‘Interloper' from the Liz Roche Dance Company is on 13th February.

Variety is spice of life at Solstice

2014 at Solstice kicked off with the launch of ‘Text to Visual’, an impressive exhibition from Meath Arts Group, which continues until 1st February. Gallery opening hours are 11am-4pm, Tuesday to Saturday and admission is free. Booking is also now open for two free Solstice Visual Art Talks: ‘In Conversation with Countess Ann Griffin Bernstorff’ and ‘In Conversation with Angela O’Kelly’ as part of the exhibition ‘Costume’ running 13th February until 5th April.
There is music for many tastes at Solstice this season with the Hunka Dunne Robinson Trio performing film classics and more on 30th January, while The Three Tenors return to Navan on 8th February. Navan-based soul band Brother Shabo and the Soul Rebels brings their vibrant concert to the stage on 22nd February, while Elizabeth Cooney, Marc Coppey and Finghin Collins perform exquisite music on violin, cello and piano on 15th March. The 49th IABCB National and Championships take place 12th-13th April and will see Ireland’s best brass and concert bands compete against each other.   
Solstice welcomes superb new theatrical work to Navan this year, starting with work from three budding playwrights. New Dramas from Solstice Writers takes place on 1st February, featuring short dramas from three up and coming local playwrights, Sean Henderson, Padraic McIntyre and Ger Gallagher. The audience will have the chance to give feedback and enjoy a post-performance reception with the writers and their mentors. February also sees the return of ‘The Man in the Woman’s Shoes’ on Thursday 20th and the Navan premiere of comedy thriller ‘Chancers’ by Terry Byrne on 28th Friday. On 6th March, Fishamble: The New Play Company presents intriguing theatre noir, with Donal O’Kelly’s new work ‘Little Thing, Big Thing’ and at the beginning of April, the Abbey Theatre bring ‘Quietly’ - winner of the Fringe First Award at Edinburgh Festival 2013, to the Solstice stage. Local productions this March include ‘Alice in Wonderland Jr’ from Loreto Secondary School and ‘South Pacific’ from St Mary’s Musical Society. The Rathkenny Revels return with their special 50th Anniversary Show from 5th-7th April and the Academy of Performance Arts present ‘Beauty and the Beast’ from 24th-27th April.   Experience the best in Contemporary Dance with ‘Interloper’ from the Liz Roche Dance Company on 13th February. Featuring dancers, an actress and a drummer, this is a dance show with a difference. On 29th April, Ballet Ireland return with a delicate mix of classical and modern ballet in Tutus on Tour. BBC and RTE star Neil Delamere brings his unique brand of comedy back to Navan with new show ‘Smartbomb’ on 7th March (selling fast!). The Cinema Season at Solstice has already got off to a great start with screenings of ‘Wadjda’ and ‘Spirited Away’ this month and you can catch old favourite ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ on 5th February, bittersweet comedy ‘Le Weekend’ on 5th March and early 90s classic ‘The Commitments’ on 9th April. See all three films for just €18 or add the matinee classic ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ on 15th February to see four films for €22.
There is lots to choose from for children and their families this spring, as Theatre Lovett return with their new show ‘Mr Foley, Radio Operator’ on 3rd and 4th February. Little ones can keep busy during the holidays with the Mid-term Madness Art Workshop on 20th February, the Solstice Easter Workshop from 14th-16th April and Wonderland Theatre’s week-long stage camp from 14th-17th April.  For more information see www.solsticeartscentre.com or contact Box Office on (046) 909 2300.