From heartfelt tribute and folk storytelling to laugh-out-loud comedy, powerful theatre and nights of pure musical nostalgia, January promises an outstanding programme of live entertainment at The Marketplace Theatre, Armagh.
Leading the way is For the Love of Shane MacGowan, a moving and joy-filled celebration of the life, songs and spirit of the legendary Pogues frontman, setting the tone for a packed month of unforgettable performances across music, comedy and drama.
For the Love of Shane MacGowan
Scottish singer and hit songwriter John McLaughlin is venturing into a new realm with his latest project, “For the Love of Shane MacGowan”.
The show does what it says on the tin and is John’s personal tribute to the legendary Pogues frontman, his late friend Shane MacGowan. McLaughlin with his folk band, who all share his love for the music of the iconic hellraiser, will perform the classic songs penned by Shane, intertwined with John’s tales and funny stories of their times spent together writing and recording as well of course going down the pub!
McLaughlin and MacGowan have worked together on a few different projects over the years and stayed in touch until Shane’s sad passing.
McLaughlin said: “I have been a Pogues fan since way back in the early 80’s and have seen them play many, many times over. I was in awe at their punky celtic sound that breathed new life into the Irish traditional music that I was brought up on, but it was the charisma, the voice, the songs and antics of frontman Shane that got me totally hooked.
So, when the opportunity arose to work with Shane back in 2001 it was like a dream come true for me. We instantly hit it off on a personal and professional level and became friends and started writing some songs together.
“Shane was super intelligent and so incredibly well read. I learned a lot from him. I am unbelievably proud to have this chance to pay tribute to Shane for the joy, the memories and songs he’s left us.
“The show will be a celebration of his work and above all else just a right good old-fashioned night of fun and song, and together we can all raise a glass to Shane.”
Friday January 9, 2026
Tickets: £26.50
Time: 8pm
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Ronstadt
Ronstadt – Ireland’s Premier Linda Ronstadt Tribute.
Eight piece Linda Ronstadt Tribute comprised of members of bands from Mack Fleetwood / Harvest-Neil Young Tribute / Last Waltz / Beyond The Horizon-Pink Floyd Tribute and an All Ireland winning Feiseanna fiddle player.
We cover the rock/country/folk/Soul and pop from the 11 times Grammy award winners back catalogue and it’s played to perfection by an amazing band fronted by the very talented Nicola Selak.
Saturday January 10, 2026
Tickets: £24.00
Time: 8pm
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Clubsound: The Band Who Couldn’t Retire Tour
Clubsound are the only showband left on the road today!
A brilliant bunch of musicians led by the inimitable George Jones, Clubsound kept us laughing (mostly at ourselves) through the dark days of our “troubles”.
Brilliant sketches like Shankill Airways, Andy McFadden and his funky wee 5-piece band, Daddy’s wee balloons, the reluctant exile Belfast Belfast will all be included in the show. Also showcased will be the absolutely brilliant musicianship of this legendary band.
2026 is their 56th year on the road (despite trying to retire for the last 20). Every time they “retire” the phone starts ringing, and they’ve been talked into the aptly named ‘The Band Who Couldn’t Retire Tour’. Clubsound are quite simply our own national treasure so let’s make this tour one to remember. Don’t wait until they actually do retire!
We would remind you that some of the sketches and jokes are of their time and not for the faint-hearted or easily offended.
Thursday January 15, 2026
Tickets: £25.00
Time: 8pm
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The Stars of Country Show
Back by popular demand “The Stars of Country Show” returns for another night of hand clapping and toe-tapping magic and features a super line-up of Ireland’s top stars all on one country music cracker!
The stellar bill includes the popular Foreglan man John McNicholl and his hit song “You Are No Angel”, the wee man from Strabane Hugo Duncan fresh from his MBE, the hilarious Gary Gamble and his surreal impressions of Daniel O Donnell, the trucker’s favourite Boxcar Brian who is sure to keep the party lit and Ireland’s favourite entertainer Curtis Magee who will give you 5 minutes more!
Each of the stars will perform their trademark hit songs in the company of Northern Ireland’s award winning duo Country Harmony, making this a show you don’t want to miss. If it’s country music you like, then this is the show for you!
Friday January 16, 2026
Tickets: £26.00
Time: 8pm
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The Flowers of May
The Flowers of May follows David and Lisa, a couple whose dreams of parenthood are turned upside down when their young son, Conor, is diagnosed with autism.
Written by Matthew McMahon and produced by Eileen Gomez, this funny and heartfelt play by Two and One Productions invites audiences into the deeply personal world of a family navigating the realities of raising a child with a hidden disability.
Both moving and unexpectedly humorous, The Flowers of May tackles the emotional highs and lows, the social stigmas, and the resilience that defines modern parenting.
Directed by Emma Saunders and performed by Matthew McMahon and Eileen Gomez.
This event will take place in our studio theatre with an unreserved, tiered seating layout.
Saturday January 17, 2026
Tickets: £15.00 | Concession £13.00
Time: 8pm
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Rock Rising
Rock Rising Returns to Armagh for a third time this January after sell out shows in 2023 and 2024 with their International Supreme Classic Rock Show!
They look forward to bringing all your classic favourites for another night of action-packed classic nostalgia!
Don’t miss this show!
Saturday January 17, 2026
Tickets: £29.50
Time: 8pm
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4 Days in Derry – A Woman’s Story
4 Days in Derry – A Woman’s Story depicts the tragic events of Bloody Sunday through the eyes of the female relatives of the thirteen innocent victims shot dead by British troops on the streets of Derry on January 30, 1972.
For those who experienced the atrocity, and for those who lived through its aftermath, the devastating effects of the brutality unleashed on Derry citizens marching for civil rights still resonate more than fifty years on from that horrific day.
Focussing on the four days in and around Bloody Sunday and based on real-life testimonies of the wives, mothers, sisters and daughters of the thirteen murdered men, the Movers & Shakers Drama Group brings to life the deeply personal and heart-wrenching accounts of women and girls who suffered the most grievous loss.
Their stories are ones of pain, anger, and resilience. Of grief that, at times, went unnoticed. Of love so fierce that the loss was unbearable.
They are stories that went untold – until now.
Thursday January 22, 2026
Tickets: £17.50
Time: 8pm
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Jake O’Kane Needs New Teeth Tour
While some comics tour to buy their mothers a bungalow, Jake O’Kane is on tour to buy his mouth some teeth.
Following years of playing in rough sports and drinking in rougher bars, Jake needs a mouth overhaul. Join him and his trusty sidekick, Terry McHugh, as he recounts the many adventures that led to this dental odyssey. As always, Jake will sink his remaining teeth into our local politicians and the peculiarities of life in our odd part of the world.
Saturday January 24, 2026
Tickets: £25.00
Time: 8pm
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Maggie’s Menopause
Straight off the back of 2025’s smash hit, ‘Maggie’ – all 4 plays in one hilarious show, the Muffsta’s story continues with ‘Maggie’s Menopause!’
After the shocking revelation that Maggie is now in the menopause, how will Maggie navigate these buck-daft times? Will she lose the plot with the hot sweats? Will she get her lovelorn lust back? Or will she end up in Maghaberry after batein long-suffering Billy round the bap with her leopard-print stiletto?
Wednesday January 28 and Thursday 29, 2026
Tickets: £25.00
Time: 8pm
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Adam Kay: This is Going to Hurt
BAFTA-winning comedian Adam Kay shares his uniquely hilarious diaries as a junior doctor in this “electrifying” (Guardian) evening of stand-up. Over 350,000 tickets sold. Based on the multi-million selling book and multi-award-winning TV series.
Friday January 30, 2026
Tickets: £27.50
Time: 8pm
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The Greatest 80’s Show
The Greatest 80s Show is BACK! – and it’s bigger, bolder, and bursting with new surprises!
We’re returning to The Market Place Theatre and bringing a whole new wave of 80s magic!
You sang with us. You danced in the aisles. And now, it’s time to do it all over again… but this time, we’re turning everything up a notch!
Expect lots of brand-new songs, jaw-dropping moments, and the same infectious energy that’s made The Greatest 80s Show Ireland’s must-see 80s theatre sensation.
If you thought last time was electric… this time, we’re turning it up to neon level MAX!
Tickets won’t last – grab yours early and experience The Greatest 80s Show like never before.
Friday January 30, 2026
Tickets: £27.50
Time: 8pm
Click here for more information and to book tickets
