The Song Cycle Rides Into Tullamore

FilmOffaly is pleased to screen Irish documentary The Song Cycle at Esker Arts, Tullamore on 17th June.

Filmmaker 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. The Song Cycle is the story of that journey – a veteran rocker risking life, limb and dignity in a story about Mother Nature, Father Time and Brothers on the Road.

While inspired by environmental concerns, The Song Cycle turns out to be about other forms of sustainability too. 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.

Nick was accompanied on his travels by his great friend and musical partner, Seán Millar, who joined him onstage every night. Seán will be attending the screening, which will be followed by a Q&A and Seán performing some of the songs from the film.

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.”

This screening is part of Men’s Health Week, and all profits will be going to the Offaly Age Friendly Project. Tickets are 7 euro (plus booking fee) from Esker Arts – www.eskerarts.ie