What's on in the Arts

Stage Beyond, Derry-Londonderry

Stage Beyond, the multi award-winning Derry-based theatre company for adults with learning disabilities, supported by National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, will perform its magical new Christmas show 'Room at the Inn' in Carlisle Road Methodist Church, Derry~Londonderry on Tuesday, December 17th 2024 at 1pm and 7pm. It is a non-ticketed event with free admission and everyone is welcome.

Once again a Stage Beyond show blends message and humour; the serious and the side-splitting. This time in a special Christmas story involving coldness and warmth; food and friendship; new-born nephews and nieces; and talking donkeys. 'Room at the Inn: A Christmas story', like the company's June 2024 production 'Available Light', is written and directed by award-winning poet and playwright Damian Gorman.

Show: Room at the Inn: A Christmas Story performed by Stage Beyond

Where: Carlisle Road Methodist Church, 21 Carlisle Road, Derry BT48 6JJ

When: Tuesday, December 17th 2024

Times: 1pm and 7pm

Free admission: (Voluntary donations welcome for Stage Beyond Theatre Company which has charitable status)

Millennium Forum, Derry-Londonderry

Aladdin, on now until 31 Dec.

Join Millennium Forum at Old Peking where evil sorcerer, Abanazar, seeks the magic lamp to bring him untold wealth and power, and Aladdin must save the day. This magical adventure story will be brought to life in a spectacular production complete with stunning sets, beautiful costumes and lots of comedy. Conal Gallen returns as the Forum’s Dame in this all singing, all dancing festive show. With an all local and Northern Irish cast, this sparkling festive treat is guaranteed fun for all the family. The full list of Accessible Performances at the Millennium Forum for ‘Aladdin’ include:

• Audio Described Performance – Sunday, 22nd December at 1.30pm

Visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk

The Playhouse, Derry-Londonderry

Lilliput’s Variety Show, 29 January 2025, 7pm.

Get ready for a night of unforgettable entertainment as Lilliput Theatre Company presents a one-night-only celebration of their passion for all things showbiz! This hybrid performance will feature a captivating mix of live and screen acts, live music, and some special local guest appearances. Lilliput promises a show full of heart, talent, and creativity. And to finish on a festive note, there will be a sprinkle of Christmas magic to get you in the holiday spirit. Join before the show at 6:00 PM for a drinks reception, where you can meet and mingle with the stars. It’s set to be a heartwarming, joyous celebration—don’t miss it!

Visit www.derryplayhouse.co.uk

Echo Echo Studio, Derry-Londonderry

Winters Dream, 20-21 December.

Echo Echo's original winter-themed show for families returns for a short run of home performances. Escape into a fantastical realm with Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company, where dreams unfold and the spirit of winter gives way to the enchantment of the spring. Visit www.echoechodance.com

In Your Space Circus – Derry-Londonderry

In Your Space Circus Presents: Elfis Humperdink — The Little Elf Who Couldn't Help But Overthink at An Croí, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 37 Great James Street on 17-19 December. Elfis is an Elf unlike any other... he loves all things Christmas, but he can't help but spiral into thoughts of the most outrageous scenarios! It's graduation day and he is about to be assigned his 'forever job' but what if he ends up on the dreaded Naughty list committee? Join Elfis and his friends Zoomy & Gloomy as they try their best not to ruin Christmas!

Elfis Humperdink is a fun-filled Christmas circus adventure for families & young children. For tickets visit www.nervecentre.org

Lyric Theatre, Belfast

A Christmas Carol, on now until 11 Jan 2025

Step into the enchanting world of Charles Dickens' timeless classic, A Christmas Carol, joyously reimagined for the stage by the award-winning and much-beloved playwright, Marie Jones. Join the Lyric Theatre for a heart-warming journey through the streets of Victorian Belfast as audiences follow the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge. A Christmas Carol will take you on an unforgettable journey, so add a little magic to your festive season with a visit to the Lyric. Audio described performance, 14 Dec, captioned performance, 18 Dec, and signed performance on19 Dec.

Pigeon & Plum’s Vaudeville Circus, on now until 22 December

The Lyric Naughton theatre shall be transformed into an opulent Victorian music hall with a contemporary punk twist. So come submerge yourself into the decadent beer halls of old Berlin and music halls of yesteryear, and throw two fingers up to the fascists as we kick back and let the FESTIVE WINTER FRIVOLITIES COMMENCE!!!

Visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk

Brassneck Theatre Company, Belfast

Brassneck Theatre Company presents, Sleeping Beauty, on now until 22 Dec at St Comgall’s.

Brassneck Theatre Company are proud to present their spectacular version of “Sleeping Beauty” by Neil Keery. It's the same fairytale that everyone knows and loves, sprinkled with that unique, signature Brassneck twist. Book Now to see what audiences last year said was “The best panto in town”, “had us in stitches from start to finish” & “an undisputed highlight of the season”. Visit www.brassnecktheatrecompany.co...

Grand Opera House, Belfast

Peter Pan, on now until 12 Jan 2025

Northern Ireland’s largest pantomime is back for another magical year with The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. In a flash and with a twinkle of fairy dust, the Grand Opera House’s iconic stage magically transforms into Neverland for our most breath-taking, thrilling seasonal spectacular yet. The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan sees the return of Belfast panto favourites May McFettridge as Mrs Smee, Paddy Jenkins as Starkey, Adam C Booth as Smee, Jolene O’Hara as Captain Hook and Aisling Sharkey as Wendy. They will be joined by Belfast local Jordan Walker as Peter Pan and Georgia Brierley-Smith as Tink. Visit www.goh.co.uk

The MAC, Belfast

Elvis Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, on now until 31 Dec 2024

The hilarious Caroline Curran returns to the MAC this December with a fantastic festive comedy show, Elvis Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. It’s now or never" for best mates Marty and Frankie who are die-hard Elvis fans, and all they want this Christmas is to go to their idols (tribute) concert before one of them leaves The Ghetto. Will these Hound Dogs escape or will prying Priscilla’s Suspicious Minds make them have a Blue Christmas. Come and join the gang that brought you last years hit, Are Yule Being Served? for a rocking new Christmas comedy, and let The MAC have you All Shook Up this Christmas!

The Adventures of Red Riding Hood, on now until 1 Jan 2025

Join The MAC on an action-packed, fun-filled journey through our fairytale planet with feisty heroine, Red Riding Hood. But in a race to visit Granny Hood with a festive hamper of goodies, could it be a case of mistaken identity for media star Red Riding Hood, the jealous Goldilocks, or the Big (or not so) Bad Wolf? 

Packed with original songs, captivating animations and on-screen visuals, larger than life characters and lots of opportunities to join in the fun, find out if good or evil will wear the red hood this Christmas at the MAC, in our fresh twist on a timeless story. Visit www.themaclive.com

Portico of Ards, Portaferry

Portico of Ards presents:

Centre Stage Theatre returns with its annual family pantomime on Sunday 15 December at 3pm. This time it’s the turn of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Oh yes it is!

Just before the big day, the congregation of Portaferry Presbyterian Church and The Newquay Singers invite everyone to join them for their annual Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday 22 December at 7pm.

To view the full programme visit www.porticoards.com

Belfast Music Society (BMS), Island Arts Centre, Lisburn

Chamber Babies, 19 December.

Suitable for 0-18 mths at 10am and 1-3 yrs old at 11am, this edition of Chamber Babies is with David McCann (cello) and Andrew Nesbitt (cello). Walk, sway, crawl, roll, dance or just chill out to a carefully selected programme of short classical pieces designed both to engage and enchant (or soothe to sleep!) the youngest listeners and their mums and dads. Chamber Babies concerts last about 40 minutes. Visit www.belfastmusicsociety.org

Ulster Orchestra, Derry-Londonderry and Belfast

Ulster Orchestra, Handel’s Messiah, 14 December Waterfront Hall, Belfast with Belfast Philharmonic Choir, & 15 December, Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry with Codetta Choir.

No Christmas would be complete without a performance of Handel’s Messiah. Still one of the best oratorios ever written, its impact and appeal never fails to delight audiences. If you have never heard it before, now is the time, especially when it’s performed by the Ulster Orchestra with guest soloists and choirs.

Ulster Orchestra, The Magic of Christmas, 17 December, Waterfront Hall, Belfast & 18 December, Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry

This magical concert is the perfect night out for the whole family featuring a dazzling programme of festive favourites such as Let It Snow and White Christmas. With guest vocalists – Northern Ireland’s own Dana Masters (renowned jazz singer who toured with Van Morrison) and Patrick Smyth (Strictly Come Dancing tour, John Williams Orchestra), this promises to be a truly special evening.

Visit www.ulsterorchestra.com

Tumble Circus, Belfast

Roll up to the Tumble Circus who present their Winter Circus at Writer’s Square from 13 December 2024 – 1 January 2025. Winter Circus is high skill, all human and all thrill featuring death defying aerialists, acrobats and jugglers. Join Belfast’s alternative festive extravaganza for all the family, performed in a heated big top. Visit www.tumblecircus.com

Belfast Exposed

Santa Paws: Bring your dog to meet Santa at Belfast Exposed, 14 December, 11am-5pm.

This December, Belfast Exposed and Jollyes Pet Superstores are delighted to invite you and your dog to visit our “Santa Paws” grotto. Meet this big man himself, receive a treat from Jollyes, bark your Christmas wishes, then sit (and stay!) for your photoshoot. During your visit you will also have the chance to visit our galleries, including our “We Love Dogs!” exhibition which showcases photos of canine companions submitted by the general public. Santa Claus will be at Belfast Exposed on the 7th and 14th December, and we have limited 20-minute slots available to book. Spaces are free, but donations are welcome!

Visit www.belfastexposed.org

Queen Street Studios, Belfast

Also check out the Queen Street Studios and buy art direct from local artists in their studios. Also check out the We Are QSS at 40 exhibition with 70 works on display. www.queenstreetstudios.net

Belfast Print Workshop

Pop along to Belfast Print Workshop to buy framed prints by BPW members working across a range of techniques. www.bpw.org.uk

Craft NI Gallery, Belfast

Craft NI Gallery presents The Big Bauble Showcase on now until 30 Dec. Every year the gallery carefully selects handcrafted unique baubles from contemporary Northern Irish makers, in varied mediums such as ceramic, glass or textiles.

'Brilliant Generations' is Craft NI Gallery’s 2024 Christmas exhibition and will showcase the impressive creations of Northern Irish makers. Whether it is jewellery that sparkles, ceramics with an innovative twist or new exciting work in textiles or wood, you’ll find the perfect gift at Craft NI Gallery. Visit www.craftni.org

Royal Ulster Academy Exhibition at the Ulster Museum, Belfast

Royal Ulster Academy’s 143rd Annual Exhibition is now on at the Ulster Museum with all artworks available to buy. The RUA Annual Exhibition provides a unique platform for acclaimed artists and emerging talent to showcase their artwork in the fabulous galleries of the Ulster Museum. The exhibition contains examples of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video and more. The must-see exhibition is free to view and continues until 6 January 2025 so it’s perfect to visit over the holidays! Visit www.belfastinternationalartsfe...

Out to Lunch Festival, Belfast

The Out to Lunch Festival welcomes us into the New Year with a feast of events to enjoy throughout January. Some highlights include:

• Muireann Bradley at The Black Box on Saturday 4 January, 2.00pm & 8.00pm
• Grace by James Joyce at The Black Box on Tuesday 7 January, 1pm and 8pm
• Ceilí for Lunch at The Black Box on Friday 10 January, 1.00pm
• Ursula Burns: The Secret Melodies of Trees Album Launch at The Black Box on Thursday 16 January, 1.00pm
• Katharine Timoney – Extra show added , at The Black Box on Friday 17 January, 1.00pm and 8.00pm
• Launch of The Memorisers by Jo Eliot (AKA Rosemary Jenkinson) at The Black Box (Green Room) on Sunday 19 January, 2.00pm
• Dani Larkin at The Deer’s Head on Sunday 19 January, 7.30pm
• Opera for Tea with NI Opera at The Black Box on Tuesday 21 January, 7.30pm

To view the full programme and buy tickets visit www.cqaf.com

Big Telly Theatre Company, Larne

Big Telly Theatre Company presents THE CHRONICLES OF LARNIA. Seven doorways into worlds of magic and mayhem untrained elves, trapped fairies and lost spells, surprises with mince spies, secrets and sparks but beware the story snatchers.

Date: Sat 14 December 2024. Location: Broadway, Larne.

Start times: 10.30am (Quiet Session), 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm and 3.30pm.

*FESTIVE FAMILY FUN* Experience lasts 30 mins.

Tickets: £2 per child (booking fees apply). Adults go FREE but must book a ticket(s) when making the booking. Children must be accompanied/supervised at all times.

For tickets visit https://www.tickettailor.com/e...

Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast

Experience the Magic of Christmas at the Golden Thread Gallery. This festive season, dive into creativity and community with their FREE workshops – all materials, equipment, and refreshments are provided!

Here’s what’s happening:

• Community Art Workshop on Friday 13th December, 11:30 AM – 1 PM DROP IN
• Creative Teens and Adults Workshop on Saturday 14th December, 1:30 PM – 3 PM BOOKING REQUIRED
• Community Art Workshop on Friday 20th December, 11:30 AM – 1 PM DROP IN
• Family Art Workshop on Saturday 21st December, 11 AM – 12 PM BOOKING REQUIRED

All workshops will be held in the new Participation and Engagement Hub at 23-29 Queen Street, Belfast.

To book visit Golden Thread Gallery - Art Tickets Some workshops may already be fully booked! If you’d like to join a waiting list, please email them at info@gtgallery.co.uk.

The Black Box, Belfast

The Black Box presents a varied programme of music, comedy, street art tours and other arts events with highlights including:

• A Rock’n’Roll Christmas with the Soda Popz, 13 December, 2024 @7:30pm
• The Ratpack at Christmas – Frank, Dean and Sammy, 15 December, 2024 @7:30pm
• The Collaborative Creatives present Holiday Cabaret, 20 December, 2024 @8:00pm

For further information visit www.blackboxbelfast.com

Northern Ireland Opera

On 21 Jan, join NI Opera for an hour of glamour and sparkle in The Black Box, Belfast. We’re excited to be back performing live in the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival’s ‘Out To Lunch’ programme, this time with an evening event. Book your ticket and experience captivating performances with a light sandwich supper included in the ticket price. Doors open at 7.30pm. Visit www.niopera.com for more information on all events.

Antrim & Newtownabbey

Yellow Jumper Productions presents Cinderella at Theatre at The Mill until 30 December. 

This heartfelt panto is a dazzling twist on the classic tale of Cinderella, where enchantment meets modern flair. Packed with uproarious antics and awesome songs, our vibrant cast of characters, from the lovable Cinderella to the mischievous Silly Stepsisters, will sweep you away on a magical adventure. Guaranteed to be an absolute ball for princesses, princes, and people across the land. A fairy tale extravaganza you won't want to miss!

Running Time: Approx. 2 hours

Relaxed Performance: Sunday 15 December at 1.30pm

Relaxed Performance: Enables children or adults with additional needs such as sensory processing conditions to experience a show, exhibition or event in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Lighting levels are raised, loud noises are reduced, capacity is lowered and people are free to move around the space and make as much noise as they wish.

Visit https://theatreatthemill.com/b...