Author: whatsonni

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

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Down

This Friday 17th January, The Belfast Operatic Company presents Songs From The Shows at St. Philip and St. James Church,  Holywood.  Tickets  are only £12 and available from the Parish Office. Proceeds in aid of the church organ fund.

Antrim

Rock ‘n’ Roll Years is back! After last year’s smash hit tour this wonderful nostalgic musical hits the road again, and will be at the Island Arts Centre Lisburn this Saturday 18th January.  Journey through the musical decades of the 50s and 60s paying homage to the lives and music of the stars of the era

Armagh

This Saturday evening join the Market Place Theatre on a journey through the music from the Beatles. A 9-piece band of multi-instrumentalists will passionately recreate all the classic Beatles hits as well as some hidden gems that showcase The Beatles absolute mastery of song writing.

Derry

This Sunday 19th January, Arbutus at the Crannagh, Coleraine on Sunday will host their Wedding Show from  2.00pm to 5.00pm.  You will be welcomed with champagne and canopes.  View the Marquee, talk with select wedding exhibitors, take in two catwalk shows and meet the Wedding Team at the Crannagh. Admission is free.

Fermanagh

Lakeland Players present Snow White at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th January. Glamorous killer Queen Caligula, so used to being called the fairest in the land by the spirit of the mirror Speak True, discovers a rival for the title in the shape of her step-daughter Snow White. Book early!

Tyrone

This Friday evening celebrate Burns Night with a Supper and Ceilidh at the Royal Hotel in Cookstown. Tickets are £22 and include a three course meal, whiskey toast, raffle and a superb line up of entertainment. Dress code “A touch of tartan”.

Belfast

Planning your summer getaway? Don’t miss this weekend’s Holiday World Show, now in its twenty-eighth year. This is the biggest and most influential holiday showcase – a three day travel fest to be enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors. 17th – 19th January.

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 13 – 19 January 2020.

1.       2020-Arenacross-Tour- 2020 Arenacross Tour Belfast, 17 – 18 January. The fastest motocross racers flock to the six-round series to take part in the UK’s richest off-road series. With bragging rights and a well-paid jackpot up for grabs, the riders leave nothing on the line resulting in knuckle to knuckle non-stop racing on the arena sized dirt battlefield. Cheer on local riders as they battle the international superstars from the age of seven up to the professionals.

2.       So-Sing-On-with-Sean-Keane So Sing On with Seán Keane Magherafelt, 17 January. Traditional Irish, folk and even country and blues songs all lend themselves to his unique style and unforgettable voice. Growing up among singers and musicians, Seán learned the sean nós style of singing in the heart of his family. Today, Seán Keane continues to delight audiences all over the world with his live performances and innate vocal artistry.

3.       Out-to-Lunch-Festival Out to Lunch Festival Belfast, 3 – 26 January. A lunch-based arts festival featuring the best in Comedy, Theatre, Literature and Music held in Belfast’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter. The 2020 edition features Badly Drawn Boy, Cerys Matthews, Janey Godley, Val McDermid, Joanne Harris and many more.

4.       SimplyE-Exhibition SimplyE Exhibition Armagh, 2 – 31 January. Craftswirl @ Armagh Visitor Information Centre are delighted to showcase a beautiful exhibition by SimplyE for their January exhibition. SimplyE is a maker, designer and a weaver of bespoke leather and weave products for use within the home and fashion industry which are all individually hand woven from her design studio in County Armagh.

5.        Midleton-Whiskey-Experience Midleton Whiskey Experience Belfast, 15 January. Guests will enjoy a cocktail on arrival and canapés as the expert whiskey ambassador takes you through the Midleton range. Be one of the very first people in Northern Ireland to attend a guided tasting of the Midleton Very Rare 2019, as well as delighting in the Midleton Very Rare 2018, the Midleton, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy and a Midleton Dair Ghaelach.

6.       Walled-City-400 Walled City 400 Derry~Londonderry, 18 February 2019 to 31 March 2020. Last year marked the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Derry Walls. Built from 1613-1619, the Walls are the largest ancient monument in Northern Ireland, the only remaining Walled City in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe.

7.       On-Refusal-Representation-Resistance-in-Contemporary-American-Art On Refusal: Representation and Resistance in contemporary American Art Belfast, 25 October 2019 – 19 January 2020. Proposing the body as a site of political enquiry, ‘On Refusal’ explores a return to figuration in the practices of a generation of artists currently working out of the United States, and examines the political impetus for this reinvestment in the body and notions of embodiment as a subject of art in the context of contemporary America.

8.       Life-Cycles-by-Lorna-Smyth Life Cycle by Lorna Smyth Enniskillen, 2 December 2019 – 18 April 2020. This showcase of new works, curated by renowned artist Lorna Smyth, encompasses the four seasons in one year. Lorna’s art emphasises the world around us, highlights her love of nature and captures a sense of belonging regardless of the place name.

9.       Lost-Childhood-Exhibition Lost Childhood Exhibition Derry~Londonderry, 2 December 2019 – 31st January 2020. This December, take a trip to the award-winning Museum of Free Derry to see one of their most poignant and affective exhibitions yet, ‘Lost Childhood Exhibition’.

10.   Philanthropy-Past-and-Present-Tour Philanthropy Past and Present, Tour of Clifton House Belfast, 10 January – 28 February. Clifton House is an impressive Georgian building, set in tranquil landscaped gardens in the heart of Belfast. Opened in 1774 by Belfast Charitable Society, the building was used as a nursing home and hospital for older people, now transformed into a unique event venue and visitor attraction. The January and February tours explore the city’s oldest working building, set up by philanthropic merchants as the Belfast Poor House. Hear stories of its work and those who sought refuge in its walls.

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

Offers of the week!

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Northern Ireland boasts a wonderful 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.

·         Winter Week at Serenity Bungalow, Portstewart from £385 for seven nights

Treat yourself to a peaceful breakaway in a four star self-catering bungalow “Serenity” in Portstewart for only £55 per night or stay for seven nights for £385. The cosy bungalow sleeps seven people and includes a cot in one double bedroom with an ensuite, two twin rooms and one single. This offer includes towels, bed linen, heating, electricity and a welcome pack. To book call 07887845474. Offer available until 29th February (subject to availability).

·         Winter Wind Down at Ballygally Castle Hotel, Larne from £50 per person sharing

Slow things down this winter and wind down in the perfect stress-free environment along the Antrim Coast. Enjoy a luxurious overnight break at Ballygally Castle with a seasonal cocktail upon arrival. Offer includes luxurious overnight accommodation, Seasonal cocktail on arrival, full Irish breakfast in the morning, complimentary customer car parking and Hastings Hotels duck. To book call 028 2858 1066. Offer available until 29th February (subject to availability).

·         Winter two night escape at the Mellon Country Inn Hotel, Omagh from £176

Escape and indulge in a guilt-free getaway at the Mellon Country Inn Hotel in Omagh. Located in the heart of the Sperrin Mountain region, the hotel is surrounded by plenty of walking trails nearby just waiting to be discovered. This offer includes two nights with bed and breakfast for two people plus afternoon tea for two adults on a day of your choice. To book call 02881661224. Offer available until 29th February (subject to availability).

ENJOY A WINTER BREAK WITH HASTINGS HOTELS FROM £45PPS

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GOING back to work after the Christmas break is never easy but Hastings Hotels has a fabulous range of winter overnight breaks from as little as £45pps* which promise to give you something to look forward to in January and February. 

Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in one of Hastings’ famous Cloud Beds, with a complimentary cocktail and full Irish breakfast the following morning. These fabulous winter offers are available across all seven Hastings hotels:

Everglades Hotel – from £45pps

Stormont Hotel – from £45pps

Europa Hotel – from £50pps

Ballygally Castle – from £50pps

Grand Central Hotel – from £65pps

Slieve Donard Resort & Spa – from £65pps

Culloden Estate & Spa – from £100pps

For further information or to book, go to www.hastingshotels.com or call 028 9047 1066. 

* Terms and conditions apply. Rates are per person sharing, are subject to availability and are valid until 29th February 2020 (excluding 14th & 15th February).

Free dementia friendly films continue with Singin’ In The Rain at Flowerfield

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Flowerfield Arts Centre will continue its programme of free dementia friendly film screenings with the classic technicolour Singin’ in the Rain on Wednesday 22nd January at 11am.

Starring Gene Kelly in his most famous role, alongside Debbie Reynolds as his feisty love interest and the fabulous funny man Donald O’Connor, this is the perfect film to lift your hearts and chase away those January blues!

Set during the turbulent period when Hollywood was converting from silent films to sound, Singin’ in the Rain is a perfect example of everything that is good about movie-making, with some of the most iconic dance performances and songs ever seen or heard in musical film.

This Cine Together project has been made possible with support from Film Hub NI (BFI Film Audience Network), through The National Lottery Good Causes Fund.

The free screening, which is aimed at older people and groups, features cabaret style seating and soft lighting. Booking is advisable as numbers are restricted.

A family friendly screening will take place at 7pm on Wednesday 22nd January. Admission £5. Contact 028 7083 1400 or email info@flowerfield.org to secure your space at either event. Group bookings are welcome.

Running time: 1 hr 43 mins, 1952

Certificate U

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 6 – 12 January 2020.

1.       Colin-Geddis-Gedzilla Belfast, 11 January 2020. In the last ten years Colin Geddis has dominated Northern Irish comedy, selling out his solo stand-up shows, generating millions of online hits on both YouTube and Facebook and has over one million podcast listens on his hugely popular ‘General Banter’ podcast. His new show is his biggest to date, and in a venue that no other solo Northern Irish comedian has ever played.

2.       SimplyE-Exhibition Armagh, 2 – 31 January 2020. Craftswirl @ Armagh Visitor Information Centre are delighted to showcase a beautiful exhibition by SimplyE for their January exhibition. SimplyE is a maker, designer and a weaver of bespoke leather and weave products for use within the home and fashion industry which are all individually hand woven from her design studio in County Armagh. 

3.       Philanthropy-Past-and-Present-Tour Belfast, 10 January – 28 February 2020. Clifton House is an impressive Georgian building, set in tranquil landscaped gardens in the heart of Belfast. Opened in 1774 by Belfast Charitable Society, the building was used as a nursing home and hospital for older people and is now a unique event venue and visitor attraction. The January and February tours explore the city’s oldest working building, set up by philanthropic merchants as the Belfast Poor House. Hear stories of its work and those who sought refuge in its walls.

4.       David-Meade-Catch-Meade-If-You-Can Downpatrick, 11 January 2020. Described across the world as “Jaw Dropping” and “Hilarious”, Northern Ireland’s record breaking Mind Reader Meade is back on home soil to amaze everyone in his funniest and most interactive show yet: “Catch Meade If You Can”. You simply have to see this show to believe it.

5.       Walled-City-400 Derry~Londonderry, 18 February 2019 to 31 March 2020. 2019 marked the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Derry Walls. Built from 1613 to 1619, the Walls are the largest ancient monument in Northern Ireland, the only remaining Walled City in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe.

6.       On-Refusal-Representation-Resistance-in-Contemporary-American-Art Belfast, 25 October 2019 – 19 January 2020. Proposing the body as a site of political enquiry, ‘On Refusal’ explores a return to figuration in the practices of a generation of artists currently working out of the United States, and examines the political impetus for this reinvestment in the body and notions of embodiment as a subject of art in the context of contemporary America.

7.       Life-Cycles-by-Lorna-Smyth Enniskillen, 2 December 2019 – 18 April 2020. This showcase of new works, curated by renowned artist Lorna Smyth, encompasses the four seasons in one year. Lorna’s art emphasises the world around us, highlights her love of nature and captures a sense of belonging regardless of the place name.

8.       Lost-Childhood-Exhibition Derry~Londonderry, 2 December 2019 – 31st January 2020. This December, take a trip to the award-winning Museum of Free Derry to see one of their most poignant and affective exhibitions yet, ‘Lost Childhood Exhibition’.

9.       blacksmithing-workshop Holywood, 9 January 2020. Join the resident blacksmith for a half-day blacksmithing experience in a traditional nineteenth century forge. Experience what is was like to work in a blacksmith’s forge in the nineteenth century. As well as learning some tricks of the trade, visitors will have an opportunity to mould the iron to make a fireside poker and a fire rake to take home.

10.   castle-tours Hillsborough, 6 – 12 January 2020. Discover stories of celebration, entertainment, diplomacy, and negotiation in a guided tour of Hillsborough Castle. The castle tour includes guided access to all the State Rooms that make up this elegant Georgian home; including the grand Throne Room, relaxing State Drawing Room, Lady Grey’s Study, State Dining Room, Red Room and Stair Hall. Visitors can also explore 100 acres of beautiful gardens to complete a relaxing day out for the whole family.

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

By

Down

Don’t miss the fabulous Tina Turner Tribute Show this Saturday evening at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa.  Sit back and enjoy the show in a cabaret-style setting.  Tickets £22 from Ticketmaster or Hotel Reception.  Book in for a pre-show dinner, or treat yourself and stay overnight!

Antrim

La Mon Hotel  and Country Club will host their Winter Wedding Showcase this Sunday 12th January from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.  Admission is free. Receive a Wedding Goodie Bag & glass of prosecco on arrival, view the ceremony suites, reception suites, luxury accommodation & beautiful gardens and meet La Mon’s professional wedding co-ordinators and banqueting team.

Armagh

Bagatelle have shared stages with legends like Bob Marley, John Denver, The Pogues, Duran Duran, Van Morrison, George Micheal, U2, Jose Feliciano and UB40. See them live on stage this Saturday evening at the Market Place Theatre. Tickets £23.

Derry

This Saturday afternoon at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Anne Tracey and friends invite you to join them for another afternoon of music, song and poetry to lift the heart and soul at the beginning of 2020.  Tickets £10.

Fermanagh

Life Cycles by Lorna Smith is a showcase of new works at Enniskillen Castle, encompassing the four seasons in one year. Lorna’s art emphasises the world around us, highlights her love of nature and captures a sense of belonging regardless of the place name.

Tyrone

Stewartstown Amateur Dramatic Society presents Aladdin at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown. The Wicked Abanazer is seeking the magic lamp that contains the all– powerful genie, so that it can rule the world! The innocent Aladdin, his brother Washee and their fearsome mother, Twankey intervene and save the day!  Throw in a magic carpet, beautiful princesses, policemen and spirit of the ring; a fantastic tale with song, slapstick and pantomime! 10th, 11th 17th, 18th, 24th  and 25th January.

Belfast

Join the RSPB NI Winter Walk this Saturday morning.  After taking in the stunning views of Belfast Lough from the observation room at WOW, take a tour of the reserve with the warden and spot black-tailed godwits, bar-tailed godwits, wigeons, shovelers and ruffs. You might even see curlews, lapwings and kingfishers! Bring a packed lunch and wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear in case of inclement weather. Wellington boots essential!

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

10 things do this week in NI

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10 things to do in Northern Ireland

Here are ten exciting things taking place from 30 December – 5 January 2020.

1.       Out-to-Lunch-Festival Belfast, 3 – 26 January 2020. A lunch-based arts festival featuring the best in Comedy, Theatre, Literature and Music held in Belfast’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter. The 2020 edition features Badly Drawn Boy, Cerys Matthews, Janey Godley, Val McDermid, Joanne Harris and many more.

2.       New-Years-Eve-2019-Black-and-White-Ball Bangor, 31 January. Revel in a fabulous night of entertainment and dance the night at The Old Inn this New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a delicious three course meal and some live Jazz entertainment throughout the evening before bringing in the New Year with resident DJ Derek West on the dance floor.

3.       New-Years-Day-Historic-Ards-Walk Newtownards, 1 January. The historic tour will take you on a journey through time, visiting the Medieval, Plantation and Georgian periods discovering the many interesting and exciting stories including those of John de Courcy and Oliver Cromwell. Discover the unique history of Newtownards – one of the oldest settlements in Northern Ireland.

4.       A-Night-in-Vienna Belfast, 4 January. This ever-popular New Year concert returns to enchant audiences once again. Let the Ulster Orchestra and highly-acclaimed soprano, Ailish Tynan, take you to the magic and magnificence of the 19th century Vienna ballrooms with a glittering collection of wonderful waltzes, opulent overtures and playful polkas.

5.       SimplyE-Exhibition-in-Craftswirl-Armagh-Visitor-Information-Centre Armagh, 2 – 31 January. Craftswirl @ Armagh Visitor Information Centre are delighted to showcase a beautiful exhibition by SimplyE for their January exhibition. SimplyE is a maker, designer and a weaver of bespoke leather and weave products for use within the home and fashion industry which are all individually hand woven from her design studio in County Armagh. 

6.       The-Governors-NYE-Ball Belfast, 31 January. The unique Victorian Era prison provides a stunning backdrop to your New Year’s Eve party which will kick off with a magical drinks reception, followed by a three course meal and entertainment from live five piece band Conspiracy. They cover everything from the swinging sixties right up to current chart hits and are sure to have you up on your feet dancing the night away.

7.       Life-Cycles-by-Lorna-Smyth Enniskillen, 2 Dec – 18 April 2020. This showcase of new works, curated by renowned artist Lorna Smyth, encompasses the four seasons in one year. Lorna’s art emphasises the world around us, highlights her love of nature and captures a sense of belonging regardless of the place name.

8.       Bespoke-Farm-Tour-Broughgammon-Farm Ballycastle, 4 September – 31 December. Fancy a personal guided tour of the farm? Come along and meet the animals, see a true farm to fork artisan food business, and see how they farm in harmony with the environment. Get delicious samples of their award winning produce and take home our cookbook showcasing Northern Irish producers.

9.       Christmas-Family-Activities-at-Hillsborough-Castle-Hillsborough-P85702/ Hillsborough, 1 – 2 January. Celebrate the festive season with family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling, dancing and music, inspired by the theme of the 12 days of Christmas.  Join our ’12 drummers drumming’ this Christmas and participate in this fun family workshop run by drum circle facilitator Joe Loughlin. No drumming experience necessary!

10.   Peter-Pan Belfast, 29 Nov – 4 January. From Wonderland to Neverland, Paul Boyd returns with an exciting new musical of Peter Pan, adapted from the play by JM Barrie. With fairies, crocodiles, flying children, and mermaids, join the Darling children as they embark on the most magical adventure – where Hook and the crew of the Jolly Roger come face to face with all of Neverland and the boy who won’t grow up.

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

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Happy New Year from Jacqueline at whatsonni.com as she shares her pick of what’s on across the North this weekend.

Down

Getting married in 2020? Don’t miss the Wedding Show at the Marine Court Hotel Bangor this Sunday 5th January.  This is the perfect opportunity to view the Marine Court, beautifully situated on Bangor Marina.  Meet the events team and get a tour of the hotel. You will also have the chance meet an amazing selection of local wedding suppliers. Enjoy a welcome drink on arrival with nibbles, a relaxing way to plan your wedding.

Antrim

William Caulfield stars in Our Jimmy, Past and Present at The Theatre at the Mill this Saturday 4th December. Featuring some original, and some new material from the beloved comedy characters. Join William as he celebrates the comedy legend that was James Young.

Armagh

Fresh from a sell-out tour, star of BBC’s ‘The Blame Game’, ‘Fighting Talk’ and ‘The News Quiz’, Neil Delamere returns to The Market Place with a brand new show on the 3rd, 4th and 5th January.  Time waits for no man, especially one trying to buy a watch. Things always get complicated!

Derry/Londonderry

Ah Vienna! Let the Ulster Orchestra and charismatic guest performers take you to the glittering world of Strauss for the waltz of your life this Sunday 5th January at the Millennium Forum. Welcome the New Year with an uplifting and enchanting evening of your much-loved Viennese music from the Merry Widow to the Blue Danube.

Fermanagh

Flash Harry are Northern Irelands most enduring tribute band, celebrating the music of super star Freddie Mercury and super group Queen, for over 25 years. See them perform live this Saturday 4th at the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen. They are sure to have the audience rocking in their seats and singing along to anthems of one of the greatest bands in history!

Tyrone

This Saturday 2.00pm at Ranfurly House Dungannon, sing your heart out to the Greatest Showman. This special sing-a-long screening of The Greatest Showman, the Golden Globe winner for Best Original Song, is your opportunity to join in the fun, sing loud and be part of the movie – It’s Showtime!

Belfast

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Years and Dance Hall Days show is coming to the Ulster Hall on 4th and 5th January.  An all-star cast will take you on a whirlwind journey through the musical decades of the 50’s and 60’s paying homage to the musical stars of the era.  Hosted by George Jones who plays ‘the Agent’, the story unfolds into a myriad of the times greatest hits, including Elvis, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Del Shannon and many more.

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Have a very Happy Christmas!

By

Down

Join the Slieve Donard Hotel for an evening of music in a “cabaret-style” setting with the Bjorn Identity on Sunday 29th December.  Doors open at 7.30 and the show begins at 9.00pm.  Make a night of it and book in for a pre-show dinner, or even better, treat yourself to an overnight stay!

Antrim

Island Arts Centre Lisburn presents Celtic Soul, the definitive tribute to Van Morrison on Sunday 29th December, for a special Christmas evening celebrating the music of the legendary Belfast song writer.  With years of playing in blues, folk, trad and jazz bands, the seven-piece band have the ingredients to deliver Van’s music authentically.

Armagh

Live Nativity at Tannaghmore Rare Breeds Animal Farm is open until the 29th December.  You will find Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the three Kings in a remake of that world  famous stable complete with donkey,  sheep, cows and other animals. 

Derry

Junior Parkrun Magherafelt takes place every Sunday morning at 9.30am at Polepatrick, Castledawson Road, Magherafelt, BT45 6PB.   This is a free, timed 2k event for juniors only age 4-14 years old. Get updates on the facebook page and don’t forget your barcode!

Fermanagh

Veteran Irish songwriter Kieran Goss and singer Annie Kinsella will perform live at the Ardhowen Theatre this Saturday evening.  With songs, stories and harmonies that transport the listener to another world, this is music from the heart, for the heart… A show to make you laugh and cry… A show to move you with its honest beauty.

Tyrone

Banyan Theatre Company presents the Emperor’s New Clothes at Ranfurly House this Saturday at 2.00pm.   Two Swindlers come into town pretending to be master tailors. The vain Emperor summons them to fashion him a set of clothes the like of which had never been seen before.  This charming and humorous adaptation is told through the use of puppetry, original music and storytelling. Tickets only £5.

Belfast

Panto season is still in full swing and continues with Belvoir Players’ production of Aladdin. The wicked Abanazar is seeking the magic lamp that contains the all-powerful Genie, so that he can rule the world, and is just steps away from succeeding! Is all hope lost?   The show continues until the 4th January at Belvoir Players Studio.

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