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9-11 January, Whelan’s, Dublin, more info here
With over 100 acts announced in total, the first instalment of Whelan’s Ones to Watch 2025 took place this past weekend, and the next is set to be every bit as exciting. Set across three stages, you can expect an eclectic mix of genres, fresh sounds, and unforgettable performances. A true celebration of emerging Irish talent, the line-up includes Pastiche, Cable Boy, I Dreamed I Dream, and Ezra Williams, to name but a few.
11 January, the Racket Space, Phibsborough, Dublin, more info here
For the uninitiated, OFF TOPIC is an alternative scratch night and costume party at The Racket Space in Dublin, and their first event of the year is shaping up to be a good one. Expect a varied line-up of performers from musicians, poets and actors to drag artists and stand-up comedians. There’s also an OFF TOPIC fashion show, so make sure to dress up and get creative with your look for the night. This event is hosted by actor and writer Evanne Kilgallon, with support from Becca Fisher and Sarah Heraughty.
16-18 January, Ambassador Theatre, Dublin, more info here
With poetry from Emmet Kirwan and music from the late Eoin French, Accents is a loving testament to a beautiful soul and towering talent, someone who was also the driving-force behind the band Talos. ‘The sound of your voice is the sound of your family, your community and where you’re from. It can lift you and lay you down.’
20 & 21 January, 3Olympia, Dublin, more info here
One of the best Irish comedy podcasts in the game, Young Hot Guys is a weekly tonic, so it stands to reason that their live show offering would be top tier. The trio—Shane Daniel Byrne, Tony Cantwell and Killian Sundermann—are the veritable kicks of tangents and their unique blend of surreal humour and keen observations will keep you well entertained.
Until 25 January, Abbey Theatre, Dublin, more info here
A spectacular reimagining of Jane Austen’s Emma is making its European premiere on the Abbey Stage. Centring on the charming, clever and flirtatious title character, Emma follows the privileged lives and relationships of the smart set, and those who wish to join them. Skewering social norms of the day, it examines love, desire, class and the effort it takes to sustain a life of luxury. Ripping the bodice of tradition, Emma is thrilling audiences with a contemporary soundtrack and a period-but-playful retelling of this classic comedy of manners.
27 January, Vicar Street, Dublin, more info here
Blindboy is a best-selling Irish writer and podcaster. The Blindboy podcast has now exceeded 80 million listeners globally. Described in the New York Times as “a cultural phenomenon” his inimitable podcast teases at the boundaries of literature and spoken word. His live podcasts sell out worldwide, from Toronto to Brisbane to London’s Hammersmith Apollo. Outspoken, informed and empathetic, Blindboy engages his audience with an acerbic wit.
Photography from ‘Emma’ by Ros Kavanagh.