As you settle into your new role, there are major challenges ahead of you….. I would like to add one simple, achievable challenge to your plate -  to unlock increased investment in the NI Arts Sector to at least levels comparable with our English colleagues. 

Belfast Ensemble’s critically acclaimed RIOT Symphony tours to Helsinki Festival this August, in a European premiere conducted by Andrew Gourlay, featuring Soprano Aurora Marthens and Tenor Ric Furman, fused with a newly commissioned video design from award-winning filmmaker Nicky Larkin.

“Musicals aren’t written. They are re-written!”

‘There’s an assumption that musical theatre is a lesser art form – more high street than couture…’

John Saul, also known as Dublin Jack, was a scandalous figure in Victorian London primarily remembered for his involvement in the underground world of male prostitution and for his authorship of gay erotic literature.

The composer and theatre-maker talks to Freya Parr about agitprop, injustices and the inherent campness of the Catholic Church