Curtain up for autumn season

The Grand Opera House, in Belfast, has unveiled a new season with a programme that runs until June 2015 with entertainment for all the family.
A production of "Shrek" will take place at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, from October 8 until October 19. INNT 39-460-CONA production of "Shrek" will take place at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, from October 8 until October 19. INNT 39-460-CON
A production of "Shrek" will take place at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, from October 8 until October 19. INNT 39-460-CON

Willy Russell’s multi award-winning and widely acclaimed “Blood Brothers” will remain at the theatre until Saturday September 27.

Maureen Nolan as the tragic “Mrs Johnstone”, this musical is one of three London West End productions to surpass the 10,000th performance milestone and is often referred to as “one of the best musicals ever written”.

Direct from the West End and based on the award-winning “Dreamworks” animation film, “Shrek” takes a hiatus from his swamp and visits the Grand Opera House from Wednesday October 8 until October 19.

Bringing the well-known and much-loved characters of “Princess Fiona”, “Donkey” and “Lord Farquaad” to life, this “all singing, all dancing extravaganza is a must-see show for all the family”.

Northern Ballet presents “Cinderella” from Wednesday November 5 until Saturday November 8. This stunning adaptation of a classic fairytale, featuring the Northern Ballet Sinfonia, is billed as “the perfect pre-Christmas treat”.

Starring Norman Pace of “Hale and Pace” and Eastenders actress Emma Barton, National Theatre’s “One Man, Two Guvnors” returns to the venue from Monday November 10 until Saturday November 15.

The show has been described as “a glorious celebration of British comedy featuring a unique, laugh-out-loud mix of satire, songs, slapstick and glittering one-liners”.

Northern Ireland’s very own “Queen of Comedy” celebrates her 25th year of panto magic, leading the cast in this year’s production of “Aladdin – The Magical Pantomime Adventure”. Joining May McFettridge on stage, from the “international pop phenomenon”, “Steps”, is Faye Tozer, along with much-loved local TV and film star, Jayne Wisener as “Princess Jasmine”. from Saturday November 29 until Sunday January 18.

The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia will present a four production bill of “Coppélia”, “La Fille mal gardée”, “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker”.

Northern Ireland Opera will return to the Grand Opera House on Friday February 6 with a new production of Richard Strauss’s opera, “Salome”.

Based on the play by Oscar Wilde, the opera stars Belfast-born Giselle Allen as the princess who dances for Herod in return for the most shocking of rewards – the head of John the Baptist. Accompanied by the Ulster Orchestra, “Salome” promises to be “an unforgettable production and experience”.

The opera season extends into March, as Opera North return from Wednesday 18 until Saturday 21 with alternating performances of “La Traviata” and “The Marriage of Figaro”.

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock classic, “Jesus Christ Superstar” opens on Monday February 16 and runs until Saturday February 28.

Exploding onto the musical scene in 1971, “Jesus Christ Superstar” has been credited with “changing the face of musical theatre forever” and is said to be “as compelling today as it was 40 years ago” featuring some of “musical theatre’s most legendary songs”.

Winner of Best Comedy at the 2014 Olivier Awards, Jeeves and Wooster in “Perfect Nonsense” runs from March 24 until March 28.

Directed by the Olivier-nominated Sean Foley, responsible for directing Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon in his own adaptation of “The Painkiller” for the Lyric Theatre, “Perfect Nonsense” is said to be “laugh out loud raucous comedy at its best”.

A co-production between Chichester Festival Theatre and Birmingham Repertory Theatre, a major highlight of the forthcoming season is David Seidler’s “The King’s Speech”.

One of the most successful British films of all time, “The King’s Speech” has won four Academy Awards, including “Best Picture” as well as seven BAFTAs, including “Best Film”. Starring Jason Donovan as Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue in a powerful dramatic role, he was passionate to embrace, and directed by former Royal Shakespeare Company Associate Roxana Silbert, “The King’s Speech” runs from April 21 until April 25.

The curtain lifts on the summer season with what may be the funniest Broadway musical of all time – “The Producers!”. Based on Mel Brooks’ much loved Academy Award-winning movie, this hilarious musical comedy and brand new production runs from May 4 until May 9.

Family highlights include “Sing-a-long-a Frozen” on Tuesday March 31 and
“Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom Live on Stage” on May 16 and 17.

For a full list of all forthcoming productions in the season, visit www.goh.co.uk.

To book tickets and for further information visit www.goh.co.uk, telephone 9024 1919 or visit the box office in the theatre foyer.

Related topics: