Centre Stage NI
Our Story
We have consistently contributed to the arts in Northern Ireland by keeping theatre alive and breathing in the hearts and souls of all sides of the community since its inception in 1983. Uniting “our wee country” in an era when it seemed impossible; Centre Stage was firmly established in the Belfast community as a benchmark in theatre at such a poignant time in Northern Ireland’s history. A huge part of our legacy that we are very proud of and will always strive to maintain.
“Theatre and all artistic mediums speak to all social backgrounds; drama does not discriminate. Bringing communities together in joy and laughter since 1983. ”
– Centre Stage Theatre Company
our Story
Community
Deeply committed to community engagement through our active drama education programme, we work tirelessly to develop new theatre audiences by presenting work in innovative and alternative spaces. Using our extensive archives of scripts and previous work, we are committed to furthering our relationship with youth work through schools’
workshops and youth projects.
our Story
INCLUSIVE
We are proud to have created a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We work hard to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels at home, regardless of their background or experience with theatre. We have a strong belief that theatre has the power to bring people together, and we work really hard to create a sense of
community through our productions and events.
“In the youth strand of our work, our motto is; no auditions, everyone can take part. We
ensure everyone gets their moment, centre stage”.
– Centre Stage Theatre Company
our Story
OUR LEGACY LIVES ON
Centre Stage has built its undeniable legacy in Belfast over 4 decades with no signs of slowing down. We have propelled this further with the release of “The McCooeys”. What was once known as, “the most listened-to radio show in Northern Ireland, written by our own Joseph Tomelty, “The McCooeys” was this time adapted to the stage with the aid of Michael Quinn, with our very own Hannah reprising the role of Sally McCooey.
We were thrilled to bring this much-loved classic back and reinvent our dear grandfather Joseph’s stories back to life; 70 years after he first episode of the long running radio series aired. He gave so much to the arts community in Northern Ireland, it is a fitting tribute to his work. Originally scheduled to hit the stage for the 25th anniversary of his death, it had been put back due to the pandemic and the loss of our beloved Roma in 2020.
We first performed and live-streamed this production in 2021 for residential care homes during covid, for our wonderful generation that fondly remember listening to “The McCooeys” back in the 50s. It was an absolute hoot and went down such a treat with all. We went on to bring this to the stage to live audiences in 2022 at the
newly-renovated Grand Opera House in Belfast, to another roaring success.
BRING SOME CULTURE TO YOUR INBOX.