Wild Lights and even wilder nights – what’s on in Dublin this week

Hip-hop royalty, homegrown comedy and an evening with two of Ireland’s favourite game-changers. Check out our top picks for the week ahead…

Wild Lights, Dublin Zoo

You know Christmas is just around the corner whenever Wild Lights sets up shop at the Phoenix Park. The most remarkable night-time experience of the year is back with a new theme (the ‘Magic of Life’) and a stunning new spectacle of dazzling, hand-crafted lanterns arranged throughout Dublin Zoo. This seasonal favourite shines a light on biodiversity and promises to engage and inform visitors with an illuminating exhibition.

Until Monday, January 9, 2023. November opening times: Thursday – Sunday, 5pm – 9pm (last entry at 8pm). Tickets: €23 adult / €19 child. For more info visit www.dublinzoo.ie

Mrs Brown’s Boys - D’Live Show, 3Arena

The international comedy phenomenon is coming home. Mrs Brown and her boys are back in action this week for an “encore tour” (whatever that means), and the man behind the mammy has already declared the latest show his best work. “It’s the funniest thing I’ve ever written,” Brendan O’Carroll said. “Even I laugh, and I know what’s coming next!” He knows how to sell a show, too. Never change, Brendan…

Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12. Doors: 6.30pm (extra matinee show on Saturday, doors at 1pm). Tickets from €29.50. For more info visit https://mcd.ie/

Al Murray, Vicar Street

Is Al Murray’s Pub Landlord shtick still a thing? Apparently so. One of the UK’s most beloved stand-ups, Murray slips back into his trademark maroon blazer and crooked tie for a brand-new set entitled ‘Gig for Victory’. No doubt he’ll have something to say about Liz Truss, and we’ll keep our fingers crossed that Murray aims higher than tricky Brexit gags and creaky Covid punchlines.

Sunday, November 13. Doors: 7pm. Tickets: €35. For more info visit https://aikenpromotions.com/

Haunted/If These Wigs Could Talk, Abbey Theatre

The inimitable Panti Bliss and the awesome Tara Flynn join forces (well, sort of) for back-to-back solo shows on the Abbey’s Peacock stage. Co-produced by THISISPOPBABY and directed by Phillip McMahon, this is essentially a double-header. Haunted explores the aftermath of Ireland’s abortion referendum, when actor and activist Tara Flynn was forced to finally confront the death of her father. Meanwhile, If These Wigs Could Talk allows Panti Bliss to question “her purpose and place in the world”. An evening of storytelling magic awaits.

Friday, November 11 – Saturday, December 3. Single show tickets: €25 (previews €18). Double bill tickets: €40 (previews €29). For more info visit www.abbeytheatre.ie

Kendrick Lamar, 3Arena

Recent reviews declared Kendrick Lamar’s The Big Steppers Tour “the greatest hip-hop show of all time”. High praise, indeed. The Grammy, Emmy and Pulitzer prize-winning artist is among the most influential chart-toppers of his generation and is nearing the end of an extraordinary global jaunt. Prepare to have your mind blown. Baby Keem and Tanna Leone provide support.

Sunday, November 13 (sold out) and Monday, November 14. Doors: 6pm. Tickets from €69. For more info visit https://mcd.ie/

Jake Clemons, Whelan’s

A little E Street Band magic comes to Dublin next week, with superstar saxophonist Jake Clemons, nephew of the late, great Clarence, stopping by Whelan’s for a solo show. Clemons will be back on the road with Bruce Springsteen and pals for a stadium tour in 2023. In the meantime, the acclaimed vocalist and multi-instrumentalist will be keen to share cuts from his terrific solo records, Eyes on the Horizon and Fear & Love.

Tuesday, November 15. Doors: 8pm. Tickets: €22.90. For more info visit https://aikenpromotions.com/