PETER PAN OPENS AT THE GRAND CANAL THEATRE DUBLIN

An 18ft crocodile puppet will be one of the main hooks of the latest huge production of Peter Pan which arrives in the Grand Canal Theatre Dublin this week.
The production, starring Les Dennis, Ben Richard and our own Maureen Nolan, kicks off a three week run at the stunning Dublin City venue.
The world premier of the musical, which comes from the producers of last summer's hit musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, promises to bring a refreshing look to the timeless classic story.
"Captain Hook has had a makeover," said TV actor Ben Richard's who plays the rouge pirate. "Hook is the quintessential baddie who you don't know whether to love or hate," he added.
The cast of the show boasts a large Irish contingent, headed by Nolan, but there is Irish talent all over the musical, with over 300 children turning up for auditions earlier this year.
It promises to be a spectacular affair, with a flying system, which cost over €100,000 and was developed for the Palladium Theatre in London's West End, to be used to propel Peter Pan around the theatre.
The show runs until the 6th of August and there are still packages from €109pps available on www.grandcanalhotel.com. Packages include ticket to show, pre-show meal, night's accommodation at the Grand Canal Hotel and full Irish breakfast the following morning.

FREE VISITOR ATTRACTIONS IN DUBLIN

The Office of Public Works are introducing a very interesting new concept for visiting some 750 attractions across the country.
Access to most historic sites managed by the Office of Public Works will be free today and on the first Wednesday of every month for the rest of this year.
It is part of a new initiative to encourage more national and international visitors to sites such as the Rock of Cashel, Clonmacnoise and the State Apartments in Dublin Castle.
The decision was made by Minister of State responsible for the OPW Brian Hayes who said it was done to stimulate interest in the built heritage of the country.
Access to most is free but for some sites such as Kilmainham Gaol, Kilkenny Castle and Newgrange adult visitors pay a fee of between €3-11 each.
The offer will run until the end of the year, when it will be reviewed...hopefully with the intention of maintaining it!!! Keep an eye on www.grandcanalhotel.com for more information.