Since his arrival in the UK Reginald’s searingly honest observations both onstage and on TV have garnered him a cross-generational fan base.

His TV appearances have included Have I Got News For You?, and two series of the BBC2’s hugely popular Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The South & Songs of The Border, documenting Reginald’s epic road trip through 150 years of American popular song.

Reginald has been performing comedy in the UK for over 20 years. During that time he has become one of the Comedy industry’s best-known performers for his distinctive take on the most diverse range of subjects.

His work can be brutally honest and is often considered to be controversial but it is always meticulously thought out and he has never been afraid to face challenging issues head on even when the focus is on his own principles or beliefs.

Doors 3.30pm | Unreserved Seating

‘ Reginald D Hunter joins the top rank of stand-up working today…a comedian going for broke, flying in the face of received opinion in a way that is simply exhilarating…this is comedy of a rare scope.’ THE TIMES

‘Compelling onstage charisman. He remains a towering presence in absolute control.’ EVENING STANDARD

Since his arrival in the UK Reginald’s searingly honest observations both onstage and on TV have garnered him a cross-generational fan base.

His TV appearances have included Have I Got News For You?, and two series of the BBC2’s hugely popular Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The South & Songs of The Border, documenting Reginald’s epic road trip through 150 years of American popular song.

Reginald has been performing comedy in the UK for over 20 years. During that time he has become one of the Comedy industry’s best-known performers for his distinctive take on the most diverse range of subjects.

His work can be brutally honest and is often considered to be controversial but it is always meticulously thought out and he has never been afraid to face challenging issues head on even when the focus is on his own principles or beliefs.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved Seating

‘ Reginald D Hunter joins the top rank of stand-up working today…a comedian going for broke, flying in the face of received opinion in a way that is simply exhilarating…this is comedy of a rare scope.’ THE TIMES

‘Compelling onstage charisman. He remains a towering presence in absolute control.’ EVENING STANDARD

Dirs. Anne Cutaia, Sophie Peyrard / France / 2022 / 54 mins

Landing in New York upon the ashes of post-hippie culture, twenty-year-old Patti Smith, will upset all the existing codes: cliché rock’n’roll, the overly prosaic poetry, the perpetually elitist culture, and the restrictive idea of gender.

During her fifty-year career, with only one commercial hit, she achieved the feat of becoming a living legend without ever leaving the fringes of society. A punk at heart, she positions art as a political force and freedom as a necessity.

Doors 1:30pm | Tickets £6.00

Miki Berenyi is a singer, songwriter and guitarist, best known as a member of the indie band Lush and currently a member of Piroshka.

Described as “an extraordinary life story” by MOJO Magazine, her critically acclaimed autobiography, Fingers Crossed: How Music Saved Me from Success tracks the trials and tribulations of being a female singer-songwriter rising to fame in the 90’s.

The book begins with her childhood of extremes. From the bohemian lifestyle of her father’s social circle to the glamour of her mother’s acting career, Miki’s young life was a blur of travel, celebrities and private schooling.

But frequent relocation, parental neglect and the dark presence of her abusive grandmother resulted in crippling shyness, mental health issues and a vulnerability to exploitation. The route out of this hole was music – a passion shared by schoolmate Emma Anderson. The teenagers began attending gigs together and would eventually go on to form Lush.

Peppered with anecdotes involving a cast of hundreds (including Blur, Sean Connery, Tracey Emin, Pearl Jam and the Red Hot Chili Peppers), this uncompromising autobiography documents Lush’s thrilling rise, dispiriting fall and subsequent bounce back, reliving the tours, recording sessions and problematic managers they experienced along the way.

At the heart of the book are Miki’s own battles: the conflict between her mouthy public persona and her thin-skinned private identity; the trials of being a woman in an infuriatingly male world; the struggle to find a middle ground between safe indie obscurity and sell-out international success.

The memoir also explores Miki’s complex relationship with Emma – one that has fluctuated between camaraderie and rivalry over the years – and addresses the most devastating tragedy of all: the suicide of her soulmate, Lush drummer Chris Acland.

Told through frank confession, wry humour and emotional honesty, this is the incredible tale of a trailblazing woman and a seminal band.

Doors 3.45pm  |  Unreserved seating

Belfast songwriterAndy White’snew album This Garden is only Temporary is out now on vinyl release and we’re delighted he’s coming to Out to Lunch for its launch and his first Belfast show since before the pandemic.

Touring Canada, Andy met LA producer Steve Dierkens. They hit it off and these songs came together in Calgary, Melbourne, and Belfast. They feature Andy’s long-time collaborator Rod McVeyon keys and Kent McRae on drums. This Garden is only Temporary was released during lockdown to rave reviews and is available on vinyl in time for the tour.

Andy first arrived as a punk poet with an acoustic guitar and debut album Rave on Andy White, recently reissued in a deluxe vinyl edition. Since then he has toured the world many times over, recording with Sinead O’Connor and Billy Bragg, writing with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Allison Russell and Neil and Tim Finn.

Political, literary, wearing his influences proudly on his sleeve, Andy has been compared with Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg and Lloyd Cole. A man of his time and place, reflecting the chaos and beauty of the world we live in. Twenty albums in, things are getting interesting.

‘One of the finest songwriters of his generation’ –R2 MAGAZINE

‘The heart is open and the words are a tumble of sentiment’–BELFAST TELEGRAPH

‘Effortless and captivating’–  IRISH TIMES

There is a growing resolve in the classical music world to shine a light on composers and performers who have been unjustifiably neglected or, worse still, deliberately written out of that genre’s history. Works by female composers and composers of colour are being given a new prominence and celebrated as they always should have been.

The work of Louise Farrenc has featured in recent Ulster Orchestra Seasons and her colourful, dramatic writing is a welcome addition to the UO’s repertoire.

Piano teacher extraordinaire, composer, equal pay campaigner, Farrenc was a force of nature to be reckoned with in the musical circles of 19th Century Paris and we’re passionate about making sure our audiences get to know more about this inspirational woman.

Her Nonet was one of her most celebrated pieces in its day, with the premiere involving the star violinist of the time, Joseph Joachim. It’s a warm and upbeat work, full of imaginative writing for an unusual combination of instruments. We look forward to introducing you to this remarkable woman and her wonderful music!

Alongside the Farrenc will be some other hidden gems of the chamber repertoire, performed by some of the Orchestra’s versatile and talented players.

Doors 12.30pm | Unreserved seating

Ever since she can remember, Isy has been searching for ways to make her life more exciting: ouija boards, exploring derelict houses and jumping off things for a bet. She often meets others who share the same love of pushing the boundaries: the Welsh taxi driver who found a mischievous way of brightening up his day, and a neighbour who created a network of tunnels beneath his house just for the fun of it.

Now, things have changed: she’s got children of her own and a partner who detests surprises. In her return to live stand-up, she asks whether it’s enough to try and find that buzz on mums’ weekends away or on family walks in the woods, and quite why she continues to hunt for it at all costs.

As seen as Dobby in Channel 4’s Peep Show, Esther in Shameless, Ally in Man Down, on Would I Lie To You, 8 Out of 10 Cats,Hypothetical, Q.I. and much more, Isy has been nominated for three British Comedy Awards, and won a gold Sony Award for her BBC Radio 4 series Isy Suttie’s Love Letters. The paperback of her second book, Jane Is Trying, was released in spring 2022.

‘Suttie’s eye for revealing detail yields plenty of laughs’ – The Guardian

‘The perfect concoction of warmth and grit’ – The Independent 

Doors 7:30pm | Unreserved Seating

Louise Kennedy

The Black Box

Wednesday 11 January, 1.00pm

It’s been a remarkable few years for Holywood-born author Louise Kennedy. Her debut collection of short stories, The End of the World is a Cul de Sac was described by The Guardian as ‘A dazzling, heartbreaking debut collection’ while the Sunday Times said ‘Kennedy’s voice, and her unforgiving gaze, are electric.

Louise Kennedy’s recent novel Trespasses, is a stunning and devastating love story set against the backdrop of The Troubles. She has written for the Guardian, the Irish Times, and BBC Radio 4. Before becoming a writer, she worked as a chef for almost thirty years.

‘These stories sing, haunt and inspire laughter … One of the best collections I’ve read in years’ Sinead Gleeson 

Tickets £10.00 (including lunch)

Doors 12.30PM | Unreserved Seating

Fresh from the success of her sell-out Edinburgh Fringe run, Julie Jay brings Oops, This Is Toxic to the Out to Lunch Festival.

This dark-comedy love letter to Britney Spears is a nostalgia-fest for anyone who has ever dropped to that ‘Hit Me Baby One More Time’ beat and for anyone who came of age against the pernicious backdrop of 90s/00s misogyny. Expect post-Caesarean twerking! Jared Leto! Felony Arson! Dizzying double-standards! More Jared Leto! Snakes! (not just the Timberlake kind).

Oops, This Is Toxic is a celebration of surviving sexism and toxic situations. But most of all, it is a celebration of Britney. Warning: this show contains references to 00s fashion which some people may find offensive.

“One of Ireland’s leading comedians” – The Journal 

 “A joy to watch” – Joanne Mc Nally

 “The funniest thing I’ve seen in a long, long time” – Tommy Tiernan

Doors 7.30pm  |  Unreserved Seating

Award-winning singers Michelle Baird, Ceara Grehan and Lynne McAllister have brought their rich voices, unique harmonies and versatility to the stage as The Leading Ladies for twenty years.

One of the first vocal harmony groups of the time, they have won much acclaim with multiple performances in venues including NEC Birmingham, Royal Horseguards London, Dublin’s National Concert Hall and Waterfront Hall.

They also achieved a sell-out concert with the Galway Tenors at the Ulster Hall, shared the stage with the Three Tenors Ireland at Dublin’s National Concert Hall, performed at Belfast’s Opera in the Gardens, Derry Jazz Festival and have made numerous appearances on television, radio and online.

Join The Leading Ladies for a special lunchtime treat that offers something for everyone! From classical crossover and musical theatre, to 40s/50s swing, Celtic and chart hits – all performed in their own inimitable vocal arrangements and close harmony style!

***** “Individually excellent, collectively brilliant!”– Belfast Telegraph

Doors 12.30pm | Unreserved seating

Fresh from his multi-award-winning BBC Radio 4 series Rob Newman On Air, the comedian’s epic new stand-up show goes from cave paintings to car-free cities, by way of Homo Erectus dance steps,Julius Caesar’s traffic ban, rewilding and Rapper’s Remorses.

‘Refreshingly intelligent and hugely entertaining!’ -The Guardian

Doors 7:30pm | Unreserved Seating

Tickets £12.00

Harry Bradley and Dónal O’Connor first met in the late 1990’s on the vibrant Belfast traditional music session scene. A common grá for the music of South Ulster and North Connaught was the thread on which they shared interests. However, they ventured on their own unique musical journeys thereafter.

Since Harry’s recent return to Belfast, they have rekindled a musical friendship and are mining the rich repository of northern music which has been left by the likes of Andy Dixon, Cathal McConnell, Ciaran Carson, Desi Wilkinson, Tara Bingham, Johnny & Seán Maguire, Gary Hastings and many more. Today’s performance is a new musical coming together with one of Ireland’s finest young musical accompanists Libby McCrohan.

Harry Bradley was born in South Belfast. The vibrant recording heritage from the 1920s and 30s has had a huge influence on his flute-playing style. Noted for his unique tone and driving rhythm, Harry has come to be recognized as one of the most distinctive flute players in Ireland today. In 2014 he was the recipient of the TG4 Gradam Cheoil Traditional Musician of the Year Award.

Dónal O’Connor has inherited a musical legacy of five generations of fiddle playing. His style is heavily influenced by his family, the Oriel tradition and the great northern fiddle masters such as Seán Maguire, Bríd Harper and Tommy Peoples. Having toured the world and recorded critically acclaimed albums with groups such as Lá Lugh, At First Light and more recently Ulaid, he has since established himself as one of Ireland’s leading television and music producers. He has composed music for theatre, television and film and has presented and produced music programmes for RTÉ, BBC ALBA, BBC NI, TG4, BBC Radio Ulster and Raidio Na Gaeltachta.

Libby McCrohan is a bouzouki player from Dublin. She plays an original round back Greek bouzouki. Her approach to accompaniment is sensitive, subtle, and rhythmical, taking inspiration from the regulator playing of uilleann pipers. Libby has performed all over Ireland and abroad and has featured on two albums to date – the critically acclaimed Heard a Long Gone Song by Lisa O’Neill and Not Before Time… 39 Years in the Making by Páraic Mac Donnchadha.

Doors 12.30pm | Unreserved seating

A young married woman begins an intense affair with an older man as a way of escaping her manipulative mother. But she comes to realise that her lover is a mirror image of her mother – just as seductive, just as demanding, and ultimately just as dangerous.

Set in modern-day Ireland, this unsettling novel from Belfast journalist Fionola Meredith charts the course of a deeply dysfunctional ‘age-gap’ relationship to its inevitable conclusion.

Disturbing yet entertaining, forensic but somehow compassionate, this compelling debut unflinchingly reveals what lies at the heart of the male fear of intimacy, and the hidden impulses which can drive our most fatal attractions.

Fionola Meredith is a writer, broadcaster and commentator, based in Belfast. A former academic, with a PhD in Philosophy, she is a long-established contributor to the Irish Times, BBC Northern Ireland, and writes a weekly opinion column in the Belfast Telegraph. The Stamp of Beauty is Fionola’s debut novel.

‘At last we have the opportunity to jump head first into the warped, seductive and darkly humorous mind of Fionola Meredith.’ – DAVID HOLMES

‘Fionola Meredith creates a visceral story of mistaken love that both manages to disturb and entertain.’ – DAVID PARK

Event includes DJ set by Tanya Mellotte

Admission free but ticketed

“Bless me father for I have sinned. And I’m about to sin again…”
Vicor Blackley/ Michael Flatley – Blackbird

We invite you to strap on your fedora, bowtie and big man girdle for one last job and join us for this very special Out to Lunch screening.

Blackbird, the feature directorial debut of famed, flame-footed Lord of the Dance and Riverdance legend Michael Flatley.  is “a spy thriller of the classic genre,”. It’s also a movie what he wrote, produced, self-financed and – you’ve guessed it – stars in.

Victor Blackley (geddit?) is “a troubled secret agent” whose life of retirement running a “luxurious nightclub in the Caribbean” is turned upside down when “an old flame arrives and reignites love in his life, but she brings danger with her”.

Have a drink every time someone tips their hat. Throw your own hat in the ring for our ‘moody-turning-to-face-the-camera-wearing-a-fedora’ competition. Enjoy a specially made Blackbird cocktail (shaken and stirred) and celebrate all things Blackley in this very special screening. Because Flatley my dear, we DO give a damn.

“The acting and writing are like the non-sexy bits that come between the sexy bits in a porn film made in 1985”The Guardian

“Holy Fuckballs” Screen International

Swordfishtrombones was first released in 1983 on Island Records. It had been previously rejected by Asylum Records as too weird for the masses and not enough ‘Martha’.

All the songs were written during a two-week trip to Ireland and produced by Tom Waits. The record is bursting with unusual and sparse instrumentation, at times heartfelt and haunting.

It peaked at no 164 in the Billboard Pop Album Charts but was lauded by NME, Spin and Pitchfork as one of the best albums of all time from one of the best American pop songwriters of all time.

We have invited a varied section of the musician community here to offer their spin on this cult classic album. Kyron Bourke, Duke Special, Clara Tracey and Mike Mormecha will all offer their versions onstage as part of this Out to Lunch special presented in association with the Oh Yeah Centre.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved seating

‘A kaleidoscopic swirl of urban life in motion.’ – FAR OUT MAGAZINE

‘…weirdness, heartfelt lyrics and haunting instrumentals adds up to a superior LP…’– ROLLING STONE

Support by DJ Sarge

After years of parties in Belfast, Superfly Funk and Soul Club are joining forces with Deptford Northern Soul Club with support from DJ Sarge.

Deptford Northern Soul Club are childhood friends, Will Foot and Lewis Henderson, whose early love of soul developed after discovering Lewis’ Dad’s record collection. After finally bringing their musical heritage to the forefront with their debut DJ set at Deptfords Bunker Club 4 years ago, they have since taken their unique club night around the UK, performing at the likes of Glastonbury festival and Green Man, alongside a residency at Manchester’s YES, their beloved Bunker Club and London’s Moth Club.

Whether behind a turntable, dancing out front or in discussion, their sheer love and passion for soul is infectious, as is the spark of friendship and mutual musical appreciation between the two of them. 27-years-old but with old heads on their young shoulders, they have emerged as the new face of Northern Soul, bringing the movement back into the conversation of modern dance music.

Superfly Funk and Soul began as just another regular soul night in the city but has fast become an established brand, combining a popular online radio show with a website packed with interesting content, a range of merchandise and a high energy club night.

The club nights have proven to be one of the best nights out in Belfast and have continued to grow in both stature and in popularity featuring quality acts such as The Allergies, Smoove and Turrell and Crowd Company. Local bands such as The Organauts, Freedom 35s and Supertonic Sound Club have all played, helping to play their part in some brilliant nights.

Doors 10.00pm | Mostly standing

Emer Maguire flawlessly blends laugh out loud musical comedy, science, and Northern Irish charm.

Her debut solo show Emer Maguire: Hilarious Humans enjoyed a sell-out run at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Hilarious Humans takes an uproariously funny (and sometimes scientific) look at the oddities of human behaviour through Emer’s ingenious musical comedy.

Her most recent shows In Her Element and Up to High Dohhave sold out the Ulster Hall and the MAC respectively so this is a rare opportunity to experience Emer in the intimate venue where her comedy career first began.

Doors 2.00pm | Unreserved seating

‘Emer Maguire is one of the most unique comic prospects in the country.’– BELFAST TELEGRAPH

‘A person so relatable, daft and plain old funny – there’s no need for fake wigs or silly voices. Just Emer, unfiltered – a truly Hilarious Human.’ - DAILY MIRROR

‘An indie Victoria Wood’– BBC

Nine Below Zero are one of Britain’s most respected R&B bands, famous for their no-frills, punchy and direct approach.

Forty years since Nine Below Zero first offered a rhythm & blues alternative to the punk-pop of the mainstream, the south Londoners make a welcome return to Out to Lunch with their Are We There Yet? tour.

Formed in 1979 and named after the famous Sonny Boy Williamson song, in 1980 they signed to A&M Records and released the seminal Live at the Marquee album. By the end of that year, they had moved from selling out the Marquee to selling out the Hammersmith Odeon.

With a reputation as “one of the best blues bands around today” for their scintillating live performances, this show will not disappoint – expect a fearsome, supercharged set from start to finish.

Doors 1:30pm | Limited Unreserved Seating

Nine Below Zero are one of Britain’s most respected R&B bands, famous for their no-frills, punchy and direct approach.

Forty years since Nine Below Zero first offered a rhythm & blues alternative to the punk-pop of the mainstream, the south Londoners make a welcome return to Out to Lunch with their Are We There Yet? tour.

Formed in 1979 and named after the famous Sonny Boy Williamson song, in 1980 they signed to A&M Records and released the seminal Live at the Marquee album. By the end of that year, they had moved from selling out the Marquee to selling out the Hammersmith Odeon.

With a reputation as “one of the best blues bands around today” for their scintillating live performances, this show will not disappoint – expect a fearsome, supercharged set from start to finish.

Doors 7:30pm | Limited Unreserved Seating

Swordfishtrombones was first released in 1983 on Island Records. It had been previously rejected by Asylum Records as too weird for the masses and not enough ‘Martha’.

All the songs were written during a two-week trip to Ireland and produced by Tom Waits. The record is bursting with unusual and sparse instrumentation, at times heartfelt and haunting.

It peaked at no 164 in the Billboard Pop Album Charts but was lauded by NME, Spin and Pitchfork as one of the best albums of all time from one of the best American pop songwriters of all time.

We have invited a varied section of the musician community here to offer their spin on this cult classic album. Kyron Bourke, Duke Special, Clara Tracey and Mike Mormecha will all offer their versions onstage as part of this Out to Lunch special presented in association with the Oh Yeah Centre.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved seating

‘A kaleidoscopic swirl of urban life in motion.’ – FAR OUT MAGAZINE

‘…weirdness, heartfelt lyrics and haunting instrumentals adds up to a superior LP…’– ROLLING STONE

The formation of Dark Tropics was inevitable. Drawn together by a bond that stretched from Ireland to Morocco, musicians Rio McGuinness and Gerard Sands found common ground in the form of Radiohead, Aretha Franklin and The Velvet Underground.

Armed with the influences of Somerset Maugham, Paul Auster and John Cooper-Clarke, the pair formed a partnership – one that relies equally on instinct and guile.

Their creative vision has borne fruit with timeless, cinematic pop-noir. Powered by analogue instruments and retro recording techniques the music sways and breathes naturally.

Their themes are everywhere – the burning highs of lust, the fragility of heartache, the sting of betrayal and defiance in the face of hurt. A meld of contemporary and classic, individual and universal, the scope of Dark Tropics is limited only by how far down the rabbit hole you wish to follow.

Dark Tropics released debut album Ink in late 2021 to widespread critical praise and are currently working on its follow-up.

Doors 7.30pm | Limited Unreserved Seating

‘Lovely, cinematic, understated pop’ -STEVE LAMACQ, BBC 6MUSIC 

‘This sounds beautiful’ – JO WILEY, BBC RADIO 2

‘Atmospheric, moody and complex with a maturity that goes beyond the realms of a debut release.’ – HOT PRESS

“Is it about a bicycle?”

It is – and much more besides…

A thriller, a hilarious comic satire about an archetypal village police force, a surrealistic vision of eternity, the story of a tender, brief, unrequited love affair between a man and his bicycle, and a chilling fable of unending guilt, ‘The Third Policeman’ is comparable only to Alice in Wonderland as an allegory of the absurd.

Distinguished by its endless comic invention and a delicate balancing of logic and fantasy, The Third Policeman is unique in the English language and is described as a masterpiece of black humour.

Presented here for musical ensemble and narrator, this production has been hailed as “An exceptional event” by BBC Radio Ulster

READ BY Phelim Drew. Live Score by Colin Reid.

Doors 7:30pm | Tickets £12.00

After a fully sold out run with extra shows added at Edinburgh Fringe 2022, Vittorio brings his debut stand-up show to Belfast.

Irish-Italian comedian Vittorio Angelone went to see Brian Friel’s Translations’ at the National Theatre in London. He loved the play, still does, but was deeply disturbed (read: pissed off) by the reaction of the English audience. Join him as he tackles being Irish in England, identity, and the sad comedy shows that seem to win awards.

“Outstanding”

★★★★★ – The Student

“Just wow.”

★★★★½ – Chortle

“Come for the caustic wit, stay for a poignancy that never strays into shameless pandering.” – Rolling Stone Magazine

“So much better than he has any right to be at this stage of his career” – Adam Rowe

“British stand-up’s new wonderkid. Emphasis on the British please. Underlined.” – Fin Taylor

As seen on: BBC One, Channel 4, Have a Word podcast

Tour support for: Adam Rowe, Jason Manford, Dan Nightingale and Shane Todd

BBC New Comedy Award Regional Finalist

British Comedian of the Year Semi-Finalist

NOMINEE: Dave’s Best Newcomer at Edinburgh Fringe 2022

Doors 7:30pm | Unreserved Seating

Join us for an hour of glamour and sparkle, taking you back into the worlds of Kurt Weill, Jaques Brel, Noel Coward, Cole Porter, Edith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich.

Join us as part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival’s ‘Out To Lunch’ programme, with captivating performances featuring cabaret classics staged by Northern Ireland’s award-winning national opera company.

A decadent lunch included in the ticket price.

Doors 12.30pm  |  Unreserved seating

Dir. Niall Trask, 2021, UK, 35 min

Out to Lunch presents the Northern Irish Premiere of this incendiary film about one of the most incendiary bands of the last decade.

Moonbathing in February is described by Lias Saoudi of the unapologetically anarchic South Londoners Fat White Family as “a no-budget DIY film about the ‘throwing shit at the wall until something sticks’ stage of the album-making process”.

He adds that it “also serves as a portrait of just how hard it is to get your rocks off at the bitter end of a winter lockdown and what, if anything, it means to be in a band at this abysmal juncture in music history”. 

A short, sharp blast of undiluted creative mayhem.

Footage and Film of Fat White Family before the main feature.  25mins.

Tenx9 is teaming up with Out to Lunch Festival and as it’s our first event of 2023 our theme is Fresh Start. Get in touch with your true stories at tenx9.com/submissions and join us in the Black Box on January 18 2023.

Tenx9 is a storytelling evening where nine people have up to ten minutes each to tell a true story from their own life. It was created in 2011 by Pádraig Ó Tuama & Paul Doran in the Black Box in Belfast. It aims to strip away the barriers that prevent people from sharing their experiences. It is always free of charge.

Medusa is one of the most recognisable figures in Greek Myth: her face has stared out at us for millennia, from Agamemnon’s shield in the Iliad to Versace’s logo now.

Gorgons and gorgon heads were an enormously popular feature on ancient statues and temples. So was Medusa always the terrifying monster we have made her?

Natalie Haynes takes you on a fast-paced tour through the history of Medusa, who she was and why we still see her all around us today. From the author of Pandora’s Jar and the new Medusa novel, Stone Blind, Natalie Haynes shows you how to survive contact with someone who can turn you to stone with a glance.

Doors 7.30pm | Unreserved seating

The Skallions are a Belfast based 8-piece Ska, Reggae powerhouse, bringing bags of energy and stacks of attitude.

Bursting onto the Belfast music scene in late 2017 opening for New York rocksteady legends, The Slackers, The Skallions have wasted no time bringing their unique brand of perfectly balanced fun and mayhem to audiences across Ireland.

Since that incendiary debut there have been major shows with Jaya the cat, David Rodigan, King Kong Company and The Specials.

Released during the pandemic, debut album Skallion Battalion has caught the attention of ska fans from all over the world. The band has achieved all this with the old punk ethos of DIY, supporting themselves through hard work and determination.

Ska at lunchtime? Makes perfect sense to us.

Doors 12.30 | Unreserved seating