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.