Acclaimed musical documentary to screen at Esker Arts

Irish documentary ‘The Song Cycle’ will be screened by FilmOffaly at Esker Arts, Tullamore on Wednesday, June 17.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with musician Seán Millar who is one of the stars of the film. Seán will also performing some of the songs from the film’s soundtrack on the night.

Film maker and musician Nick Kelly came to prominence as the lead singer of The Fat Lady Sings, and later as the acclaimed director of 'The Drummer and The Keeper'.

In 2022, Nick decided to cycle from his home in Dublin to the Glastonbury Festival in Somerset, England, carrying his guitar, tent, and all other necessities on his bicycle while playing shows in towns along the way.

Nick was accompanied on his travels by his great friend and musical partner, Seán Millar, who joined him onstage every night.

'The Song Cycle' is the story of their journey - veteran rockers risking life, limb and dignity in a story about mother nature, father time and brothers on the road.

While inspired by environmental concerns, the film covers a lot of issues including male friendships and ageing, music, and of course, cycling.

It won 'Best Independent Film' at the 56th Galway Film Fleadh and the 'Audience Choice' award at the IFI Documentary Festival.

The film was recently screened at the IFI, Dublin where The Irish Times called 'The Song Cycle', “a lovely little film from an Irish original…It is funny. It is wise. It is rather sweet.”

Following the Dublin release, Nick and Seán have been taking the film on tour around the country, and the Tullamore leg looks like an unmissable and charming night of film and song – a great way to start festival season.

This screening is scheduled as part of Men’s Health Week and all profits will be going to the Offaly Age Friendly Project.

Tickets, priced at €7 each, (plus booking fee) are available from https://eskerarts.ie/events/song-cycle-qa-and-music