Get your tickets fast before they are all Souled Out!
The stage of the Grand Opera House will once again come alive with energy as Action Ability Belfast, the Northern Ireland-based charity that champions social inclusion for people with disabilities, returns with its latest, one night only production, Souled Out!, a powerful celebration of creativity, inclusion and talent.
For more than 15 years, Action Ability and the Grand Opera House have shared a hugely successful partnership, bringing sell-out shows, standing ovations and “great craic” to audiences year after year. From their very first production, Oh Mummy Mia!, to today, these performances have become a much-anticipated highlight in the Theatre’s calendar, not just for audiences, but for the performers themselves, who relish the opportunity to take centre stage in one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic venues.
Action Ability Belfast has been championing inclusion since 1998, working to ensure people with learning, physical or sensory disabilities are supported to live full lives within their own communities. What began as a small, social drama activity has evolved into a respected drama production with this annual performance reflecting the true heart of the cast.
Each show is the culmination of a year-long process of rehearsals and training. With some performers their journey spans more than a decade and they step onto the Grand Opera House stage each year as confident, seasoned performers and professionals in every sense.
At its core, this annual production is about dispelling outdated myths around disability. This is not about limitations; it is about talent and the power of performance.
Grand Opera House Chief Executive, Ian Wilson said: “Action Ability’s shows are always among the most uplifting and memorable performances to grace our stage. The quality of the work, the commitment of the performers and the sheer joy they bring to the Theatre is exceptional. This is not simply a feel-good night out, it is outstanding live performance brought to you by a charity that continues to challenge perceptions and open doors to opportunity.
“We are incredibly proud of our long-standing relationship with Action Ability and delighted to welcome them back to the Grand Opera House.”
For Action Ability, the show means far more than a night in the spotlight. Joe McNally, Project Co-ordinator at Action Ability Belfast, said: “These performances mean so much to our drama group and to everyone at Action Ability. What audiences see on stage is the result of a full year of rehearsals, training, teamwork and personal growth. For some of our performers, this journey began with our first Grand Opera House production over 15 years ago, and today they are confident, accomplished performers who know this stage inside out.
“Standing in the Grand Opera House, doing what they love, is incredibly powerful. It reinforces everything we believe in as a charity, that disability should never define what someone can achieve, and that talent deserves to be celebrated.”
Audiences can expect laughter, emotion and memories that will last long after the curtain falls. With previous productions consistently receiving glowing reviews and packed houses, demand is high.
Tickets are on sale now from the Grand Opera House box office or online https://www.goh.co.uk/whats-on/action-ability-souled-out. Early booking is strongly recommended.