Grand Opera House Belfast is open again for (show) business

It has been over 21 months since the Grand Opera House in Belfast last played host to a theatre show, but on October 6, after restrictions had finally been eased in Northern Ireland, the famous, iconic venue opened its doors to a stunning performance of SIX: The Musical.

Right now, there are over 25 different shows scheduled for the coming months, with the 126-year old venue relishing welcoming you back to what is now an incredibly restored and redesigned building. Hopefully, audiences will find the glorious auditorium, with its dazzling decoration as breathtakingly spectacular as did the very first audiences 126 years ago.

Whether you’re itching to get back to West End musicals, family-festive panto, gripping drama, side-splitting comedy, beautiful ballet or electrifying live music, the Grand Opera House has something to put a smile on your face. In November alone, there are performances of the musicals Hairspray, School of Rock, and A Christmas Carol, while there’s also the firm family favourite, the annual Christmas pantomime Goldilocks and the Three Bears. In the New Year, you can look forward to musical performances from local favourites Foster and Allen, Hugo Duncan, and Phil Coulter, as well as compelling drama from The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night-time and beautiful ballet in The Nutcracker.

The long-awaited reopening of the most iconic Theatre in Northern Ireland has been greatly welcomed by audiences and staff alike. The Theatre contributes significantly to the local economy and provides employment for over 80 staff. The Arts in Northern Ireland has been sorely affected by the recent challenges, so it is a welcome relief to be able to bring staff and audiences back safely and do what the Theatre does best. The value of live entertainment cannot be underestimated, nor too the effect it is has on peoples’ mental health. It is a joy to see families and friends getting together once again, escaping into music, comedy, drama and enjoying the kind of experience only live theatre can deliver, after a period of such uncertainty and isolation.

With shows such as The Cher Show, The Commitments, The Osmonds, The Nutcracker, Maggie’s Feg Run and Waitress to look forward to among many others, the 126-year old history of the Theatre entertaining the people of Northern Ireland moves into this new chapter fresh and more than fit for purpose.

The restoration work at the venue was completed in May 2021 at a cost of £12.2m. With it, the auditorium’s paintings and decorative and ornate plasterwork was painstakingly restored, and conserved, with new seating, carpets, curtains and drapes installed. The design of the foyer and public spaces was totally reimagined, with a new bar installed in the restored 1980 glass extension overhanging Great Victoria Street, as well as stunning new stalls and circle bars. Furthermore, as part of the project, the Theatre’s technical infrastructure has been upgraded and a permanent heritage exhibition installed, telling the fascinating story of the theatre’s history, which dates back to the 19th century.

If you’re planning to come and see more than one show or know someone who has a real love of theatre, you can save money on tickets simply by becoming a Friend of the Theatre. This hugely popular scheme offers discounts on tickets and drinks as well as exclusive priority booking meaning you can secure the best seats before everyone else!

Perfect for Christmas: a membership would be a unique gift for anyone with a passion for live theatre.

For more information on shows to look forward to and to book please visit https://brochure.goh.co.uk