MUSIC: SOAK
If I Never Know You Like This Again is the third LP from the Derry native, working once again with producer Tommy McLaughlin (fresh from his triumphant work on the new Pillow Queens record) to craft another slice of melancholic alt-rock beauty. Don't take her brilliance for granted (out now).
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Also: Wallis Bird's seventh studio album Hands finds Enniscorthy's finest "confronting themes of trust, alcohol abuse, stagnation, self-censorship and self-improvement. Each of them, however, is delivered by a voice uncommonly blessed with joy, ingenuity and empathy."
EXHIBITION: RHA ANNUAL SHOW
Ireland's largest and longest running exhibition of visual art returns to the RHA Dublin for its 192nd installment, showcasing artists working in paint, drawing, print, sculpture, photography and architecture - the open submission process makes up approximately 60% of the exhibition, offering emerging talents an essential platform for their work, and audiences the opportunity to spot the next big thing in Irish art (from 23 May - 24 July).
Also: Veteran collective North Louth Artists bring their group show Looking Forward, Looking Back to An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk - exhibiting artists include Ciara Agnew, Derek Bell, Sandra Bell, Anna Campbell, Gerry Clarke, Paula Eigenheer, Robert Kelly, John O Connor, Omin, Rosemary Warren and Irene Woods. (20th May - 11th June)
EVENT: INTERNATIONAL LITERATURE FESTIVAL DUBLIN
This 25th Anniversary edition of the essential literary bash sees authors from around the world gather once again in Dublin city for an in-person celebration of writing and literature, with a ridiculously stacked line-up that includes Bernardine Evaristo, Cecelia Ahern, Margo Jefferson, Louise O'Neill, Richard Dawkins, Emilie Pine, Emma Dabiri, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Damon Galgut, Jennifer Egan, Colm Tóibín, Okechukwu Nzelu, Mieko Kawakami and many more (Various venues from 19th - 29th May)
With 160+ events, you're spoiled for choice at #ILFDublin! 🤩 Celebrate #25YearsOfStories in Merrion Square Park from 19 - 29 May with visits from Bernardine Evaristo, Ardal O'Hanlon, Cecelia Ahern, Francesca Simon, Derek Landy & more!
— International Literature Festival Dublin (@ILFDublin) May 11, 2022
Visit https://t.co/iZB6XvN8qH for details. pic.twitter.com/w5IyIvTs7v
Also: The inaugural Achill Island Film Festival takes place off the coast of Co. Mayo from 20th - 22nd May,
STREAMING: LIFE & BETH
Fresh from her Oscar hosting duties, Amy Schumer stars, writes, produces, and occasionally directs this low-key dramedy, co-starring Michael Cera, with all 10 episodes now available to stream on Disney+ - a second series is already en route. Hear what RTÉ Arena thought below:
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Also: Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers revives a classic Disney animated duo for an irreverent live action adventure (on Disney+)
LIVE: TRAVELLING WITH MOZART
When Mozart wasn't busy composing some of the most beautiful music ever written, he could be found writing colourful letters to his family and friends. In this unique collaboration, the Irish Chamber Orchestra brings Mozart to life through letters (read by actor Stephen Brennan) interspersed with music from Mozart's travels (In Limerick, Waterford and Ballybunion on the 26,27 and 28 May - find out more here).
Also: Musical sensation Anything Goes sails into the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre with a cast that includes showbiz veteran Bonnie Langford and legendary thespian Simon Callow (From 18th - 28th May)