From the acerbic wit of Frankie Boyle and the hilarity of Leesa Harker’s Maggie Muff musing on new motherhood to the all-singing sass and pizzazz of Sister Act, 2023 is shaping up nicely for entertainment across Belfast.
By Emily McShane and Maisie Laughton
Published 16th Jan 2023, 14:11 BST
There are so many shows to choose from in Belfast throughout 2023 that entertainment seekers will be simply spoiled for choice.
Notable highlights to look out for also include the surrealistic wit of Harry Hill doing stand-up at the Ulster Hall, the Lyric Theatre’s presentation of the timeless Shakespearean tale of star-crossed lovers and playwright Conor McPherson’s drama based on the timeless lyrics of the one and only Bob Dylan in Girl From The North Country.
Check out our suggestions to a great night out.
Check out our suggestions to a great night out.
5. Girl from the North Country - Grand Opera House, February 14-18
Celebrated playwright Conor McPherson (The Weir, The Seafarer) boldly reimagines the legendary songs of Bob Dylan, like you’ve never heard them before in Girl From The North Country, a heartbreaking and universal story about family and love, which was hailed by The Observer as ‘The Number One theatre show of the year”. It’s 1934 in the heartland of America and we meet a group of wayward souls who cross paths in a time-weathered guesthouse. Standing at a turning point in their lives, they realise that nothing is what it seems. As they search for a future, and hide from the past, they find themselves facing unspoken truths about the present. Now audiences in Belfast have the chance to experience this magnificent, “astonishing” (Guardian) and “piercingly beautiful” (Independent) production brought vividly to life by an extraordinary company of actors and musicians. For tickets go to goh.co.uk/whats-on/girl-from-the-north-country/. Photo: Grand Opera House
6. Wasteland - MAC, April 27-28
In 1994 hundreds of coal miners hung up their pit boots as Grimethorpe Colliery was destroyed, along with the tight-knit working-class community that surrounded it. WASTELAND, Gary Clarke’s sequel to COAL, looks at how two generations coped in this era of radical upheaval.
As we see one generation grind to a halt, we follow the next into the 90s illegal rave scene, where derelict warehouses and abandoned work spaces became home for a new-found community of music and dance. Bringing together Clarke's vivid physical dance language performed by a company of exceptional dancers, a community cast of singers, brass musicians, archive film footage, a powerful rave soundtrack and unique artwork by Jimmy Cauty (co-founder of The KLF), WASTELAND dives headfirst into a gritty story of loss, hope, escapism, and survival.
For tickets go to themaclive.com/event/wasteland Photo: The Mac Belfast
7. The Magic of the Beatles - Ulster Hall, February 3
It’s been a cold and lonely winter but it’s time to shake it up baby, now, twist and shout with us, for one very special evening celebrating The Magic of The Beatles. The sensational cast not only look and sound like John, Paul, George, and Ringo, they also generate the same incredible excitement and unique sense of humour too. This magical ‘musical’ mystery tour will transport you back to the golden era of pop with hit after hit. Bringing you all the hits you know and love including She Loves You, A Hard Day’s Night, Help, I Feel Fine, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Hey Jude, Here Comes The Sun, Get Back and so many more. For tickets go to waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/magic-of-the-beatles Photo: Entertainers website
8. Frankie Boyle, Lap of Shame - Waterfront Hall, March 18-20
Frankie Boyle has been humouring audiences since 1995 and embarked several tours over the years whilst releasing his own stand-up specials including ‘Frankie Boyle’s Autopsy,’ Frankie Goes to Russia’ and ‘Frankie Boyle’s Tramadol Nights’. You might also recognise him from featuring on our screens as a panellist on Mock the Week, 8 out of 10 Cats and Have I Got News For You, With no topic off the table, get ready for this hysterical night and don't worry, Frankie doesn't hold back.
For tickets go to waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/frankie-boyle-lap-of-shame Photo: Waterfront Hall