Author: Tina Calder

Armagh magician Caolan McBride, is set to star in Cahoots NI’s latest immersive magical digital theatre experience.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers from the comfort of their own home.

In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Caolan will be part of the Cahoots NI team broadcasting from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

The 37-year-old said he was looking forward to taking part, and can’t wait until audiences get to experience it.

“The ideas that were being talked about when I was approached were so exciting,” Caolan explained. 

“Especially how the Magic could be presented online.

“From a magician’s point of view there were things I hadn’t seen done anywhere before and I knew early on that something special was happening, so I had to be involved.”

The show will have it’s Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

And, the Armagh native believes the University of Wonder and Imagination will be something special.

“In our current world the online format has become so important,” Caolan said. “I love Cahoots NI.’s take on the format because it’s equally ambitious and distinctive.

“There are things happening that only Cahoots NI could pull off so it’s a joy to be working in that world.”

The magician is no stranger to working for the theatre company.

“I first started performing with Cahoots NI back in 2005 not long after I became a full-time performer,” he explained. “What I like most is the end product. I absolutely love their shows and I know first hand the joy that they bring to audiences all over the world.

“To get to be a part of sharing that joy with the audience is exactly why I became a Magician in the first place.

“I am bursting to tell you all about the amazing things that happen in this show, but I won’t spoil it…All I will say is book tickets, you will experience something truly Magical.

Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home.

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.

“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”

The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented to the Arts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cahoots NI continues to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their latest show, The University of Wonder and Imagination, this Autumn.

“This latest show promises to be a wonder to behold! The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many online, helping to bring great art to everyone.” 

Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Northern Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI

A stunning array of Northern Ireland talent has been gathered to present Cahoots NI’s immersive digital theatre experience with the aim of bringing the magic and joy of theatre to young audiences at home.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers.

In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, actors, magicians and composers will be part of the Cahoots NI team broadcasting from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

From Belfast to Ballycastle, from Bangor to Armagh, all have assembled to help families enjoy the theatre experience, this time with a tremendous twist.

The show will have its Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

The cast includes actors Sean Kearns (Newry), Hugh Brown (Bangor), Philippa O’Hara (Belfast), Lata Sharma (Bangor) and magician Caolan McBride (Armagh).

Also involved with the show is composer, sound designer and musical director Garth McConaghie (Ballycastle).

Artistic Director and Creator of University of Wonder and Imagination, Paul Bosco McEneaney, said he was delighted to have so much talent for the show.

“We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment, with such an array of Northern Ireland’s best contributing,” he said. 

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time.

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.”

The show will have its Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

Speaking of the show Hugh Brown said: “A huge amount of effort is going into the development of this show on all levels. From writing and development, vision and production, technology and design there is a crack team of individuals working together to produce what I believe will be hugely entertaining and a theatrical revelation in these unusual and testing times.”

Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.

Sean Kearns said he was excited to be part of the ambitious undertaking.

“The wonderfully frightening thing about this project is that the format is new to all of us, so we are all discovering it together,” he said. 

“Technically the show is enormous, and we are still figuring out what can be achieved. As the University Motto states ‘In Imagination we Trust and in Wonder We Must’.”

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

Magician Caolan McBride said: “From a magician’s point of view there were things I hadn’t seen done anywhere before and I knew early on that something special was happening.”

Philippa O’Hara added: “It feels like we’re entering a new frontier of online theatre due to Covid-19 and Cahoots are diving headfirst into this new world.” 

Composer Garth McConaghie said Cahoots NI are bringing the theatre directly to people in their own homes.

“The fact that we are pushing technical boundaries in exploring new ways to tell stories and present theatre.”

Radio star Lata Sharma, said that even the cast were daunted at first by the scale of the show.

“When I first heard about the format, it was a little scrambled in my head but as I read through the script and began to recite it out loud, it all began to fall into place.”

Speaking of the technology being implemented to show The University of Wonder and Imagination Paul McEneaney said: “The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions.

“Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”

The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI

Newry born actor and performer, Sean Kearns, is set to star in Cahoots NI’s latest immersive magical digital theatre experience.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers from the comfort of their own home.

In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Sean will be part of the Cahoots NI team broadcasting from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

Sean said that he was looking forward to taking part, and can’t wait until audiences get to experience it.

“The sheer scale of this show and the technical wizardry required to bring it to fruition is what excited me,” he said. 

“From my initial chat with Cahoots NI Artistic Director Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney it became very clear how passionate he was about bringing a different style of on-line performance to life.

“The wonderfully frightening thing about this project is that the format is new to all of us, so we are all discovering it together. Technically the show is enormous, and we are still figuring out what can be achieved. As the University Motto states ‘In Imagination we Trust and in Wonder We Must’.”

The show will have it’s Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

The 55-year-old is no stranger to the ambitious productions of the theatre company.

“I have previously worked with Cahoots on Two Christmas at The Mac Belfast, playing Rocombollo in Pinocchio and Stan the shoemaker in The Elves and the Shoemaker, he said.

“I love working with Cahoots as Paul really knows who his target audience is, I love being in a rehearsal room with him helping him bring to reality the myriad of incredible ideas he has flying around his head.”

For Sean this is the latest in a long line of successes.

“I didn’t go to drama school so the fact that I have performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company for two seasons plus two seasons at Shakespeare’s Globe,” he explained. “I have appeared in the West End in Billy Elliot, The 39 Steps, The Commitments, Wicked and the comedy About a Bank Robbery.”

Other credits include the hit TV show, Ballykissangel and the film Angela’s Ashes.

Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests of the University of Wonder and Imagination will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home.

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.

“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”

The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented to the Arts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cahoots NI continues to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their latest show, The University of Wonder and Imagination, this Autumn.
“This latest show promises to be a wonder to behold! The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many online, helping to bring great art to everyone.” 

Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Northern Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI

Ground-breaking immersive digital show by children’s theatre company Cahoots NI set to delight Irish audiences

Children’s theatre company Cahoots NI has launched an immersive digital theatre experience with the aim of bringing the magic and joy of theatre to young audiences at home.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers. 

Opening on October 4 & 5 at Wainfest, Donegal the show will “tour” across Ireland stopping off at Lime Tree Theatre & Belltable’s Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival – Limerick (Oct 7 & 10), Baboro International Arts Festival – Galway (Oct 12-17), Linenhall Arts Centre – Castlebar (Oct 19 & Nov 7), Belfast International Arts Festival (Oct 22-25 & 29-Nov 1), Hawkswell Theatre – Sligo (Oct 28) and more.

In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Cahoots NI will broadcast from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems. 

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home or in classrooms.  

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.

“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.” 

Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children in NI. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNImagic

In fact, anxiety is estimated to affect at least 40% of autistic individuals and is a prevalent problem for autistic children and young people.

According to Meta Auden, founder of Spectra Sensory Clothing there’s no doubt the world can be a confusing place for children with ASD. 

She said: “Whether it’s dealing with social situations or unfamiliar surroundings, children with ASD can often have difficulty working out what others are thinking or trying to anticipate how others will react to certain situations. 

“As a result, they can feel anxious and stressed. To make matters worse, they may often find it difficult to tell parents or others that they’re feeling anxious and instead begin to display challenging behaviour.”

Challenging behaviour

According to Meta, circumstances that can lead to challenging behaviour can include:

• Changes in environment – from the most simple changes such as furniture in the home being moved, to new equipment in the local park – all are capable of leaving a child with ASD feelings of being unable to cope
• Changes in routine – this can often be one of the biggest challenges for a child with ASD. If, for example, a piano teacher is unwell and unable to hold the weekly lesson, the child can become extremely upset and anxious
• Unfamiliar social situations. Even something as simple as a friend’s birthday party, while generally enjoyable, can create anxiety as a result of the new noises, bright lights, unfamiliar foods etc
• Worry created by familiar situations such as going to the toilet, vacuum cleaners etc

Separation anxiety is another source of extreme anxiety. While typically developing children can often express anxiety or nervousness in such circumstances, children with ASD can be particularly affected by social anxiety. From fear of being separated from parents and caregivers to worries over homework or health issues, children with ASD can be affected by a range of issues.

Anxiety UK suggests imagining anxiety as a bucket of water: an accumulation of small, everyday stresses will eventually fill the bucket and, on occasion, make it overflow. It’s essential therefore to spend time on trying to work out your child’s personal causes of anxiety and identify strategies to relieve – or even avoid – the ‘overflow’ of anxiety.

Fortunately there are things that you can do to help alleviate or ease your child’s anxiety and encourage them to manage their anxiety levels on a daily basis.

Symptoms of anxiety

While children are affected by anxiety in different ways, there are a number of symptoms that are common in anxious children. These include: 

• Trouble sleeping
• Meltdowns or temper tantrums
• Withdrawal from or avoidance of social situations
• Increasing insistence on routine and ‘sameness’
• Actions designed to hurt themselves, such as head banging, scratching skin or hand biting
• Increased ‘stimming’ behaviour such as drumming fingers and rocking back and forth

Meta explained: “Many children with ASD also experience internal sensations of tension, including a racing heart or palpitations, sweating, nausea and stomach pains. There may also be feelings of fear, dread or irritability and hypervigilance.”

How to help your child

“One of the first ways in which you can help your child is by reading your child’s signals and working out what makes them feel stressed” said Meta, adding: “It can also be very helpful if you explain to your child what anxiety is, how it feels and what they can do to help themselves.”

Visual techniques

Visual aids can be a great help to your child. If, for example, your child becomes anxious when you’re dropping them off at school, you could provide them with photos of what you’ll be doing while you’re not with them – such as driving home, going shopping and reading along with photos of what they’ll be doing – sitting in class and playing sport.

Similarly, if your child tends to become anxious if there’s a change in their routine, then visual schedules can help to prepare them for the change. School holidays, for example, can be a source of anxiety, so providing a schedule that shows in advance that there will be a change in the daily schedule can help to alleviate the anxiety.

Bear in mind, however, that while some children find it helpful to be warned about a change a day or two in advance, others can find too much advance warning another source of anxiety.

Rehearse stressful situations

“For many children with ASD, preparation is the key to alleviating anxiety” said Meta. “The simple act of rehearsing or practising situations that your child finds stressful can help them to not only understand the situation in a visual way, but can give them the added bonus of physical preparation.

“If, for example, your child finds going to the dentist or hairdresser worrying, then go for a practice run. Make the hairdresser or dentist aware of your child’s anxiety so that they’re fully prepared to make your child feel as comfortable and as relaxed as possible. 

“Make sure too that when you’re practising different scenarios with your child you give them constant praise so that they become comfortable and at ease with the situation.” 

Use relaxation and calming strategies

Of course, you can’t always be with your child when they become tense and anxious, so it’s a good idea to give them strategies that can help them to calm themselves down when they feel themselves becoming tense. Among the most successful strategies are:

• counting slowly up to ten
• taking five deep breaths
• running around the garden or playground five times
• reading a favourite book
• closing their eyes for a few moments

Provide forms of diversion

Diverting your child’s attention can often be a perfect solution for alleviating your child’s anxiety. In the same way that writing your worries down in letter format can reduce your anxiety, allowing your child to write their troubles down on a piece of paper can prove a very positive move.

“Products such as Worry Eaters, which we sell at Spectra Sensory, allow your child to rid themselves of their woes. Recommended by psychologists and teachers, these comforting bedtime toys act as a ‘waste bin’ for all your child’s worries from the day” said Meta.

“By using a Worry Eater, your child can simply write or draw their troubles on a piece of paper and feed them into the zipped mouth of their Worry Eater. You can then retrieve the note or drawing in the Worry Eater’s tummy, and talk to your child about it. This not only helps them to come up with solutions, but is particularly good for non-verbal children. And, when the problem is resolved, your child can simply cuddle up to their Worry Eater for bedtime snuggles.

“Worry Eaters – the perfect solution for alleviating your child’s anxiety.”

Find out more about Spectra Sensory’s range of sensory clothing and autism aids at spectrasensoryclothing.co.uk

To purchase a Worry Eater go to spectrasensoryclothing.co.uk/product-category/autism-aids 

The normal Belfast Culture Night extravaganza may not be packing the city’s streets this year but six hours of the best of the arts will be broadcast across multiple channels tomorrow (Friday 18).

Rising to the challenges of these unprecedented times Culture Night Belfast is determined to keep the show on the road.

Streaming across a number of virtual platforms, Culture Night Online 2020 aims to be accessible to those who would attend in-person each year as well as those who have yet to experience the best of Northern Ireland’s arts and culture scene.

Susan Picken, Director of Cathedral Quarter Trust (the charity behind Culture Night Belfast) said that the 2020 programme will be a spectacular online display of talent.

Susan urged those going online on Friday to remember the difficult times the arts are going through.

She said: “Culture Night Belfast was originally started over twelve years ago to support and promote arts and culture in the Cathedral Quarter. Without the talent and dedication of our local arts community, Culture Night Belfast wouldn’t exist and we want to do everything we can to support them at this difficult time.

“Each year tens of thousands of us go out and enjoy, for free, the unique experience that Culture Night Belfast offers. All we are asking is that you enjoy our online programme this year in the comfort of your own home and donate the price of a pint (or maybe two!) to support the amazing artists, performers and venues who have made Culture Night Belfast into one of the best-loved nights of the year.

“A number of cultural and creative charities have been chosen who will be the beneficiaries of all donations made. These include charities who work to support those in the arts, culture and creative sectors as well as key local institutions including St Anne’s Cathedral and The MAC. 

“The charities selected are Help Musicians NI and Theatre and Dance NI – Membership Assistance Programme, Music Venues Trust and theTheatre Artists’ Fund.”

This year’s core programme of commissioned pieces will see venues such as Belfast Cathedral, the Black Box, the Oh Yeah Centre and The MAC act as the backdrop to what is set to be an exciting evening of entertainment.

This will also include a specially commissioned piece by filmmaker Will McConnell called We’re Still Here.

The six hours of arts programming will be on: YouTube live; Facebook Live; Twitch; Twitter via Periscope; Instagram Live; and, on NVTV (Freeview 7 (greater Belfast) and Virgin Media 159 (across Northern Ireland), programming also available for download at nvtv.co.uk.

Simon Wood, NVTV Chairperson said the station was committed to supporting the arts in any way it can.

He added: “Northern Visions is delighted to support the many artists, musicians and creators who have come together to ensure that Culture Night 2020 can be celebrated in these challenging times. There will be a dedicated broadcast on NVTV throughout the day and night”.

“Community arts has been at the core of Northern Visions work since it was established in 1986. 

“Northern Ireland’s community artists are amazingly resilient, we’ve seen it all, the recession and inflation of the 80s, boom and bust in the 1990s, the financial crisis of 2008 and years of austerity. As we look to recover from the ravages of Covid-19 and how we might build back better, let’s ensure that this time, the most vulnerable in our society, those in our poorer neighbourhoods, are truly able to access the arts and participate in enhancing the innovation and creativity which will drive the recovery”. 

This year’s Culture Night Belfast Online programme has been supported by the Arts Council NI, Belfast City Council, Department for Communities and Belfast Harbour.

For more information on this year’s programme or to donate go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB20 #CNBonline on social media.

Streaming across a number of virtual platforms on Friday September 18th, Culture Night Online 2020 aims to be accessible to those who would attend in-person each year as well as those who have yet to experience the best of Northern Ireland’s arts and culture scene. 

Following the release of a packed seven hour programme, here are 11 acts you don’t want to miss: 

1. CNB 2020: Film – We’re Still Here

The times are far, far from normal and the future is very uncertain but, despite this, our art goes on. This year’s CNB Film is both a love letter to the strength and endurance of all who are part of our brilliant arts and culture community and a message of hope – We’re Still Here and together we will get through this.

Featuring Cherrie on Top.  Written and directed by Will McConnell. Will McConnell is a filmmaker and visual artist from Belfast. He works as an independent self-shooter and his clients have included, amongst others, the British Council, Culture Night Belfast, the British Museum, Universal Music Group and Diageo.

2. Trocaire Documentaries

Two short documentaries from Trocaire, followed by an interview with their creator, Emmet Sheerin.

Sumud: Everyday Resistance a film about life under Israeli military occupation in the West Bank through the stories of Palestinian women. It takes its title from the Palestinian concept sumud (‘steadfastness’).

Women in their Place: A short documentary about women in Honduras struggling to defend land and environment from exploitation by big business and facing criminalisation, assault and murder.

3. NIHRC: Film + Discussion – It Seems 

Join the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission for the debut screening of its short film, It Seems – featuring Belfast-based poet, Niamh McNally. 

The film’s focus is on the issue of climate change, and it raises important questions about its impact on our human rights. 

Following the screening, these issues will be discussed by a panel of experts and will be chaired by NIHRC Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby. 

The screening will include an introduction by poet Niamh McNally. It Seems was developed by the NIHRC, in partnership with Amnesty International, Sustainable NI and Climate Northern Ireland.

Chair: Les Allamby, Chief Commissioner, Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

Panel: John Barry, Professor of Green Political Economy, Queen’s University Belfast, Patrick Corrigan, Head of Nations & Regions, Amnesty International, Grainia Long, Commissioner for Resilience, Belfast City Council, Géraldine Noé, Head of Environmental Sustainability, Business in the Community

4. Oh Yeah Presents

From the rooftop of the Oh Yeah centre live music blasts out across Belfast city centre.

Music from local band Charles Hurts and Becha.

5. Black Box Presents

Coming to you from Hill Street, Belfast the Black Box presents a night of performance.

Music from Susie Blue and performances from Sinead O’Donnell and tenx9.

6. Ulster University Graduate Show at The Mac

A guided virtual tour around the Mac’s new exhibition featuring work from this year’s MFA Fine Art Graduates from Ulster University’s School of Art.

This show highlights the work of a selection of recent MFA and BA Graduates from Ulster University, curated by Deirdre Robb. 

The BA Fine Art course reflects and supports the diversity of contemporary art practice including Painting, Video, Photography, Sculpture, Drawing, Performance, Printmaking, Time-based work, and studies in History and Theory. 

7. Ulster University Graduate Show at Belfast Exposed

A guided virtual tour of Belfast Exposed’s new exhibition ‘Anthropology and Human Condition’ highlighting the work of a selection of recent MFA and BA Graduates from Ulster University, curated by Deirdre Robb.  

Anthropology highlights the work of a selection of recent MFA Graduates from Ulster University. The works presented are universally human and deeply personal navigations of current climates and a response to exactly this moment in time. The exhibition sits with the process of grief and walks along the borders of small towns and fallen cities.

Human Condition highlights recent graduates from the BA in Photography and Video at Ulster University. The works presented are a broad exploration of human existence plunging into topics from water quality to fluid gender expression and roles. Further observations on mental health spanning youth to retirement, isolation, healing, and recreational space. 

8. The All New Family Friendly Fun Time Video Hour!

Join your host, Stephen Beggs, for 60 marvellous minutes of storytelling, magic, mischief, mayhem and silly songs.

Featuring top local performers Paul Currie, Rachael McCabe, George Firehouse and Mary McGurk.

9. Essential Journeys Live from Bounce Culture at Belfast Cathedral

Bounce Culture brings together some of the most talented musicians they know, to have fun with loops and sounds in Belfast Cathedral.

Playing for the first time together this event features: Úna Monaghan (Harp, Composer/Researcher/Sound Artist), Kaidi Tatham (Keys/Flute/Percussion/Composer/Music Producer), Rick Swann (Trumpet Player/Music Producer), Dena Anuksa (Singer/Songwriter/Vocalist/Music Producer) and Kwame Daniels (DJ/Host)

10. Swing Survival with The Swing Gals

Swing out sisters! 

Long-time Culture Night favourites, the Swing Gals, perform an uplifting mash-up of songs of survival and hope from the plush surroundings of the Bullitt Hotel’s new Rattlebag Bar.

11. Ronnie Greer’s Blues Band at the Grand Central Observatory

Northern Ireland’s blues legend Ronnie Greer will perform some of his best known hits at the Grand Central Hotel in Linen Quarter, exclusively for culture night.

Ronnie is one of the country’s best known blues and jazz guitarists who has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the business including Dr John, Luwll Fulson, Phil Guy, Johnny Mars and many more.

Ronnie’s Chicago Blues with a twist is sure to delight all music aficionados.

For more information on this year’s programme go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB20 #CNBonline on social media.

If you’re a creator and want to submit your event to Culture Night Belfast this year simply fill out the submissions form at culturenightbelfast.com/cnb-online 

County Down-based music producer James Mountstephens has released the stunning track Drop The Bomb under the performance name of Synyx.

Fans of EDM, and progressive melodic techno pop, will want to be ready for this release, which was produced in James’ Dromore studio.

Using the song as a mirror of how relationships can turn sour James captured the mood of the times.

“I feel it is quite an original track,” he explained. “It has a melodic progressive vibe, aggressive bass synths, a lot of feeling around the issue of negative relationships.”

Inspired by his friend and fellow producer Alex Holmes James developed the track from an initial concept by toplining melody to create a drive in the release.

Drop The Bomb is the latest creation under the name of Synyx.

Originally from Birmingham, the married father of two has been living in Northern Ireland for 12 years, after establishing his reputation in the Midlands.

“After learning how to mix vinyl a I was fortunate enough to establish DJ gigs at prestigious clubs such as Miss Moneypennys and Fuel as well as establishing residences at top Midlands clubs,” explained James.

The Synyx moniker, and associated Monkey branding, was developed by James to better reflect on the direction of his music.

“I wanted to create a strong brand character to coincide with my music that fans can engage with, something a bit more than just me as a producer,” he said. “A fictional character that can maybe bring good change to the world through music and my own beliefs and learnings, my own perception of truth.

“Synyx was really a twist on the word cynical at a time I found myself questioning more and more of the mainstream narrative.

“To further merge all this I needed a lead character so I had the idea of a chimp that was lost in space and then intercepted by an advanced god like alien race. He was genetically enhanced with the ability to travel the galaxy. His cause, to bring truth, peace and unity to the universe.”For more information go to synyx.co.uk. Drop The Bomb is out now.

Northern Ireland-based children’s theatre company Cahoots NI has launched an immersive digital theatre experience with the aim of bringing the magic and joy of theatre to young audiences at home.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers. In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Cahoots NI will broadcast from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

The show will have it’s Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems. 

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home.

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.

“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.” 

The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented to the Arts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cahoots NI continues to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their latest show, The University of Wonder and Imagination, this Autumn.  

“With their trademark ingenuity and wizardry the Cahoots team are managing to bring the essence of stage magic and theatrical spectacle to life through new technologies. Cahoots’ work is not only multi award-winning and internationally acclaimed, but also a firm favourite with family audiences at home and abroad. 

“This latest show promises to be a wonder to behold! The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many online, helping to bring great art to everyone.” 

Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Northern Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI

Culture Night’s 2020 core programme has been unveiled with a packed line-up of music, debates, art and thought-provoking films that will all happen online on Friday 18 September.

Like everyone else in Northern Ireland, artists and arts organisations are facing enormous challenges due to Covid-19 and so this year Culture Night Belfast is going totally online. The team at Culture Night Belfast is determined to keep the show on the road in some shape or form.

Streaming across a number of virtual platforms, Culture Night Online 2020 aims to be accessible to those who would attend in-person each year as well as those who have yet to experience the best of Northern Ireland’s arts and culture scene.

Susan Picken, Director of Cathedral Quarter Trust (the charity behind Culture Night Belfast) said that the 2020 programme will be a spectacular online display of talent. Susan urged those logging on on Friday 18 September.

“Please take the opportunity to donate some of what you would have spent on a normal Culture Night,” she said. “You can either donate here and we will send what we raise on to one of our nominated charities, or you can follow the links on individual submissions and donate to the artist, organisation or venue of your choice.

“Please help our arts & culture community to survive this difficult time and ensure a vibrant cultural future for all of us.”

This year’s core programme of commissioned pieces will see venues such as Belfast Cathedral, the Black Box, the Oh Yeah Centre and The MAC act as the backdrop to what is set to be an exciting evening of entertainment.

Susan said: “This year’s programme is very different from what you may be used to but we hope it captures the varied and eclectic mix of arts and culture you have come to know and love in the real-world event,” she said. “There are three main strands for you to log on to, dip in to and enjoy.

“Our three strands are Core, Showcase, and Gallery. Core has a special programme of performances from iconic venues across the Cathedral Quarter which have been carefully chosen and commissioned by the team here at CNB.

“Showcase is an opportunity for our other artists and creators to get involved as it features online submissions from local artists, performers, creatives, venues, cultural organisations, businesses and more and demonstrates the wealth of homegrown talent at work across the city.

“Gallery is a special open submission visual arts strand introducing the work of a wide variety of artists encompassing painting, photography and much more.”

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey said: “We are delighted to be supporting Culture Night again this year – a year which has been enormously challenging for our cultural sector.

“I have been so encouraged to see how many of our culture and arts organisations have adapted their activities and programmes to continue to develop and showcase the city’s creative talent during the last few months. Culture Night will bring a spotlight to this and promises a wide range of virtual events to immerse yourself in on Friday 18 September.

“Belfast City Hall will also be lit up in pink and blue on the evening of 18 September to symbolise citywide support for cultural organisations and individual artists across the city.”

Among the performers taking part this year in the CNB Online Core Programme are Cherrie On Top, Susie Blue, Sinead O’Donnell, tenx9, Charles Hurts, Becha, Stephen Beggs, Paul Currie, George Quinn, Rachael McCabe, Bounce Culture, The Swing Gals and many more.

Anne McReynolds, Chair of the Cathedral Quarter Trust, said: “2020 has been incredibly challenging for the arts and culture sector and for all our audience and participants.  

“The future of the arts in Northern Ireland remains very uncertain. Nevertheless, artists have never given up without a fight and so our programme for Culture Night Online demonstrates how talented and innovative our arts community here is.  

“Hopefully on Friday 18 September everyone will be reminded just how vital arts and culture is to our city and our wellbeing. Please support our local arts and culture by logging on during Culture Night on 18 September.”

The core programme, which is supported this year by Belfast City Council and Arts Council NI, will also include a specially commissioned piece by filmmaker Will McConnell called We’re Still Here, two documentaries from Trocaire and the premiere of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s film It Seems along with a discussion chaired by NIHRC Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby.

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, Culture Night Belfast is back with an impressive digital programme thoughtfully designed against a backdrop of iconic locations in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and featuring a wealth of Northern Irish talent from across the artistic spectrum.  

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support Culture Night through the Organisations Emergency Fund, supported by the Department for Communities, and I would encourage everyone to get online on 18^th September and show your support for our tremendous arts community.”

For more information on this year’s programme go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB20 #CNBonline on social media.

If you’re a creator and want to submit your event to Culture Night Belfast this year simply fill out the submissions form at culturenightbelfast.com/cnb-online