GNI MAG

Right, hand over my Gay Card now because I have a confession to make: I’ve never been the world’s biggest fan of Priscilla Queen of the Desert. I know. Gasp. Shock. Horror. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always thought the film was perfectly fine. It’s colourful, it’s funny, it’s iconic in many ways. But for whatever reason, it never completely grabbed me. Maybe I’m more of a Muriel’s Wedding kind of gay.

How do you review a show like Only Human Live- an illusionary experience with a narrative centred around free will? A show that constantly poses the question to the audience: “Do we really have control over anything we decide?” without that lingering feeling that even my decision on how I review this show was already made for me.

A dazzling cast, sensational choreography and a sublime live orchestra make Belfast Operatic Company’s Guys & Dolls a winning production packed with humour, heart and classic musical theatre magic. The opening night of Belfast Operatic Company’s Guys & Dolls at the Grand Opera House hit the jackpot. From the first brassy notes of the overture to the final curtain call, the sublime 19 piece orchestra ensured this production was one to remember.

There is something undeniably special about revisiting a story you already love, and for me, The Bodyguard holds a firm place in that category. The romance, the tension, and of course, the remembering the role Whitney Houston, made it iconic. So heading into the stage adaptation at the Grand Opera House, expectations were naturally high. What the musical does cleverly, and rather brilliantly at times, is lean into Whitney’s musical catalogue more heavily than the film ever did.

If your idea of a relaxing honeymoon involves champagne, sunshine and not stumbling over a corpse before dessert, then Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile is here to reassure you that you’ve chosen wisely. Opening tonight at the Grand Opera House Belfast, this deliciously dramatic whodunnit proves that luxury cruises and happy endings rarely mix, especially when Hercule Poirot is anywhere near the boarding gangway.

I’ll be honest, this gig wasn’t originally on my bingo card. My partner, on the other hand, is a massive fan of the Manchester music scene, Oasis, The Mondays, The Roses, the whole Madchester madness, so it felt like my duty to tag along. Happy wife, happy life works both ways, after all. And honestly? I’m glad I did, because the final night of the Happy Mondays’ 35 Years of Pills ’n’ Thrills and Bellyaches tour at Mandela Hall turned out to be an absolute riot in the best possible way.

Let’s be very clear from the jump: “Sweat”is not here to whisper sweet nothings into your earbuds. Sweat kicks your door in wearing a sports bra, blows a whistle, points at the dance floor and screams “MOVE!” Melanie C’s ninth studio album is peak Sporty Spice energy, all pulse, pose and protein. This is what happens when a woman rediscovers rave culture, DJs at queer club nights, looks incredible doing it, and decides emotional ballads can have a little lie‑down while disco hits the gym.

The countdown to a landmark year for the GNIMAG Awards starts now. With our 10th anniversary on the horizon we have some exciting announcement's Pictured left to right, Daniel from GNIMAG, Brian & Richard from Kremlin/Union St and Anna & Scott from The Rainbow Project - Image by Conor Ross Photography Firstly we are delighted that The Kremlin and Union Street have renewed their commitment as Headline Sponsors for the 10th GNIMAG Awards.

There is something uniquely special about walking into a show when you know the people on stage. The anticipation feels different. The stakes feel higher. And last night, as Anything Goes sailed into the Grand Opera House in Belfast, performed by St Agnes’ Choral Society, I was not just watching a production. I was watching friends, peers and artists I deeply admire absolutely shine. And shine they did. From the very first moments, there is a warmth to this production that feels instantly inviting.

Get ready to grab a cup of “Central Perk“ coffee and settle in for a night of laughter, nostalgia, and everything you love about the beloved "Friends" series, because “Friends the Musical Parody” is here, and it’s a riot! Straight from the producers of the hit musical “Hairspray” and directed by the mastermind behind “The Full Monty,” this show promises to be a comedic treat that leaves you in stitches, and believe me, my cheeks were sore from all the laughing out loud and reminiscent smiling...