true family panto.

Dundrum on Ice

On Ice: Mikaela Kenny and Maeve Cronin; 2. Sonia Reynolds; 3. Martin King and his son Matthew. (Pix. Brian McEvoy)

Dundrum On Ice hosted its launch this week and a host of well known faces got their skates on and took to the rink. Among them were Georgia Salpa, Daniella Moyles, Emily McKeogh, TV3’s Martin King and son Matthew and Sonia Reynolds and her little ones. The 98Fm Thunders were also on hand acting as DJ’s to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

As a face painter transformed the younger guests into snow fairies and elves the older guests were invited to join the owners of the rink, Jason Williams and Annie Arshak in the Harvey Nichols bar for mulled wine and mini mince pies.

The fun didn’t stop there as everyone who attended also got a fun packed goodie bag and the opportunity to skate with the life size penguins. Dundrum On Ice is open 7 days a week. With recession friendly prices and lower off peak rates as well as being student friendly, it is the ideal way to get into the swing of the festive season.

Tyrrell & Brennan celebration

Couture: 1. Niall Tyrrell and Donald Brennan; 2. Katy Gannon; 3. Max Carpio, Amy Greenwood and Colin Fagan. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Niall Tyrrell & Donald Brennan celebrated fifteen years in business this week with a spectacular showcase event at the Grand Canal Theatre. During that time they have developed a reputation as Ireland's leading couturiers with clients from all around Ireland and the UK. Many well know faces from the world of film, media, politics and music as well as discerning woman from across the country wear Tyrrell & Brennan Couture and were in attendance to raise a toast to the design duo.

At their private showrooms in Dublin and by appointment, Donald or Niall guide each client carefully through their couture collection. The process, where it is possible to try on samples, is to select the right silhouette from the range, then the fabric and finally to choose the colour. The subsequent fittings will ensure a perfect and individualised fit. A team of skilled artisans produce each piece with care in the Dublin studio.

Tyrrell & Brennan have had not one but seven of their dresses grace the red carpet at the Oscars and many more at other top events. In addition their ladies tailoring service has been appreciated by many senior business and political figures in Ireland. Former President McAleese wore Tyrrell & Brennan Couture when she greeted HM Queen Elizabeth at the Aras earlier this year.

People of the Year 2011

Positive People: 1. Miriam O’Callaghan & Packie Bonner; 2. Ray Foley & JP Gilbourne; 3. Charlene McKenna & Lorraine Keane. (Pix. Robbie Reynolds)

US Open champion Rory McIlroy, the Ireland cricket team and the late PSNI PC Ronan Kerr were amongst those honoured at the 2011 People of the Year Awards, organised by Rehab and sponsored by QUINN-healthcare. The event was broadcast live on RTÉ One television from the Citywest Hotel in Dublin and saw a host of stars from the worlds of music, television and sport, along with politicians and dignitaries turn out to celebrate the annual event.

The Awards, now in their 37th year, were presented by Gráinne Seoige with An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, the Guest of Honour. Guests on the evening included Lorraine Keane, Mary Kennedy, Eileen Dunne and Bryan Dobson, fashion duo Sonya Lennon and Brendan Courtney, singing sensation Mary Byrne who performed on the night, Lottie Ryan, Miriam O’Callaghan, Nuala Carey, Claudia Carroll and Jean Byrne.

Sporting legends Packie Bonner and Shane Horgan were also in attendance along with rugby pundit Brent Pope, and RTE legends Joe Duffy and Larry Gogan. There was plenty of glamour on the red carpet with Fair City starlet Aoibhinn Garrihy, Raw actress Charlene McKenna and Republic of Telly presenter Jennifer Maguire, while other stars turning heads on the night included Triona McCarthy, Emma O’Driscoll, Katy Gannon and Geri Maye.

Ireland’s answer to an honours system, the Awards provide a unique opportunity for the Irish public to honour outstanding achievements and contributions made by individuals and organisations to life in our country today. The winners are chosen by members of the public through a nominations process and finalised by a panel of adjudicators, comprising of leading members of the media, voluntary sector and business community.

On your Marks

M&S fans: 1. Rachel Kavanagh; 2. Brendan Courtney & Carmel Breheny; 3. Lorraine Keane. (Pix. Kieran Harnett)

Over 200 of Dublin’s movers and shakers turned up to see Marks & Spencer unveil its autumn winter collection in the urban surroundings of The Warehouse on Barrow St.

Top Irish stylist Catherine Condell, produced the show focusing on the major trends for the season including 60’s Pop, Retro Glamour, Masculine / Feminine, Luxe Craft, Winter Berries and Two Tone Graphics.

Irish models Olivia Treacy (who was home from LA for the show), Alison Canavan and Thalia Heffernan showcased the range which included key items including the iconic Autograph black lace dress, M&S Woman stone blazer, per una Speziale firework dress and the colour pop Limited Collection cocoon coat.The front row was filled with TV’s finest including Sonya Lennon from Off the Rails and Collette Fitzpatrick, Sybil Mulcahy and Alan Hughes from TV3. Xposé queen Debbie O’Donnell was there with mum-to-be Aisling O’Loughlin and her partner Nick MacInnes.

EP11

Picnicers: 1. Rob Macnaughton & Glenda Gilson; 2. Irvine Welsh and Beth Quinn; 3. Gerry Quinn & Aoibhin Garrihy; (Pix. Kieran Harnett)


Some are declaring it the best Electric Picnic ever, and it certainly was a great one. While the weather was a mixed bag the festival goers really appreciated the sun when it did shine and made the most of things when it lashed rain.

The MindField arena was a particular hit throughout the weekend and record numbers attended various events staged in the space, with the Science Gallery, Leviathan and the Arts Council stages noted as particular favourites. Another year older, but are we any wiser? Old questions, new arguments, inspired talk, brilliant ideas, great company, ways forward, hope and renewed energy and all of it terrific fun.

Among those performing at MindField were Booker Prize winners John Banville and Roddy Doyle, Nobel Laureate Jerry White, RTÉ’s Sean O’Rourke and fiery London rapper Kate Tempest as well as Bob Geldof, Miriam O’Cllaghan, David McWilliams, Nick Kelly, Dylan Haskins, Irvine Welsh, Paddy Cullivan, BBC DJ Annie Nightingale, Michael D. Higgins made for a veritable smorgasbord of cultural talent.

The BACARDí Get Together arena returned to Electric Picnic in true festival style. The legendary arena provided a perfect place for music fans and VIPs alike to soak up the festival atmosphere together. With a beautifully designed set, an elaborate production, an eclectic set of DJs, the BACARDÍ bats and of course the highly skilled bartenders who created delicious cocktails all weekend; it really was the place to party at the Picnic.

Some of those spotted enjoying cocktails at the BACARDÍ area included ska and reggae group Toots & the Maytals, comedian Barry Murphy, Andrea Roche and her boyfriend Rob White and Irish footballer Sean St Ledger.

Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch, Melanie Morris, Derry Clarke, Amy Huberman and the Hardy Bucks were also spotted on the festival site throughout the weekend while Claudine Keane was a notable absence this year. The glamourous blonde, now living in LA, was always a regular at EP as her grandmother lives in nearby Stradbally.