Give Me Your Love, The Mac

Give Me Your Love is about MDMA assisted therapy for Post Traumatic Stress.

“It’s Ridiculusmus at their best”, The Stage.

Welcome to the world of war veteran Zach. As the last man standing, Zach has retreated into a tiny dugout under a barrage of hostile fire. His enemies are cunning, using every trick in the book to mess with his mind. Even the landscape is weird: it’s a cardboard box, in Zach’s kitchen, in Port Talbot. His wife whispers, kindly, that it’s safe to come out. But is it a trap? For if the real enemy is Zach himself then who will win if he loses?

Give Me Your Love is the second instalment of Ridiculusmus’s three-pronged investigation into innovative approaches to mental health. Informed by the latest scientific research, it explores the healing potential in altered states of consciousness.

Four star review in The Stage: “Ridiculusmus at their best”

Observer review: “Haynes and Woods play nimbly with delusion”

Tour dates coming up:

October

5-6 The MAC Live, Belfast

Give Me Your Love was commissioned by Battersea Arts Centre and Arts House, Melbourne. It has been supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England; the Wellcome Trust; Royal Victoria Hall Foundation; the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts; Victorian College of the Arts, Melbourne University and the City of Melbourne through Arts House and its Culture Lab programme.

 

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

  • Autumn Break, Banbridge Self-Catering Dovedale Cottage, Co. Down from £425 per stay

The four-star Dovedale Cottage is located one mile from the town of Banbridge, offering tranquil and peaceful surroundings and spectacular panoramic views of the rolling countryside and the Mountains of Mourne.  This self-catering property sleeps up to six people and has charming traditional features such as wood burning stoves in each of the three bedrooms. Offer includes a seven-night break and 1 x four ball at Banbridge Golf Club on week days. To book call 028 4062 5580. Offer available until 15 December 2018.

  • Autumn Break – Toast the Causeway Coast, Bayview Hotel, Co. Antrim from £85 per person sharing

The three-star Bayview Hotel is located in the heart of the picturesque village of Portballintrae, one mile from Bushmills, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and close to the Giants Causeway, Old Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle. Offer includes overnight accommodation, Bushmills coffee by the open peat fire on arrival, a three-course meal in the Porthole restaurant and breakfast the following morning plus a discount voucher for the world famous Bushmills Distillery. To book call 028 2073 4100. Offer available until 25 October 2018.

  • Fall into Autumn, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges, Co. Fermanagh from £109 per person sharing

The four-star Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel is idyllically set on the shores of scenic Lough Erne, bordered by private grounds and gardens, yet only one kilometre from the historic town of Enniskillen. Offer includes a two-night mid-week stay, fully cooked breakfast each morning and a four-course dinner on one evening. Whilst visiting enjoy complimentary use of the Killyhevlin Health Club complete with indoor swimming pool and outdoor hot tub. To book call 028 6632 3481. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (8 – 14 October)

 

1.       Fashion Fest 2018, Derry~Londonderry, 13 October. Taking place in one of the city’s most iconic landmark buildings, the Guildhall, this stylish celebration will showcase the very best in emerging and established designers.

2.       Kylie – Golden Tour, Belfast, 8 October. Kylie Minogue, currently on a high with her brand new track ‘Dancing’, will bring her extraordinary creativity as a live performer back to the SSE Arena this autumn on her headline UK and Ireland tour.

3.       Cinemagic International Film & Television Festival, Belfast, 2 October – 4 November. This award-winning festival, which is the largest film and television festival designed for, and by, young people in the UK and Ireland, boasts an ambitious and exciting programme of over 200 events including film screenings, masterclasses with film and television industry professionals, school workshops, Q&As, and young critics panels.

4.       Northern Ireland Potato Festival, Bushmills, 12 – 13 October. The NI Potato Festival celebrates the legacy of local man John Clarke OBE, a world renowned pioneer in potato breeding. The Festival line-up boasts a variety of attractions including Naturally North Coast and Glens artisan market with food and craft producers, cookery demonstrations and talks, bouncy castles, exhibitions and displays, potato inspired games and a petting farm.

5.       Evita, Derry~Londonderry, 9 – 13 October. Telling the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita follows Eva’s journey from humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status which ultimately lead her to be heralded

as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people. Featuring some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina and You Must Love Me, this smash hit show truly promises to be the theatrical event at the Millennium Forum.

6.       Squirrel Walk & Talk, Cushendall, 13 October. Join the Glens Red Squirrel Group to celebrate ‘Squirreltober’ with a guided walk through Cottage Wood to see if you can spot the Red Squirrel, which is regularly seen here. The woodland also contains a range of native and non-native species of trees and shrubs such as Scots Pine, Elder, Holly and Ash.

7.       Jane Eyre, Coleraine, 10 October. The young, orphaned Jane meets with cruelty at the hands of her aunt and then at the school to which she is banished. She eventually finds her freedom and becomes governess to the daughter of the enigmatic Mr Rochester at Thornfield Hall. As Jane and Rochester’s relationship grows, it is over shadowed by doubt, dark shadows and terrible secrets and she must choose between passion and reason. Hotbuckle Productions bring their inventiveness, humour and unique magic to Charlotte Bronte’s compelling tale at the Riverside Theatre.

8.       Fright Night 2018, Magherafelt, 12 October – 3 November. This year’s Fright Night is going to be bigger, scarier and full of twists. Fright Night will see the return of the horrid and harrowing “Woodland Trail”. Unveiling two amazing new sets, a brand new haunting story, coupled with special effects, atmospheric lighting throughout and a creepy cast of wicked creatures. On top of this, four of last year’s scare attractions will also be returning with a few extra dimensions and a brand new attraction; The Slaughterhouse.

9.       Harvest Fair at The Ballance House, Crumlin, 13 October. Enjoy soup, sandwiches, traybakes and apple pie in the Ballance House tea barn and visit the craft market stalls with a great selection of local crafts and produce to purchase. There will be themed apple craft activities for the children, flower-arranging and wood-carving demos along with a bespoke Silent Auction featuring prizes ranging from restaurant vouchers to hampers which guests can bid on throughout the day.

10.   The Baby Bushka Dance Party, Belfast, 13 October. Eight female performers use four-part vocal harmonies and epic choreographed dancing to bring the spirit and sound of music legend, Kate Bush, to life. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Bush devotees and an amazing night out for lovers of choregraphed dancing, jumpsuits and all things 80’s. Afterwards DJ Emma-Rose Hollywood, will be playing 80’s dancefloor fillers from Bowie to Bananarama to have you dancing into the small hours.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

Down

Warrior Assault, Bangor Aurora, this Saturday 6th October,  is the newest Obstacle Course Race to hit Northern Ireland! With two courses, one for adults and one for children, Warrior Assault is a fun packed obstacle course race for kids and adults! Ticket Prices Adult: £40, Teen (12-15): £17.50, Child (4-11): £12.00, Family Pass (2 adults + 2 children): £85.  The adult course is suitable for anyone over 16+ years, from complete beginner to regular OCR pros. The course has a 5km and 10km option – simply choose on the day which one you’re going to tackle!

Armagh

For the first time ever, the much loved Fairy-tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears comes to the stage at Portadown Town Hall this Sunday, in an unforgettable live stage production of song and laughter. Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Ruff The dog! and Mr Bunny, perform live on stage, right before their eyes in this exciting and fun filled musical production.

Fermanagh

Motorcycle Racing returns to Fermanagh in the form of the Enniskillen 100 Revival this Saturday 6th October – Ulster Superbike Championship Round 9.   16 races around the 1.2 mile airfield circuit. Non-stop action will see Ulster championship titles being won from 125/250 cc right up to 1000cc superbikes. Expect full grids of riders of all abilities and from all over Ireland. Parking available onsite. Admission £10.

Tyrone

The Leonard Brown Show at the Alley Theatre this Saturday 6th October will be an action packed journey of music, dancing and laughter.  After their sell out tour of North East England and Scotland, the show is coming to Strabane! Featuring Leonard Brown, champion accordionist and his All Star Band, up and coming country singer Chrissy Mac, Smith-McCarron Irish Dancers and the comedian and entertainer Gene Fitzpatrick.

Derry/Londonderry

On Sunday 7th October The Jungle NI are hosting their kids Zombie Run with a 2km and 6km zombie chasing course.  This is an obstacle run with a fiendish Halloween twist – think Rampage meets The Walking Dead!  Each runner starts with THREE lives (represented by flags worn about the waist) but, in addition to the running, the overcoming of obstacles and the manoeuvering through mud, runners also face ZOMBIES who will give chase in attempt to steal one of their three lives.  The runner’s objective is to make it to the finish line with as many lives as possible intact. The Zombie’s objective, however, is to steal your lives, so when you hear gunshot be prepared to run, for you only have three lives and the monstrous, prowling zombies are a determined bunch!

Antrim

Charity dinner in aid of Childrens Heartbeat Trust NI, Tullglass Hotel, Ballymena, Saturday 6th October.  Start the evening with a drinks reception, followed by a four course meal, raffle/auction and then dance the night away.  Get dressed up and have a good night while raising funds for an amazing cause.  £35 per person with discount for bookings of 10 or more. For tickets or further information contact Tracy 07843 812 867. All money raised in aid of Children’s Heartbeat Trust NI Charity No: NIC102410.

Belfast

This Saturday 6th October,  The Crescent Arts Centre is delighted to welcome to the stage the sensational blues and roots sing, songwriter and guitarist Gráinne Duffy.  Hailing from Castleblayney, Co.Monaghan, Ireland, she has been described by The Sunday Times as ‘a blues singer of real integrity’. She is a pioneer of her own style while also paying sincere homage to her roots, soul, blues, country and rock traditions and has spent the last number of years touring in Europe, Scandinavia, Asia and Canada.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Jacqueline McGonigle

Powerful new play ‘Cracks’ explores mental illness

A hard-hitting, powerful production exploring the profound struggles faced by people with mental illness is coming to The Web Theatre, Newtownards on Saturday, 20 October.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Richard Smart, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Community Arts Officer, Amy Smyth and Candice and Ian Foster from The Web Theatre pictured at The Web ahead of ‘Cracks’ a powerful new production which is coming to the theatre on October 20.

Produced by Quintessence Theatre (An Tain Arts Centre’s Company-In-Residence) and hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Cracks is a deeply moving and darkly comic play which follows a young Leanne who attempts to pick up the pieces of her life shattered by mental illness and an unsuccessful suicide attempt.

First devised by Quintessence in 2016 and directed by Anna Simpson, this work seeks to expose the lived experience of battling a severe mental illness in an inefficient and unsympathetic system through the eyes of one young woman, whilst demonstrating how those around also struggle to understand.

The play is performed by Leah Rossiter, Anthony Kinahan, Fiona O’Brien and The Web Theatre show is the final date on an 18-venue island-wide tour funded by the Arts Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Speaking about Cracks, The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Richard Smart said:

“While we have come a long way in breaking the stigma that surrounds poor mental health, we have still a way to go.

It’s only by tackling this stigma that people will feel able to talk to friends, family or support services in order to prevent the lows, most people experience from time to time, turning into something more complex.

That’s why I was delighted to support this production to help promote discussion around mental health locally and it’s also a great excuse to visit the superb Web Theatre which does so much to support the arts right here in Newtownards.”

Also speaking about the production, Amy McKelvey, Community Arts Officer for Ards and North Down Borough Council said; “According to a recent report by World Health Organisation, 1 in 4 people will suffer from mental health problems at some point in their lives. Sadly, Northern Ireland has the highest rate of suicide of any of the UK regions and these figures have risen steadily since the 1970’s. Raising awareness about mental health is important because not only does it help to remove the stigma around the subject, but it also helps sufferers and their families to be able to identify the issues and to get help to deal with the illness. We hope that bringing this hard-hitting production to Ards will highlight these issues and create further conversation about mental health. A post show discussion will follow the production where issues arising from the play will be discussed.”

Candice Foster Artistic Director Web Theatre said; ” We are delighted to have been selected as one of the venues for this performance. We strongly believe that theatre has the power to not only entertain but also educate and empower.”

Tickets for the performance at The Web Theatre are priced £8 with a group discount for 10 people and over at £4 per ticket. Tickets can be booked at Ards Arts Centre, by phone on 028 9181 0803 and online at www.ardsarts.com

Volunteers Gear Up for Belfast International Arts Festival

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 16th October to 3rd 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.

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

 

  • Fall into Autumn, Europa Hotel, Belfast from £55 per person sharing 

Experience the very best of what Belfast has to offer this autumn with a stay at the four-star Europa Hotel. The Europa is one of the world’s most famous hotels and is located in the heart of Belfast’s business and shopping district. Offer includes luxury overnight accommodation with an award-winning full Irish breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 9027 1066. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

  • Seamus Heaney Package, Ardtara Country House, Co. Londonderry from  £106.50 per person sharing

Enjoy a one-night midweek stay at the four-star Ardtara Country House. Nestled in ten wooded acres in the heart of Mid Ulster, this nineteenth century country house has been lovingly restored to provide guests with an authentic experience. Offer includes an overnight B&B stay, a three-course evening dinner in their award-winning restaurant and two tickets for admission to the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy. To book call 028 7964 4490. Offer available until 31 January 2019, Wednesday and Thursday only.

  • Autumn/Winter special, Rose Cottage, Co. Tyrone from £70 per stay.

This quaint four-star cottage is located in the heart of Cookstown, next to the idyllic Lough Neagh. The cottage sleeps up to four people across two bedrooms and is perfect for friends and family to enjoy the local area. Offer includes a £10 saving on overnight stays, with additional evenings starting from £35. To book call 077 4546 5251. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (1 – 7 October)

 

  1. HMS Caroline Beer and Cider Festival, Belfast, 6 October. Entry to the festival allows you access to HMS Caroline, the sole survivor of the Battle of Jutland in World War One. The drill hall will be alive with chatter with demonstrations on how to pour the perfect pint and tips on how to make the best beer and cider. Then unwind at the beer and cider bar as you listen to local artists and entertainers.
  2. Enniskillen 100, Co. Fermanagh, 6 October. Motorcycle Racing returns to Fermanagh in the form of the Enniskillen 100 Revival – Ulster Superbike Championship Round 9. Sixteen races around the 1.2 mile airfield circuit provide non- stop action which will see Ulster championship titles being won.
  3. Red Bull Foxhunt, Newry, 6 – 7 October. 550 riders will compete down Rostrevor’s downhill tracks, moorlands and forest roads in a bid to outride three all-star Foxes. Experience the thrill in the race village over the weekend and get up close to some of the riders, sample local artisan food and soak up the atmosphere.
  4. A Disappearing Act, Belfast, 4 – 6 October. Join Philip’s family and friends at the Crescent Arts Theatre for one final disappearing act, an immersive comedy about the end of life. Combining cheesy magic, exuberant music and audience participation, A Disappearing Act is a witty, inventive and sometimes awkward exploration of our mortality, the rituals we use to accept it and say goodbye to the ones we love.
  5. Zombie Run, Magherafelt, 6 – 7 October. Zombie Run is a 6K obstacle run with a fiendish Halloween twist. Cover treacherous terrain in your mission to evade the insatiable zombies. This year’s obstacles are bigger than ever before, with new obstacles including the exhilarating giant water slide. 2k and 5k kid’s runs are also available.
  6. Waggy Races – The Mount Stewart 5k, Newtownards, 7 October. Waggy Races is a cross country fun run for you to compete in as a team with your dog/s. The 12th Waggy Races will take place on the shores of Strangford Lough at the beautiful National Trust Property Mount Stewart.
  7. Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival, Belfast, 5 – 26 October. An action packed festival full of film screenings including special premieres, international feature films, documentaries, short films, foreign language films and education screenings. Throughout the festival Cinemagic will also be offering young people the opportunity to take part in practical events including industry workshops and exciting masterclasses.
  8. Fashion Show & Sparkling Afternoon Tea, Derry~Londonderry, 7 October. Spend an afternoon in the elegant Northern Counties Ballroom at the stunning Bishop’s Gate Hotel for an afternoon of sweet treats, delicate finger sandwiches and a live showcase of some of the wonderful products in Tahlia Leathers range. A pop up shop will be available after the show to allow guests to purchase some of the items featured in the fashion showcase.
  9. Yoga & Mindfulness Weekend, Omagh, 5 – 7 October. Head to An Creagán for a weekend of Yoga & Mindfulness. Their Autumn nurturing retreat gives you the chance to be nourished by the best that the Sperrins has to offer. The weekend includes yoga and mindful movement, activities and meditation all whilst surrounded by nature and beautiful landscapes.
  10. Joanna Lumley – It’s All About Me, Belfast, 6 October. Joanna will regale fans with tales from her incredible career spanning more than four decades at the Waterfront Hall, recounting some never heard before stories. She will also be joined on stage by Clive Tulloh, who will put to Joanna questions from the audience that they’ve always wanted to ask, making the show a unique and hilarious night to remember.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

Uplift Performing Arts Students to Tease up Their Hair and Twist and Shout in Hairspray Jr.

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

 

HBO® Licensing & Retail to Launch GAME OF THRONES® Legacy Experiences in Northern Ireland

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.