What’s on in the Arts
2nd December, 2022
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Millennium Forum: Don’t miss the magical Cinderella at the Millennium Forum from 1 Dec 2022 – 2 Jan 2023. Book now and you SHALL go the Ball!
- Signed Performance: Thursday 8th December at 7pm Relaxed Performance/Dementia Friendly performance: Saturday 10th December at 2pm Captioned performance: 18th December at 2pm.
- Relaxed and dementia friendly performances are designed to create an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere for young people who suffer from learning disabilities and people with dementia and their families at the theatre.
- Makaton: As part of our inclusive programme, we will sign one of our panto songs, Jingle Bells, at all panto performances!
- Ulster Orchestra presents The Messiah, 9 Dec
- Ulster Orchestra presents The Magic of Christmas, 20 Dec
For the full programme of events visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk
Waterside Theatre and Arts Centre: presents,
- Sleeping Beauty from 9-20 December, by The Grove Theatre Company
- Carols at The Hills Church on 21 December at 8pm. The Hills Church are hosting their annual event- Carols at The Hills Church. Join in for a family festive night together of carols, cheer, festive treats and much more. This is a free, ticketed event with all ages welcome. (Please book seats for your children also).Doors open at 7:30pm with event starting at 8pm.
Visit www.watersidetheatreni.com
The Playhouse: presents the following,
Shirah of Bethlehem by Allegri Junior and Youth Choirs on 4 December at 3pm and 6pm.
Shirah of Bethlehem does what no other retelling of the Nativity has attempted: it stars a girl! Shirah’s story comes alive through the exuberant music of Motown hit-maker Elliott Willensky and the lyrics and narrative written by bestselling author Mary Pat Kelly. First presented as Abby’s song, an off Broadway show in New York, now reimagined in a concert version, Shirah of Bethlehem will have a world premiere in a performance by Allegri Junior and Youth Choirs celebrating childhood, hope, song and the good news of Christmas to young audiences everywhere.
For a full programme and tickets visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
Lyric Theatre: presents a number of festive shows this year including,
- The Snow Queen, 25 Nov – 31 Dec (family-friendly)
- Grimes and McKee Christmas Craic’er, 2-30 Dec
- Pigeon and Plum’s Vaudeville Circus, 7-23 Dec
For further details on all events and to buy tickets visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
The MAC: presents,
Cinderella, The Midnight Princess, 30 Nov 2022 – 8 Jan 2023, £12.50 - £25
Presented with their partners, the award-winning children's theatre company Cahoots, the MAC is excited to announce that our Christmas show for 2022 will be the much loved fairy-tale, Cinderella. You shall go to the ball, and have a ball too at this enchanting show for the whole family (with a MAC twist on the original tale, of course). Cinderella will be a heart-warming, poignant, fun family show packed with magical moments, incredible illusions, and stunning songs.
For adults there’s Elf On The Shelf, 9 – 23 December, various times, £12.50 - £20
A Christmas show that’s strictly for grown-ups. Starring Tara Lynne O’Neill (Ma Mary from Derry Girls) as Paula who, this Christmas Eve, finds herself firmly back on the shelf. Following its sold-out run in 2018, this smash-hit comedy is back with an updated version for the MAC that’s bigger and better than ever.
It’s Christmas Eve. Paula has a list and she’s checked it twice. She has the flat, the car and the career. Now all she wants for Christmas is the ring! Her boyfriend has other ideas though and she ends up back On The Shelf.
Faced with spending a lifetime of Christmases alone, she decides to peel off the spanx, pour a drink or twelve and dish the dirt on love, life and turning 40. Like the rest of Paula’s night though, things don’t quite go to plan with the arrival of an unusual and unwanted house guest (Chris Robinson (Bouncers).
Join The MAC for a laugh-out-loud cracker. Time to get together for a guaranteed great night out this Christmas. https://themaclive.com/event/on-the-shelf
Grand Opera House: presents their annual panto
Cinderella, Sat 03 Dec 2022 - Sun 15 Jan 2023
Cinderella stars the nation’s favourite, May McFettridge, who this year celebrates a record-breaking 32 Grand Opera House pantomime seasons. May is joined on stage by Paddy Jenkins, who was last seen on the Theatre’s stage in March in Give My Head Peace, as Baron Hardup. Returning to the Grand Opera House panto following their appearance in the last year’s sell-out run of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Adam C Booth plays Buttons opposite Kia-Paris Walcott in the title role.
Jo Donnelly, who played Mummy Bear last year, is joined by Jolene O’Hara as the vile Wicked Stepsisters, and Lisburn’s Gyasi Sheppy plays Dandini, who in 2021 landed his dream job as one of the presenters of CBeebies. Completing the line-up, Conor Headley, originally from Lurgan and a former participant of the Grand Opera House’s summer youth production, takes on the role of Prince Charming.
For tickets and the full programme please visit www.goh.co.uk
Ulster Orchestra: presents a number of shows this festive season including:
3 Dec, The Snowman at The Waterfront Hall
Join the Ulster Orchestra and young guest soloists for this Christmas event that every child should experience! Enjoy the classic film about a Snowman who comes to life along with some popular festive tunes and singalongs with our charismatic conductor Christopher Bell.
9 & 10 Dec, Handel’s Messiah, Derry-Londonderry and Belfast
Handel’s Messiah is still one of the most widely-performed and best-loved oratorios ever written. The Ulster Orchestra is delighted to return to Christ Church this year to perform this magical festive highlight. Always a sell-out concert, don’t miss this treat that is gloriously brought to life by the Ulster Orchestra, guest soloists from across Ireland and Codetta.
20 & 21 Dec, The Magic of Christmas, Derry-Londonderry and Belfast
This popular, magical concert returns to ease you into the festive spirit! Conductor Alfonso Casado Trigo will lead the Ulster Orchestra in an entertaining night for the whole family that is guaranteed to help you forget the present-wrapping and turkey-stuffing and fill you with Christmas joy! Enjoy an enchanting programme of Christmas and movie classics including White Christmas, O Holy Night, All I want for Christmas and more…
For further information and to view the new season programme please visit www.ulsterorchestra.org.uk
Sestina: presents Carols at the Museum on the 15 and 16 December. Sestina presents their popular annual carol concert in the spectacular surroundings of the Ulster Museum at 6.30pm and 8.15pm each day. Visit www.sestinamusic.com
Highpoints Ballet: The dancers of High Points Youth Ballet, Northern Ireland's youth ballet company, are thrilled to present The Nutcracker, an annual Christmas tradition for the whole family on 17 and 18 December 2022 at the Stranmillis Drama Theatre in Belfast.
Join Marie as she goes on a Christmas journey to defeat the evil Rat King, meet the Nutcracker Prince, dance through a winter snowstorm, and celebrate in the Land of the Sweets with dancers from around the world!
Tickets: Children's Tickets £15, Concession £20, Adult £22 available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/nutcracker2022
Youth Action Northern Ireland and The Rainbow Factory: presents Jack and The Beanstalk and the Big Scary Monster, 1-10 December 2022 in Belfast. For tickets and timings visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/youthaction-ni
Tumble Circus: presents Winter Circus at Writer’s Square Belfast, 16 Dec 2022 – 3 Jan 2023.
Expect modern, high skilled acts, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers in this one hour extravaganza. Winter Circus is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.
Full price tickets cost £14, tickets for children (12 and under) cost £10, and under twos go free. A family of four tickets can be purchased for £40.
For discount group bookings and complimentary tickets for carers, contact bookings@tumblecircus.com
Tickets available at www.wegottickets.com/JossersBigTop
QSS: be sure to check out the Queen Street Studios Christmas Show & Sale from 3-20 December 2022 and buy art direct from local artists in their studios. www.queenstreetstudios.net
Belfast Print Workshop: Pop along to Belfast Print Workshop’s Annual Members Christmas Exhibition to buy framed prints by BPW members working across a range of techniques. www.bpw.org.uk
Portico of Ards: presents
Seasonal jazz with the fabulous Carole Nelson Trio, 10 December
Carole Nelson: piano, composition
Cormac O Brien: bass
Dominic Mullan: drums
With three highly acclaimed recordings under their belt The Carole Nelson Trio return to their 2017 debut album One Day in Winter for this winter-themed evening featuring Carole’s own compositions, carols and contemporary songwriters. Carole's music is rooted in jazz but appeals with its lyricism and evocativeness to a wide listening audience. She has written beautiful arrangements of her favourite Christmas carols and songs, including In the Deep Midwinter by Christina Rossetti, the Coventry Carol and Joni Mitchell’s River.
Santa’s Sooty Christmas, 11 December (Theatre)
It’s the day before Christmas Eve... and children of all ages love a panto at Christmas Can you help get Santa unstuck? (Oh yes you can!)
Cheerful chimney-sweep Rudi is cleaning all the chimneys – to make sure they are ready for Santa – but Rudi gets a very nasty shock! One very big chimney is well and truly blocked… and not with soot… but with toys…! Stuck there by the dreadful witch Fluella the Fluesy! Wicked Fluella loves grunge and grime and wants to stop Christmas by blocking all the chimneys so that Santa can’t deliver the presents. Rudi manages to free the toys – a beautiful Christmas Tree Fairy, a Constant Tin Soldier and a very cross Christmas Candle – but the trouble is only starting, for well and truly stuck in the chimney is… yes… Santa himself! Rudi and the Toys take on fearsome Fluella to try to free Santa in time for Christmas Eve… But she has a mean old mate – Freddy The Fearsome Frog… A horrible grungy thing… and together they are not going to give in! With a little magic… and a lot of help from the children in the audience, can Rudi and the Toys get Santa unstuck?
Nine Lessons and Carols with The Newquay Singers, 23 December
Is there a better way to get the Christmas Weekend started than joining the New Quay Singers for Portico’s annual candlelit service of Nine Lessons and Carols? With Richard Campbell at the organ console, the service will have all the usual congregational carols plus works by the greatest writers and arrangers of Christmas music including Rutti, Carter, Buckley, Wilcocks and Terry…. Merry Christmas!
Visit www.porticoards.com
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: presents
Luaithríona (Cinderella). A brand-new version of an old tale. This is Luaithríona for the 21st century! With music, dance and female solidarity. And of course, we will have special visitor at the end. Cultúrlann and Aisling Ghéar are delighted to bring this revamped tale written by Seán Ó Muireagáin to the stage this Christmas.
Visit www.culturlann.ie
Northern Ireland Opera: presents Festive Events from 19-20 Dec.
Visit www.niopera.com
Ulster Orchestra: presents their new Season of concerts. Highlights this season includes:
3 Dec, The Snowman at The Waterfront Hall
Join the Ulster Orchestra and young guest soloists for this Christmas event that every child should experience! Enjoy the classic film about a Snowman who comes to life along with some popular festive tunes and singalongs with our charismatic conductor Christopher Bell.
9 & 10 Dec, Handel’s Messiah, Derry-Londonderry and Belfast
Handel’s Messiah is still one of the most widely-performed and best-loved oratorios ever written. The Ulster Orchestra is delighted to return to Christ Church this year to perform this magical festive highlight. Always a sell-out concert, don’t miss this treat that is gloriously brought to life by the Ulster Orchestra, guest soloists from across Ireland and Codetta.
20 & 21 Dec, The Magic of Christmas, Derry-Londonderry and Belfast
This popular, magical concert returns to ease you into the festive spirit! Conductor Alfonso Casado Trigo will lead the Ulster Orchestra in an entertaining night for the whole family that is guaranteed to help you forget the present-wrapping and turkey-stuffing and fill you with Christmas joy! Enjoy an enchanting programme of Christmas and movie classics including White Christmas, O Holy Night, All I want for Christmas and more…
For further information and to view the new season programme please visit www.ulsterorchestra.org.uk
Northern Ireland Opera: presents Festive Events from 19-20 Dec.
Visit www.niopera.com
Oh Yeah Centre Belfast:
The NI Music exhibition at Oh Yeah is the only permanent exhibit for popular music in Northern Ireland. There is much to see, including a series of storyboards documenting and plotting the history and the stories of Folk, Punk, Rock, Jazz and more.
Exhibition Opening Times
Mon – Fri: 10am-4pm
Sat: 12-5pm
To enquire about a visit, or for further info and group bookings please contact info@ohyeahbelfast.com or call 02890310845
Moving On Music: presents a series of concerts including:
- 1 Dec, Group Listening, The Black Box
For further info visit www.movingonmusic.com
The Black Box: For further information visit www.blackboxbelfast.com
Scott’s Jazz Club: Scott's Jazz Club runs a weekly concert in Ballyhackamore club 1a Sandown Road every Friday Night from 9pm. The club provides a welcoming environment for world class jazz music to be experienced in a concert setting. For upcoming performances visit https://www.scottsjazzclub.com/
Portico of Ards: presents a new programme of events for 2022 . Portico introduces £5 tickets As the nights draw in and the heating bills rise, worrying about money is becoming a real issue for many. The Portico of Ards in Portaferry is meeting this challenge head on by offering tickets at significantly reduced prices to many of its concerts. To view the full programme visit porticoards.com
ITMA: 'Drawing from the Well' is an online monthly ITMA series which connects artists with archival materials to inspire new art. To date, nine videos, podcasts and blogs have been created by leading traditional musicians, singers, and dancers, including Louise Mulcahy, Martin Hayes, Edwina Guckian and Cormac Begley. All episodes are free to view online at https://www.itma.ie/drawingfromthewell
Phil Taggart: ChillDaBeats is the brand new show from NI DJ, Phil Taggart. Every week he brings you a soft focus selection of the best alternative chill sounds along with the biggest guests picking some brain soothers in the Soul Food Selection. ChillDaBeats goes live every Sunday. Listen on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/0M2IpL7ldc1Rui2aa9meX3 This podcast series is supported by emergency funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Department for Communities.
Tommy Sands and Artsawonder: In this new online film series, legendary musician, Tommy Sands, films, sings, listens and learns from a singing five times world champion drum major Alan McBride, two young women, Jenna Stevenson and Wendy Graham Hanna, who initiate and drive an Arts hub shop, a rhythmic drum weaver rhythmic drum weaver Damien McKeown and a young woman Bronagh Kelly who lovingly echoes the poetry of her mother. To watch visit Media | Artsawonder (wixsite.com)
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: presents Music Corner, the best of traditional music with great traditional musicians every Saturday. Visit https://www.facebook.com/AnChulturlann/
RUA Annual Exhibition: The RUA Annual Exhibition is one of the most eagerly anticipated exhibitions in the Northern Irish cultural calendar, providing a unique platform for acclaimed artists and emerging talent to showcase their artwork in the fabulous galleries at the Ulster Museum.
The exhibition contains examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video and more. The annual exhibition can also be experienced online using state of the art technology designed by Paul Marshall of Marshall Media to create an extraordinary virtual tour that brings art to the people wherever they are. The exhibition at the Ulster Museum is free to attend and is now on until 3 January 2023.
Household: is excited to announce the launch of UPHOLD: New Collections, a group exhibition that brings together artwork made by some of Northern Ireland’s most exciting contemporary artists, designers and collectives.New Collections is a group exhibition that offers an opportunity to view and purchase works by the 25 practitioners and two artist collectives represented on UPHOLD.
UPHOLD is Household's not-for-profit online platform for selling and promoting the work made by artists based or working in Northern Ireland. This exhibition includes existing work, new works and editions commissioned especially for UPHOLD, and two new editions created in response to some of the themes of Outburst Arts Festival 2022. Works will also be available to view and purchase online via https://www.upholdart.co.uk/shop
The MAC: presents,
New Exits: 10 Years of Painting Shows, 9 Dec 2022 – 23 March 2023
Free, suggested donation: £3
Booking available but not compulsory
https://themaclive.com/exhibition/new-exits-10-years-of-painting-shows
Curated by Dougal McKenzie & Hugh Mulholland
To mark the end of their 10th anniversary celebrations the MAC will present a major exhibition of new painting. The MAC is delighted to announce that the following artists have been selected to participate in New Exits: 10 Years of Painting Shows.
Juste Bernotaite - Hannah Casey Brogan - Megan Burns - Daniel Coleman - Patrick Hickey - Aimee Melaugh - Tim Millen - Jane Rainey - Yasmine Robinson - Cameron Stewart - Kwok Tsui
New Exits whilst set within the context of the many significant painting exhibitions the MAC has presented since its inception, is primarily an opportunity to draw attention to and celebrate the painting practices that have emerged and continue to flourish through the work of graduates of the BA and MFA Fine Art courses at Belfast School of Art since 2012.
The exhibition acknowledges the close relationship and interdependencies of the Belfast School of Art and the MAC and their proximity to each other has informed their work and contributed to their understanding of what it means to be a contemporary painter today.
The Sunken Gallery will become a space for conversation around painting with a rolling programme of talks, screenings and workshops exploring why painters and audiences continue to engage with this form of art making. Visit www.themaclive.com
Belfast Print Workshop: is celebrating 45 Years of Belfast Print Workshop with an exhibition at their premises at Cotton Court in Belfast. Belfast Print Workshop still has thirteen of the original members who were there at the beginning and it is a home for another generation of artists who are now establishing themselves. The Workshop has been a dynamic home for printmakers and it is a pleasure to acknowledge its contribution to the arts in Northern Ireland as we celebrate forty five years of growth and development with this exhibition. Visit www.bpw.org.uk
Craft Northern Ireland: presents the ‘Collectibles and Curiosities’ exhibition at Craft NI Gallery, 115-119 Royal Avenue, Belfast. For this exhibition, the Association of Contemporary Jewellers and Silversmiths NI has brought together 18 contemporary jewellers and silversmiths from all over the world. Each piece relates to the theme “Collectibles and Curiosities'' representing a wide range of narratives and cultures. Their diverse approaches to the brief show not only technical precision and a dynamic use of materials, they also reflect their artistry as storytellers. Jewellery is a statement to both challenge and delight; Collectible & Curious!
Exhibiting makers includes: Alena Štukavcová Doležalová (Czech Republic), Ana Nadjar (Chile), Anne Earls Boylan (UK), Annie Ricketts (UK), Cameron & Breen (UK), Carmen López (Spain), Carol Bergocce (Brazil), Céline Traynor (Ireland), Cleopatra Cosulet (Romania), Clodagh Molloy (Ireland), Ebrahim Mohammadian Elird (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Eva Lynch (Ireland), Gerhard Herbst (Australia), Lynne Speake (UK), Mária Roskó (Hungary), Rosie Deegan (UK), Shannon McShane (Ireland), Taylor Fentz (US). For more information visit www.craftni.org
Golden Thread Gallery: presents HOLD ON TIGHT – Sinéad O’Donnell | Jayne Parker | Katherine Nolan | Hollie Miller | With text by Angela Halliday from 19 November to 14 January 2023.
Hold on Tight is a provocative exhibition of corporeal artworks by four artists working in performance and moving image: Sinéad O’Donnell; Katherine Nolan; Jayne Parker; and Hollie Millar. Each of these four female artists works in response to their bodies, questioning the vulnerability of human flesh through lived and sometimes violent experience.
Curated for the Golden Thread Gallery by Peter Richards and Mary Stevens, Hold On Tight presents the different ways in which these artists use materials and how they can be manipulated by the body. Uncomfortable tensions underpin the exhibition; abject guts and soft slime contrast to ice and hard porcelain. A visceral exploration of moist, slippery and sticky material gives way to a precariously tall pile of plates teetering on the edge of falling over. Both the artistic concept and the nature of the materials merge. Different aspects of control are important, e.g. what can be made to happen? What do we anticipate? What can we let go?
Performative pieces which take place during the exhibition, leaving traces and ephemera – shattered plates for example – will then become part of the show. The artworks appear to be at sort of precipice, akin to our bodily experience of life. We are waiting for something to happen. Visit www.goldenthreadgallery.co.uk
CCA: presents Fugitive Seeds, 19 Oct – 21 Dec.
Curated by Borbála Soós, Fugitive Seeds, considers how endemic, alien and fugitive seeds connect to colonial histories including in Northern Ireland and more specifically Derry~Londonderry and its port.
The works included help unearth layered histories around plant and human migration and border ecologies. The exhibition and related events reflect on how histories of botanical, zoological and ethno-anthropological explorations have contributed to producing the Other, and the exoticization of certain species and peoples. They consider changing ecologies and (national) identities through stories of belonging, displacement and uprootedness and investigate the feeling of loss when thinking about the connections with far-away lands that might hold clues for one's identity.
Visit www.ccadld.org for further details and background.
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: presents
Brexit Sausage le Shiro Masuyama: Join Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich on Thur 1 Dec for the opening night of this exciting exhibition. After Brexit, under the Northern Ireland Protocol it was agreed that Northern Ireland would continue to follow EU rules on product standards to prevent checks along the border. Instead, inspections on goods entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain would take place at Northern Irish ports. This has prompted criticism that a new border has been created in the Irish Sea. Under EU food safety rules, sausages are no longer allowed to enter Northern Ireland from Great Britain. Belfast-based, Japanese artist Shiro Masuyama has realized a new social intervention using sausages to highlight this Irish Sea Border which was created after Brexit. Shiro Masuyama was born in Tokyo. Following international residencies in the Irish Museum of Modern Art and Flax Art Studios, Masuyama moved to Belfast, where he’s been based ever since. As a Japanese artist who has settled in Belfast, he’s in a unique position to question how identity can be influenced by the dominant political forces surrounding us.
For further details visit www.culturlann.ieVOID Gallery: presents Isabel Nolan's solo exhibition from 22 November 2022 - Saturday 18 February 2023. The exhibition comprises paintings, drawings and objects, reflecting Nolan’s ongoing interest in modes of human organisation, the shifting status of artefacts and images over long periods of time.
The experience of lockdown during Covid-19 and the slowing down of time has a resonance in this exhibition. Often working at home, drawing, an important element of Nolan’s practice, became the sole conduit of how she made ‘meaning’ happen and manifested a response in a time of huge uncertainty. The paintings have an ethereal and otherworldly quality stemming from years of reading and harvesting ideas from diverse fields; philosophy, archaeology, physics and theology. Her works are revealing; representing the unseen, a fluid version of the world that continues to explore the periphery, the otherworld, and questions of ‘meaning’. To view the supporting programme of public events visit www.derryvoid.com for more
Belfast Exposed: presents HERE – Mairéad McClean, Gallery I & Studio Gallery, 6th October – 17th December 2022. Belfast Exposed is delighted to present HERE, the latest solo exhibition from award-winning Northern Irish visual artist Mairéad McClean, examining one of the most contentious episodes of recent Northern Irish history through a personal lens.
The exhibition features a number of McClean’s key works - including newly produced film, print and sculptural pieces - developed from the artist’s family records and images from the historic Belfast Exposed Archive.
Dominating one gallery wall is the site-specific work Learning to Read: Northern Ireland 1971 (2022). This piece uses characters from the reading book series ‘Janet and John’ as an ‘aide-mémoire’ to a time when tensions and anxieties in wider society were felt by those growing up in Northern Ireland.
This new work links to McClean’s award-winning film No More (2013), which is presented here in a split screen projection with the film Broadcast (2016). Entitled Dialogue (2021), this work retells through story, history and memory the period of McClean’s father's internment in Long Kesh prison in 1971/72. This version has new inflections and rhythms and as Shirley MacWilliam writes in the accompanying catalogue essay ‘the film is now oral history, offering up co-incidences and new realisations.’
As HERE seeks to explore what it means to be ‘of’, as opposed to being ‘from' a place, the use of photographs from the Belfast Exposed Archive is essential. Containing over one million images, the Archive is the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland. Not only does the Archive contain a record of the Troubles, but it is also an unprecedented record of everyday life in Northern Ireland during the last four decades, shot through both professional and amateur lenses.
McClean has been able to draw from this unique historical resource while creating new work made for HERE. The work unfolds the complexity of her experience and understanding of the place where she grew up.
Visit www.belfastexposed.org
ArtisAnn:
ArtisAnn Gallery, 70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AE
Tue – Fri: 11am to 6pm ; Sat: Noon to 5pm
All artworks are available to buy. You can also buy art from this exhibition through the Arts Council supported Own Art scheme which gives you an interest-free loan over 10 months (and you still get to take the art home immediately the exhibition ends). Visit www.artisann.org
PAUL YATES EXHIBITION from November 25th, Newtownards.
For the first time in fifteen years selected prints and original works by Paul Yates will be available to view in his native Northern Ireland. Collected globally, Yates chiefly exhibits in the south of France. However, in the run-up to Christmas original works and Paul Yates Art new print collection may be viewed at Shelden Fine Art, Frances Street, Newtownards, from November 25th until Christmas.
Out to Lunch Festival: The 18th Out to Lunch Festival returns from 9-29 January 2023 to add a bright start to a New Year! From music, comedy, theatre, talks and more, there’s something to suit all tastes. Don’t miss out, visit www.cqaf.com to view the programme and buy tickets.
FILM, LITERATURE, DANCE & DRAMA
Highpoints Ballet: The dancers of High Points Youth Ballet, Northern Ireland's youth ballet company, are thrilled to present The Nutcracker, an annual Christmas tradition for the whole family on 17 and 18 December 2022 at the Stranmillis Drama Theatre in Belfast.
Join Marie as she goes on a Christmas journey to defeat the evil Rat King, meet the Nutcracker Prince, dance through a winter snowstorm, and celebrate in the Land of the Sweets with dancers from around the world!
Tickets: Children's Tickets £15, Concession £20, Adult £22 available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/nutcracker2022
Echo Echo present:
How To Watch Dancing (Looking Away from the Naked Emperor) - by Steve Batts
Friday 2nd December 8pm - Tickets £10 or £8 Concession
A solo performance reflecting on dance and dancing with movement, words and Chopin Nocturnes
In advance of touring this piece to Sweden later in December 2022 Echo Echo offer another chance to see 'How To Watch Dancing (Looking Away From The Naked Emperor)'. It was premiered at the National Dance Centre in Bucharest in June 2018 as part of a week-long focus on the work of Steve Batts and his "poetic movement" approach to dance.
'How to Watch Dancing' is the kind of performance that takes you into another world. A detailed perspective on the complex layers of dancing. As Steve Batts walks on stage it feels like his steps become your steps. You want to follow, move, ask, dance, wonder, cry, think, take notes. Your attention is travelling between intellectual and emotional realms, as Steve is engaged in a well composed, detailed, funny, and surprising dance journey. It's an invitation to 'take your armour off and let yourself be rung like a bell'. (Virginia Negru, Director of the Bucharest Contact Improvisation Festival)
Echo Echo Kids Classes - Drop-ins Welcome
Saturdays 11:00am from 24th Sep - 3rd Dec
Echo Echo's Kids Autumn term of classes are underway!
If your little one loves creativity, dance and movement and is full of imagination, why not try the classes out!
In Echo Echo we believe that kids are naturally poetic in movement and haven’t forgotten the simple pleasure of dancing. We craft a rich, vibrant, non-competitive environment to stimulate creativity and imagination in movement. Classes will explore various movement themes in solos, duets and group improvisations. Set material emerges from these improvisations, allowing us to co-create and perform together.
They can drop in and give it a go on Saturdays - cost of £7 per class!! Classes for 4 - 7 years and 8 - 11years all start at 11am.
Meditation to Movement Classes
Thursdays 7pm - 8.30pm from 10th Nov - 15th Dec
Each class starts with a guided meditation that will allow us to release inhibitions, awaken the mind-body connection, deepen our breath and give us access to our creative flow through movement.
We will observe the perception of our senses, be receptive and open to our memory and imagination so that we can move and be aware of moving in the moment: the here and now, in a poetic way.
The class is led by Echo Echo Ensemble Artist Kelly Quigley
10th November - 15th December inclusive.
Thursday's 7pm-8:30pm
£36 for course or £6 per class.
6 week evening course
To book for either of these classes please go to the following link: https://www.echoechodance.com/whatson
The Playhouse: presents the following,
- Beyond Belief – The Life and Mission of John Hume, 31 March-7 April 2023
For a full programme and tickets visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk
Waterside Theatre and Arts Centre:
- Sleeping Beauty from 9-20 December, by The Grove Theatre Company
- Carols at The Hills Church on 21 December at 8pm. The Hills Church are hosting their annual event- Carols at The Hills Church. Join in for a family festive night together of carols, cheer, festive treats and much more. This is a free, ticketed event with all ages welcome. (Please book seats for your children also).Doors open at 7:30pm with event starting at 8pm.
Visit www.watersidetheatreni.com
Linen Hall Library: the Linen Hall Library is a truly unique institution. Founded in 1788, it is the oldest library in Belfast. The library is free for all to enter and enjoy. The Linen Hall Library offers a year-round programme of arts and cultural events featuring authors, academics, historians, performers, and much more. To view the events programme visit www.linenhall.com
Grand Opera House: presents a series of shows including the highlights below:
- Cinderella, Sat 03 Dec 2022 - Sun 15 Jan 2023
For tickets and the full programme please visit www.goh.co.uk
Lyric Theatre: presents a new programme for 2022/23 with highlights including,
- A Warning to the Curious: Two Ghost Stories by M R James, 20-22 Nov
- The Snow Queen, 25 Nov – 31 Dec
- Grimes and McKee Christmas Craic’er, 2-30 Dec
- Pigeon and Plum’s Vaudeville Circus, 7-23 Dec
For further details on all events and to buy tickets visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Millennium Forum Derry-Londonderry: presents a new season of music, comedy, theatre and more. Highlights include:
- Joanne McNally Prosecco Express, 25-26 Nov
- Cinderella, 1 Dec 2022 – 2 Jan 2023
- Fontaines D.C. 6 Dec
- Ulster Orchestra Messiah, 9 Dec
- Nathan Carter, 9 Dec
- Ulster Orchestra Magic of Christmas, 20 Dec
- Fureys, 29 Dec
For the full programme of events visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk
THE MAC: presents a fantastic programme of events this autumn and winter with this month’s highlights including:
Cinderella, The Midnight Princess, 30 Nov 2022 – 8 Jan 2023, £12.50 - £25
Presented with their partners, the award-winning children's theatre company Cahoots, the MAC is excited to announce that our Christmas show for 2022 will be the much loved fairy-tale, Cinderella. You shall go to the ball, and have a ball too at this enchanting show for the whole family (with a MAC twist on the original tale, of course). Cinderella will be a heart-warming, poignant, fun family show packed with magical moments, incredible illusions, and stunning songs.
On The Shelf, 9 – 23 December, various times, £12.50 - £20
A Christmas show that’s strictly for grown-ups. Starring Tara Lynne O’Neill (Ma Mary from Derry Girls) as Paula who, this Christmas Eve, finds herself firmly back on the shelf. Following its sold-out run in 2018, this smash-hit comedy is back with an updated version for the MAC that’s bigger and better than ever.
It’s Christmas Eve. Paula has a list and she’s checked it twice. She has the flat, the car and the career. Now all she wants for Christmas is the ring! Her boyfriend has other ideas though and she ends up back On The Shelf.
Faced with spending a lifetime of Christmases alone, she decides to peel off the spanx, pour a drink or twelve and dish the dirt on love, life and turning 40. Like the rest of Paula’s night though, things don’t quite go to plan with the arrival of an unusual and unwanted house guest (Chris Robinson (Bouncers).
Join The MAC for a laugh-out-loud cracker. Time to get together for a guaranteed great night out this Christmas. https://themaclive.com/event/on-the-shelf
DU Dance (NI): presents Belfast Boys, physical dance theatre for boys aged 7-11 years at the Crescent Arts Centre. Classes at 2-3pm every Saturday. No experience is necessary. Book at info@dudanceni.com
Echo Echo: presents Introduction to Body Wisdom Movement for Over 50s on Tuesday evenings 7pm - 9pm at Echo Echo's studios on Magazine Street, Derry-Londonderry. Join Echo Echo for a short introductory evening course in Body Wisdom Movement and Dance for the over 50s led by Echo Echo's Artistic Director Steve Batts.
Any men and women 50 years and upwards can join, no matter the level of physical ability or experience. To register please visit https://www.echoechodance.com/whatson/introduction-to-body-wisdom-movement-dance
For more details on al of Echo Echo’s classes and events visit www.echoechodance.com
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich presents
Poetry Jukebox. Poetry Jukebox are #ChangingTheMessage! This project aims to share beautiful, profound and life-affirming words and change the words on our streets, opening hearts and minds, putting poetry to work where it belongs: everywhere, for everyone. As well as pressing buttons on the physical jukebox outside the Cultúrlann, poetry-lovers will be able to listen online at https://www.culturlann.ie/en
Crescent Arts Centre: has launched a new season of the Crescent’s Creative Learning Programme where you can explore a hobby, brush up on your creative talents, or have a go at something new. Visit https://crescentarts.org/courses
Seamus Heaney HomePlace: has released details of their new winter-spring 2022 seasonal programme of events. Visit www.seamusheaneyhome.com for tickets and information.
Declan McConaghy Show: Newry based former BBC broadcaster, Declan McConaghy has created a new serfies of short films where he talks in-depth to creatives from Newry and the surrounding area who have made a contribution to theatre, music, dance and the performing arts in general. The view the films visit https://www.facebook.com/DMCSHOW or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaH9LxmhE8O1Af3Csk-k6vA
Spanner In The Works Theatre Company: presents What If? written and directed by Patricia Downey.
The story of one mother’s loss. The Shankill Road, Belfast 1993. On a sunny Saturday afternoon in October a bomb explodes in Frizzell’s fish shop, killing nine people and one of the bombers.
Then it hit me - my Leanne was under all them bricks …
A mother’s instinct is to protect her child. Who can protect their child from evil? I couldn’t.
“A piece of work that will resonate with all people, regardless of class, colour or creed” - Audience Member
The Duncairn Centre for Culture and Arts are delighted to be welcoming back Spanner In the Works Theatre Company in December with their production "What If". Their partnership with the company is one of a shared social ethos. Drama, as a tool to share the lived experience of people's lives is a strong cultural process; it has the capacity to connect people, and importantly to remind us that we are not alone in the challenges we have lived with, or will face. The Duncairn team are very proud to support and encourage the real voices that Spanner in the Works Theatre Company bring to life through their work.
Tour details - Admission Free
- Monday 5th December at 7.30pm, Old Court House, Market Square, Antrim BT41 4AW
- Tuesday 6th December at 10.30am, Ballymote centre, 40 Killough Road, Downpatrick. BT306EG.
- Tuesday 6th December at 7pm, Toome House, 55 Main St, Toome, BT41 3TF
- Wed 7th December at 2pm and 7.30pm, Duncairn arts centre, Duncairn ave, Belfast BT14 6BP
- Thurs 8th December at 7.30pm, The Barron hall , 230 Antrim Road, Glengormley, BT36 7QX
Please book tickets at https://www.theduncairn.com/events/what-if
Youth Action Northern Ireland and The Rainbow Factory: presents Jack and The Beanstalk and the Big Scary Monster, 1-10 December 2022 in Belfast. For tickets and timings visit www.ticketsource.co.uk/youthaction-ni
Tumble Circus: present Winter Circus at Writer’s Square Belfast, 16 Dec 2022 – 3 Jan 2023.
Expect modern, high skilled acts, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers in this one hour extravaganza. Winter Circus is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.
Full price tickets cost £14, tickets for children (12 and under) cost £10, and under twos go free. A family of four tickets can be purchased for £40.
For discount group bookings and complimentary tickets for carers, contact bookings@tumblecircus.com
Tickets available at https://www.wegottickets.com/JossersBigTop
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich: is offering events and courses in abundance with something for all. Highlights include:
A brand-new version of an old tale. This is Luaithríona (Cinderella) the panto for the 21st century! With music, dance and female solidarity. And of course, we will have special visitor at the end. Cultúrlann and Aisling Ghéar are delighted to bring this revamped tale written by Seán Ó Muireagáin to the stage this Christmas. Show take place on Sat 3 Dec at 12noon and 6pm.
Further information on all events, workshops and courses can be found in their programme available on www.culturlann.ie
Crescent Arts Centre: has a new term of classes to book and enjoy now. Fancy learning to speak some Italian before your holiday to Italy this year? Well now’s your chance! From visual arts, language classes, acting, dance, music making and more, there’s something to tantalise all tastes. Visit www.crescentarts.co.uk
Duncairn: has released details of their new programme of theatre, music and digital classes. Highlights include:
- 10 Dec - Brian Finnegan
- 17 Dec - Rachel Mae Hannon
For Further details visit www.theduncairn.com
Duncairn Player: all of the previous video projects can now be viewed from the Duncairn Player including The Duncairn Virtual Cabaret, Take 2, Carlingford and the Ring of Guillion Sessions. Visit https://www.theduncairn.com/player
Eden Place Arts Centre: has an exciting range of courses and workshops to get your creative juices flowing including wood sculpture, Inner Lanscapes, Abstract Art, Ceramics, Painting for Beginners, Contempoary Botanical Watercolours, Landscape Painting Life Painting, Spinning and Weaving plus Portrait Painting, among others. All courses are designed for adults aged 18+. Visit www.edenplaceartscentre.com
Wheelworks: unique to WheelWorks Arts is their state of the art ArtCart — a mobile arts studio that travels to your venue and opens up to provide an additional studio space for workshops and is packed full to the brim with digital equipment such as ipads, music and film making technology.
Virtual ArtCart activities take place at your own venue. Where outdoor space is limited, Wheelworks bring the ArtCart creativity inside your centre. They also come with a full outdoor suite — marquees, stage sound, lighting and outdoor heaters.
This unique space allows your young people the opportunity to experience professional equipment in a custom-made studio. It allows your centre to offer a range of socially distance spaces and utilises outdoor space.
To book your perfect digital and arts activities just email lisa@wheelworksarts.com and visit www.wheelworksarts.com
Arts Care: has a wonderful range of arts activities available online on their Arts Care 4U Premium +, their online arts delivery channel that everyone can access. Arts Care’s new dedicated online arts and well-being workshop resource, ‘Break-Time’, accessed via their website to support the mental, emotional and physical well-being of children and young people through the Arts. New art, music, dance & exercise, drama, creative writing and clown doctor’s CDTV videos will be uploaded regularly and it’s all FREE. Visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ85xLA2BlQQdrnWBhKw1hw
Greater Shantallow Community Arts: presents Spill The Tae Youth Led Podcast from the young people at Studio 2.
As well as having a voice the young people are developing their communication skills, confidence and self-awareness as well as learning skills in sound engineering and digital editing, skills they can take with them into their future career paths. You can find the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcast but also by clicking this link below.