David Ireland’s Ulster American Opens at The Sanctuary Theatre in East Belfast
Bright Umbrella Theatre Company’s production of David Ireland’s no-holds-barred black comedy Ulster American opens in East Belfast this week.
Taking place at The Sanctuary Theatre (Tues Aug 26 – Sat Sept 6) with evening performances at 7pm and a 2pm matinee on the closing day, this run is directed by Bright Umbrella’s founder and artistic director Trevor Gill.
The three-person cast features Northern Irish actor James Boal as Leigh Carver, Caroline Curran as Ruth Davenport and Andrew McClay as Jay Conway.
Speaking about the production, Trevor said: “It is a pleasure to stage Ulster American by David Ireland in East Belfast, where he is from.
“We have a very strong and experienced cast well capable of delivering what is a challenging script. David Ireland’s work is a carefully crafted mixture of satire, shock and black humour. We can guarantee a memorable night at the theatre.
“Any director who tries too hard to make a particular point runs the danger of turning a script into a parody, a cartoon of itself. David’s script does the work for us in outlining its themes. Often, it’s a straight delivery that will achieve the greatest impact. Do your job, tell the story – the audience will do the rest.
“Watching a production of Ulster American is a visceral experience. Audiences gasp in disbelief, laugh out loud and are shocked at events. However, the subtlety of the piece has stood out during rehearsal. David’s precise word choice has us questioning our perspectives. The Sanctuary is a small venue with around 120 seats meaning that no one is very far from the stage, this brings a sense of audience intimacy and involvement.”
David Ireland said: “I wrote most of the play while living at 66 Castlereagh Street, a two-minute walk from The Sanctuary.
“Whenever I hear of a production of Ulster American happening, wherever it is in the world, my mind goes back to East Belfast, and to Castlereagh Street. I’m glad it’s come home.”
Caroline Curran takes to the stage as Ruth Davenport, a writer from Belfast who is overjoyed that her play is being performed with a well-established actor.
“She’s intelligent, funny, but with a fiery side,” said Caroline.
“I first read Ulster American in extracts that Bright Umbrella did for Bringing It All Back Home to celebrate writers from East Belfast. I was lucky enough to be reading the Ulster American extract with the part I am now cast in, so I am over the moon to be back.
“I have performed here before and I absolutely adore this space and the staff. I’m looking forward to audiences who have never been to the Sanctuary Theatre coming and seeing this very special place and enjoying a really funny, dark piece of theatre.”
Andrew McClay, best known for his appearances in Game of Thrones and HBO’s The Last Watch, said: “I play Jay Conway, Oscar-winning actor, who is intense and has been known to speak from his crotch.
“Having never acted in the Sanctuary, I am most looking forward to the intimacy of the venue. The building has history and character, I love places like that. Plus, it’s just down the road from the house.
“If you love the craic, you’ll love this. And sure here, who doesn’t love the craic.”
James Boal (Leigh Carver) added: “I’m a huge fan of David’s writing. His intense storytelling and razor-sharp dialogue. The hype around the play when it premiered in Edinburgh (where I live) was unreal, and when I read it I knew why.
“I played Slim in Cyprus Avenue alongside David Hayman as Eric. Seeing David’s play go to work on Scottish audiences was incredible, belly laughs to heartbreak in an instant. I have a feeling Ulster American is going to take Belfast audiences on that same intensely entertaining, unsettling and challenging wild ride.”
Ulster American unfolds over the course of a single evening, when an American film star, an English director and a Northern Irish playwright gather to discuss a new play. What begins as a collaboration quickly unravels into a volatile clash of egos, politics and identities, raising difficult questions about power, privilege and consent.
The play contains very strong language, graphic violence and references to sexual assault.
Tickets are £20 and available now at brightumbrella.co.uk
Mossley Mill will be transformed into a hive of activity featuring a bustling craft marketplace filled with unique stalls and artisan creations, friendly alpacas and free children’s entertainment. Watch traditional techniques come to life with demonstrations from the Ulster Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, as well as bobbin lace making.
Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Aspects welcomes visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond, celebrating Irish writing in all its forms.
From the multi-award-winning team that brought you West Side Story, Evita, and Legally Blonde, this laugh-out-loud musical comedy is bursting with energy, sass, and unforgettable songs. Based on the iconic movie, 9 to 5 follows three office workers who decide they’ve had enough of their sexist, egotistical boss—and hatch a plan to take control of their workplace and their lives.
Built in 1961 by General Motors in La Grange, Illinois, the 121 Class were the first American-built locomotives to operate in Ireland, transforming CIE’s fleet with their reliability and distinctive styling, looking more like Amtrak switchers (shunting locos) with their distinctive huge cab, with little to compare them to anywhere in Ireland or the UK. Withdrawn in the mid-2000s, most were scrapped, and for years many doubted 124 would ever run again. No. 124 had been placed in long-term storage at Moyasta, County Clare since 2008, only moving to Downpatrick in June 2025. After just two months of intensive restoration, it returned to service in time for the gala, making a surprise debut to an enthusiastic but unsuspecting crowd of visitors and photographers.
This exhibition reflects Davis’s evolving investigation into the complexities of the human experience, with works that examine how the body interacts with negative space to express emotional depth and shared vulnerability.
This autumn, step away from the everyday and into a world of grandeur, where charm and timeless elegance await at the Culloden Estate and Spa. Starting from £195 per room, on selected dates throughout September, October and November, enjoy 15% off bed and breakfast rates and a complimentary room upgrade to the next room category booked. Your stay includes a full Irish breakfast served in the Vespers Restaurant the following morning. Visit www.cullodenestateandspa.com/offers for more information.
Starting from £160 per room, sink into the season and embrace autumn in Belfast with a complimentary room upgrade, a freshly prepared full Irish breakfast, and an additional 15% off your overnight stay on select dates from September to November. Whether you’re yearning for a cosy retreat or a city escape, Grand Central Hotel’s fantastic location, exceptional service and breathtaking views of the changing cityscape provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable autumn getaway. Visit www.grandcentralhotelbelfast.com/offers/ for more information.
For music lovers, the festival offers two stages of entertainment. The Homegrown Stage, hosted by Gemma Bradley, features acts including The Boo Radleys, Orwells84 and local favourites Reevah and The Four of Us. While the World Stage, hosted by Ripton Lindsay, brings diverse rhythms from Boye PapaGee & Colours Afrobeat, 353 Samba, Baile An Salsa and Havana Roots. Performances begin at 10am each day in Donard Park, offering something for every musical taste.