From the magic of Cahoots to the emotional intensity of Brian Friel and Tennessee Williams, Belfast’s theatres are offering an eclectic programme this October.
There’s circus spectacle at the Grand Opera House, Jane Austen with a twist, contemporary drama at the Lyric, and immersive theatre where the audience becomes part of the story.
Belfast International Arts Festival also returns for its 64th edition from 14 October to 8 November, bringing an additional programme of international theatre and performance to the city.
Here’s our October theatre edit.
GRAND OPERA HOUSE
Melissa Hamilton’s Grand Ballet Gala | 8–10 October
Northern Ireland’s Royal Ballet principal Melissa Hamilton returns to Belfast for a celebration of classical and contemporary ballet, joined by an international company of dancers.
Barnum | 13–17 October
The extraordinary world of American showman P. T. Barnum comes to Belfast in a musical combining circus spectacle, acrobatics and unforgettable songs.
Starring Matt Rawle and featuring choreography by Oti Mabuse, this production celebrates the ambition and imagination of one of entertainment’s most colourful figures.
Pride & Prejudice (Sort of) | 20–24 October
Jane Austen’s classic receives a mischievous makeover in this inventive adaptation filled with comedy, music and the familiar romantic complications of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy.
Annie | 27–31 October
One of musical theatre’s best loved stories arrives for Halloween week, bringing familiar songs including Tomorrow and It’s the Hard Knock Life.
In the Studio
Words On A Moving Page | 17 October
An intimate theatre production exploring friendship, grief and mental health, following two young men navigating the difficulties of their relationship.
Tell Me on a Sunday | 22–24 October
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s musical follows a young English woman searching for love and a new beginning in America, featuring songs including Take That Look Off Your Face.
LYRIC THEATRE
Hello Charlie | Until 18 October
Written and performed by Caoimhe Farren, this contemporary production comes to the Lyric as part of Belfast International Arts Festival.
Faith Healer | 10 October – 14 November
Brian Friel’s celebrated play returns in a new production directed by Emma Jordan, starring Conleth Hill, Lisa Dwyer Hogg and Chris McCurry.
Through three conflicting accounts of a travelling faith healer’s life, Friel explores memory, belief, love and the uncertainty of truth.
The production forms part of the Lyric’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
Darren Jackson’s Wedding | 21 October – 1 November
A contemporary theatrical production in the Lyric’s Naughton Studio, bringing another distinctive voice to the theatre’s autumn programme.
THE MAC
Thanks for Being Here | 15 October
Belgian theatre company Ontroerend Goed brings an unusual theatrical experience to Belfast, placing the audience at the centre of the performance.
Through video, changing perspectives and playful interaction, the production explores the relationship between performers and the people watching them.
An Irish premiere presented as part of Belfast International Arts Festival.
The Glass Menagerie | 20–27 October
Tinderbox Theatre Company brings Tennessee Williams’ classic to The MAC for its first professional Northern Ireland staging in 20 years.
Directed by Patrick J O’Reilly, this new interpretation explores memory, family expectations and the longing to escape.
Tom dreams of leaving home, Laura retreats into her collection of glass animals, and their mother Amanda struggles to hold the family together.
Nine performances only, as part of Belfast International Arts Festival.
ShedMan | 22–24 October
Written and performed by Keith Singleton, ShedMan tells the story of John Courtesy, a lonely man contemplating leaving society behind for a life on a mountain.
Combining humour with reflections on loneliness and human connection, the production draws on research at Holywood Men’s Shed.
Directed by Patrick J O’Reilly, it forms part of Belfast International Arts Festival.
CAHOOTS THEATRE
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice | 10–25 October
Cahoots returns to its theatre at Cityside Retail & Leisure Park with a magical family adventure.
Set in a world of snowy forests and northern lights, the story follows Gunda, a young girl who discovers extraordinary powers and the possibility of becoming a sorcerer’s apprentice.
Featuring original music, theatrical illusion and imaginative storytelling, the production is recommended for ages six and over.
Frights, Camera, Action! | 26 October
A special Halloween event at Cahoots Theatre, adding another family focused experience to the October programme.
The 13 Chairs | 29 October – 1 November
A forgotten room, thirteen chairs and a mysterious dinner party where every guest has a choice.
Cahoots ventures into darker territory with this immersive Halloween experience, combining supernatural storytelling with audience decisions that shape the unfolding mystery.
Recommended for ages 13 and over, the production is part of Belfast International Arts Festival.
From the spectacular to the intimate, October’s programme demonstrates the range of theatre being created and presented across Belfast.
Whether it’s a familiar musical, a classic drama, a contemporary story or something completely unexpected, there’s plenty to discover on stage this month.
