The Giant Blue Hand

Some of the most formidable, creative, intelligent (and occasionally scary) women in Irish theatre are collaborating on a new play - for kids. Lucky kids, especially when the women in question are playwright Marina Carr, chronicler of all things dark and dangerous, and director Selina Cartmell, who has done very interesting things with plays such as Festen and Macbeth. Add to the mix award-winning designer Monica Frawley (a memorable Taming of the Shrew) and choreographer Ella Clarke, not to mention a top-notch cast including Catherine Walker, Don Wycherley and Cindy Cummings, and you've got something quite special. The play is The Giant Blue Hand, set in a world where things aren't quite what you'd expect, and peopled with delights such as Aunt Farticus Fume in her Pink Wellingtons and Queen Dalia the Empress of Dreamers. It's at The Ark from 10 Feb to 22 March, with performances each weekend and during the mid-term break. 

Busy Marina Carr also has a new play (for grown-ups) coming up at the Abbey.  Marble, directed by Jeremy Herrin, promises a taut, funny and incisive exploration of friendship, marriage and the power of the subconscious. Previewing from 10 Feb and opening on Tues 17.