5 Things to Know in Portsmouth This Week (12/23/18)

It’s the holiday home stretch! Things are ramping up with festive comedy shows, first night celebrations, and magic performances. Portsmouth is alive with the spirit of Christmas and excitement about the incoming new year. Here’s what’s going on in the city this week. 

Justin McKinney: A Year in Review at The Music Hall

Justin McKinney, a nationally-renowned comic who has appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, will help Portsmouth laugh in the New Year with his show Justin McKinney: A Year in Review. If you haven’t seen Justin perform, you really must prepare yourself for top shelf humor and an evening full of belly laughs. He’ll be at The Music Hall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 28, 29 and 30.

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First Night Portsmouth

Ring in the New Year in Portsmouth, and experience a good portion of the downtown area while doing so. A First Night Button allows access into seven sites around town, as well as countless outdoor activities. Enjoy music, theater, a magic show, food, ice sculptures, fireworks, a street dance at midnight and more. There’s something for all ages at First Night.

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New Year’s Eve Comedy Show With Jimmy Dunn

Laugh your way into 2019 at New Year’s Eve Comedy Show With Jimmy Dunn. This is the 10th year for the show, which takes place at the Sheraton in Portsmouth. There are both early and late shows, allowing those who want to experience some of First Night the opportunity to do so. 

Andrew Pinard Discovering Magic

Become incredibly intrigued by “magic, science, perception and deception” as Andrew Pinard brings Discovering Magic to The Players’ Ring Theatre. Guests will go on a tour of mind-boggling magic and absurdities in a show that will captivate all. Five shows will take place between December 28 and 30. Visit the website to purchase tickets.

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Local shoplifting

It’s sad that criminals seem to strike during the holiday season more than during any other. Once again, the Portsmouth Police Department, that incidentally writes a really funny column on its Facebook page, is asking locals for help in finding another of them. A woman scanned inexpensive items at a self-checkout, but walked out with more expensive items in her cart. Officer Young explains in his post, “You see folks, that’s theft.” Fortunately, the camera caught a pretty clear photo of the woman, so hopefully someone can make Officer Young’s Christmas merry and his New Year happy by providing the information he needs.

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