This October, The Market Place Theatre is simply bursting with exciting events to suit all tastes.
Enjoy a captivating conversation between Stephen Rea and Belfast’s one and only Kneecap and hear what Rory has to say with his latest stories from ‘Keep ‘er Lit’.
If you need a laugh, Diona Doherty is bringing her brand new show ‘Got Milf’ to the stage as part of her first ever stand up tour.
Plus, there’s plenty more on offer in song and show. Check out the full line-up below:
On Our Way to Lisbon
Back by popular demand following five previous performances on The Market Place stage!
Glasgow Celtic’s 1967 European Cup win is one of the great sporting legends of all time.
This amazing feat has been turned into a spectacular two-man play called ‘On our way to Lisbon’ by Patrick Prior, and produced by Isosceles Theatre Company.
Two fans recreate the epic campaign that saw Jock Stein’s young team sweep aside the best that Europe had to offer.
Pat Abernethy and Dave Marsden play everything – players, crowds, commentators, managers, in a masterpiece of story-telling, both heart-felt and hilarious.
The glory of the famous victory is set against the drab reality of their Glasgow existence… was Celtic’s victory the best moment of their lives?
Over the last few years, the play has thrilled audiences in Scotland, Ireland, England and Las Vegas, gathering rave reviews, awards and standing ovations.
The show has obvious appeal for football fans, but for those with little interest in the game, it stands as a stunning piece of theatre for all.
This event takes place in the Studio Theatre with an unreserved, tiered seating layout.
Thursday October 3
8pm | £16.00 | £14.00 concession
The 4 of Us
Hailing from Newry, The 4 of Us have been captivating audiences for over three decades with their soulful melodies and compelling lyrics.
With brothers Brendan and Declan Murphy at the helm, The 4 of Us have left an indelible mark on the Irish music scene. Their journey began in the late ’80s, and since then, they’ve evolved into one of Ireland’s most beloved and enduring musical acts. Known for their distinctive sound that seamlessly blends rock, folk and pop influences, The 4 of Us have produced a string of hits that have become anthems for fans across generations.
The band will perform the highlights of their award-winning career, along with new material from their upcoming album ‘Crescent Nights’. This show will be a chance to hear ‘Mary’, ‘Washington Down’, ‘She Hits Me’, and many more classics.
Saturday October 5
8pm | £25.00
Kneecap and Stephen Rea in Conversation
For this special event, we welcome Stephen Rea, Daniel O Hara and members of Kneecap to discuss the making of their respective films and what links them.
The event will feature a screening of the brilliant short Irish Language film ‘Fluent Dysphasia’. – The film stars Stephen Rea as Murph, who has little to say to his teenage daughter. He wakes one morning after a drunken night out, to find that he can only speak fluent Irish, something he could never do before, and that he has completely forgotten how to speak English. This hilarious short film is a clever spin on the difficulties Irish speakers can face in their own country, ‘Fluent Dysphasia’ is a linguistically-dextrous satire.
The first ever Irish language film to premiere at Sundance, the raucous, infectious ‘Kneecap’ is the story of a rising Belfast rap group and how they became the unlikely figureheads of a movement to save and reinvigorate their mother tongue. ‘Kneecap’ scooped the 2024 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award. We’ll be showing some clips from the film and talking to members of the band about how they made the film.
A Zeppo production in association with Aonach Macha, Gael Linn, Curzon and Wildcard Distribution. Supported by BFI Audiences Fund.
Tuesday October 8
8pm | £18.00
Rory’s Stories: Keep ‘Er Lit
Rory is back on the road with his brand new show, ‘Keep ‘Er Lit’, as he tries to navigate and survive in this ever changing world.
He will take you into his home and life with his relatable humour and unique storytelling ability, as he speaks about growing up in simpler times, winging it, and life as a parent to three…even when feeling like a child himself!
Rory will share his experiences and thoughts on managing our minds, challenging fear and why it’s important to never lose the madness!
So come join Rory for a night you won’t forget; full of craic, music and inspiration.
Thursday October 10
8pm | £27.50
The Björn Identity
The Björn Identity and their 7pc band perform a 2-hour LIVE show pack in all of ABBA’s greatest hits and much more; sure to impress even the most die-hard of Abba fans. Their attention to detail in both staging and musicianship makes them one of the most exciting “ABBA Tribute bands” experienced this side of Sweden.
Featuring Karen Rush and Sophie Grier as Agnetha & Frida, they deliver with uncanny vocal prowess and undeniable stage presence. In fact, the band even boasts “real-life” couples. Along with Benny’s famous spinning white Yamaha piano, when you experience The Björn Identity you will go home feeling like a No.1.
So, let’s re-live the magic of ABBA from 1974-2024 with both old songs and new. Early booking is advised to finally face your Waterloo!
Friday October 11
8pm | £24.00
Some Guys Have all the Luck
Direct from the West End and endorsed by Rod’s own family, Some Guys Have All The Luck – The Rod Stewart Story brings to the stage an incredible live concert celebrating one of the UK’s most influential icons, Rod Stewart.
Charismatic front man, Paul Metcalfe, takes you on a musical journey that spans six decades from humble beginnings in the R ‘n B clubs through to world-famous rock sensation.
From his early rock anthems like ‘Maggie May’ and ‘Stay With Me’ to the smooth ballads such as ‘The First Cut Is The Deepest’ and ‘You’re in My Heart’, every song is performed with electrifying showmanship alongside authentic costumes and dynamic live musicians.
It promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment and a whole lot of fun!
Thursday October 17
8pm | £26.50
Frances Black
A pure vocal tone and an energetic stage presence has made Frances Black one of Ireland’s most popular singers.
Black made her solo debut with two tracks on the million selling, multi artist compilation ‘A Woman’s Heart’ in 1993. Her first solo album ‘Talk To Me’ became an instant hit when released in 1994 and spent eight weeks at number one in her native Ireland.
Since then, she has released many award-winning albums and continues to tour and perform around the world. Her success was followed by a string of successful albums, including ‘The Sky Road’, ‘Don’t Get Me Wrong’ and ‘How High The Moon’ which further solidified her position as one of Ireland’s most beloved singers.
Sunday October 20
8pm | £27.50
Diona Doherty: Got Milf?
Diona Doherty is taking a brand new show Got MILF? on her first ever stand up tour across the North of Ireland.
Diona starred in a number of TV shows, including Derry Girls, The Blame Game, Soft Border Patrol, The News Quiz, Breaking the News, Secrets of the Circuit, A Perforated Ulster and Give My Head Peace.
Diona wrote and starred in her debut play Bridesmaids Of Northern Ireland, which sold out theatres across Northern Ireland, including a week on the main stage at the Grand Opera House Belfast.
With a sold out Spring leg and new Autumn dates just added – she’s ditching the garters, strapping on a breast pump and picking up a mic, to head out solo on the road in this laugh out loud debut tour show.
Wednesday October 23
8pm | £15.00
The Highstool Prophets
After a hugely successful sell-out show in 2023, we just had to get them back! The Highstool Prophets will return to play in our Main Auditorium on October 24, 2024.
The Cavan band have been blazing a trail on the Irish folk scene with a string of sold-out shows, tv appearances and new music releases. Grab your tickets for what is set to be another sell out!
Thursday October 24
8pm | £20.00
Callings
“There’s queers in every county, homosexuals in every hamlet, gays in every gable. And tonight, you’ll be talking to some of them.”
As the 70’s rage on, the telephone rings…
‘Callings’ follows five queer people who found sanctuary and community on the other end of the phone by seeking solace in Cara-Friend – a befriending service set up in the 1970’s to support the many hidden LGBTQ+ individuals across the north of Ireland.
Charged with the music of the day, and set amidst a storm of anti-gay headlines, ‘Callings’ delves deep into the struggle for survival our queer communities faced on a daily basis.
‘Callings’ poignantly and powerfully expresses how even simple acts of connection can change the course of a life, and how during oppressive times, a gang of bright and brilliant queer people crafted a community to save themselves and each other.
In an era when the government attempted to quash their right to exist, these moments of connection were an act of resistance and rebellion.
From rallying against the Save Ulster from Sodomy campaign to reveling in the right to exist won through the Dudgeon vs UK trial, ‘Callings’ looks back at the historical challenges faced by LGBTQ+ communities, and celebrates just how far we’ve come.
“Someone out there has been plucking up the courage for god knows how long, tonight they’ll pick up the phone and you’ll be there for them….”
Thursday October 24
8pm | £15.00 | concession £13.00
