GNI MAG

At 9pm sharp, the curtain dropped to reveal a large raised platform, three towering screens and a glossy, wet-look stage complete with catwalk. It was sleek rather than stadium-sized, but it gave the room exactly what it needed: somewhere for three women, six dancers and an industrial quantity of hair flicks to get to work.

It's hard to believe it's been 17 years since I managed the Pussycat Dolls’ Doll Domination tour back in 2009 as one of my first major events. I remember the details vividly; the concert took place at the Kings Hall because the Odyssey Arena had already been booked for athletics, which required nearly a week for setup. As a result, the girls' performance in Belfast was held at the Kings Hall.

There are some performers whose legacy simply refuses to fade, and Judy Garland is absolutely one of them. The legend, the icon, that voice. We know the films and songs, and most of us know something about the troubled woman behind the Hollywood sparkle. But Judy: End of the Rainbow, playing at Belfast’s Grand Opera House to 26 September 2026, asks us to look beyond the legend and spend time with Judy the woman. Believe me, it isn’t always an easy watch.

There are some productions that are simply enjoyable, and then there are those that completely sweep you away. BSPA’s production of Hadestown at The MAC Belfast firmly belongs in the latter category. We were delighted to be invited along to today’s matinee, on the final day of the run, and watching Team Olympus take to the stage was nothing short of extraordinary.

Kat Slater Eat Your Heart Out When musical extraordinaire High Society rolled into town, and the lovely folk at the Grand Opera House asked us along, we of course said yes. Full disclosure, I love a musical but I knew absolutely nothing about this one. Then someone told me it was an old jazz musical, my heart dropped a bit - I'm not a fan of jazz (at all). But still, I went with an open mind. Well, let me tell you... Bejezuz this is a quare story.

Belfast's iconic five star Merchant Hotel today announces an exclusive spa partnership with Ireland's internationally acclaimed organic wellness brand, VOYA. Two of Ireland's most prestigious luxury brands have come together to unveil two exclusive new signature spa rituals at The Merchant Hotel Spa.

A double cast of 86 young performers to take audiences on an unforgettable journey to the Underworld. The timeless tales of Greek mythology are captivating audiences around the world once again, and this summer Belfast School of Performing Arts (BSPA) is bringing one of the most celebrated modern retellings to Northern Ireland as 86 talented young performers take to the stage in Hadestown: Teen Edition at The MAC.

So, when my other half showed actual interest in coming along as my plus one, I knew this was either going to be a lovely night at the theatre or a two-and-a-half-hour crash course in country music history where I would smile knowingly while secretly wondering if everyone else had done the homework.

“I have GENUINELY been such a fan of Sara Bareilles since the start of her career, seeing the show and reviewing has ticked a big life moment for me hearing her songs in what was genuinely an amazing show! 👏🏼” From the moment the giant pie curtain lifted to reveal our dazzling lead, Carrie Hope Fletcher as Jenna, opening with the beautifully heartfelt What’s Inside, I was hooked.

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.