And We Have Splashdown!

With just a handful of upcoming attractions having been teased out over the last few weeks, today finally sees the full line-up for The Whale’s autumn schedule being unleashed.

Not only will that line-up of groovy Greystones concerts, stand-up, one-man shows, all-star galas and culture shocks be available to explore and devour online, but a handy, pocket-sized brochure will be hitting the streets too.

For those people smart enough not to spend their lives online.

Just as the town desperately needs a great big hotel to call its own, Greystones has long been starved of a true arts venue, one where international names and local heroes can take to the stage for a night of magic, of music, of make-believe and, hey, some good old-fashioned, homegrown mischief.

Young Ross McParland has spent years – and whole lotta love, sweat and tea  – building a fun palace fit for kings and queens, for kids and adults, for dreamers and schemers. This is a theatre where every last detail – from that 95ft mural smiling down on the town to the twinkling lights on every table – has been thought out and carefully constructed.

So, let’s all join the party. It’s been far too long since Greystones has had a place for everyone in the town to go out to and soak up a little culture and fun together, the combination of cheap-ass booze and TV screens the size of your average family car having created a town that’s in pyjamas most nights by 8pm.

Well, it’s time to kick off the jim-jams, to throw off the shackles of boredom and quit staring at those same four walls, so you can come join hands with the living. There’s something for everyone at The Whale, from the high art of chamber choirs, modern dance and challenging theatre to the cheap thrills of fancy-dress Rocky Horror, kids’ puppet shows and that naughty-but-nice young man, Al Porter.

Yep, we finally have a place for all the beautiful people of Greystones to truly come together. And the good news is, ugly people are welcome too. Within reason.

Oh, and if you have a business in Greystones, Kilcoole, Delgany, Newcastle or just beyond, and would like to have The Whale’s pocket-sized brochure on your counter, just email [email protected], and a stand will be whisking its way to you forthwith. If not sooner.

In the meantime, brace yourself for the good times, Greystones!

And always remember the very wise words of Mahatma Gandhi (or was it Homer J. Simpson?) – when it comes to the special things in life, use it or lose it, baby…

You can explore The Whale’s new website here. And you can catch some early bird tickets every Saturday morning down on Theatre Lane during Golden Hour, where the box-office will be open weekly from 11am to noon.