Belfast Newsletter - Arts Feed

Derek Acorah prepares to commune with spirit world

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:08:32 GMT

THERE’S something regrettably unlikely and earth-bound about a Liverpudlian former footballer turned psychic medium. Derek Acorah looks like an average bloke: what business has he conversing, then, with those who have shuffled off this mortal coil?

Film star Vince explores the Art of Conflict

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:05:51 GMT

After a trip to Belfast a few years ago, movie star Vince Vaughn was captivated by the city’s murals. He tells LAURA MURPHY about the documentary he made with his sister Valeri about the function and significance of these artworks

Gillian is woman on a mission in new crime drama The Fall

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:48:58 GMT

Gillian Anderson made her name probing the paranormal, but in new crime drama The Fall, filmed on location in Belfast, she plays a detective hunting a serial killer. The actress tells ALBERTINA LLOYD why she took the part

Fuller picture of an alternative Ulster at MAC

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:46:40 GMT

A MAJOR exhibition of Northern Irish photography opens across the MAC’s three galleries and the exhibition space at Belfast Exposed this week, with a survey of images shot over the last 30 years, spanning dramatic photojournalism to more considered pieces of photographic art by international and local photographers.

First NI Arts Festival for Older People presented by Kaleidoscope and Waterfront

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:43:15 GMT

THE Waterfront Hall and Kaleidoscope have organised the Imagine Arts Festival for Older People, the first of its kind to be held in Northern Ireland, which will take place June 8-9 at the Belfast venue. Featuring a host of arts events, performances and workshops for the over 50s, the line-up, supported by Belfast City Council, is aimed at encouraging older people to indulge their creative side.

Free souvenir Linen Hall Library pull-out

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:31:29 GMT

BELFAST’S Linen Hall Library is an infinitely more significant and historic institution than many people imagine.

‘Great comedians are iconoclasts’

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:34:53 GMT

Stand-up Andrew Maxwell talks subversive humour, flag protests and snow boarding with JOANNE SAVAGE ahead of his appearance at the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival

Turner shortlist announced

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:33:40 GMT

TATE Britain have announced the four artists who have been shortlisted for the Turner Prize 2013, to be held on December 2, Ebrington, Londonderry this year as part of the UK City of Culture programme of events.

Catching up with Billy 30 years on

Thu, 02 May 2013 15:30:50 GMT

THE Billy plays, first televised in the 1980s, and featuring a fresh-faced Kenneth Branagh in the eponymous role and Jimmy Ellis as his belligerent father, represented an iconic moment for Northern Irish audiences; here was a snapshot of Ulster family-life that focused on relationships and the politics of the kitchen sink rather than the usual narratives about the Troubles.

Go-getting Gwyneth

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:53:23 GMT

Having reprised her role as flame-haired Pepper Potts in Iron Man 3, Gwyneth Paltrow talks to SUSAN GRIFFIN about getting older, her growing empire and why she considers co-star Robert Downey Jr a wimp

It’s all happening in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter this May

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:30:29 GMT

ADAM Ant joins Robert Fisk, Will Self, Dexys, Bronagh Gallagher, comedians Andrew Maxwell, Diane Spencer and Richard Herring, indie artist Edwyn Collins and a whole host of other names and acts for the 14th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. The line-up will take place May 2-12 across Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

Figures stack up as MAC hits first birthday milestone

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:54:52 GMT

SINCE celebrating its first birthday on April 20, the MAC, one of Belfast’s leading arts venues, has played host to 300, 000 visitors, smashing its annual visitor target by a whopping 75 per cent. In what has been a multi award-winning first year for the Saint Anne’s Square arts hub has hosted more than 500 live performances, 13 free art exhibitions and hundreds of family workshops and activities.

Friel’s masterpiece retains all beauty and power

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:54:44 GMT

BRIAN Friel’s classic play about imperial power and colonial subjection, language and the trials of communication, cultures meeting, warring and yet sensing commonality, is given deft direction in this Millennium Forum production by Adrian Dunbar.

Game of Thrones exhibition set to thrill fans at Titanic Belfast

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:53:41 GMT

A NEW exhibition of costumes, props, armour and weapons from the hugely popular TV drama Game of Thrones, which is filmed in Northern Ireland and stars Sean Bean and US actress Emilia Clarke, will go on display at Titanic Belfast on June 8. The exhibition will focus on key characters from five of the noble houses featured in the series and is designed to transport viewers into the breathtaking and enchanted world of the fictional continent Westeros. It will feature over 70 original artefacts including props, costumes and interactive elements - one which promises to place fans amid the action of the battle of Backwater Bay from season two. There will also be an Iron Throne - a precise replica of the one featured in the series.