Belfast International Arts festival will once again be keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as a variety of world class artists come to Belfast from the 16^th October to 3^rd November 2018.

Something that is vital to the running of the contemporary arts event is the support lent to Belfast International Arts Festival by a team of enthusiastic volunteers, helping to deliver an unforgettable experience to all visitors and welcome artists from across the world.

The festival’s growing stature attracts renowned artists from across the globe. Audiences will be entertained by a number of exciting and important performances including screen star Isabella Rossellini, Grammy award winning Angélique Kidjo, former Irish President Mary Robinson among over 100 other acts taking part in the 2018 spectacular.

Belfast International Arts Festival is led by some of the top professionals in the industry. Volunteers gain an insight into the world of arts, events and PR and all receive World Host training, an accredited qualification.

With keen volunteers already recruited for 2018 Festival Director, Richard Wakely, greatly appreciates the integral role volunteers play in the annual event.

“Volunteers will be an invaluable part of putting Northern Ireland on the map as a city of cultural importance, hosting international acts in the very best venues. They will be the first point of contact to welcome guests and audiences and assisting the wider Festival team and visitors.  They play a very important role in Belfast International Arts Festival every year, giving their time freely and with enthusiasm, and for that we are incredibly grateful.”

Sonya Whitefield, Arts Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said, “ If you have a passion for the arts and you like interacting with people then volunteering at the Belfast International Arts Festival is a perfect opportunity for you to explore new roles, develop new skills and be part of something exciting and creative.

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is the festival’s principal public funder and we really appreciate the value that volunteers add, making this festival one of the leading events in our cultural calendar. The fact that audiences are so well looked after by the kindness and knowledge of staff and volunteers is a credit to the great team work that goes on behind the scenes.”

The Belfast International Arts Festival is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and British Council.

Tickets are available now at belfastinternationalartsfestival.com.  With over 120 events including 12 premiers make sure to check out the full programme available from the festival website.

What Gives a Girl Power and Punch?  Is it Charm? Is it Poise? No, it’s Hairspray!  Join us at Theatre at The Mill on 4 & 5 October, Hairdos and excitement will be on the rise with a lot of shaking and shimmying as local students from Uplift Performing Arts present their production of Hairspray JR.

The family-friendly show captures the spirit and turmoil of 1962 Baltimore through laughter, dance, romance and deliriously tuneful songs. The story follows Tracy Turnblad, a full-figured girl with full-figured hair and a big heart, who has only one passion – to dance.

When her determination and rock ‘n roll moves land her a spot on a local television dance program, “The Corny Collins Show,” she is transformed from an outsider to an irrepressible teen celebrity.

This trendsetter in dance and fashion uses her fame to win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, challenge the program’s reigning princess Amber and rally against racial segregation… all without denting her ‘do.

“Hairspray JR. is a dynamic musical with an important message, that acceptance comes in all shapes, sizes and nationalities,” Freddie Gershon, CEO of Music Theatre International (MTI).

Uplift Performing Arts will present Hairspray JR. on 4 & 5 October at 7.45pm at Theatre at The Mill.  Tickets £15 & £12 (Concessions) available from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online @ theatreatthemill.com

 

Filming Locations from the Hit HBO Series to Open as Tourist Attractions in 2019

As Game of Thrones finishes filming after a decade in Northern Ireland, HBO is celebrating the show’s incredible legacy in the region by converting several filming locations into tourist attractions. For the first time ever, fans of the Emmy® Award-winning series will have the unique opportunity to visit iconic sets from the show and immerse themselves in the world of Westeros.

Building on the success of past Game of Thrones live branded experiences, including the Touring Exhibition and Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience, HBO will open up the production archives and share them with the series’ loyal fans.  In true Game of Thrones fashion, the Game of Thrones Legacy attractions will be on a scale and scope bigger than anything the public has ever seen, offering the first opportunity for the public to set foot inside some of the most iconic locations from the series and behind the camera lens to see how the world’s biggest TV show was made. Each site will feature not only the breathtaking sets, but will also exhibit displays of costumes, props, weapons, set decorations, art files, models, and other production materials. The visitor experience will be enhanced by state-of-the-art digital content and interactive materials which will showcase some of the digital wizardry the series is known for.

“HBO is thrilled to celebrate the work of the Game of Thrones creative team and crew by preserving these locations and inviting fans to visit Northern Ireland and explore Westeros in person,” said Jeff Peters, Vice President, Licensing and Retail, HBO. “We look forward to opening the gates and sharing the excitement of stepping inside these amazing sets with Game of Thrones fans from around the world.  The opportunity to celebrate Northern Ireland’s pivotal role in the life and legacy of the show and share its culture, beauty and warmth is also a huge inspiration behind these Legacy projects.”

“We couldn’t be more excited about the Game of Thrones Legacy project coming to Northern Ireland. While fans have seen the stunning landscapes, coastlines and mountains in the series, we are thrilled they will now have the opportunity to fully experience the charm of Northern Ireland and immerse themselves in to the world of Westeros.” said John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism NI. “The Game of Thrones Legacy project will be a game changer for Northern Ireland on a global tourism level. We very much welcome this exciting announcement by HBO and look forward to attracting many more visitors to our beautiful country as a result.”

Given the unique and impressive nature of the production work in Northern Ireland, plans are underway to include the standing sets for iconic locations such as Winterfell, Castle Black, and Kings Landing alongside a formal studio tour of Linen Mill Studios which will showcase a wide array of subject matter from the series spanning all seasons and settings.  A description of the full scope of the Game of Thrones Legacy project will be revealed at a later date after the exploratory process is completed. A tentative targeted open date is currently set for 2019.

About HBO Licensing & Retail

HBO Licensing & Retail, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., partners with best-in-class licensees around the world to give HBO’s global audience new and exciting ways to engage with their favorite shows. The division leverages iconic, award-winning HBO programs such as Game of Thrones, VEEP, Sex and the City, Silicon Valley, Insecure, The Sopranos, Big Little Lies, True Blood and more to create officially licensed consumer products, innovative merchandise programs, retail activations and live immersive experiences.  HBO Licensing & Retail works across a broad range of product categories, including collectibles, apparel, publishing, live branded experiences, digital gaming, fashion and beauty collaborations, luxury accessories, and beyond. Officially licensed HBO merchandise can be purchased in retail stores around the world, online in the US at http://store.hbo.com, and at the HBO retail hub, the HBO Shop®, located at 42nd and 6th Avenue in New York City.

The next concert in the series of Music In The Chamber concerts at Bangor Castle, is taking place on Friday 12 October and will feature the sensational Connla.

Connla have firmly cemented their place on the Irish music scene with their fresh and exciting approach to traditional music which is steeped in tradition and embraces sensitive and exciting arrangements of tunes and songs alongside ample original material.

Described by Songlines Magazine as a “must see act” Connla are Ciara McCafferty (vocals/percussion), Ciaran Carlin (flutes/whistles), Emer Mallon (harp), Conor Mallon (uilleann pipes/whistles) and Paul Starrett (guitar).

With an EP and two albums all receiving rave reviews, a busy touring schedule that has seen them perform across the USA, UK, Ireland and Europe and a collection of accolades including the number one spot in Songlines list of Essential Irish Albums, early booking is highly recommended.

A band that will not just appeal to traditional and folk enthusiasts, Connla are five hugely talented young musicians making music that is original and exciting.

Their Bangor Castle date is part of a five-venue Northern Ireland tour presented by Moving on Music and supported by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Tickets cost £10 and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown.

Tickets can also be purchased from North Down Museum or any of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

A taste of Nashville comes to Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre with three country folk stars performing in ‘On the Road and In the Round’ on Friday 5^th October at 8pm.

Jesse Terry, Lizanne Knott and Michael Logen grace the Danny Boy Auditorium where they will each play a selection of songs from their respective past and present releases. The artists will also combine on duets and never heard before collaborations, and share the stories behind their songs.

A true musical journeyman, New England-based Jesse Terry has released five albums to huge acclaim and performs at international festivals including AmericanaFest and the Philadelphia Folk Festival.

A longstanding member of the Philadelphia music scene and partner of Grammy Award-winning MorningStar Studios, Lizanne Knott has been captivating audiences throughout the United States and the UK, garnering accolades from radio listeners and peers around the globe. Frequently featured on BBC Radio 2’s Bob Harris show, her music has been included in many films and television programmes.

Grammy-winning folk artist Michael Logen is based in Nashville but tours extensively throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe. He has opened for artists including John Legend, John Hiatt, Jonny Land and India Arie and his music is regularly featured in hit shows including Nashville, Suits, Parenthood and One Tree Hill. Michael’s songs have been recorded by artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Mat Kearney, Jonny Lang, Paul Carrack and many others.

For further information visit roevalleyarts.com or call the team on Tel: 028 7776 0650.

 

Returning in style with the fabulous 20^th Anniversary Tour!

The LADYBOYS are back in town!

We’re coming to Belfast

Uncork the champagne! Dress to kill! Party like there’s no tomorrow! Celebrating 20 diamante decorated years, The Lady Boys of Bangkok ‘Wonder Women’ Tour will take the UK’s number one cabaret show to a new level. With some of your favourites from the last 20 glorious years re-imagined, added to new scenes of spectacular costumes, choreography and – of course – hilarious comedy!

Wonder Women celebrates in style with iconic appearances including Cher, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Diana Ross, Pink, Shirley Bassey, even Wonder Woman herself and the “practically perfect in every way” Mary Poppins! From Comic Con to the catwalk… the silver screen to the stage… this year’s show has it all.

The entertainment soars from start to finish. The glamour of Hollywood and the glitz of Las Vegas meet the beloved traditions of classic British music hall. With more songs and big-scale musical production numbers than you could point a perfumed glove at, The Lady Boys of Bangkok adds a splash of colour to the black-and-white normality of everyday life. A chance to luxuriate in a vibrant euphoric bubble of laughter, beauty, splendour and music.

A cabaret like no other cabaret, performed by girls like no other girls! The show features 16 of Thailand’s most alluring and stunning ladyboys – all MALE Thai nationals – and Trevor… a grumpy dwarf from Oldham.

The eye-catching Sabai Pavilion provides a spacious yet intimate cabaret venue like no other. To enter the foyer is to step through the looking glass. You find yourself instantly transported to the exotic surroundings of Bangkok – greeted by the enticing aromas of freshly prepared Thai cuisine and an atmosphere charged with excitement and wonder. There are also two well-stocked bars to keep the drinks flowing and the party going.

Prepare for a night you’ll talk about for years with The Lady Boys of Bangkok as they flirt, tease and tempt! You will laugh, rejoice and sing your heart out at a party with hundreds of friends you’ve yet to meet! Deliciously naughty… risqué but never risky… no-one leaves without a smile on their face and a song in their heart.

Book now for the incomparable Wonder Women Tour 2018 and you can say “I was there!” for the 20th anniversary of The Ladyboys of Bangkok! With special opening night discounts, great deals for groups and hen parties, and bargain 2-for-1 nights, there is no excuse to miss out on the fun!

The party like no other party… girls like no other girls… a night like no other night!

 “No one leaves without a smile on their face – and that’s the true success of this glitzy, sequin-clad sparkler of a show”

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

 

“Forget the West End – one ticket to the Lady Boys of Bangkok admits you to the equivalent of at least half a dozen musicals, concerts and gigs, all under one roof”

BUZZ, SOUTH WALES

 

“It’s an irresistible, irrepressible evening that guarantees a great night out!”

STEVE BURBRIDGE – THE BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

 

“If you have ever thought you fancied this show and not got round to it, then do yourself a favour and go this year. It’s funny, clever and entertaining from start to finish…You’ll regret it if you don’t”

JACKIE MARSTON – ACCENT MAGAZINE

 

“The Lady Boys of Bangkok are simply the best cabaret floor-show you will see at the Fringe or anywhere else, they are simply fantastic!”

EDINBURGH GUIDE

 

“Escapism, lots of fun….one of the best value for money nights out money can buy ”

DERBY EVENING TELEGRAPH

 

“Makes most West End musicals look drab by comparison”

MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

 

THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK 2018

 

BELFAST

 

Sat 3^rd Nov – Sat 17^th Nov 2018

 

The Sabai Pavilion, Custom House Square, Belfast, BT1 3FG

 

 

• Mon to Thurs – 7.00pm daily
• Fri & Sat – 7.00pm & 9.00pm
• Sundays – 6.00pm only
• Adults £22.50/Students £17
• Premium Seats £32
• Platinum seats £36
• Champagne Table £400

 

2-for-1 ALL SEATS on Fridays

ALL SEATS £17 on Sun 4^th Nov

 

N.B. Saturday performances – Premium seats £34, Platinum seats £38

 

Box Office open on site from Wednesday 31^st Oct 2018 – 11.00am to 9.30pm daily

To Book Tickets call – 0871 705 0 705

 

LINKS

Web: http://www.ladyboysofbangkok.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyboysofbangkok
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheLadyBoys

From the Directors:

Creative Director, Phillip Gandey spoke of the challenge of creating a new production each year.  “When we brought the Lady Boys of Bangkok to Britain for the first time people were attracted by the sheer novelty. Never before had a company of Lady Boys performed a show in the western world.  Almost two decades on and the Lady Boys of Bangkok is still the only show of its kind this side of Bangkok. But it no longer relies simply on novelty – it is a fantastic, non-stop spectacular theatrical experience. A complete entertainment specially created for a British audience.  It has become an un-missable date for thousands of people who form the heart of a very loyal audience supporting us year after year – sometimes visiting the show more than once in a season and looking forward to the event as their “big night out”.   Hen parties, too find it the perfect event to be at the centre of their celebrations.

“Each show takes a year to plan, rehearse and produce and although it is extremely hard work, there is no better feeling in the world than watching our audiences become totally involved in the pure pleasure of the show.

Executive Director, Carol Gandey, added;” Planning such an extensive tour as the Lady Boys of Bangkok undertake every year is a major project.  Not only is the show performed in our own Sabai Pavilion, but also tours theatres throughout the length and breadth of the British Isles.  But from the feedback we receive we know just how much the tour is appreciated and looked forward to.  Theatres have created a loyal and large following and each year we are constantly adding new theatres and playing to new audiences.  We greatly appreciate the opportunity to reach an audience that otherwise might not be able to see the show.”

 

The Lady Boys of Bangkok

 

The Ladyboys of Bangkok consists of a cast of 16 male artistes. Last year the tour raised over £18,000.00 from audience collections for their chosen charity ‘Safe Child Thailand’ which is helping to end child exploitation in Thailand.

https://www.safechildthailand.org/

 

Gandey World Class Productions

For more than 40 years, Gandey World class Productions has staged some of the World’s most famous shows and memorable productions in cities across the world.  Its portfolio includes Gandeys Circus, The Chinese State Circus, Cirque Surreal, The Ladyboys of Bangkok, Spirit of the Horse and Fist of the Dragon.

For more information visit www.gandey.com

Planning a wedding and looking for something special? The Quirky Weddings Boutique Wedding Fair was created with you in mind! The fair returns to the Waterfront Hall on Sunday October 7h(12-5pm) in association with event sponsors The Clandeboye Lodge.

 

What’s special about the Boutique Wedding Fair? Saima Akram of Quirky Weddings says

“For a start we hand pick our exhibitors! We have always sold out all the spaces at our fairs so we started taking applications and choosing who best suited the personality of the event. We generally get over 200 applications for the approx 130 spaces. We look for creativity, quality and people who love what they do.”

Cate Conway, the other half of Quirky Weddings says

“Couples planning weddings have access to an infinite amount of ideas on Instagram and from blogs. Wedding inspo can be invaluable but couples often find themselves stuck when they try to find a local company who can bring the ideas to life! This is where we come in. We look for companies who can deliver on trend products and services. Combine that with artists who can customise, personalise and create – and you have the perfect wedding planning event. An afternoon spent with us can result in a couple getting a lot of stuff sorted and ticked off their list!

Visitors can expect to see a fantastic range of carefully chosen vendors. There will be slick suits, dreamy floral displays, creative photography, gorgeous gowns, show-stopping transport, jewellers who can help you make your own rings, incredible cakes, unusual venues and much more. We’ve chosen vendors who are on trend, friendly and excellent at what they do. Expect Insta-worthy ideas for your day!

We have just announced our exhibitor list on our website, quirkyweddings.co.uk, so couples can get a head start on their research! We find lots of couples are quite strategic and make a list of who they want to speak to and come ready to make a bee-line for the companies they are particularly keen to meet! You can feel free to browse at your leisure too though, it’s a ‘no pressure’ event. We don’t like hard sell.”

Doors open at 12 noon and the Quirky Weddings team suggest you get there early. Not only is there a lot to see but also the first 250 visitors will get in half price. (Regular admission is £7)

There will also be copies of the new edition of the  Quirky Weddings free wedding directory ‘The Book’ available so don’t forget to collect yours as you leave!c