Hiraeth is a Welsh word with no English equivalent. It’s a sense of loss or separation from your home or the sense of your spiritual being. The yearning of the émigré.

Michael Smiley is a Northern Irish actor who has come a long way since his days as a stand-up comedian in Belfast. His extensive filmography includes performances in Alien: Earth, Rogue One, Censor, The Lobster, Bookworm with Elijah Wood. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer & The Other Boleyn Girl,

Michael is perhaps best known for his acclaimed performance as Roger in Sharon Horgan’s award winning Apple series, Bad Sisters and Gal in Ben Wheatley’s Kill List (for which he won Best Supporting Actor award at the 2011 British Independent Film Awards) and has previously appeared in three more of Ben Wheatley’s films; Down Terrace, A Field in England and Free Fire.

He came to prominence playing Tyres O’Flaherty in cult show Spaced and his television credits include Luther, Black Mirror, Ripper Street, Bloodlands, Utopia, Doctor Who and the latest series of Blue Lights

As well as acting, Michael has written and presented two series for BBC Northern Ireland ― Something To Ride Home About ― focusing on his love of cycling, and he has recently written, directed and produced his first short film, La Petite Mort, which premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh. He is currently completing his first screenplay.

Michael is married to Miranda Sawyer, the acclaimed, award-winning writer and journalist. Miranda is the author of Uncommon People: Britpop and Beyond in 20 Songs; Out of Time: Midlife if You Still Think You’re Young; and Park and Ride.

For this Out to Lunch special event Miranda will be interviewing Michael about his journey, the idea of ‘hiraeth’ and the notion of what and where is home.

Keith James presents a haunting and immaculately crafted concert celebrating the songs of Nick Drake.

Nick Drake is one of the UK’s most revered singer-songwriters. He has given us timeless songs that shed all the tears of life within their fragile yet perfect lines. He recorded three cherished albums between 1969 and 1972, but was almost entirely unknown in his day.

After his tragic death in 1974 aged only 26, his music almost disappeared into obscurity. Now, thanks to a massive resurgence of interest and a worldwide re-evaluation of his genius, Nick Drake has become a national treasure.

Several meticulously compiled biographies look at every aspect of Nick’s life and music, throwing light on many shadowy corners of mystery and supposition.

Two decades have now passed since singer/guitarist Keith James first performed his stunningly beautiful series of Nick Drake concerts.

He was the first artist to bring this intriguingly fragile music to venues across the UK in a live concert form. The result was six years of highly acclaimed tours featuring over 1000 concerts in venues across the UK and Europe, including Glastonbury Festival.

“Musicians brave enough to make the music they really believe in. Keith James is one of these.” ~ Bob Harris

“A fresh and powerful approach to these wonderful songs” ~ Patrick Humphries (Nick Drake biographer)

Written by Neil Titley
Starring Will Govan | Directed by Rebecca O’Connor

Set in Paris in 1898, this acclaimed one-man play sees Will Govan embody a brilliant but broken Oscar Wilde, exiled and reflecting on a life lived in the glare of fame and scandal. Drawing on Wilde’s letters, essays, and irrepressible wit, Work is the Curse of the Drinking Classes is a tragicomic monologue that moves between dazzling humour and poignant heartbreak.

Wilde, now alone and disgraced after imprisonment, revisits themes of love, beauty, art and injustice with unflinching honesty and defiant charm. Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or a newcomer to his world, this 60-minute performance offers a fresh and humanising portrait of one of literature’s most iconic figures.

Performed over 700 times across five continents, this revival breathes new life into Neil Titley’s celebrated script. It marks a return to the stage for Govan — artist, interviewer, and co-founder of The Moth — under the direction of novelist and theatre-maker Rebecca O’Connor.

Critical acclaim has followed the show across the globe:

“Charming and witty” – Irish Times 

“Funny and melancholic” – The Times 

“Fine and genuinely moving” – Festival Times, Edinburgh

Come see Wilde as you’ve never seen him: alone, reflective, and devastatingly funny.

The musical career of the legend that is Barbara Streisand has spanned over six decades.

The Broadway star went from dust to stardom in the blink of an eye. Most famous for her role in Funny Girl, she is a phenomenon – singer, actress, director, philanthropist and author. Few have garnered the accolades that she has. She has had a number one album in each decade since she first appeared on the scene in 1960.

Belfast born vocalist extraordinaire MARION JORDAN will take you on a magical musical journey through time as you sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of a fabulous production.

A show that will have you singing along, tapping your toes, and even laughing. But most of all you will be joining with Marion in a celebration of hit songs such as ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’, ‘No More Tears’, ‘The Way We Were’, ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’, ‘Memory’ plus many more.

Northern Ireland singer Marion Jordan will be delivering an explosive show performing the hits that made Barbara Streisand a household name.

Brought to life on stage by Jim Roche & Liam Hourican and stunningly accompanied by live music, we follow a pair of Dublin characters portrayed in immaculately detailed scenes.

In Counterparts, a frustrated law clerk is determined to have a big night’s drinking, while in A Little Cloud, a sensitive soul is thrown by a meeting with an old university friend back from London. At once funny and tragic, the stories are populated with an array of colourful characters who, despite the bowler hats and Edwardian collars, remain entirely contemporary.

These two short stories from Joyce’s debut work are vivid ‘slices of life’ in early 20th century Dublin, revealing a society in paralysis, desperately awaiting change.

‘lighting up the genius of Joyce’s Dubliners’  – Sunday Independent

‘beautifully dramatised and served up as a lunchtime treat… a perfect hour’s entertainment’ –  Irish Independent

‘two superbly articulated performances’ – The Arts Review

 ‘a superb dramatised introduction to one of the greatest short-story collections in world literature’  – Frank McNally, The Irish Times

Duration: 60 minutes
Age Guidance: 12+
Adult themes, reference to domestic abuse.
​

Volta Theatre Company is a new company with the remit to bring classical theatre to a wide audience. Its’ founders are Liam Hourican and Jim Roche, who have collaborated for many years in theatre and TV. 

Liam has worked with Shakespeare’s Globe, the Old Vic and Second Age Theatre company and has written and performed sketch shows and comedy drama for Channel 4, RTE and the BBC. Jim has starred in Normal People (directed by Lenny Abramson (BBC), Harry Wild (Acorn TV) Blood 2 (Virgin Media) Vikings (History Channel), Damo and Ivor,Fair City, Killinaskully, The Mario Rosenstock Show, Dead Still (RTE), The Tudors (Showtime) and iCandy (Channel 4). Musicians Feilimidh Nunan and Conor Sheil regularly work with all the principal orchestras in Ireland (National Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, Wexford Festival Orchestra, Irish National Opera Orchestra). Their professional interests have led them to collaborate with many other groups in film and theatre but also in different musical genres ranging from jazz to traditional music.

CAST AND CREW
WRITTEN BY: James Joyce
ADAPTED & DIRECTED BY: Jim Roche & Liam Hourican
PERFORMED BY: Jim Roche & Liam Hourican
MUSICIANS: Feillimidh Nunan and Conor Sheil
LIGHTING DESIGN: Colm Maher​
PHOTOGRAPHY: Malcolm McGettigan
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Gavin Doyle

Spend an evening in the company of writer, actor, and broadcaster Michael Palin, in conversation with Kathy Clugston, as he shares stories from his extraordinary career – from his comedy beginnings to his life as a world traveller.

Palin will reflect on his latest adventure, Venezuela: A Travel Journal – an exploration through one of South America’s most fascinating and complex countries. With his trademark curiosity and wit, he’ll share stories of the people he met, the places he explored, and the reality of life in modern-day Venezuela.

From Monty Python, Ripping Yarns and The Death of Stalin to his bestselling books including Great-Uncle Harry, North Korea Journal, and his acclaimed diaries and fiction, Palin remains one of Britain’s most beloved storytellers.

Now, he brings his vivid and varied portrait journal to the stage in an evening of insight, warmth and fascinating tales from his travels to the North and South Poles, the Sahara Desert, the Himalayas, and beyond.

Hal is back with a brand-new tour for 2025/2026 with a show that promises to stick it to ‘The Man’, as long as ‘The Man’ doesn’t stick it back to him.

With his trademark hard-hitting ‘take no prisoners’ comedy (this is what Hal told me to write!!!) he will be hilariously pontificating on subjects like middle aged dating, social media, the insanity of modern politics and the fact that his daughters love him but don’t respect him. He believes that, after you’ve seen the show, you’ll feel exactly the same way.

His last tour was extended four times and he’s one of a select number of comics to have done Live At The Apollo three times and the Royal Variety twice, TV also includes Have I Got News For You, The Apprentice You’re Fired, Bake Off Extra Slice and Would I Lie To You.

‘Reminded me of how much I love stand up’ ★★★★The Times

‘Go and see Hal Cruttenden, he’s got something to say and he’ll make you laugh; a lot.’ ★★★★★Daily Mirror

‘Naturally funny…challenging and provocative’ ★★★★Daily Telegraph

Céili Caller – Ronan Eastwood

We tried this out for the first time last year and everyone had such a fine time, we’re doing it all again. An afternoon of céilí dancing, set dancing and 2-hand dancing with one of Ireland’s top Céili Callers.

No previous experience needed as full instruction will be given throughout.

There’ll be dancing, sandwiches and a cup of tea in your hand.

Live Concert with Six-Piece Ensemble from the sell-out creators of The Ennio Morricone Experience.

Experience the magic of cinema brought to life through a mesmerizing concert featuring the iconic movie music of Hans Zimmer – the Oscar-winning composer of Dune, Interstellar, The Last Samurai, The Lion King, Gladiator, Inception, The Dark Knight and many, many more.

Immerse yourself in the unforgettable melodies that have defined blockbuster films, as our group takes you on a cinematic journey like never before. Join us for an evening of transcendent music, where the silver screen comes alive on the stage.

Film    Art     Poetry       Music  Sculpture    Street Art   Literature    Theatre.  

Get to see more of Belfast and find out about its talented creative people!

Hop on board this Festival half-day bus tour developed by Creative Tours Belfast for a fun exploration of the best of Belfast’s vibrant arts and cultural scene! Journey across the city with your entertaining and knowledgeable tour guide to become acquainted with a plethora of talented and creative people connected with the streets and different districts of the city that you’ll pass through.

Discover many of the city’s arts centres, theatres, art galleries and music venues, see cool street artwork and public sculptures and listen to music and stories as we go.

See and hear about many great visual artists, writers, actors, directors and musicians who were born or spent time in different parts of Belfast:

– Successful visual artists- for example, The Array Collective, Colin Davidson and Rita Duffy

– Award-winning novelists, playwrights/scriptwriters and poets – includingAnna Burns, Seamus Heaney, C S Lewis, Marie Jones, Lisa McKee, and Owen McCafferty

– Famous film directors and actors – including Kenneth Brannagh, Liam Neeson, Jamie Dornan, Tara Lynne O’Neill and Frances Tomelty

– Musicians of our UNESCO City of Music from Van Morrison, James Galway and Ruby Murray to today’s rising stars!

The tour will start from the Cathedral Quarter and stop for four short visits in each of north, south, east and west Belfast, giving you a chance to see what’s on and to explore a bit. There’ll be additional opportunities for photos along the way.

A special performance will be arranged for tour guests at one of the four venues visited, and a light lunch will also be provided at Eastside Visitor Centre, beside C S Lewis Square.

Meet for 10.25am at the Black Box and we will join our bus by St Anne’s Cathedral after exploring Writer’s Square.The tour will last for three and a half hours, and we will return back to the Cathedral Quarter for 2pm.

DATE: Sunday 18^th January 2026

START: 10.25am – the Black Box foyer

END: 2pm: By St Anne’s Cathedral, Donegall St, Cathedral Quarter

This tour has received part funding from Belfast City Council under its Neighbourhood Tourism Investment Programme

Namaste Motherf*ckers is the new show from Cally Beaton (QI, Live at the Apollo) – a quick-witted, unexpected and unapologetic insight into life in midlife.

Combining Cally’s comedic and storytelling prowess with extracts from her provocative, stereotype-busting book of the same name, the show has at its heart her own story of radical reinvention – taking her from meetings in boardrooms to treading the boards, thanks to a chance conversation with the late, great Joan Rivers.

A funny show about a deadly serious subject, Namaste Motherf*ckers is a celebration of and for the female of the species. Invisible no more.

★★★★“SPRIGHTLY WIT AND CONSIDERABLE STORYTELLING PROWESS” The Scotsman

★★★★“ORIGINAL AND CLEVER” The Arts Desk – pick of the Edinburgh Fringe

“GRIPPING, PERCEPTIVE AND UPLIFTING” Chortle

“EXCITING AND HILARIOUS TALENT…SHE’S GOT IT” Time Out

Award-winning comedian Rosie Wilby shares funny, bizarre and poignant tales of heartbreak and recovery with special guests in a live recording of her acclaimed podcast.

Rosie has been obsessively researching the psychology of love for a decade for a trilogy of internationally-acclaimed solo shows and has even been dubbed ‘the queen of breakups’ by BBC Radio 4.

The Breakup Monologues is now also available as a book combining humour, heartache and science to investigate how on earth to actually stay in a relationship in the modern age of ghosting, breadcrumbing and Tinder. It has been described by Red Magazine as a ‘gem of a book’ and by Viv Groskop as ‘balm for the soul for anyone who has ever been in love’.

‘My favourite way to learn is when a funny, clever, honest person is teaching me – that’s why I love Rosie Wilby!’ – Sara Pascoe

This year, Grant-Lee Phillips will release his 12^th solo album, the self-produced In the Hour of Dust.

It’s a work that doesn’t shy away from the big themes of contemporary life. “The mood on this album is contemplative,” says Phillips, “trying to find meaning in an age of confusion, feeling your way through the blinding dust of unreality.”

In the Hour of Dust is also a highly intimate affair; both in its musical presentation and the highly personal – often autobiographical – lyrics in the songs, all set, the songwriter admits, “against this larger discordant backdrop.”

Audiences first discovered Phillips’ thoughtful, literate songwriting in context of the rock band Grant Lee Buffalo, a trio which found success with the 1993 debut Fuzzy. The title track catapulted the group to international recognition. Grant Lee Buffalo followed up Fuzzy with 1994’s Mighty Joe Moon (an album featuring the modern rock hit “Mockingbirds”) etching a distinct mark, while transcending the era.

Beginning with his 2000 solo debut Ladies’ Love Oracle, Phillips opened another chapter in his career, as a folk- and Americana-focused artist crafting songs and stories rich with details and humanity. Phillips was then invited to join the cast of a burgeoning television series. The Gilmore Girls would enjoy lasting syndication and multi-generational embrace, introducing Phillips, “the Town Troubadour” to a new audience.

Phillips is often on the road, performing to eager fans throughout the US and overseas. With the release of In the Hour of Dust in September 2025, concert dates are planned for the U.S., UK, Europe and other regions to follow.

Reflects Phillips “I don’t see songs of love and songs of protest as being so far apart, really. It’s all about recognising the value of connection in a disconnected time.”

Los Dramaticos perform stunning arrangements of songs and instrumental pieces from around Latin America and Spain.

Their sound is a fusion of the Flamenco and Andean traditions. This reflects their heritage: Victor is a gifted charango player from Valparaíso in Chile. Paddy is one of the most accomplished flamenco guitarists in Ireland and the UK, whose artistic path developed over many years in Granada, Andalucia.

The new 2026 show combines a joyful, exciting and unique blend of Latin American and Andalusian musical flavours with compelling and humorous storytelling. It’s an unmissable opportunity to be transported to those sun-kissed lands, their people, their infectious passion and their zest for life.

 Outstanding playing! A recital of classics and original compositions that are by turn uplifting, stirring and humorous, contextualised with surprising and funny stories. It’s sizzling good fun. Bernard McKeown, The Daily Mirror 

 If you can’t go on holiday this year, go and see Los Dramaticos! Kathy Clugston, The Ticket, BBC Radio Ulster 

 Los Dramáticos have captured the imagination with their infectious passion and global outlook, their entertaining musical approach and their incredible musicianship. Linley Hamilton, Jazz World, BBC Radio Ulster 

 When I hear Los Dramáticos, I’m transported to another joyful world, of warm, southern climes, a world of exhilaration, of life-giving energies. Their compelling musicianship, effortlessly fused in a masterful combination of flamenco guitar and 10-string charango, lingers long in the heart after the final notes are sounded. Neil Martin, composer

Don Letts’ reputation has been firmly established in both the film and music world by a substantial body of work from the late 70’s through the 80’s, 90’s and well into the millennium. His work has been exhibited in The Kitchen N.Y.C, The Institute of Contemporary Art, The N.F.T in London and was honored at Brooklyn’s BAM festival and The Milan Film festival. In March 2003 he won a Grammy for his documentary ‘Westway To The World’.

He came to notoriety in the late 70’s as the DJ that single handedly turned a whole generation of punks onto reggae. It was whilst as a d.j at the first punk club ‘The Roxy’ in 1977, that Don adopted the punk D.I.Y ethic and begun to make his first film ‘The Punk Rock Movie’. Shot on Super-8mm it is the only documentary on the U.K punk scene w/ Sex Pistols-The Clash and many others. This led to a period directing over 300 music videos for an eclectic mix of diverse artists ranging from Public Image to Bob Marley. He then moved into documentary work covering the likes of Gil Scot-Heron, The Jam, Sun Ra, George Clinton and most recently Paul McCartney. Dancehall Queen (co-directedby Rick Elgood) shot in location in Jamaica 1997 was his first feature film.

Don continues to D.J nationally and internationally playing strictly old and new school dub reggae. His set is in the spirit of his time as DJ at London’s legendary Roxy club back in ’77.

The Darkling Air joined by frequent collaborators Arco String Quartet promise an atmospheric and nostalgically charming performance of songs from their most recent album “Pareidolia” and previous albums “Ancestor” & “Untamed & Beloved”.

“I’m always mesmerised by how they create a sound that feels as though it is floating in mid air, being held up by convection currents. Like a glider. Elegant, vulnerable, defying gravity” – Stephen McCauley BBC Radio Ulster

A captivating tale of sibling rivalry in post-Troubles Northern Ireland. With gut-punch gags and emotional blows, Caroline reckons with her lifelong battle with her younger brother, who loves trains, buses and getting his way.

Funny, joyful, and deeply personal, this is a story about coming to terms with a messy past and complicated future, one where Caroline might have to balance caring for her adult brother with her own desires. Expect sibling spats, visits to the London Transport Museum and a whole lotta Disney as Caroline explores family, love, and full-time care.

‘The Northern Irish comic does not shy away from topics such as The Troubles or making fun of the English. She is a fantastic storyteller’ Entertainment Now ★★★★

‘Deeply funny’ A Young(ish) Perspective ★★★★

‘She’s a star’ Alison Spittle

The all-new show from Scotland’s new international breakthrough stand-up star. A hit at the 2024 Fringe Encore Series as part of the New York Comedy Festival.

Connor’s previous show “1994” also sold 10,000+ tickets in Edinburgh, toured 100 dates around UK and Australia. He’s supported Daniel Sloss in 3 continents and his debut comedy special gets its world-wide release this summer.

‘Burns has arrived’   ★★★★ Entertainment Now

‘Brilliant… gags coming at you at a terrifying rate… Superb!’  ★★★★ The List

‘Hilarious… he is fearless and it is wonderful…!’ ★★★★★ The Scotsman

* Gallus: Traditional Scots dialect meaning Bold, Daring and Reckless

What do you do when your country becomes a repressive authoritarian state?

A breath-taking, compulsively readable story about how a regular person can stand up for their rights against an oppressive regime.

2014: Russia prepares to host the Winter Olympics. Russia invades Crimea. Putin is re-elected president. Several political prisoners are amnestied and released early from prison.

Maria Alyokhina is among them. She had spent two years in a penal colony after performing the punk prayer ‘Virgin Mary, Banish Putin’ with her friends in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. They had warned the rest of the world of the dangers of authoritarianism but the Russia she finds when she gets out of prison is even more oppressive.

What can you do, she asks, when your country has been seized by all-powerful men who are waging war against another country and their own citizens?

As Maria recounts her brave and colourful protests, we are drawn straight into the world of grassroots opposition and witness the absurd measures the Russian state takes to contain protest. And when the full-scale war against Ukraine starts and the Russian opposition is repeatedly silenced, Maria and her activist friends continue to resist despite the high stakes.

They fight increasingly absurd cycles of detention and house arrest: sometimes with the smallest acts such as going for a walk or having a rainbow ice cream, until, faced with a new prison sentence, she escapes Russia in May 2022 dressed as a delivery food courier. Her story, like her life, is fiercely courageous, darkly funny and highly inspiring to anyone who wants to stand up for the truth.

THE AUTHOR
Maria Alyokhina is a political activist, artist and member of Pussy Riot collective. Her first book Riot Days was highly acclaimed and translated into many languages.