GNI MAG

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.

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.