Autumn/Winter 2018/19

AUTUMN/WINTER 2018/ 19

t he be s t in

LIVE

THEATRE

The best that theatre has to offer!

Surprises and delights in store this season This season the Grand Opera House is thrilled to welcome back the work of hugely-successful Belfast playwright Marie Jones with her hilarious comedy Fly Me to the Moon. Brilliantly mingling humour with sympathy for the struggles of ordinary people, Marie’s plays continue to delight audiences with their sparkling wit and the irrepressible spirit of her characters.

This new season is excitingly wide-ranging, with theatre and entertainment to suit all tastes; and so alongside one of Belfast’s foremost playwrights, the world’s foremost playwright William Shakespeare is also represented, in a new production of Macbeth from the National Theatre, a searing tragedy of destructive personal ambition. In altogether more light-hearted vein, the Solana comes to Belfast in the new stage version of the no-holds-barred ITV comedy series Benidorm, featuring many of the unforgettable television stars.

The ever-fascinating passionate but sad love story of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert will be brought vividly to life by Northern Ballet Theatre in Victoria, and Samantha Womack stars in a stage adaptation of Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train - a modern classic novel of mystery and suspense which has been turned into a magnificently riveting theatrical experience.

Unmissable family entertainment includes the return of Shrek the Musical, Northern Ireland’s biggest pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, and the brand-new, smash-hit show Madagascar the Musical.

With these and many more surprises and delights in store this is another Grand Opera House season which brings to Northern Ireland the best of local, national and international live theatre!

Ian Wilson Chief Executive Grand Opera House

The Arts Council, as the Grand Opera House’s principal funder, is delighted to support this new season’s programme and the excellent breadth of choice it offers to audiences.

We have the opportunity to catch the most talked-about theatre currently touring the UK, including the National Theatre and Northern Ballet (both here courtesy of a cross-border touring agreement between the UK Arts Councils), the new stage adaptation of The Girl on the Train and the Take That musical The Band on its pre-West End tour. Local talent also features strongly, with a series of plays by one of Northern Ireland’s most distinguished playwrights, Marie Jones, and some choice highlights from the 2018 Belfast International Arts Festival. Support for new writing talent

from Northern Ireland is also much in evidence, notably with the staging of a new show written

by Belfast’s own Leesa Harker. That The Real Housewives of Norn Iron sits alongside Macbeth and Benidorm Live, shows the Grand Opera House’s commitment to ensuring that Northern Ireland audiences continue to enjoy the same access as elsewhere on these islands to the latest and the best that theatre has to offer.

Roisin McDonough Chief Executive Arts Council of Northern Ireland

YOUR GRAND OPERA HOUSE Scenes from the City 100s of young people

In June Action Ability staged an outstanding and hugely inspiring performance of Belfast Bap City with support from the incomparable Flash Harry.

OVER

Seasons of Safety

has been raised since November for the Theatre’s charity partner thanks to the generosity of theatregoers and staff.

Supported by Dale Farm and Arts & Business, the Theatre created a play on the subject of Farm Safety which toured to 21 rural primary schools in June, and was seen by over 800 children.

and their families took part in over 20 workshops, events and backstage tours as part of the Theatre’s Family Festival in July.

£18,000

Working with four local communities, the Theatre delivered this exciting social history project, funded by Belfast Harbour, which culminated in performances in the Baby Grand Studio in April.

FAR FAR AND AWAY ‘THE MOST FUN YOU’LL EVER HAVE!’

TUESDAY 9 – SUNDAY 21 OCTOBER Following a record-breaking UK and Ireland tour, the smash-hit blockbuster is back – and larger than life!

Based on the story and characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks Animation film, this hilarious and spectacular production turns the world of fairytales upside down in an all-singing, all-dancing, must-see musical comedy.

Join Shrek (Steffan Harri) and his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona (Amelia Lily) from her tower, guarded by a fire-breathing love-sick dragon. Add the vertically challenged Lord BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

DAILY MIRROR

Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got an irresistible mix of adventure, laughter and romance, guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages!

The producers cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artists subject to holiday, illness or events beyond the producers’ control

TUE – SAT 7PM *THUR & SAT 2.30PM, SUN 1.30PM & 5.30PM *(Thur 18 mat only) TICKETS £51.25 - £26.25 FRIENDS 10% off Opening Night and midweek matinee GROUPS 10 + £1 off per seat GROUPS 20 + £2 off per seat SCHOOLS Pupils half price Thur matinee, 1 free teacher in every 10 Age Recommendation 5+ BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

LAST FEW SEATS AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY 24 – SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER MONDAY 22 – FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER

Dust off your leather jacket, slick back your hair, tie up your pony tails, pull on your bobby socks and get ready for some Rock ‘n’ Roll!

BABY GRAND STUDIO A comedic, yet deeply moving story about a group of teenagers involved in a Youth Training Programme in West Belfast in 1986.

This is a non-professional production

WED, THUR & SAT 7.30PM, FRI 5.30PM FRI 8.30PM, SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £35.25 - £15.75 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 10 + £1 off per seat GROUPS 20 + £2 off per seat Age recommendation 12+

Age recommendation 12+ ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO – REMAIN IN LIGHT TOUR MONDAY 29 OCTOBER 7.30PM (£26.75 - £23.75) One of the Guardian’s ‘Top 100 Most Inspiring Women in the World’ three time Grammy Awardwinning Beninese singer-songwriter, actress and activist, Angélique Kidjo will be performing her interpretation of iconic Talking Heads album Remain in Light.

“Africa’s premier diva” – Time Magazine

ERIC BIBB TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER 7.30PM (£26.75 - £23.75)

A leading folk and bluesman of his generation, two time Grammy nominated Eric Bibb will take to the stage with his sensational band for an evening of uplifting and inspiring folk and blues.

“One of the finest black American exponents of acoustic blues” – The Guardian

LINK LINK WEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBER 7.30PM (£29.75 £23.75)

A brand new one-woman (and one dog) show by Golden Globe-nominated Italian star of stage and screen Isabella Rossellini. Link Link is a monologue inspired by the animal world, based on scientific research with a comic twist.

Isabella Rossellini is “Impossible to resist” – The Hollywood Reporter

Misunderstood and misrepresented by everyone, trying their best to get by, when all that surrounds them is violence, economic hardship and unsympathetic ears.

Joyriders explores the lives of teenagers in a volatile environment, and how they build and nurture relationships with one another.

Directed by Pauline Carville, Joyriders features Cliodhna Fisher as Maureen, Carly McCullough as Sandra, Nathan Donaghy as Arthur and Amy Esdale as Kate.

MON 7PM TUES-FRI 11AM & 1.30PM TICKETS £8.50

FRIDAY 2 & SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER For more than 40 years, the all-male comedy ballet company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo (affectionately known as “The Trocks”) have been delighting audiences of all ages at sell-out performances featuring their fabulous sense of fun and their flawless dance.

Established in New York, the Trocks are now loved worldwide for their sassy spoofs and hilarious homages to classical ballet, where 18 dancers each transform into two personas, both male and female!

What makes this company extraordinarily special, however, is their immaculate technique and daring physicality, surpassed only by their impeccable comic timing.

FRI & SAT 7.30PM TICKETS £33.25 - £19.75 FRIENDS 10% off Fri only GROUPS 10 + £2 off per seat Age recommendation 7+ Post show talk with company members Friday 2 November Free to Ticket holders, booking essential

FINAL SHOW OF THE 2018 BELFAST INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL! BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

Make your night at the theatre even more special!

There’s nothing quite like watching your favourite show from the comfort of your very own box. The Grand Opera House’s six ornate boxes, each of which seats either three or four people, offer privacy, extra space and dedicated waiter service – perfect for special occasions or just for when you want to treat yourself!

To add an extra layer of luxury, why not book a box hospitality package and really turn on the style? Choose from a Matcham Experience or a Grand Night Out, book at least two days before the show, and enjoy the following:

Matcham Experience

Grand Night Out

£80 FOR FOUR GUESTS*

WEDNESDAY 7 – SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER

• • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

Join us for La Fille mal gardée (or The Wayward Daughter), the funniest, sunniest English ballet masterpiece, brought to Belfast by the renowned Birmingham Royal Ballet.

£100 FOR FOUR GUESTS*

Chilled bottle of Premium Champagne Chilled jug of orange juice Chilled bottle of RiverRock Still Water Tray of handcrafted canapes Box of luxury Lindor Chocolates 2 boxes of Pringles Luxury ice-cream at the interval Cast signed programmes when available

Chilled bottle of Prosecco Chilled jug of orange juice Chilled bottle of RiverRock Still Water Tray of handcrafted canapes Box of luxury Lindor Chocolates 2 boxes of Pringles Luxury ice-cream at the interval Programme for each guest

*Prices quoted are in addition to standard ticket prices

CALL OUR BOX OFFICE TEAM NOW TO BOOK 028 9024 1919 BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

Lise has a choice to make. Loaded country bumpkin or penniless, hunky farmhand?

Of course, there’s no contest, but her mum has other ideas. Heels are dug in and sparks fly, as a mother-daughter battle of wills ensues.

La Fille mal gardée mixes spectacular classical ballet with slick comedy, a clog-dancing dame and a super-cute pony. With live music, played by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, this is fantastic entertainment for everyone!

WED – SAT 7.30PM (pre-performance talk Fri 6.30PM) THUR & SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £43.25 - £13.50 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 10 + £2.50 off per seat GROUPS 30 + £4 off per seat SCHOOLS Pupils half price Thur matinee, 1 teacher free in every 10 FIRST STEPS: FRI 1PM - £12.50 Ideal for Early Years and Key Stage 1 school groups.

This interactive show, specially adapted for children aged 3+, features ballet excerpts from La Fille mal gardée, interspersed with scenes in which a storyteller introduces the children to the music and the leading characters, and shares some technical magic.

WATCH CLASS (ON STAGE): SAT 11.45AM - £10.00 BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

HHHHH

‘TAKE THAT’S SENSATIONAL NEW MUSICAL’ THE SUN

HHHHH ‘IT WILL MAKE YOU LAUGH,

HHHHH

‘AN UTTER JOY’ Daily Mail

CRY AND SING YOUR HEART OUT’ Manchester Evening News

HHHHH ‘ACHINGLY FUNNY YET HEARTBREAKING IN EQUAL MEASURE’ Daily Mirror

David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers + Take That Present

BECAUSE YOU NEVER FORGET BEING SIXTEEN TUESDAY 13 – SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER Written by award-winning writer Tim Firth, The Band is a beautiful story for anyone who grew up with a boyband.

It’s 1992 and for five 16 year old girls, the band is everything. Join us as this group of girls who were once inseparable reunite after 25 years apart and try once more to fulfil their dream of meeting the boyband whose music became the soundtrack to their lives.

The Band features the music of Take That, Britain’s most successful boyband of all time, whose songs include Never Forget, Back for Good, A Million Love Songs, Greatest Day,

The Flood, Relight My Fire, Shine and Rule the World.

The Band has now become one of the most successful musical theatre tours ever. Don’t miss your chance to see this breathtaking, brand-new production before it hits London’s West End.

MON – THUR & SAT 7.30PM, FRI 8.30PM THUR 2.30PM (week 1 only), FRI 5PM, SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £51.25 - £19.25 FRIENDS 10% off Opening Night GROUPS 10 + £3 off per seat (MON-WED) GROUPS 20 + £4 off per seat (MON-WED) BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

How to book

1. ONLINE Book 24 hours a day at goh.co.uk and choose where you want to sit.

Booking tickets for shows and events at the Grand Opera House is easy:

2. BY PHONE Call our friendly Box Office team on 028 9024 1919. Our lines are open 10am – 5pm Monday to Saturday.

3. IN PERSON The Box Office, situated in the Theatre’s foyer is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm. On performance days the Box Office remains open until the show begins.

STALLS

GROUND FLOOR

STALLS

GROUND FLOOR

GODS SLIP RIGHT

CIRCLE SLIP RIGHT UPPER BOX RIGHT

Orchestra Pit

STAGE FRONT BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

Orchestra Pit CIRCLE BOX RIGHT

STAGE STAGE BOXFRONT RIGHT

BOOKING FEES Bookings are subject to a per-ticket booking fee of £1.75 on telephone bookings and £1.25 for bookings made online.

Prices shown include maximum applicable per ticket booking fee. Groups of 10+ and Gold and Platinum Friends are exempt from all booking fees.

GROUPS RATE Group rates apply to full price tickets only.

DISCOUNTS Discounts are available for selected productions/performances (restrictions apply).

Discounts must be requested.

To view the Grand Opera House terms and conditions of booking please visit the website or request a copy at the Box Office.

GODS

THIRD FLOOR

GODS SLIP RIGHT

UPPER CIRCLE SECOND FLOOR

CIRCLE SLIP RIGHT

CONTACT US For any further information please contact us by email on info@goh.co.uk, call Stage Door on 028 9024 0411 or write to us at Grand Opera House, Great Victoria Street, Belfast, BT2 7HR.

GODS

THIRD FLOOR

GODS SLIP LEFT

GODS SLIP LEFT

CIRCLE SLIP LEFT

CIRCLE SLIP LEFT

UPPER CIRCLE SECOND FLOOR

CIRCLE GRANDUPPER CIRCLE GRAND UPPER BOX FLOOR RIGHT FIRST

CIRCLE BOX RIGHT STAGE STAGE BOX FRONT RIGHT

BOX LEFT FIRST FLOOR

CIRCLE BOX LEFT STAGE STAGE BOX LEFTFRONT

UPPER BOX LEFT

CIRCLE BOX LEFT STAGE BOX LEFT

BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

MONDAY 10 - SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER BABY GRAND STUDIO

MON - THURS 8PM; FRI & SAT 7PM & 9PM TICKETS £15 FRIENDS 10% off two tickets for Monday 10 December 8pm

Tara Lynne O’Neill (Ma Mary from Derry Girls) stars as Paula in this fast-paced, dark comedy antidote to all the usual festive cheer. It’s Christmas Eve and Paula has a list, she’s checked it twice. She has the cosy 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 go quite to plan with the arrival of an unusual house guest (Chris Robinson).

On The Shelf is a laugh-out-loud Belfast cracker!

Contains adult references and strong language.

Age recommendation 16+

FRANK’S PLACE THURSDAY 17 - SATURDAY 19 JANUARY BABY GRAND STUDIO This authentic and heartfelt tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, is back!

An avid Sinatra fan himself, Frank Cognoscenti has spent more than fifteen years refining his phrasing, tone and style to capture the suave sophistication and charisma which made Sinatra a true great.

So treat yourself to a delicious two-course meal over at Frank’s Place and enjoy classics from the American Songbook at this intimate and atmospheric dinner show.

8PM TICKETS £39.50 including two-course dinner Age recommendation 12+

BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

GIVE THE GIFT OF THEATRE Grand Opera House gift vouchers make the perfect present for Christmas, birthdays, or just to share your love of theatre with someone special. With more than 40 stunning shows to choose from and over 350 performances each year, a gift voucher is your passport to a world of top-class entertainment. You decide the value of the voucher, and the lucky recipient chooses what they want to see from a wide range of musicals, drama, family shows, opera, ballet, dance, comedy, music or pantomime.

Call 028 9024 1919 or visit goh.co.uk/gift-vouchers to buy BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER - SUNDAY 13 JANUARY The Grand Opera House’s panto reaches new heights this Christmas!

Join the queen of Belfast pantomime, May McFettridge and Olivier award-winning actor David Bedella, who return to the iconic Grand Opera House stage for Northern Ireland’s biggest Christmas show. With added comedy from stand-up comedian Rikki Jay and pantofavourite Paddy Jenkins you can be sure of laugh-out-loud comedy for all the family.

Follow Jack and climb a beanstalk of gigantic proportions to cloudland in this spectacular family pantomime. Doomed to sell his trusty cow, join Jack as he fights to save the beautiful Princess, outwit the evil giant and win riches beyond his wildest dreams, and the hand of the girl he loves.

TICKETS £35.25 - £20.75 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Tues 4 December 7PM FAMILY TICKET OF 4 £2 off each ticket SCHOOLS £10.75 per ticket weekday matinee performances GROUPS 10 + £15 and no booking fee on selected weekday matinee performances.

Please contact Box Office for generous savings that can be made for groups of 10 or more people.

Festive entertainment at its best! Don’t miss this GIANT pantomime adventure - book your tickets today.

BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

David Hull Promotions presents FOSTER & ALLEN ‘FOR A NIGHT TO REMEMBER’ TUESDAY 15 JANUARY 7.30PM (£26.25 - £20.25)

Foster & Allen have been playing easy listening music with a touch of traditional Irish instrumentals since the 1970s. To date they have released more than 30 albums with worldwide sales in excess of 20 million. This show features all their best songs, making it truly a night to remember!

FRIENDS 10% OFF (MAX OF 2); GROUPS 8 + £2 OFF PER SEAT; GROUPS 15 + £3 OFF PER SEAT

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF “OUR JIMMY” WEDNESDAY 16 & THURSDAY 17 JANUARY 7.30PM (£24.25 - £18.25)

Comedian William Caulfield’s show celebrates the centenary of James Young’s birth.

Featuring original and new material, and packed full of comedy sketches and songs, this will delight old and new fans who enjoy good Ulster humour.

HUGO DUNCAN & FRIENDS MONDAY 18 FEBRUARY 7.30PM (£26.25 - £20.25)

A host of Irish Country Music favourites join the legendary Hugo Duncan for a wonderful night of Country Music. Hugo’s guests on the night are Philomena Begley, Robert Mizzell, Gerry Guthrie, Barry Kirwan, Owen Mac and Olivia Douglas. A specially augmented Country Harmony will provide the musical accompaniment for this memorable night!

FRIENDS 10% OFF (MAX OF 2); GROUPS 8 + £2 OFF PER SEAT; GROUPS 15 + £3 OFF PER SEAT

CONAL GALLEN “BACK TO FRONT” TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 7.30PM (£26.25 - £20.25)

Conal Gallen presents a brand-new stand-up comedy show, “BACK TO FRONT” packed full of hilarious jokes, songs and a few surprises for good measure!

FRIENDS 10% OFF (MAX OF 2); GROUPS 8 + £2 OFF PER SEAT; GROUPS 15 + £3 OFF PER SEAT

FRIENDS 10% OFF (MAX OF 2); GROUPS 8 + £2 OFF PER SEAT; GROUPS 15 + £3 OFF PER SEAT

ROCK’N’ ROLL YEARS AND DANCE HALL DAYS FRIDAY 18 & SATURDAY 19 JANUARY 7.30PM (£26.25 - £20.25)

Featuring George Jones, Clubsound and four wonderful singers, this show will transport you back to the 50s and 60s, combining evocative love ballads with the greatest rock’n’roll songs of the era from the Four Seasons, Ruby Murray, Bobby Darin, Elvis and more!

THE ELVIS SPECTACULAR WEDNESDAY 20 FEBRUARY 7.30PM (£25.25 - £19.25)

The Elvis Spectacular, starring Ciaran Houlihan with his TCB band now in its 22nd year is Ireland’s premier Elvis show. With costumes created by Elvis’s original designer Gene Douchette, this is the ultimate Elvis Experience. From the strutting Hillbilly Cat days through to the final No 1 Way Down, there is something for everyone.

FRIENDS 10% OFF (MAX OF 2); GROUPS 8 + £2 OFF PER SEAT; GROUPS 15 + £3 OFF PER SEAT

FRIENDS 10% OFF (MAX OF 2); GROUPS 8 + £2 OFF PER SEAT; GROUPS 15 + £3 OFF PER SEAT

CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH MONDAY 28 & TUESDAY 29 JANUARY 7.30PM (£26.25 - £20.25)

THE ILLEGALS FEATURING NIAMH KAVANAGH THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY 7.30PM (£25.25 - £19.25)

Winner of Best Songwriter, Best Song, Best Male Vocalist & International Country Album Charlie’s talent and chart-topping records received the ultimate recognition in 2011 when he was inducted into the British Country Music Hall of Fame. Join us for another memorable evening of beautiful ballads, folk, blues, country, rock ‘n’ roll, pop, gospel and anthems.

The Illegals’ new show celebrates two of the world’s most iconic bands: The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. Led by the mesmirizing voice of Niamh Kavanagh, The Illegals will take you on a journey of soulful harmonies, blistering guitars and unforgettable songs including Last Resort, Go Your Own Way, Life in the Fast Lane and Hotel California.

FRIENDS 10% OFF (MAX OF 2); GROUPS 8 + £2 OFF PER SEAT; GROUPS 15 + £3 OFF PER SEAT

FRIENDS 10% OFF (MAX OF 2); GROUPS 8 + £2 OFF PER SEAT; GROUPS 15 + £3 OFF PER SEAT

FLASH HARRY – THE MAGIC OF QUEEN FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY 7.30PM (£25.25 - £19.25)

Jake O’Kane Nobody Shouted Stop!

BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

THU 31 JANUARY – SAT 2 FEBRUARY Jake’s shows are political satire at its sharpest! With Jake there is no divide, he has the rare talent to cross all political and religious partitions taking an honest, critical and very funny look at life on both sides!

you will want to come again; if you haven’t seen Jake O’Kane live then the advice is to book early.

In this new show Jake will be casting his caustic comedy eye on the good, the bad and the very, very ugly. If you have been before

THU - SAT AT 7.30PM TICKETS £27.50 - £25.50 FRIENDS 10% off Thursday only Age Restriction 16+

Once again Jake will be joined by Terry McHugh-one of Ireland’s finest young comedy talents.

Celebrating the music of Freddie Mercury and Queen, Flash Harry delivers a rock show like no other featuring classic hits like Radio Ga Ga, We Are the Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Who Wants to Live Forever, recreating the magic of Queen for audiences young and old.

FRIENDS 10% OFF (MAX OF 2); GROUPS 8 + £2 OFF PER SEAT; GROUPS 15 + £3 OFF PER SEAT

FRANK CARSON – A REBEL WITHOUT A PAUSE SATURDAY 23 FEBRUARY 7.30PM (£24.25 - £18.25)

In this acclaimed one-man show, written and performed by Dan Gordon, we journey with Frank from his Belfast boyhood - where life was so tough even the arms on the chairs had tattoos - through his adventures in the army, and into the world of showbiz where he entertained royalty, delighted Pope John Paul II and never forgot where he came from. A whirlwind comedy drama celebrating the man, the myth and the mouth - it’s a cracker!

FRIENDS 10% OFF (MAX OF 2); GROUPS 8 + £2 OFF PER SEAT; GROUPS 15 + £3 OFF PER SEAT BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

Interview | Marie Jones

The Bard of

Belfast

In a year during which three of her plays are being performed at the Grand Opera House, we asked Marie Jones to look back on her career.

Fly me

Moon to the

the end of an era of innocence.

How did you first get involved with theatre?

Fly Me To The Moon and The Miami Showband are coming to the Grand Opera House over the next twelve months. Which are you looking forward to most?

That’s a very hard question! Fly Me To The Moon is special because the two actresses originally involved came to me and said we need a play for women. We all had experience of care workers, and so the setting of the play – someone being taken care of in their own home – came out of this. We knew how hard these women had to work and their stoicism and humour, and all this went into the writing. But then in the play something unexpected happens and tragedy turns into comedy with a big moral dilemma that, from the audience’s perspective, also becomes very funny.

The idea for The Miami Showband came from one of the survivors of the tragedy, Des Lee. Des approached Martin Lynch who then called me, and from the outset we said that we didn’t want this to be about a massacre – it had to be about the innocence of the 60s, when people were sitting at home listening to music on the radio because they didn’t have televisions and the big groups didn’t come to play in Ireland.

So when the showbands came they created a real phenomenon, bringing dancing out of the houses and into the halls. The play is a celebration of the Showband’s music and the optimism of that period of time, as well as being BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

I remember I went to the Ulster Hall to see a local comedian and playwright called James Young, and I came away really wanting to be in one of his plays. So I wrote to him and he asked me in for an audition before a show, and afterwards he said why don’t you stay on and see the play. And when the lights went up on the stage I saw what looked like the living room in my own house, and I never imagined that anyone else would care about something like that. Then the actors started to talk like me and my neighbours, and I thought “I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but this is where I’m going to be for the rest of my life.” It was almost a spiritual thing, because you felt that your own life was being played out in front of you. It was suddenly relevant, and ordinary people found it interesting and funny.

How does it feel to be back at the Grand Opera House?

When I walked in here today one of the staff said to me “welcome home” and that’s how I feel.

This is the people’s theatre, and it always has been. Everyone’s welcome.

It’s also the theatre where I started out. About 25 years ago I was told that no local writer could fill the Grand Opera House, and I thought “well I’m just going to have to prove you wrong!”

Sometime later I wrote an adaptation of The Government Inspector, which we put on at the Grand Opera House, and by the end of the week the place was packed. When it finished we went to the Crown and ordered champagne, and said “yes – we’ve done it!” That was the start of everything for me.

MONDAY 21 - SATURDAY 26 JANUARY “He never won any more than a couple a quid, but that was his life…all he had…his paper, the horses, memories of singing along with Frank Sinatra and a life of misery...he was better off dead in my opinion.”

When two community care visitors discover an opportunity to make a small fortune they are left with a mouth-watering dilemma.

Don’t miss this laugh-out-loud production by Marie Jones, who also penned Women on the Verge of HRT, and the international smash-hit Stones in His Pockets.

A hilarious story of life, death and the importance of money, Fly Me to the Moon runs at the Grand Opera House following a triumphant run in New York.

MON – SAT 7.30PM, THUR & SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £28.50 - £19.50 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 10 + £2 off per seat GROUPS 20 + £3 off per seat

Age recommendation 16+

‘Desperately funny’ The New York Daily News BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

WEDNESDAY 6 – SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY The international, award-winning smash-hit musical based on the blockbuster film, THE BODYGUARD is back in Belfast starring three-time Brit nominee and X-Factor winner, ALEXANDRA BURKE* as she makes a triumphant return to the role of Rachel Marron.

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge – what they don’t expect is to fall in love.

A ‘BRILLIANT!’ (The Times), breathtakingly romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a host of irresistible classics including I Wanna Dance With Somebody and the legendary I Will Always Love You. Don’t miss The Bodyguard!

BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

* Alexandra Burke will perform the role of ‘Rachel Marron’ at all evening performances only.

The producers of The Bodyguard cannot guarantee the appearance of any particular artist, which is always subject to illness and holidays. Please check website for full performance schedule.

‘The Hottest Ticket In Town’ SUNDAY MIRROR  WEEK 1 WED – SAT 7.30PM; THUR & SAT 2.30PM WEEK 2 MON - SAT 7.30PM; WED, THUR & SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £59.50 - £32.00 FRIENDS 10% off Opening Night and Matinees GROUPS 10 + £3 off per seat (Mon – Thur only) GROUPS 20 + £4 off per seat (Mon – Thur only) GROUPS 40 + £5 off per seat (Mon – Thur only)

Age recommendation 12+

BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

events with a difference Conveniently located in the heart of Belfast’s city centre, the Grand Opera House boasts not only a stunning auditorium but also a modern, purpose-built events space, the Baby Grand Studio. Just 15 minutes from Belfast City Airport and adjacent to the city’s main bus and rail station, the iconic Grand Opera House is the perfect venue for events with a difference.

The Baby Grand Studio is a well-equipped and highly adaptable space, ideal for conferences, meetings, training and team-building days, as well as drinks receptions, dinners, award ceremonies and fashion shows. A wide range of catering packages are also available to take the stress out of organising your event.

For an even more memorable occasion, you and your guests can move to the main auditorium and take in a show after your event.

Private backstage tours of the Theatre are also available.

Email events@goh.co.uk for more information

Add sparkle

to your evening at the Grand Opera House!

Pre-order prosecco and canapés for two by calling the Box Office on 028 9024 1919. Available to enjoy on arrival or at the interval, the prosecco and canapés package costs just £10 per person.

The Theatre’s bars open an hour before every show, and interval drinks can be ordered on arrival either at the confectionary stand in the foyer or at any of the bars.

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WEDNESDAY 27 FEBRUARY – SATURDAY 2 MARCH Following their sell-out production of West Side Story, cut loose with Belfast Music and Drama Society as they present this TUESDAY 21 – SATURDAY 25 AUGUST spectacular musical adaptation. Based on the Starring Strictly Come Dancing Champion 1980’s screen sensation starring Kevin Bacon, Joanne Clifton andworld A1 heart-throb and Footloose took the by storm with its singer-songwriter Bendance Adams. youthful spirit, dazzling and electrifying music.

Flashdance - The Musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable of Alex, a welder by day Footloose tellsstory the story of city boy Ren whoand has ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to move to a rural backwater in America where to the prestigious Shipley dancing is banned.

All hellDance breaksAcademy out as Ren and becoming a professional breaks loose and soon has thedancer. whole When town on a complicates her ambitions, she itsromance feet. harnesses it to drive her dream.

Featuring a dynamic young cast, this fast-paced Prepare to be blown away an astonishing show is not only packed fullwith of amazing dance musical spectacle and phenomenal

but serves up some classic 80’s hits, including Holding Out for a Hero, Almost Paradise, Let’s Hear it for the Boy and, of course, the unforgettable title track Footloose. Footloose is choreography to this iconic score, -including the fun-loving, humorous and moving a feel-good smash-hits Maniac, Gloria, Love & Roll production that urges us to Ilive forRock the moment. and Flashdance - What a Feeling.

This is a non-professional production

Sparks will fly and you will dance like you’ve never danced before.

WED, THUR & SAT 7.30PM, FRI 8.30PM; FRI 5.30PM & SAT 2.30PM TUE – SAT 7.30PM THUR & SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £44.25 £30.75 - £20.25 £17.25 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other perf.

GROUPS 10 + £1 off per seat performances GROUPS 20 10 + £2 £1 off per seat Age recommendation 12+ GROUPS 20 + £2 off per seat Age Recommendation 12+ in either performance Please note, Ben Adams will not feature on Saturday 25 August

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uncovering the secrets of the victorian grand opera house In 1895 the most renowned theatre architect of the Victorian period, Frank Matcham, bestowed on Belfast one of his most imaginative and opulent creations. The Grand Opera House, with its magnificent architectural and decorative scheme, has survived for 123 years - while most of its contemporaries from that extraordinary era of theatre-building have long gone.

In January 2020 the Grand Opera House Trust is planning a once-in-a-generation restoration project which will return this matchless heritage asset to its former glory, enhance the public areas of the Theatre, and share the rich and colourful history of the Grand Opera House through a new and vibrant exhibition. It is nearly forty years since the auditorium was last restored when the Grand Opera House, Northern Ireland’s last surviving Victorian Theatre, was saved from demolition in the late 1970s.

Work is already taking place behind the scenes to better understand the auditorium’s decorative and functioning order and how it has changed through more than a century of operation so as to better inform the restoration of this unique heritage asset. One of the surveys undertaken involved painstakingly peeling back layer upon layer of paint, varnish and gilding from 21 locations around the auditorium and analysing them using a high-powered microscope to glimpse the decorative schemes of the past.

The Grand Opera House Trust has been given a grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund of £242,700 to develop its restoration plans which will then be assessed by the Fund for a further £4,560,000. Thanks to National Lottery players, the funding will help protect, conserve and enhance the heritage of the Grand Opera House for future generations.

The striking crimson scheme of the past half century was preceded by a range of colour schemes dependent on the fashion of the day.

There is evidence that some parts of the auditorium had been painted in a warm, yellowish off-white colour, followed by a second colour scheme of a deep yelloworange colour, and a third scheme that included a pale stone colour. Structural surveys have uncovered the original seating layout when the auditorium held 2,500 people - today it seats just over 1,000. However, there is still no trace of the ghost that has been seen on the stage through the decades!

The historic Grand Opera House, which will celebrate its 125th anniversary on 23 December 2020, has left an indelible mark on the history and heritage of UK and Irish theatre, and the restoration and anniversary combined provides an unprecedented opportunity to share the Theatre’s wonderful heritage, and greatly improve access to this unique building.

Wall painting conservator Allesandre Putzu of Decowell Conservation undertaking surface cleaning tests on decorative relief of the column of the upper right box

TUESDAY 5 – SATURDAY 9 MARCH The ruined aftermath of a bloody civil war.

Ruthlessly fighting to survive, the Macbeths are thrust towards the crown by forces of elemental darkness.

The National Theatre, producers of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, bring this epic and visually daring production of Shakespeare’s most intense tragedy on a tour of the UK and Ireland immediately following a sold out run in London.

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Directed by National Theatre Artistic Director Rufus Norris (Cabaret, London Road) and designed by Rae Smith (War Horse, This House) this new production propels Shakespeare’s classic title into a post-apocalyptic world of anarchy and uncertainty.

TUE – SAT 7.30PM; WED, THUR & SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £40.25 - £14.25 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances Age Recommendation 13+

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MONDAY 18 – SATURDAY 23 MARCH Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical returns to the UK as part of a sell-out worldwide tour, having now been seen by over 30 million theatregoers.

SUNDAY 10 – SATURDAY 16 MARCH 2019 will be a year of uncertainty. Will Brexit actually happen? Will Donald Trump still be President? Will MLAs still be getting paid for doing nothing? We don’t know. All we know for certain is that Northern Ireland’s favourite TV characters will be back in their favourite venue the Grand Opera House. Yes Give My Head Peace is set to return to the Grand Opera House.

Da, Uncle Andy, Ma, Pastor Begbie and the rest of the gang have a brand new stage show packed full of up-to-the-minute topical humour, silly plots, political satire and outstanding stand-up.

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The Gang’s tour regularly sells out so be sure to get your seats early for a guaranteed night of laugh-out-loud

SUN – SAT (excl FRI) 8PM, FRI 9PM, SAT 5PM, FRI 6PM TICKETS £29.25 - £17.50 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Monday at 8pm, 10% off other performances GROUPS 10 + £1 off per seat GROUPS 20 + £2 off per seat Show contains adult references.

Age recommendation 16+

Directed by Christopher Luscombe and featuring timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic-thrusting Time Warp, The Rocky Horror Show is the story of two squeaky clean college kids – Brad and his fiancée Janet.

When by a twist of fate, their car breaks down outside a creepy mansion whilst on their way to visit their former college professor, they meet the charismatic Dr Frank’n’Furter.

It’s an adventure they’ll never forget...

MON – THURS 7.30PM, FRI & SAT 8.30PM; FRI & SAT 5.30PM TICKETS £46.75 - £23.25 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 10 + £1 off per seat GROUPS 20 + £2 off per seat Age Recommendation 12+

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Youth Theatre The Grand Opera House Youth Theatre is an exciting opportunity for young people aged 8-18 years of age to learn performance skills as well as improve and develop their confidence. These weekly workshops are facilitated by experienced theatre professionals and include drama games, improvisation and other creative techniques.

No audition or previous experience is required.

SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER – SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER SATURDAY 12 JANUARY – SATURDAY 9 MARCH SATURDAY 6 APRIL – SATURDAY 8 JUNE (please note there will be no class on Sat 20 April) TIMES & COSTS 8-11 year olds 11am-1pm: £70 per term 12-18 year olds 1.30pm – 4.30pm: £80 per term Places are on a first-come, first-served basis and can be booked through the Box Office on 028 9024 1919

Community Engagement As part of the Grand Opera House’s commitment to community engagement, the Theatre runs a number of community based projects throughout the year as well as talks and activities with local groups.

If your group is interested in working in partnership with the Theatre, please contact the Creative Learning Manager at clearn@goh.co.uk Find out more about the Creative Learning activity to accompany The National Theatre’s stunning production of Macbeth and Victoria presented by Northern Ballet.

Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo Post show talk with company members FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBER Free to Ticket holders, booking essential BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

TUESDAY 26 – SATURDAY 30 MARCH Fresh from its critically acclaimed and multi-award nominated production of 42nd Street, St. Agnes’ Choral Society is delighted to bring you the timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, The Sound of Music.

The unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, including Edelweiss, My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Every Mountain, So Long, Farewell and of course, the title song, The Sound of Music.

Based on Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, this wonderfully lavish new staging of The Sound of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII.

This is a non-professional production

TUE – SAT 7.30PM; SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £32.75 - £18.75 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 10 + £1 off per seat GROUPS 20 + £2 off per seat BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

MONDAY 1 – SATURDAY 6 APRIL Starring Jake Canuso (Mateo), Janine Duvitski (Jacqueline), Adam Gillen (Liam), Sherrie Hewson (Joyce Temple-Savage), Shelley Longworth (Sam), Tony Maudsley (Kenneth) and featuring Neptune’s very own Asa Elliott, the official world premiere of Derren Litten’s smash-hit ITV comedy BENIDORM is set to bring sunshine and smiles to Belfast in the stage debut production of the hugely popular TV show.

ITV’s award-winning comedy celebrates over a decade of all-inclusive hilarity, having followed the ensemble cast of holidaymakers and staff for ten series since it first broadcast in 2007. Litten has now written an all-new set of

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Alicante escapades for the much-loved cast members as they swap sangria for the stage - after a quick spruce up at the Blow ‘n’ Go! Book now for a dose of BENIDORM sunshine and see your favourite stars from the Solana live on stage for the very first time.

MON – SAT 7.30PM; THUR 2PM & SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £48.75 - £23.75 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 10 + £1 off per seat (Tue – Thur) GROUPS 20 + £2 off per seat (Tue – Thur) Age Recommendation 12+

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ACCESS PERFORMANCES The Grand Opera House is committed to ensuring that the Theatre is accessible to everyone. Visit goh.co.uk/access to join the Theatre’s Access for All scheme. This helps us understand and assist with your requirements at the time of booking.

SIGNED Grease Saturday 27 October at 2.30PM The Band Thursday 15 November at 7.30PM Jack and the Beanstalk Wednesday 19 December at 7PM Benidorm Live Thursday 4 April at 7.30PM Ghost Thursday 11 April at 7.30PM Madagascar The Musical Thursday 25 April at 7PM Rock of Ages Wednesday 19 June at 7.30PM AUDIO DESCRIBED Shrek Tuesday 16 October at 7PM Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Saturday 3 November at 7.30PM Please note, the audio-described performance will be accompanied by the following events prior to the performance: 6.00-6.10PM Touch Tour backstage with costumes,

shoes and props 6.15-6.25PM On stage 6.30-6.45PM Q& A with Rehearsal Director or Dancer The Band Saturday 17 November at 2.30PM Jack & the Beanstalk Saturday 5 January at 7PM The Bodyguard Saturday 16 February at 2.30PM

Macbeth Saturday 9 March at 2.30PM Madagascar the Musical Saturday 27 April at 2.30PM Victoria Saturday 1 June at 2.30PM CAPTIONED Shrek Thursday 18 October at 7PM The Band Wednesday 21 November at 7.30PM Jack and the Beanstalk Thursday 3 January 2019 at 7PM The Bodyguard Tuesday 12 February at 7.30PM Macbeth Thursday 7 March at 7.30PM Rocky Horror Thursday 21 March at 7.30PM Rock of Ages Thursday 20 June at 7.30PM RELAXED PERFORMANCE Jack & The Beanstalk Wednesday 9 January at 6PM FACILITIES INCLUDE Access for wheelchair users | Induction loop & infra-red systems | A range of accessible performances | Accessible bathrooms | Alternative format brochures such as braille, large print and audio | Assistance dogs welcome

Call 028 9024 1919 to book

Dementia-Friendly Film Screenings These screenings are open to everyone, but are particularly suitable for people living with dementia and their family, friends and carers. Join us for free tea and coffee 30 minutes before the film starts. Please note there will be an interval during each screening.

Tuesday 16 October The Glenn Miller Story (1954) U Tuesday 12 February Singin’ in the Rain (1952) U Tuesday 2 April Dial M for Murder (1954) U £4 per person Carer tickets available Start time 11am

TUESDAY 9 – SATURDAY 13 APRIL Walking back to their apartment late one night a tragic encounter sees Sam murdered and his beloved girlfriend Molly alone, in despair and utterly lost. But with the help of a phony storefront psychic Sam, trapped between this world and the next, tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of saving her from grave danger…

The movie Ghost has proven to be one of cinema’s biggest all-time hits. Starring the late Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg it was the highest grossing film of 1990 and won an Oscar for screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin who has adapted his screenplay for this musical. The movie and the musical feature The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody alongside many more terrific songs co-written by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart.

‘A FRESH AND VIBRANT NEW STAGE VERSION, PACKING A SUPERNATURAL PUNCH WITH PLENTY OF CHARM...

THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE’ CHICHESTER OBSERVER BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

Photos include previous cast

TUE - SAT 7.30PM; WED, THUR 2PM & SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £47.50 - £23.25 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 8 + £2 off per seat GROUPS 15 + £3 off per seat Age Recommendation 12+

BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

BEHIND THE CURTAIN Backstage tours of Northern Ireland’s most famous theatre Come with us on a journey behind the famous red curtain of the Grand Opera House, to see the day-to-day life of a working theatre and to hear the fascinating story of its rich and colourful history.

The Grand Opera House has left an indelible mark on the history and heritage of UK and Irish theatre. Step out onto the stage where artists such as Laurel & Hardy, Luciano Pavarotti, Laurence Olivier and Vera Lynn have performed, then go backstage for an insight into the technical workings of a show. And who

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knows - you might even catch a glimpse of one of our resident Victorian ghosts!

BOOKING Tours take place on most Saturday mornings from 10.30-11.30, and are suitable for anyone aged 10 or above. Tour tickets cost £8.50 or £7.50 for under 18s, with complimentary companion tickets available for people with disabilities.

For tour dates and tickets, go to goh.co.uk or call 028 9024 1919.

‘CRACK-A-LACKIN’ FEEL-GOOD FAMILY SHOW’ - MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS ‘A JOKE-FILLED NIGHT OF PUPPETRY, WHIMSICAL HUMOUR AND DAZZLING DESIGN’ - WHATSONSTAGE TUESDAY 23 – SATURDAY 27 APRIL Join Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and onto the stage in this live musical spectacular.

This smash-hit musical features all of your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

This brand-new musical from Dreamworks (Shrek The Musical) will leave audiences with no choice but to ‘move it, move it’!

TUE – SAT 7PM; WED & THURS 2PM, SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £41.75 - £19.25 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 10 + £1 off per seat GROUPS 20 + £2 off per seat Age Recommendation 3+

FANTASTIC

EASTER

ENTERTAINMENT

FAMILY TICKET from £90* *price applies to Tuesday night, Wednesday and Thursday matinees only.

FOR ALL THE FAMILY!

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Creating, inspiring, and having fun!

Each summer for the past eight years the Grand Opera House Trust has staged Northern Ireland’s leading Summer Youth Production.

More than 1,500 young people, aged 10 to 18, have taken part in a range of productions including Bugsy Malone, Annie, Oliver! and this year’s highly acclaimed production of The Wizard of Oz.

“Don’t let the fact that it’s a Grand Opera House Summer Youth Project production suggest that it is anything less than utterly professional… it was jaw-droppingly stunningly impressive.”

The Irish News (Oliver!, 2017) Over 200 young people plus a youth orchestra and youth technical team work with a professional director, musical director, choreographer, musicians, as well as the Grand Opera House’s own technical team to create a full-scale musical in two weeks! The aim of the Summer Youth Production is to encourage participation in the arts, develop acting, singing and dancing skills, and build confidence. Some of the participants go on to study musical theatre or work in a professional capacity in the industry in Northern Ireland or further afield.

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“Many can dismiss youth theatre and make statements claiming “they could think of nothing worse”.

Well more fool them because the cast of this show are simply outstanding. More than 200 young people took to the stage for the first time last night with such a professional air you would think they had been doing this for years.”

Belfast Live (The Wizard of Oz, 2018) The title for the Theatre’s 2019 Summer Youth Production will be announced in early 2019 and open auditions will be held on 16 and 17 February with callbacks on 16 March 2019.

Visit goh.co.uk for updates.

WEDNESDAY 1 – SATURDAY 4 MAY Director James Huish makes his return to the Grand Opera House after his sell-out production of Les Miserablès School Edition in 2016 to bring this fabulous Stephen Sondheim Musical Comedy.

On the night of his 35th birthday, Robert struggles to think of a wish to make as he blows out his birthday candles. The lone bachelor, surrounded by “those good and crazy people” - his married friends - Robert is uncertain whether he should simply be happy with his lot or whether he should wish for his own romantic partner. Over a series of dinner parties, first dates, and thoughtful

conversations, Robert attempts to understand the pros and cons of marriage from his diverse and frequently hilarious friends, and begins to make sense of his own persistent bachelorhood. Company, Stephen Sondheim’s ground-breaking modern musical, is a mature, intelligent, and wildly funny look at relationships, vulnerability, and “being alive”.

This is a non-professional production

WED – SAT 7.30PM; SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £26.75 - £21.25 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 8 + £2 off per seat GROUPS 15 + £3 off per seat BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

From the author of Stones in His Pockets

WEDNESDAY 29 MAY – SATURDAY 1 JUNE Passion, tragedy, fierce devotion.

Queen Victoria’s diaries revealed a life so fascinating that her daughter Beatrice tried to rewrite history.

Her irrepressible love for Albert sparked a royal dynasty. But his untimely death brought the world’s most powerful woman to her knees with grief.

Northern Ballet’s new biopic brings the sensational story of Victoria to life in dance.

Choreographed by Cathy Marston, creator of Northern Ballet’s acclaimed Jane Eyre.

Don’t miss it.

BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

WED - SAT 7.30PM; THUR 2PM & SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £45.25 - £19.25 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 10 + £1 off per seat GROUPS 20 + £2 off per seat SCHOOLS PUPILS TICKETS £13.50 Thurs matinee only

Hear the production come alive as the action on stage is described live through your headset by Northern Ballet’s audio describer.

Our audio described performances are always preceded by the opportunity to take part in a touch tour and workshop specifically designed for those with visual impairments to get the most from a performance.

Fly me

MONDAY 3 – SATURDAY 8 JUNE You’ve met the real housewives of New York, Atlanta and Cheshire – now let’s meet the REAL housewives of Norn Iron!

Moon to the

Housewives from every walk of life are flung together in this rip-roaring comedy, packed with characters that you’ll know and love, and brought to you by the most successful comedy team in Norn Iron. Think you’ve seen drama with the housewives of Orange County and Beverly Hills? Well you ain’t seen sparks fly until you’ve seen The REAL Housewives of Norn Iron!

Written and produced by Leesa Harker, creator of Maggie Muff and writer of 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue, Dirty Dancin in le Shebeen,

Maggie’s Feg Run and Maggie - Yer Ma!, and Directed by Andrea Montgomery - in other words, you’re guaranteed a geg!

MON – SAT 7.30PM; FRI 5.30PM & 8.30PM & SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £31.25 - £19.25 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 10 + £1 off per seat GROUPS 20 + £2 off per seat Age Recommendation 16+

BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

FOR

TICKETS ON A VARIE TY OF SHOWS

BEGIN SAVIN G M ON EY AFTER JUST

Join Us!

SHOWS

World-class live entertainment for a whole lot less.

Share our passion for live theatre? Then our Friends of the Grand Opera House scheme is for you!

A Friends membership allows you to see world-class live entertainment for less while supporting Northern Ireland’s premier theatre. From just £40 a year you can enjoy ticket and bar discounts, get priority booking for new shows, volunteer to work behind the scenes at the Theatre and go on a free backstage tour.

For more information call the Box Office on 028 9024 1919 or go to goh.co.uk/theatre-friends BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

TUESDAY 11 – SATURDAY 15 JUNE Rachel Watson longs for a different life.

Her only escape is the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day, happy and in love. Or so it appears. When Rachel learns that the woman she’s been secretly watching has suddenly disappeared, she finds herself as a witness and even a suspect in a thrilling mystery in which she will face bigger revelations than she could ever have anticipated.

Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide – and starring Samantha Womack, this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment.

Samantha Womack has starred extensively in television, film and theatre. She is best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell in BBC1’s EastEnders.

Other television credits include leading roles in Mount Pleasant and the hugely popular Game On, and recent film credits include the box office hits Kingsman: The Golden Circle and Kingsman: The Secret Service alongside Colin Firth.

TUE – SAT 7.30PM; THUR & SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £39.75 - £19.25 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances GROUPS 8 + £2 off per seat GROUPS 15 + £3 off per seat Age Recommendation 12+ BOOK ONLINE | goh.co.uk

DAN LOONEY, ADAM PAULDEN, JASON HAIGH-ELLERY, SELLADOOR WORLDWIDE AND GAVIN KALIN PRESENT

Working in partnership with the Grand Opera House For many years, the local business community and the Grand Opera House have recognised the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships. Working with the Theatre can help companies achieve their community engagement commitments and corporate social responsibility goals, as well as providing an enticing new way to engage staff or customers, and in some cases directly helping to generate new business.

This summer the Grand Opera House was delighted to begin working with two new partners on its family events. In early July the Theatre held its second annual Family Festival with the support of ISL Waste Management, during which more than 1,800 people enjoyed a series of workshops and fun activities around the Theatre, many incorporating themes of recycling and eco-friendly waste reduction.

Later that month the Theatre opened its doors to 200 of the brightest young actors in Northern Ireland, who were given the experience of their lives rehearsing and performing The Wizard of Oz to more than 4,500 people thanks to Phoenix Natural Gas who supported this year’s Summer Youth Production. Phoenix’s support helped to fund the production itself and also provided a number of bursaries to ensure that participation in the production was open to everyone.

The Theatre is proud to be working in partnership with all the companies below, and grateful for the ongoing support they give to the Grand Opera House. If you would like to explore partnership opportunities that deliver real value to your company, please send an email to partnerships@goh.co.uk.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN · HERE I GO AGAIN · NOTHIN’ BUT A GOOD TIME · I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS I WANNA ROCK · WE’RE NOT GONNA TAKE IT · WE BUILT THIS CITY AND MANY MORE...

TUESDAY 18 – SATURDAY 22 JUNE Here we go again…the smash-hit musical is back! Now on a major UK and Ireland tour.

Rock of Ages is an LA love story lavished with over 25 classic rock anthems. Lose yourself in a city and a time where the dreams are as big as the hair, and yes, they can come true!

This hilarious musical comedy will have you singing and laughing along with its epic songs, including Don’t Stop Believin’, We Built This City, The Final Countdown, Wanted Dead or Alive, Here I Go Again, Can’t Fight this Feeling and I Want To Know What Love Is, played loud and proud by an awesome live band.

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Now a global smash with hit seasons on Broadway, London’s West End and Las Vegas and a star studded Hollywood movie version, we promise you a night of outrageous rock ‘n’ roll debauchery at the BIGGEST PARTY IN TOWN!

TUE – THUR & SAT 7.30PM, FRI 8.30PM, FRI 5PM & SAT 2.30PM TICKETS £43.50 - £18.50 FRIENDS 2-4-1 Opening Night, 10% off other performances Age Recommendation 12+

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ON SALE NOW

THE AWARD-WINNING

MUSICAL

TUESDAY 14 - SATURDAY 25 MAY