Catch a show at this striking Victorian theatre and gaze in awe at its gilt mouldings, carved plasterwork, angels-and-cherub fresco and elephant boxes. Designed in 1894 by the famous theatre architect Frank Matcham, this city centre landmark has survived floods, fire, bombs, the Belfast Blitz and the Covid pandemic. A threat of demolition in the 1970s was thwarted when, following a public campaign, the theatre became Belfast's first listed building and lived on to entertain a new generation of theatre-goers.
Today, the magnificent contemporary Art Deco extension provides a suitably opulent opening curtain for this much-loved venue. Opera giant Pavarotti made his UK debut here and legends from Laurence Olivier to Laurel & Hardy and Dame Darcey Bussell to Sir Ian McKellen are among the many to have trod its hallowed boards.
The Heritage Exhibition uses colourful info panels, props and a 'magic mirror' starring panto 'Dame' May McFettridge to recount the venue's century-old story. Take a look as you enjoy a pre-show tipple before taking your seat for the main performance. Interval drinks are also served in the first floor glass fronted bar.
A varied year-round programme features drama, musicals, ballet, opera and the hugely popular Christmas panto, both in the main auditorium and smaller Studio space. And Tours take you behind-the-scenes and on-stage for a photo op like no other.
Today, the magnificent contemporary Art Deco extension provides a suitably opulent opening curtain for this much-loved venue. Opera giant Pavarotti made his UK debut here and legends from Laurence Olivier to Laurel & Hardy and Dame Darcey Bussell to Sir Ian McKellen are among the many to have trod its hallowed boards.
The Heritage Exhibition uses colourful info panels, props and a 'magic mirror' starring panto 'Dame' May McFettridge to recount the venue's century-old story. Take a look as you enjoy a pre-show tipple before taking your seat for the main performance. Interval drinks are also served in the first floor glass fronted bar.
A varied year-round programme features drama, musicals, ballet, opera and the hugely popular Christmas panto, both in the main auditorium and smaller Studio space. And Tours take you behind-the-scenes and on-stage for a photo op like no other.
