New season unveiled at the Market Place Theatre Armagh

And with Christmas just around the corner, you can pick a show that’s sure to delight that special someone as a Christmas treat.

The choice is endless, so here’s just a glimpse of some of the treats on offer.

Due to the success of her 2015 tour Mary Black is back for another Irish Tour and she makes a welcome return to The Market Place on 21 January.

For the last 25 years, singer Mary Black has been a dominant presence in Irish music, both at home and abroad. She has shared stages, TV shows and recording studios with some of the most revered performers of her time. She has also played a frontline role in bringing Irish music, past and present, to an increasingly appreciative and ever-growing global audience.

Now in its 15th year, ‘A Viennese Strauss Gala’ returns on 5 February, with a sparkling new anniversary production. Recreating the romance of the Viennese Festive season, reminding you of a bygone age of glamorous soirees and Strauss waltzes, the show features highlights from some of the great Operettas of the Strauss family, Kalman and Lehar; including ‘Die Fledermaus’, ‘The Merry Widow’ and many more. The European Orchestral Ensemble will accompany four Soloists from major Opera companies; including Opera North, English National Opera and D’Oyly Carte. This wonderful production is cleverly staged and choreographed, and authentically costumed, and will appeal to the romantic as much as the music aficionado.

Make Valentine’s Weekend go with a laugh and a smile on 12 February as we present Jimmy Cricket, May McFettridge, William Caulfield, Gene Fitzpatrick, & John Linehan in ‘You Must Be Joking’. The ever endearing Jimmy Cricket with his funny hat and, his wellies on the wrong feet will be reading his letter from his Mammy.

The first lady of Irish comedy May McFettridge will abuse all and sundry – don’t be late, sit at the front or draw attention to yourself is the best advice. William Caulfield, the comedy darling of BBC Radio Ulster, with his brilliant eye and ear for local characters will regale us with stories of everyday life. Gene Fitzpatrick the master storyteller and king of the one liners with the wonderfully warm personality completes the line-up.

Continuing the comedy theme, award winning actor, comedian and writer and highly acclaimed stand up, Ardal O’Hanlon has toured to sell out audiences internationally and has released two Top ten stand up DVDs (Ardal O’Hanlon Live and Ardal O’Hanlon Live in Dublin). He continues to be one of the most sought after comedians working, and will visit The Market Place on 18 March as part of the St Patrick’s weekend celebrations.

From the team that brought you ‘The History Of The Troubles [accordin’ to my Da]’ comes the comedy sequel ‘The History Of The Peace [Accordin’ To My Ma!] on 13 and 14 April. A peaceful tale of street protests, riots, guns, bombings and more riots. Karen Reid is a Belfast community worker struggling to keep house and family together in the face of Northern Ireland’s unique form of peace.

Through the 1994 ceasefires, The Good Friday Agreement, The Chuckle Brothers and the ‘fleg’ protests, she fervently believes in a new Northern Ireland. Thankfully, Karen has the ‘total support’ of her loyal band of friends such as: Fireball - now working in Roselawn Crematorium - her dingbat best friend, Stacy, flute band leader, Roberto, and Pineapple the paramilitary.

Details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.