New season at the Grand Opera House

Grand Opera House patrons will most definitely be 'dancing' in the aisles this season, as Northern Ireland's premier theatre unveils a programme bursting with high energy musicals, thrilling streetdance, award winning comedy and the finest in local drama!

The new season commences with the eagerly awaited world premiere of Dancing Shoes – The George Best Story on Wednesday 28th July. A play by two of Ireland's finest modern day playwrights, Marie Jones and Martin Lynch, Dancing Shoes – The George Best Story, tells of the turbulent and colourful life of one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen.

Showcasing the superb songwriting talents of Glasgow's JJ Gilmour and Belfast's Pat Gribben and starring the best in local talent, Dancing Shoes promises great characters, beautiful songs and trademark Belfast humour.

Dancing Shoes runs until Saturday 14th August, with tickets ranging from 13 through to 30.50. Tickets for this World Premiere would most definitely make the ideal Father's Day gift!

Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig, Peppa and George pay a visit on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd August for Peppa Pig's Party. This BAFTA award-winning children's TV show is recreated live on stage featuring beautifully true-to-life puppets. Tickets are priced at 13.50 and 15.50, with a children's discount available. Various performance times available.

The party continues with the return of West End sell out sensation Dreamboats and Petticoats from Tuesday 24th August through to Saturday 4th September. Inspired by the smash hit million selling albums Dreamboats and Petticoats One, Two and Three, this critically acclaimed and Olivier Award nominated musical is based in 1961 and tells the story of young musicians Norman and Bobby. Both boys are competing to win a national songwriting competition – and, more importantly, the attention of the gorgeous Sue! But when Bobby discovers that shy Laura is no slouch on the piano, love and roch 'n' roll beckons….

Featuring tracks from Roy Orbison, The Shadows and Billy Fury and described as 'a great rockin' evening' (Daily Express), tickets for Dreamboats and Petticoats range between 8.50 and 31.75.

Prior to her annual pantomime stint and following the phenomenal success of last year's sell out run, May McFettridge returns as Lizzie in A Happy Medium. Also starring Olivia Nash as Mrs Cameron, A Happy Medium tells the story of Lizzie who, on the anniversary of her sister's death, invites a spiritual medium imto her home to conduct a sance. Hoping she can bring her sister back from 'the other side' and into her sitting room the results are both unexpectedly shocking and hilarious. A Happy Medium runs from Wednesday 8th through to Saturday 11th September, with tickets ranging between 9.25 and 19.75.

The local flavour continues on Monday 13th September, when Brassneck Theatre Company present a week long run of A Night with George. Written by Brenda Murphy and Donna O'Connor and directed by Tony Devlin, A Night with George showcases the best in Belfast humour as the very ordinary Bridie Murphy takes the very glamourous 'George Clooney' on the journey of her life. With tickets ranging between 10.25 and 21, this hilarious night of theatre is sure to leave everyone wishing that they too could spend 'A Night with George!'

Fame – The Musical backflips its way onto the Grand Opera House stage from Tuesday 21st until Sunday 26th September. The casting for this live stage show has come courtesy of RTE 1's first ever Musical Theatre casting show of the same name – FAME THE MUSICAL. RTE audiences have followed the journey of potential cast members, a journey which concluded last night with the annoucement of Ben Morris and Jessica Cervi as the overall winners. Lurgan's very own Conleth Kane actually made it all the way to Week Six so will most likely be in the audience cheering on his fellow contestants!

Whether you are a fan of the original 1980's film, or have just discovered this phenomenon with the 2009 remake, this subsequent live production promises fabulous sets, spectacular energy and true professionalism! Tickets for this incredible evening's entertainment, also starring the brilliant Heather Small, are priced between 8.50 and 31.75.

The energy continues from Tuesday 28th September through to Saturday 2nd October, as the truly glittering production of Dancing Queen arrives to dazzle Belfast audiences. Celebrating timeless hits from the pop phenomenon Abba and hot on the heels of the huge success of the Broadway Musical Mamma Mia, this non-stop fun-filled party is guaranteed to have everyone dancing, singing and swinging in the aisles. Featuring a dynamic cast of singers and dancers tickets for this high octane musical extravaganza range between 9.75 and 24.25.

Described by The Guardian as 'a show worth walking 500 miles for, if not 500 more' Sunshine On Leith visits the theatre from Tuesday 5th through to Saturday 9th October. Featuring the songs of The Proclaimers, Sunshine on Leith follows the highs and lows of Ally and Davy as they return home to Scotland from the army. A large cast extravaganza complete with live music and a string of the Edinburgh-born twin's favourite hits such as I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) and Letters from America, this is most certainly a highlight of the season. Tickets range between 8.50 and 28.50, with evening and matinee performances available.

Following their sell out performances of Boogies Nights and West Side Story, Ulster Operatic Company return with their 100th anniversary production, Guys and Dolls.

Featuring unforgettable numbers, such as Luck be a Lady and Sit Down, You're Rockin' the boat, and the improbable mixture of Miss Sarah Brown and Nathan Detroit, Guys and Dolls is a truly, timeless classic! Tickets range between 10 and 21.50.

Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens return to the Grand Opera House in late October, staging Brian Irvine's Postcards from Dumbworld from Thursday 21st to Saturday 23rd October and Alan Bennett's The Habit of Art from Tuesday 26th through to Saturday 30th October.

Described by the Washington Post as 'Some of the most exhilerating and imaginative music you'll ever hope to hear', Postcards from Dumbworld follows the journey of several interconnected individuals – their hopes, aspirations, magnetic oddness and fragile beauty. This unique opera by Brian Irvine and writer/director John McIlduff brings together ten individually selected opera singers from around the world with award-winning twelve piece Brian Irvine Ensemble.

Following sell-out success in London, Alan Bennett's latest smash hit The Habit of Art is a moving and funny new play, telling the story of Benjamin Britten who, sailing uncomfortably close to the wind with his new opera, seeks advice from his former collaborator and friend, WH Auden. During this imagined meeting, their first for 25 years, they are observed and interrupted by, amongst others, their future biographer and a young man from the local bus station. Presented by the National Theatre early booking is strongly advised.

Acclaimed drama is closely followed by acclaimed comedy, as Portstewart born Jimeoin and Bafta Award winning Armstrong and Millar take to the stage on Sunday 31st October and Tuesday 2nd November respectively.

Jimeoin has been internationally hailed as one of live comedy's masters and his visit with Something Smells Funny marks a welcome return to Belfast. Tickets are priced between 17.75 and 19.95.

Fresh from their BAFTA success, Ben Millar and Alexander Armstrong are bringing their show to the Grand Opera House for one night only. With their usual mix of the beautifully observed and the utterly barmy, Ben and Xander will be performing a parade of characters from their extensive dressing-up box and wig-store including The street talking WWII chav pilots; jilted Jim, dumped at the altar but still on his honeymoon and Terry Devlin, the royal correspondent who really knows the Royals! Tickets for The Armstrong and Millar Show range between 19.50 and 21.50.

Continuing the meteoric rise of street dance after the success of TV shows such as Britain's Got Talent with acts such as George Sampson, Diversity and, more recently Twist and Pulse, all enjoying national recognition, the Grand Opera House present Blaze – The Streetdance Sensation.

Breakdancing onto the stage from Thursday 4th through to Saturday 6th November for five high –energy performances, Blaze offers 80 minutes of non stop dance from some of the world's hottest DJs, B-Boys and street dancers, alll working together in this spectacular stage production. Directed by top West End director and choreographer, Anthony Van Lasst and featuring So You Think You Can Dance finalists Lizzie and Tommy, Blaze is guaranteed to delight street dance junkies and newcomers alike. Tickets for Blaze are priced from 5 to 21.50 and for those interested in taking things a bit further, there will be a Blaze dance masterclass on Saturday 6th November from 5pm to 6pm.

The Waterboys, fronted by the legendary Mike Scott, present An Appointment with Mr Yeats, on Tuesday 9th and Wednesday 10th November. An Appointment with Mr Yeats sees the poetic power of WB Yeats fused with the visceral music of The Waterboys. Since setting The Stolen Child to music on their classic Fisherman's Blues album, Waterboys' singer Mike Scott has been quietly crafting a rich collection of songs utilising Yeats' poems as lyrics. Tickets for this must see 'collaboration' range between 31 and 48.

Mark Little aka Neighbours' legendary Joe Mangel storms into the Grand Opera House on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th November with the Olivier Award winning Defending the Caveman. Direct from the West End and the longest running solo play in Broadway history, Defending the Caveman has become a worldwide hit. Why do men and women misunderstand each other? The truth of course, can be traced back to the Caveman. This hilarously funny but horribly truthful show affectionately brings the basic differences between men and women brilliantly up to date…

The production is recommended for adult audiences with tickets ranging between 11.25 and 21. Early booking is definitely recommended.

Following the immense success of BBC1'S Over the Rainbow – Search for Dorothy, New Lyric Operatic Company present The Wizard of Oz from Tuesday 16th through to Saturday 21st November. Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion and the Wicked Witch of the West for a magical musical experience guaranteed to appeal to audiences of all ages! Tickets for this journey to the Emerald City range between 8 and 24.25.

Following her successful stint as a member of the Calendar Girls cast, Hannah Waterman returns to the Grand Opera House with the stage adaptation of Nina Bawden's awarding winning Carrie's War. Also starring Brigit Forsyth, Carrie's War is the unforgettable story of one ordinary girl and her brother, packed off to the Welsh mining valleys at the start of war and living through extraordinary events. Described by the Sunday Telegraph as 'irresistible' Carrie's War runs at the Grand Opera House from Tuesday 23rd through to Saturday 27th November.

Julia Donaldson's Room on the Broom will join Carre's War at the latter end of the week, providing early morning and afternoon performances, from Thursday 25th through to Saturday 27th November. A spellbinding new adventure from the creators of The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom is a magical, musical delight for children ages 3+. Tickets range between 5 and 11.25, with a family tickets available for 42. Fasten your seatbelts for a rip-roaring ride on a truly magnificent broom!

2010 concludes with the annual pantomime, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, from Saturday 4th December through to Saturday 22nd January 2011. Approaching her 20th year in a Grand Opera House pantomime, May McFettridge, Northern Ireland's undisputed panto queen, will be joined on stage by another panto legend, Lesley Joseph as the Wicked Queen.

With tickets ranging between 10 and 24, this is a truly wicked pantomime not to be missed! Book now to avoid disappointment!

For those seeking an alternative to the delights of pantomime, live late night stand up comedy returns in the form of Festive Funnies! Kicking off at 10.30pm on Friday 10th December with Whose Line is it Anyway, Saturday 11th December with Neil Delamere, Friday 17th December with Best of the Festivals hosted by Jake O'Kane and Saturday 18th December with That was the Year that Was, hosted by Tim McGarry. Tickets range from 14 to 18.25.

2011 will see the return of Scottish Ballet from Wednesday 2nd through to Saturday 5th February with their much-loved fairytale, Cinderella!

Legendary West End and Broadway Musical Chess is also making it's move for the Grand Opera House from Tuesday 22nd until Saturday 26th February. With music courtesy of Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, lyrics by Tim Rice and direction under Craig Revel Horwood, Chess is a must see in 2011!

Must sees in 2011 do not stop there, as the international dance highlight of the year comes to Belfast! Presented by Dance Consortium, Ailey II performs on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th March. Ailey II dancers are the most talented of their generation, captivating audiences and translating their strength, agility and grace of body and soul into stirring, powerful performances!

Tickets for all of the above can be purchased at the Grand Opera House Box Office located in ther theatre foyer, via telephone on 9024 1919 or online at www.goh.co.uk.