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Theatres

Some of the biggest and most popular theatres in Northern Ireland include:

Grand Opera House, Belfast

The Grand Opera House in Belfast’s city centre has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1895, and is the largest and best known of Belfast's theatres. It has hosted musicals, dramas, opera, ballet and comedy and welcomed performers as varied as Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy and the UK debut of Luciano Pavarotti. Designed by the prolific theatre architect, Frank Matcham, the exuberant interior harks back to the Victorian era and makes for a stunning backdrop to the on-stage performances.

Lyric Theatre, Belfast

Some of Northern Ireland’s finest actors have walked the boards at the famous Lyric Theatre in Belfast. Adrian Dunbar, Ciaran Hinds and Frances Tomelty have all cut their teeth in this cutting-edge venue and for actors in this part of the world, the Lyric is a rite of passage.

Waterfront Hall, Belfast

Situated beside Belfast’s famous River Lagan, Belfast Waterfront's dome-shape and glass exterior add a sleek and modern feel to this historic part of the city. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful looking theatres, it has become the venue of choice for top-class comedians and large-scale musicals.

Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey

Built on the site of an old mill in Newtownabbey, the 400-seat Theatre at the Mill has grown in stature since opening. A bit of an everyman, the theatre plays host to high-brow theatre as well as comedy acts and musicals. Its sister venue, The Courtyard, is an even more intimate space and offers up little gems on the acting calendar every year.

Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh

Armagh city’s home of entertainment, this state-of-the-art venue is a modern breath of fresh air in the heart of this beautiful Georgian city. Much of the venue's focus is on local talent and touring companies. But they also provide a stage for productions of ballet, musical theatre and comedy. It’s quite the mix at the Market Place and at just under 400 seats it’s the perfect size for a lovely night out.

The Alley Arts Centre, Strabane

The Alley Arts Centre is a no-nonsense, no frills, 270-seater theatre in County Tyrone. Strabane is the home of erudite wordsmith, the late Flann O'Brien, as well as the highly regarded Strabane Theatre Festival. The two-metre bronze pig keeping guard outside the theatre’s piazza is named Ambrose and recalls the site's former function as a market for arts of a more...culinary nature.

Strule Arts Centre, Omagh

Tyrone is home to the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh. Opened in 2007, this award- winning contemporary arts venue and conference centre is home to theatre performances, comedy, music, dance, workshops, exhibitions and so much more.

The Ardhowen, Enniskillen

The Ardhowen contemporary arts venue has been home to theatre performances, comedy, music, dance, workshops and exhibitions in Enniskillen since 1986. It has gone through a few revamps in the intervening years but happily it has never left this beautiful location on the banks of Lough Erne.

The Waterside, Derry~Londonderry

The magnificent Waterside Theatre in the Ebrington Complex is built on the site of the old shirt factory made famous by Phil Coulter’s song, 'The Town I loved So Well'. Today the theatre has partnerships with local colleges and theatre groups and each year hosts the City of Derry Drama Festival and Hidden Treasures Children’s Theatre Festival.

Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry

The opening of the Millennium Forum marked a new beginning in Derry~Londonderry’s cultural life. The 1020-seat theatre, conference centre and community facility, built in 2001, has been a massive boost for the city, drawing millions of visitors through its doors.

Drama and theatre are alive and well in Northern Ireland and there are lots of chances to see the future stars of stage and screen before they become that little bit too famous.

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Theatre At The Mill

Newtownabbey

Address

Mossley Mill, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 5QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9034 0202

boxoffice@theatreatthemill.com

Type

Type:

Theatre / Cinema

Theatre at The Mill is set in the Civic Square of the imaginatively restored Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Civic Headquarters.

More Info
Down Arts Centre

Downpatrick

Address

2 - 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6BP

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4014

downartscentre@nmandd.org

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

Located in the heart of Downpatrick, Down Arts Centre manages the Season Programme and is the operational base for Arts in Newry, Mourne and Down.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Omniplex Cinema Downpatrick

Downpatrick

Address

5 Owenbeg Avenue, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6FJ

downpatrick@omniplex.ie

Type

Type:

Cinema

Omniplex Cinema Downpatrick is a nine screen cinema, with capacity for over 1,000 people and car parking is free. All facilities are wheelchair accessible. All digital screens equipped with Sony 4K technology, surround sound with Luxury American…

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Queen’s Film Theatre (QFT)

Belfast

Address

20 University Square, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 1PA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9097 1097

qftmanager@qub.ac.uk

Type

Type:

Theatre / Cinema

QFT shows the very best in new and classic world cinema and hosts local & international film festivals & seasons throughout the year with regular theatrical premieres. Monthly special events include Q&As with filmmakers and cast. Fully licensed bar.

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Ulster Orchestra

Belfast

Address

Seymour House, 9 Gloucester Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 4LS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9033 4455

info@ulsterorchestra.com

Type

Type:

Classical Music

Founded in 1966, the Ulster Orchestra has been at the forefront of musical life in Northern Ireland and the Orchestra’s full-time musicians form the region’s only professional symphony orchestra.

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The Portico of Ards

Portaferry

Address

Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, BT22 1LE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 42728808

verity@porticoards.com

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

Built in 1841, this beautiful Greek-style church hosts concerts and houses heritage displays. Guided tours include the organ loft and a chance to play on the spectacular restored pipe organ. To book a tour or see what's on visit porticoards.com

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An Coire Arts Centre

Maghera

Address

132B Tirkane Road, Tirkane, Maghera, County Derry, BT46 5NH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7954 9978

info@ancarn.org

Type

Type:

Theatre

An Coire Arts Centre provides the perfect setting for the delivery of a wide range of rural bilingual arts including youth, dance, visual, spoken & written and environmental arts plus music/cultural events. Activities are delivered through Irish &…

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Belvoir Players Studio Theatre

Belfast

Address

94 Belvoir Drive, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 7DJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9049 1210

boxoffice@belvoirplayers.org

Type

Type:

Theatre / Cinema

The Theatre is operated on a “not for profit” basis and is mainly operated by volunteers who excel in making all our audiences feel welcome and at home. You will find something for everyone throughout the year and with ticket prices kept to a minimum

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Ulster Hall

Belfast

Address

34 Bedford Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT2 7FF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9033 4400

ulsterhall@belfastcity.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Music Hall

Built in 1862, the Ulster Hall has been entertaining the citizens of Belfast for more than 150 years. Fondly known as Belfast's 'home of music' the venue was completely restored in 2009.

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