The full line-up for the Daring Dames circus festival has been announced. The festival takes place on Achill Island on the 3rd, 4th and 5th March 2023 and all events are free of charge – though booking is required.
Friday 3rd March
Am I Irish Yet? A one-woman show by author Kate Kerrigan
Venue: Valley House Bar & Restaurant, Valley. 8pm.
Book (free) tickets for Am I Irish Yet via EventBrite
Am I Irish Yet? is a one woman play by Morag Prunty, aka bestselling author Kate Kerrigan (Romantic Novelist of the Year 2020) about what it means to find an identity as a second generation immigrant. It’s heart-warming, gut-wrenching and utterly hilarious. It’s for anyone who’s ever questioned who they are and where they call home.
The Trucking Harpist Show
Venue: Valley House Bar & Restaurant, Valley. 9.30pm.
Book (free) tickets for The Trucking Harpist via EventBrite
A night to remember with Ursula Burns, aka The Dangerous Harpist, on harp and song. Comedy meets cabaret meets marvellous music.
Saturday 4th March
Welcome to Daring Dames
Venue: Óstán Oileán Acla (Achill Island Hotel), Achill Sound. 10.30am
Welcome with the Achill Cackle.
Juanita’s Big Problem
Venue: Óstán Oileán Acla (Achill Island Hotel), Achill Sound. 12 noon.
Book (free) tickets for Juanita’s Big Problem via EventBrite
Juanita – Ireland’s leading female clown – explores what plastic pollution is doing to our planet. An interactive show for all ages.
Out of the Blu
Venue: Óstán Oileán Acla (Achill Island Hotel), Achill Sound. 1.30pm.
Book (free) tickets for Out of the Blu via EventBrite
All the way from Italy to Achill – a hilarious circus show for all the family – about your laundry!
Clown Beach Clean
Venue: Dookinella Beach. 3pm.
Join the fight against plastic pollution! Have fun with your litter picker! Clown Juanita leads a beach clean on stunning Dookinella Beach, under the spectacular Minaun Cliffs.
As Graceful as They Were Disgraceful
Venue: Óstán Oileán Acla (Achill Island Hotel), Achill Sound. 6pm.
Book (free) tickets for As Graceful as They Were Disgraceful via EventBrite
Lively illustrated talk on history of women in circus by Professor Vanessa Toulmin, world expert on the history of circus.
Daring Dames Cabaret
Venue: Óstán Oileán Acla (Achill Island Hotel), Achill Sound. 9pm.
Book (free) tickets for Daring Dames Cabaret via EventBrite
Roll up to an exciting all-female evening cabaret featuring feats of strength, daring and astounding tricks accompanied by live circus band.
Sunday 5th March
Standing On Her Shoulders – Why Building A Circus Library Matters
Venue: Óstán Oileán Acla (Achill Island Hotel), Achill Sound. 10am.
Book (free) tickets for Standing on her Shoulders via EventBrite
Lucy Medlycott, Director ISACS, and Professor Vanessa Toulmin, founder Fairground and Circus Archive, discuss setting up a circus library.
The Grannies
Venue: Óstán Oileán Acla (Achill Island Hotel), Achill Sound. 12 noon.
Book (free) tickets for The Grannies via EventBrite
The Grannies is a hilarious acrobatic circus show for all ages that proves you’re never too old to have a whole load of fun.
Send in the Clowns – the past, present and future of female clowns
Venue: Óstán Oileán Acla (Achill Island Hotel), Achill Sound. 1pm.
Book (free) tickets for Send in the Clowns via EventBrite
A potty potted history of female clowning and a lively discussion with historians of circus and the women clowns themselves.
Daring Debuts
Venue: Óstán Oileán Acla (Achill Island Hotel), Achill Sound. 2.30pm.
Book (free) tickets for Daring Debuts via EventBrite
An afternoon of debut performances of new work. Be the first to see the latest circus shows and acts.
Is The Future of Circus Female?
Venue: Óstán Oileán Acla (Achill Island Hotel), Achill Sound. 4pm.
Book (free) tickets for Is The Future of Circus Female via EventBrite
A distinguished circus panel discuss what the future holds for circus. An important event for any who works or is interested in circus.