Belfast Theatres & Cinemas
The city of Belfast boasts not only the largest population in all the cities of Northern Ireland, but is also the capital city. With a rich heritage, Belfast is home to a wonderful amount of culture and ingenuity. Cobble stoned and twisting, even modern day streets are like a step back in time where you can experience the breathtaking architecture in the city's oldest area of the Cathedral Quarter.
As the city is situated at the mouth of a river crossing, the hamlet that would eventually become Belfast became a safe haven for pirates and looters. They found the harbor a wonderful place to make repairs on their ships where they would be sheltered from the harsh storms upon the North Atlantic Ocean.
From this fascinating beginning, local inhabitants developed an industrious trade of shipbuilding that continues to the present day. The RMS Titanic was actually crafted here along the harbor shoreline. Even now, two yellow cranes bearing the initials H and W highlight the harbor view, as the shipyard of Harland and Wolff (which made the Titanic) still work to create marine crafts. The cranes have been nicknamed Samson and Goliath by the natives.
During the time of political strife that encompassed Northern Ireland, two relative unknowns started a theatre group name the Field Day Theatre. Over the course of several years, the theatre attracted other writers, directors, poets, and filmmakers. A safe haven was provided by this theatre during the climate of unrest through the "Fifth Province."
Many successes were to be found by the performers that were a part of the casts of the productions at the Field Day Theatre, such as Liam Neeson and Stephen Rea. The cultural significance of this theatre has been a profound piece of Irish heritage.
The Odyssey Complex is the cornerstone of the city's Millennium Project. There are options here for a wide assortment of activities, both inside and out including an indoor arena that can seat 10,000 spectators. Sporting events and concerts have been staged here, and there is the Commercial Leisure Pavilion as well as an IMAX Theatre and Multiplex Cinema on hand.
Lanyon Place is located in the waterfront area of Laganside and the home of Waterfront Hall. This location makes it the perfect spot to host outdoor events and concerts an even street theatre. Alanis Morissette even performed here once upon a floating stage!
Custom House Square is one the leading outdoor theatres as the backdrop is Custom House. Finished with natural stone, the building also features water and light functions to enhance the view. At the Old Museum Arts Centre located at College Square North, avant-garde products are hosted in their small theatre.
The Grand Opera House on Great Victoria Street offers a gorgeous décor, but also hosts big-named shows from London's West End and Dublin. Just south of the city there is another theatre by the name of Lyric, which is proper and serious theatre. There is even a student scheme at the theatre where unsold tickets are sold at discount to students after 7:30 pm on production night.