Month: August 2025

The Retro Room Vintage Video Arcade Powers On Permanently at Cityside Retail & Leisure Park this September

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Belfast is about to get a brand new addition to its social and family entertainment scene. After several years of involvement in pop up arcades around the city, The Retro Room has secured a new and permanent home at Cityside Retail & Leisure Park. 

The Retro Room is a vintage video arcade brimming over with original 70s, 80s and 90s arcade games as well as classic consoles and tabletop titles, designed as a welcoming space for all ages. 

From gamers nostalgic about the games of their youth to families looking for something different to do together, to friends on a night out or couples on a first date, the new venue promises to combine fun, nostalgia and community in one place. And the arcade will be also be available to hire privately  for companies, birthday parties or any occasion. 

Founder Martin Neill said:

“Some of our happiest memories are of the arcades we spent our childhoods in in the 1980s. We’re bringing that environment, and the games that made the old arcades so great, back for a new generation to enjoy. We want the Retro Room to be a great place to hang about with a few of your mates like it was for us, when playing games was a social experience rather than a solitary one.”

“We’ve spent a few years hunting down a great selection of retro arcade titles in particular, we’re sure most people of a certain vintage will find something they loved back in the day on our arcade floor. But still there’s nothing like watching kids discovering the likes of Street Fighter 2, Pac-Man or Wonderboy for the first time. These games are timeless.” 

The new venue will sit alongside popular neighbours including Black Axe Throwing Co, Lost City Adventure Golf, Movie House Cinemas and Gallaher’s Bar, strengthening Cityside’s position as one of Belfast’s leading leisure destinations.

With its focus on inclusivity, The Retro Room will be open to kids, teenagers and adults alike, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the atmosphere and experience.

The doors open on September 12th 2025. Find out more at www.retroroombelfast.com

10 Things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 18 – 24 August

 

  1. Ould Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 23 – 26 August. Sample the famous local favourite, Yellow Man or Dulce, and wander around the Naturally North Coast and Glen’s Artisan Market, which features local fresh produce, quirky handmade crafts and fine art. Experience the hustle and bustle of the horse trading village, or simply take in the atmosphere and local banter on the streets of Ballycastle. The main events will be held on the last Monday and Tuesday of August when the town is transformed by hundreds of stalls lining the streets, as far as the eye can see.

 

  1. Summer Saturdays in Armagh City Centre, County Armagh, until 6 September. Armagh Summer in the City is back this year with children’s activities including face painting and balloon modelling. There will be great live music on the bandstand each Saturday. All Summer in the City activities are free and open to all visitors.

 

  1. Millbank Farm Flower Fest, Killinchy, County Down, 23 – 25 and 30 – 31 August. Come to Millbank Farm Flower Fest, for a family-friendly day out with stunning views over Whiterock Bay. Wander through colourful flower fields, pick your own sunflowers, dahlias, and wildflowers, and get lost in the Maize Maze.

 

  1. Shortcross Whiskey Tour & Tasting at Rademon Estate Distillery, Crossgar, County Down, 21, 22, 28 and 29 August. Join the resident whiskey expert for a tipple and enjoy a fully immersive guided tour of the distillery and its Irish whiskey distilling process. Experience first-hand the sights, sounds, tastes, and aromas of a fully operational craft distillery.

 

  1. Clandeboye Festival 2025, Bangor, County Down, 16 – 23 August. Join a week of world-class music at the Clandeboye Festival 2025: Aspects of Summer. Set against the stunning backdrop of the historic Clandeboye Estate, this year’s festival invites audiences to explore the diverse sounds and moods of summer through a series of captivating concerts and performances.

 

  1. International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 23 – 24 August. On 23rd and 24th August, the Ulster American Folk Park will be marking the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition with a weekend of activity across the museum.

 

  1. Belfast Mela, 16 – 24 August. Prepare to be inspired, delighted, and transported as Belfast Mela, Northern Ireland’s largest and most vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, returns with its most ambitious programme to date. Produced by leading intercultural arts organisation ArtsEkta, the Mela has become a cornerstone of Belfast’s cultural calendar.

 

  1. Family Fun Days at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 24 August. The Jungle Family Fun Days are open-park days, which offer an exciting range of outdoor adventure activities at budget prices. Suitable for all ages and abilities – book online today.

 

  1. Wild & Fired BBQ School at Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, Derry~Londonderry, 23 August. Lo & Slo’s Wild & Fired BBQ School offers an immersive, interactive experience combining foraging, dining, and BBQ workshops in a historic, private walled garden, showcasing Northern Irish culture through locally sourced food. Experience the ancient art of cooking with fire in a modern, engaging, and fun setting.

 

  1. Museum of Discoveries: Waters of Wonder at Enniskillen Castle, County Fermanagh, 18 – 22 August. Uncover secrets of Fermanagh’s past from the earliest settlers, Medieval Maguires, Vikings, Second World War & the Fermanagh Hearth, in fun hands-on learning sessions with museum staff. Get active in the afternoon with adventures on the water.

 

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Family-friendly craft events not to be missed this August

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Enjoy eclectic events across Northern Ireland in this month-long programme from Craft NI and Design & Crafts Council

 

August Craft Month, a celebration of the vibrant craft scene across the island of Ireland, is the perfect opportunity to introduce your young ones to local craft.

Everyone, even complete beginners and kids, can get involved. It is your chance to learn, make, explore and connect through creativity.

With just a few weeks left until the schools return, if you’re running out of ideas to keep the kids entertained or are simply looking for a family day out, Northern Ireland is full of opportunities to make, see and do this August.

From origami to copper engraving, August Craft Month offers ways for families to slow down, learn together and connect with skilled makers.

More than 300 events, featuring 1200 talented designer makers across 26 craft disciplines, will support centuries-old traditions while showcasing the innovation of today’s designers.

Here are just a few family-friendly events that will inspire, teach and entertain.

 

August Craft Month Exhibition: (Un)Bound – Belfast

Location: Craft NI Gallery, Belfast

Price: Free

Date: 2–31 August

This month-long exhibition invited contemporary craft makers to address the context of binding and show how the creative process is no linear. A yearly highlight of August Craft Month, this exhibition celebrates and profiles excellence in the NI Craft Sector.

Causeway Craft Trail – Derry/Londonderry

Location: Flowerfield Arts Centre and across the Causeway Coast

Price: Free

Date: 3–31 August

Follow a trail of creativity across the Causeway Coast, with exhibitions and displays from talented makers. The trail celebrates a variety of disciplines, from ceramics and textiles to mixed media, and is ideal for a summer day trip with the family.

North Down Craft Collective Fair

Location: WWT Castle Espie

Price: Free

Date and Time: 24th August, 10am – 4pm

Discover the work of our talented members – from handcrafted pottery and textiles to original artwork and prints. Enjoy live craft demonstrations running throughout the day – a perfect chance to see the making in action! Set on the shores of Strangford Lough, Castle Espie is a magical setting, and this summer, it’s also home to an exciting Dragonfly festival – a perfect day out for all ages! The award-winning Kingfisher Café will be open throughout the day serving hot and cold drinks and snacks

Buttermarket Craft and Design Courtyard – Enniskillen

Location: Down Street, Enniskillen, BT74 7DU

Price: Free

Date and time: 1–31 August

Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century dairy market, the Buttermarket is home to nineteen craft units offering ceramics, jewellery, leather goods, textiles and more. Families can browse, meet makers, and see demonstrations before enjoying a coffee or lunch together at Rebecca’s Coffee Shop.

Humans, Being

Location: Strule Arts Centre, Omagh

Price: Free

Date and Time: 1-29 August, 10am – 6pm

An exhibition of figurative sculpture, focusing on the joys, the sorrows the challenges and the triumphs we meet during our life cycle. The exhibition will be open to all and will run for the month of August.

 

For the full island-wide programme and to get involved and show your support for your local craft sector visit augustcraftmonth.org.

Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth25 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2025 #makeseebuy

Shoreline Festival returns to Jordanstown Loughshore Park this August Bank Holiday weekend!

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The Shoreline Festival is back this August Bank Holiday weekend! Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council invites residents to come along to Jordanstown Loughshore Park on Sunday 24 August from 12noon to 5pm, for a fun-filled, free daytime festival that’s suitable for all ages!

Bring along a blanket and a picnic basket and soak up the atmosphere at the shoreline of Belfast Lough. Just kick back, relax and enjoy the day with family and friends!

At the heart of the Shoreline Festival is the main stage, which will host an entertaining line-up of performers. Expect everything from a Chappell Roan Tribute (Chappel Clone) to a kids’ magician (FizzWizzPop).

Kids will be thrilled with the variety of activities on offer. Look out for rides and amusements, lively walk-about characters, mini-golf and even bouncy inflatables!

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said, “There is no better way to close out the summer holidays than at this free community festival filled with fun activities for the whole family. I look forward to seeing everyone there”.

For more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Shoreline-Festival.

COLERAINE SET FOR A PACKED DAY OF FAMILY FUN, MUSIC AND DANCE 

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Coleraine is gearing up for a jam-packed day of entertainment on Saturday, 16 August, with activities for all ages taking place across the town centre.

The highlight of the day will be a Taylor Swift “Master the Moves” workshop from 1–3pm in the Event Space behind the Town Hall, specially designed for Swifties aged 7–12. 

Hosted by the talented coaches from Take to the Stage Theatre School, participants will sing along, learn choreography, and act scenes inspired by Taylor Swift’s biggest hits. Adding to the sparkle, Facepainting by the Sea will be on hand from 12–4pm to get budding performers glittered and ready to shine.

Live music will fill the streets with performances from Jamie Sloan and Aaron Jamieson, while Iconic Street Dance brings high-energy routines to keep the crowds moving.

The day kicks off at 11.15am in Coleraine Library with Walk like an Egyptian Storytime, where families can enjoy ancient tales and create their own hieroglyph bookmarks.

Animal lovers can meet the friendly residents of Jigsaw Farm at the Town Hall, as well as the much-loved North Coast Alpacas on Church Street, perfect for photos and a furry hello.

For younger visitors, there’s a bouncy castle at Kingsgate Street (12–3pm) and Stories and Crafts at Waterstones (3pm) for children aged 3–7 years.

With activities running throughout the day, visitors are encouraged to explore, shop local, and enjoy everything Coleraine has to offer.

Make your August bank holiday plans now as the 2025 Ould Lammas Fair returns to Ballycastle

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Ireland’s oldest traditional fair returns to Ballycastle from Saturday 23rd August – Tuesday 26th August 2025, and there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy across the bank holiday weekend.

With the construction of the new Ballycastle Leisure Centre on Quay Road, this year’s Ould Lammas Fair offers exciting changes and a brand-new layout for 2025.  Make your plans now to ensure you have time to enjoy everything this much-loved event has to offer.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with traditional favourites returning such as the heavy horse show and parade through the town on Saturday 23rd at 1pm, followed by the vintage vehicle & tractor run at 3pm.

At the seafront, the popular Naturally North Coast & Glens artisan market will be set up for all four days of the fair from 11am – 5pm, with a special Street Food Market taking place on Saturday evening from 7pm – 10pm and Sunday from 7-9pm.

With around 60 small businesses taking part in the market, you’ll find everything from handcrafted goods and unique artworks to mouth-watering local artisan food. It’s a fantastic chance to meet the makers, hear their stories, and support homegrown talent in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

This year, the markets new ‘Street Food Village’ is an exciting addition, with a host of food producers offering local delicacies and delicious dishes. Sample traditional treats such as yellow man and dulce, or tuck into more filling bites such as burgers, pizzas, crepes and hog roast.

Across the weekend, the seafront will play host to sand sculpting competitions, dog agility, fun activities, children’s entertainment and soft play amusements, all set against the sounds of fantastic live music from the stage.

On Saturday 23rd, after an afternoon of live music, get your cowboy boots on for The Electric Hoe Down at the Seafront stage from 8pm. Join Downtown’s Neal McClelland and Jason Hughes for a high-octane, genre-blending set that brings together two worlds that rarely collide: modern country and clubland rave. Expect a full-blown sonic culture clash as two of Northern Ireland’s biggest on-air personalities go head-to-head in a high-energy musical showdown.

Not to be missed, on Saturday will be the spectacular opening fireworks display which will light up the night sky at 9.30pm, to mark the start of the Ould Lamas Fair.

The ever-popular outdoor concert will be hosted at The Diamond on Sunday 24th from 7pm, with Irish Dance music band Clada warming up the crowd for trailblazing Irish Folk powerhouse, Wolfhound at 8.30pm. A blend of traditional and modern, an electrifying combination of time-honoured tunes and modern compositions, all wrapped up in a fusion of raw energy and exhilarating musical talent.

Sticking with tradition, the main events will be held on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th, with the town transformed by hundreds of stalls lining the streets, with locals and visitors as far as the eye can see.

One of the event’s most historic traditions will be celebrated at Fairhill Street, as the street transforms into a traditional horse-trading area, with farrier displays, pony rides and an animal petting farm.

Visitors can soak up the atmosphere in Fairhill Street and Castle Street, with busking pop-ups from local artists throughout Monday & Tuesday.

In an exciting addition to the Monday entertainment lineup, BBC Radio Ulster will be broadcasting live from the Seafront with Hugo Duncan and special guests from 1.30pm – 3pm.

Quiet time sessions for individuals with additional needs take place from 11am – 12noon, including the soft play amusements and a selection of activities.

This year’s Fair promises to be the best to date so have your comfortable walking shoes ready for a great weekend of fun at the 2025 Ould Lammas Fair.

For the latest updates, follow Causeway Coast and Glens Events on Facebook or Instagram.

Programmes for the event are available to download or you can find more information by visiting: https://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/whats-on/ould-lammas-fair.

PERSPECTIVES ON LOUGH NEAGH

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A powerful new series of short films has been launched by Lough Neagh Partnership.

 

The series, entitled ‘Perspectives on Lough Neagh’, has been commissioned to explore subjects as complex as blue-green algae, the loss of habitats and species, and nutrient management policy on the Lough. These perspectives are told by the voices of scientists, conservationists, environmentalists, farmers and local people whose connection to the Lough spans generations.

Lough Neagh has continually been in the news in recent years due to recurring blue-green algal blooms, which have caused ecological damage, disrupted tourism, and affected the lives and livelihoods of people who live and work around the Lough. These new videos offer a balanced, educational, and engaging lens through which the public can better understand both the causes of these issues and the collaborative efforts being made to solve them.

Each short film focuses on a different theme critical to the long-term sustainability of the Lough and its surrounding catchment area. As well as being a call to action, the series is also a celebration of Lough Neagh’s unique ecology, culture, and heritage. The short films show that despite the challenges, there is hope, and that solutions are already being developed by those who care about the Lough.

‘Perspectives on Lough Neagh’ is available to watch online and Gerry Darby of Lough Neagh Partnership believes that the series will deepen public understanding of the Lough.

Gerry said: “The Lough Neagh Partnership is proud to support this initiative, and I believe that as well as deepening an understanding of Lough Neagh, the ‘Perspectives on Lough Neagh’ short film series will generate wider support for the Lough Neagh Action Plan and other crucial environmental policies and measures.”

Gerry described the project as being “an innovative and inclusive way to bring attention to the very real challenges and opportunities facing Lough Neagh”.

He added: “These films offer a rich and diverse tapestry of views from those who live, work, and care for the Lough. They provide expert commentary alongside heartfelt local insights. It’s vital that we bring people together across all sectors including farming, fishing, community, and conservation if we are to develop and deliver a sustainable future for Lough Neagh. This video series is a powerful catalyst for those discussions.”

Delivered by Lough Neagh Partnership, this project has been funded by DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) and NIEA (Northern Ireland Environment Agency), and is designed to inform, inspire, and invite broader public engagement in the urgent conversation about Lough Neagh’s future.

‘Perspectives on Lough Neagh’ will be available to watch on https://www.youtube.com/@lough-neagh-partnership and will be streamed on www.loughneaghpartnership.org

Follow the conversation on facebook and linkedin.

SEA-ZE THE DAY: HEALTHY OCEANS HEALTHY MINDS RETURNS THIS AUGUST

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–            A packed schedule of over 60 free events is planned throughout August –

–            Inclusive beach events ensure everyone can connect with and enjoy Northern Ireland’s blue spaces –
Live Here Love Here’s Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds campaign is back for its fifth year, delivering over 60 free events throughout August to celebrate Northern Ireland’s blue spaces and the mental and physical well-being they offer.
Building on the success of previous years, the campaign – sponsored by Belfast Harbour – focuses on inspiring people to connect with water through inclusive, community-based activities. The 2025 programme includes a mixture of events for community groups and charities, and those open to the public.
The programme includes everything from beach yoga, guided foraging walks and sand art workshops, to beach cleans and nature-led play sessions for young children. Taking place across locations such as Murlough Beach, Ballyholme Beach, Crawfordsburn Country Park, and Ballygally Beach, it showcases Northern Ireland’s unique coastal and inland waterways while raising awareness of the growing threat of pollution, particularly marine litter.
Highlights of this year’s programme include a Rockpool Safari at Carnfunnock Country Park on Sunday 17 August at 11am. Open to all ages, this hands-on adventure invites participants to explore the fascinating and unusual creatures living in the rockpools, with the help of ID sheets, equipment, and engaging activities.
On Wednesday 20 August, there are two exciting events: Beach Babbies at Browns Bay Beach at 2pm, offering a nature-led play session designed especially for young children, and earlier that day, a Sand Dune Discovery at Tyrella Beach with Enspire Learn. This guided walk will uncover the story behind the formation of the dunes while highlighting the rich variety of wildlife they support – from lizards and butterflies to orchids and dragonflies.
As part of this year’s campaign, Live Here Love Here has partnered with the Mae Murray Foundation, a lived-experience, membership-led organisation dedicated to ensuring that people of all ages and abilities can fully participate in leisure and social activities. The Foundation will host an Inclusive Beach Fun Day on 14 August at Cranfield Inclusive Beach, where attendees can try their hand at archery and take part in a sandcastle building competition.
Kyleigh Lough, Chief Executive at Mae Murray Foundation said, “We are particularly focused on making sure that people with more complex needs, whose requirements are often overlooked, can participate fully in all areas of society. Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds is a vital campaign that helps us celebrate the mental and physical benefits of time spent near water – together and equally.”
Other key events include the Guided Rockpooling Tour with Coastal Kidz at Salmon Beach, Portballintrae, on Monday 25 August at 1pm and pollution art at Ballygally Beach on Saturday 30 August at 10am. Beginning with a community litter pick, local artist Janet Crymble will then lead participants in transforming collected trash into inspiring works of art.
These events provide just a few of the many opportunities to reconnect with our blue spaces and experience their powerful benefits for mental and physical well-being.
Live Here Love Here are inviting individuals, businesses, schools, charities and communities across Northern Ireland to participate.
Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said, “Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds has become a cornerstone of our work. This campaign not only raises awareness about marine pollution but also provides opportunities for people to reconnect with nature and each other. We’re especially proud of the inclusive events this year, which ensure that everyone – regardless of ability, age, or background – can enjoy and protect our blue spaces. As we face growing environmental challenges, every individual has a vital role to play in creating a cleaner, healthier future.”
Jenni Barkley, Community Engagement Manager at Belfast Harbour, added, “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of this campaign. Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds aligns with our long-term goals to promote sustainability and community well-being. These events provide meaningful ways for people to experience the coastline while fostering stewardship and environmental responsibility.”
Live Here Love Here is a partnership campaign funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, ten local councils and the Housing Executive. The campaign is managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.
To support the work of Live Here Love Here and other environmental programmes, please visit www.keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org, where you can find ways to get involved or make a donation. For more information on the Mae Murray Foundation and Inclusive Beaches, visit maemurrayfoundation.org.

Full Cast Announced For Ulster American At The Sanctuary Theatre

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East Belfast theatre company Bright Umbrella has announced the full cast for its upcoming production of Ulster American by David Ireland, which will run from Tuesday, August 26 to Saturday, September 6, 2025 at The Sanctuary Theatre.

Northern Irish actor James Boal will take on the role of Leigh Carver, an English theatre director whose ambition drives the central conflict in Ireland’s dark satire. He’ll be joined by Caroline Curran as Ruth Davenport and Andrew McClay as Jay Conway in a three-person cast exploring the volatile dynamics between identity, power, and art.

James is known for his bold, character-driven performances across stage, screen and immersive theatre. He played Mother Superior in Trainspotting Live, Christy in The Lieutenant of Inishmore, and Slim in Cyprus Avenue during its 2024 run at Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre.

Speaking about returning to David Ireland’s work, James said: “I’m a huge fan of David’s writing. His intense storytelling and razor-sharp dialogue. The hype around the play when it premiered in Edinburgh (where I live) was unreal, and when I read it I knew why.”

He added: “I played Slim in Cyprus Avenue alongside David Hayman as Eric. Seeing David’s play go to work on Scottish audiences was incredible, belly laughs to heartbreak in an instant. I have a feeling Ulster American is going to take Belfast audiences on that same intensely entertaining, unsettling and challenging wild ride.”

Known for his work across theatre and audio drama, James has appeared in BBC radio productions, independent film, and both UK touring shows and Belfast-based performances.

Reflecting on his character, he said: “Leigh Carver is the director of his friend Ruth Davenport’s play starring Oscar Award-winning actor Jay Conway. He’s ambitious, he has dreams of running the National Theatre… but what is he prepared to say and do in order to make that dream a reality?”

This production marks James’s first time performing at The Sanctuary Theatre. He commented: “It is a lovely and welcoming theatre. Most of all I’m looking forward to doing this play for a Belfast audience.”

He described the play as “a compelling heated debate about accountability, hypocrisy and political tensions, which is a brutally thrilling mess to see unfold. It’s satirical, it speaks to a lot of our current issues and it presents a number of challenges that will no doubt have audiences talking long into the night.”

Ulster American unfolds over the course of a single evening as three characters, an Oscar-winning American actor, a British director and a Northern Irish playwright, come together to discuss a new theatre production. What begins as a creative collaboration quickly spirals into confrontation, revealing uncomfortable truths and exposing the contradictions behind liberal ideals.

Speaking earlier about staging the play in East Belfast, director Trevor Gill said: “It is a pleasure to stage Ulster American by David Ireland in East Belfast, where he is from. We have a very strong and experienced cast well capable of delivering what is a challenging script. David Ireland’s work is a carefully crafted mixture of satire, shock and black humour. We can guarantee a memorable night at the theatre.”

The play has gained a reputation for its sharp writing, graphic honesty, and disturbing commentary on privilege, consent, and cultural power. It has been described as “brutally funny” and “not for the faint of heart”.

The script critiques performative liberalism, misogyny in creative spaces, and the commodification of identity. It contains very strong language, graphic violence, and references to sexual assault.

Bright Umbrella Theatre Company, based at The Sanctuary Theatre, continues its commitment to socially relevant, high-quality productions with strong local connections. The production is part-funded by Belfast City Council and supports the company’s wider programme of performance, education, and community engagement.

Tickets for Ulster American at The Sanctuary Theatre are on sale now at www.brightumbrella.co.uk

Audience Favourite Caroline Curran To Star In Ulster American

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Belfast actor and writer Caroline Curran has been announced as part of the cast for Bright Umbrella Theatre Company’s upcoming production of Ulster American by David Ireland.

The production will run from Tuesday, August 26 to Saturday, September 6, 2025 at The Sanctuary Theatre on Castlereagh Street in East Belfast, with evening performances at 7pm and a 2pm matinee on Saturday, September 6.

Caroline will play the role of Ruth Davenport, a Northern Irish playwright whose new script becomes the battleground for clashing egos and conflicting ideals. The play, which unfolds over a single evening, centres on a meeting between Ruth, an Oscar-winning American actor and an ambitious English director as they prepare for a new production. What begins as creative collaboration quickly unravels into confrontation.

Caroline said: “I play a character called Ruth Davenport, a writer from Belfast. She’s overjoyed that her play is being performed with a well-established actor. She’s intelligent, funny, but with a fiery side.”

She added: “I first read Ulster American in extracts that Bright Umbrella did for Bringing It All Back Home to celebrate writers from East Belfast. I was lucky enough to be reading the Ulster American extract with the part I am now cast in, so I am over the moon to be back.

“I have performed here before and I absolutely adore this space and the staff. I’m looking forward to audiences who have never been to the Sanctuary Theatre coming and seeing this very special place and enjoying a really funny, dark piece of theatre.”

Caroline is one of Northern Ireland’s most prolific comedy actors and writers. She’s widely known for playing Maggie Muff in 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue and was recently seen in Rough Girls on BBC, which was first performed at the Lyric Theatre after Covid. 

Her past credits include The Holy Holy Bus, Maggie’s Feg Run, The Real Housewives of Norn Iron and co-writing and performing in festive productions such as My Big Fat Belfast Christmas and Last Orders at the Rough Diamond.

She said: “I do play a lot of comedic roles and with this character I think people are going to get a real shock, in a good way, at how dark I can be. Ulster American is definitely a completely different role for me.”

She added: “I think the story is very relevant to today. It can be very graphic, as with all David Ireland’s plays. He is a master at his craft and he has a way of taking every audience on an emotional rollercoaster whilst also having the ability to shock and make you laugh.

“I have always admired his work and I’m genuinely so privileged to have been cast in one of his plays. It has always been a dream of mine to be in David’s plays, so hopefully I can do it justice.

“I look forward to making people laugh and shock them at the same time.”

Written by East Belfast playwright David Ireland, Ulster American is a dark satire exploring power, consent, and identity in the arts. It contains very strong language, graphic violence, and references to sexual assault.

The production is directed by Bright Umbrella founder and artistic director Trevor Gill, who previously said: “It is a pleasure to stage Ulster American by David Ireland in East Belfast, where he is from.

“We have a very strong and experienced cast well capable of delivering what is a challenging script. David Ireland’s work is a carefully crafted mixture of satire, shock and black humour. We can guarantee a memorable night at the theatre.”

The production is part-funded by Belfast City Council and continues Bright Umbrella’s mission to present socially relevant, high-quality theatre to local audiences.

Tickets for Ulster American at The Sanctuary Theatre are on sale now at brightumbrella.co.uk

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