Theatre, dance and Princess Diana — here’s what’s on around Ireland this weekend

Princess Diana fashion exhibition at Newbridge Silverware

Opened 5 May, Newbridge Silverware, Kildare

The Museum of Style Icons at Newbridge Silverware, together with the world-renowned auction house to the stars, Julien’s Auctions and Turner Classic Movies, are showing three very important and rarely seen garments at an exhibition dedicated to the style of Princess Diana. The exhibition, entitled ‘Princess Diana – Fashion from the Wardrobe of The People’s Princess’, features three Princess Diana owned and worn garments that were last seen in public when they were auctioned by Christie’s in 1997. Yes, the ever-iconic revenge dress is on display.

Where Dance Meets Street 2023

6&7 May, The National Opera House, High Street, Wexford

Where Dance Meets Street explores collaborative practice and presentation between the art forms of Street and Dance. As part of this two-day event, Prodigal UPG will perform Zoo Humans for the whole community and deliver a Masterclass for artists interested in presenting Dance in public places. ZOO HUMANS is a free performance-parkour/dance/physical-theatre show for the whole family. The Masterclass for dance, street and circus artists explores the practice, creation, and presentation of work in public spaces and the democratic nature of Street Arts.

Werther by Jules Massenet

Saturday 6 May, The Everyman, Cork

Irish National Opera brings a production of Werther by Jules Massenet, performed in a new orchestration by Richard Peirson, to The Everyman in Cork this weekend. Described as a masterly and nuanced portrayal of hopeless love, the story tells the tale of Werther, the young poet, Charlotte, the woman he loves, and his best friend Albert, to whom she is engaged. Massenet transforms the triangle of Goethe’s hugely influential novel of impossible love into a hauntingly gentle and lyrical opera that sensitively traces the unfolding of a hopeless passion. So hopeless that, when Charlotte’s hot and cold feelings cause her to turn away from Werther yet again, tragedy cannot be averted.

International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival

Until 14 May, various venues across Dublin city

Marking 20 years of theatre for everybody, the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival is a celebration of love, diversity, and creativity that brings together some of the best LGBTQ+ theatre talents from around the world. Creating new opportunities for visibility and affirmation for existing and emerging gay artists and theatrical works, the festival includes works by gay writers, works that have a gay relevance or theme, or works that include either performance or another artistic contribution by gay people. Check out the programme here.

Darkness into Light

6 May, across Ireland

Darkness Into Light 2023, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, will take place at 4:15am on the morning of Saturday May 6 2023. There are lots of ways to get involved. You can take part in a Darkness Into Light event. You can do Darkness Into Light in your Own Way with your family, friends and colleagues in your local area. Or, you can also take on a Darkness Into Light Challenge by walking, running, jogging or swimming and fundraising for Pieta.

WellFest Ireland

6-7 May, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin

Ireland’s largest outdoor health & wellness festival, WellFest is gearing up for a jam-packed weekend of all things health, fitness and wellness. They’ve even got an app, through which you’ll gain full access to everything you need to know about the festival, from daily timetables to highlighting sessions you want to miss. From Afro-Twerk to Danceathon to yoga, pilates and Zumba, there’ll also be food demos, talks and discussions.