FOR anyone looking for an escape from the weather and the financial gloom, Siamsa Tíre has announced an eventfilled programme of entertainment for the coming months. Drama, music, comedy and dance all feature in a packed schedule with something for everybody.

Pat Shortt fans will be delighted to see his return to Siamsa in February, and there's more comedy in March with comedians Rich Hall and Jon Kenny. An eclectic mixture of singers including Mick Flannery, La Charlatanne, Director, The Fureys and Davey Arthur, Luka Bloom and Jack L along with classical music events, Graffiti Classics and a return of the successful Opera Club.

Drama is always a key element of Siamsa Tíre's spring programme, and this year is no exception. The famous Johnny Patterson is immortalised in Barabbas's production of The Singing Irish Clown and Michael Harding (co-author of Tearmann and Moriarty) performs in The Tinker's Curse in February. Big Telly Theatre return to Siamsa with a production of The Haunting of Helena Blunden, with Space Oddity and The Harbour completing the drama offering.

In March, Fergus O'Conchúir's, the renowned contemporary dance artist performs in Open Niche, along with members of the Siamsa Tíre Performing Company. The emphasis is firmly on traditional styles in performances such as the Cunningham Family's Fuaim Chonamara and The Essence of Ireland.

Local talent always features strongly in any season at Siamsa Tíre: Kerry School of Music, Tralee Musical Society and Group Theatre as well as an evening with Rinceoirí na Ríochta in March are all part of the line-up on stage in the coming months.

The Visual Arts programme includes an exhibition in association with the Dingle Film Festival, Wisdom opening in March, whilst the exhibition of J M Synge's photography travels to the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris.

Siamsa also has a range of special deals and ticket offers available. Choose a Ticket Bundle: book any three events from eight selected events across the season, and you can avail of a €12 per ticket offer. Or if Drama is your area of interest, why not avail of the Drama Thursdays offer, which allows you to attend four different plays for €45.

For further information on performance dates and prices please contact 066 7123055 or www.siamsatire.com