ARTS RoolaBoola, takes place over the October Bank Holiday weekend.

Rí rΡ agus RoolaBoola time once again


Sleeping dragons, Jack and the Beanstalk, a peckish caterpillar, a shepherd who plants trees, a fish who wants to be human… It can mean only one thing: RoolaBoola is in town. This year, the annual children’s arts festival takes place over the October Bank Holiday weekend (Friday, October 22 to Monday, October 25) at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar.
The 2010 line-up is crackling with  colourful critters, playful puppets, fantastical fairy tales and enchanting escapades. The vibrant menu of shows, workshops, drop-in events and more will fire young imaginations and tickle the child inside us all.
‘The Man Who Planted Trees’, a beautiful and inspiring blend of comedy and puppetry, tells the tale of a shepherd who sets out (with his dog!) to plant a forest and transform a barren wasteland. This touching tale and a hilarious puppet show, suitable for children aged seven years and over, is delivered by Scotland’s Puppet State Theatre Company. At just under an hour long, and with plenty of sensory interaction, there’s no chance of tender minds wandering – they’ll be transfixed. 
‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ and other Eric Carle Favourites by Canada’s Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia follows the amazing and brave journeys from three of hugely popular children’s author Eric Carle’s most beloved stories, brought to life on stage using spectacular black light puppetry. This magical show is perfect for children aged between three and eight years.
Then there’s ‘Jack’, a high-energy and hugely entertaining retelling of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ by Ireland’s own Barnstorm Theatre. Geared for children aged four to seven, this show is full of beans, magic hens and golden eggs, and of course, a giant and his wife, all served up with music, dance, puppetry and lashings of fun.
There’s also a film screening of the stunning Japanese animated film ‘Ponyo’, and don’t forget the aforementioned ‘Sleeping Dragons’, a magical, free, open-air, night-time experience created by artist Tom Meskell for all the family, kicking off RoolaBoola 2010 on Friday, October 22, at 7.30pm at the HSE Rural Training Centre.
The ever-popular Stories Room, complete with free books and readings, is back, as well as a bagful of arts workshops for ages from two to 12 years – story creating, gamelan, pop-up card-making, dance, singing and samba are all included. Plus there’s a whole bunch of drop-in activities for those ‘in-between moments’, as well as ‘Cascade’, a brilliant visual art exhibition by artist Vanessa Daws for the whole family to enjoy.
So there you have a taster of RoolaBoola 2010, a brilliant Bank Holiday weekend of fun and activities for young people and the rest of the family too. Full programme details are available in the RoolaBoola programme, available at on www.thelinenhall.com. RoolaBoola events are immensely popular each year, and booking is essential – contact the RoolaBoola Box Office on 094 9028886.