Bright Umbrella Drama Co
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What's on @ bright umbrella's sanctuary theatre

Experience the magic of live performing arts with Bright Umbrella Theatre. We offer a wide range of performances, including theatre, dance, and music. Join us for an unforgettable experience!

Book your tickets!

THE EAST LAFFS!

Belfast’s Funniest Night Out

Step into the quirky cabaret-style setting of The Sanctuary (Studio) Theatre in East Belfast and experience the electric atmosphere of the city’s most legendary comedy club night.  This laugh-packed series brings together some of the finest comedic talent from across Northern Ireland and beyond.  From rising stars to seasoned pros, each show features a fresh lineup of stand-up acts guaranteed to leave you in stitches.
🗓️ Thursday, 23 September 2025
🎤 Featuring: TBC

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one saturday before the war

Tuesday 7th to Saturday 18th September. Doors 6.30.  Show 7.00 (Saturday matinees 2.00)


BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND.  The fabulous 'One Saturday Befor the War' sell out show returns to the Sanctuary stage with new scenes and some very special star guests!


Join Glentoran FC Captain Paddy McCann and his mighty 1914 ‘Euroglens’ as they beat the footballing cream of Europe to bring home the ‘Vienna Cup’ to East Belfast - the first ever trophy won by a British team on European soil.  The Sanctuary Theatre turns red, green and black to the roar of, “Come on ye Glens!”. 


“… brings a community’s history to life.  It’s accessible, ambitious and reaching local audiences with nuanced storytelling that doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths”.  (‘Alan in Belfast’ online review). 


Audience reaction:  “… funny, fearless, fantastic… cheers and one or two tears”… “The cast were individually and collectively brilliant...  do not miss this. It is, like East Belfast, wonderful…. “the humour, music, storytelling, and acting were just brilliant. If you haven't got a ticket yet, get one, you won't regret it!”… ”,“… phenomenal… uplifting… funny…”, “…. parts had me in tears of laughter, parts gutted me to the soul…”.


BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!  TICKETS £20.00.  www.ticketsource.co.uk/cock-and-hen-productions

ground zero festival!

 DEADBEAT CLUB PRESENTS A TWO DAY FESTIVAL OF LOCAL MUSIC  - A CELEBRATION OF OUR THRIVING LOCAL MUSIC SCENE

DAY ONE - GROUND ZERO FESTIVAL - Friday 31 October 2025

Headlining are A.N.J.A. fronted by German born , Belfast-based artist Anja Romer and featuring her 4-piece punk rock band.  With a hypnotic sound that blends retro punk, garage grit, metal, psych and stoner rock, they drag listeners into a dark, occultist dreamworld - fuelled by fierce feminine energy and unapologetic confidence.

 "A.N.J.A. fronted by German born Anja Di Roma are on the rise and a band to watch out for" - HOT PRESS MAGAZINE
  ''Rising Punk Icon''. YEO MAGAZINE

Belfast legend Brian Young needs was a member of Rudi and at the heart of the punk movement in the late 70"s. The band released Good Vibrations first single "Big Time" and the rest is history. Today Brian fronts rockabilly greasers The Sabrejets who this year celebrated 30 years together.  Brian will be playing a set full of Rudi classics from his new album which will be released on the night.

Crackhead Control fronted by Billy Riot are no strangers to the Sanctuary Theatre over the past year. "One of the bestest , newest punk bands around" so says Billy. They will launch their new EP on the night to an unsuspecting world.

Finally Goon Squad feature members of Stop Stop Start Again, Los Reyes and Thuh Hidebehinds. Their mix of raw garage punk blues will have you transfixed and will have you wanting more.


DAY TWO - GROUND ZERO FESTIVAL - Saturday 1st November 2025


Headlining is Paul Archer.  After leading Disreali Gears through Belfast's 90's psych-rock haze, morphing into Krautrock-infused Ghears, and shepherding Burning Codes through six albums of euphoric introspection, Archer's finally doing the unthinkable - using his actual name on an album. When not lending celestial vocals to Snow Patrol's multi platinum Eyes Open or sharing stages with Elbow and Lisa Hannigan, he's been quietly perfecting the art of surviving major label disappointments with his melodic gifts intact.

Now back home he has just released "Art" a vinyl conceived journey that splits the difference between euphoric alt-rock and cosmic soul contemplations. Hot Press once described his work as "mysterious, melodic, beautiful, eerily intimate"

"Breathtaking ....it kicks redemptive ass" Gary Lightbody (Snow Patrol)
""It is new music that sounds like nothing around at the minute" Iain Archer (Grammy Nominee and Ivor Novello Award Winner)
"Your Concept of intimacy and space is very interesting Beautiful Music" (Michael Rother Neu! / Kraftwerk)

No Matter blew the roof off the Sanctuary Theatre at The Ramones Tribute . Another local band who have successfully toured Europe and America. Their brand of energetic , fast paced, melodic punk had one reviewer proclaiming "No Matter are one of the best pop punk bands in the current UK scene". They have just released a cracker of a new live album recorded at The Oh Yeah Centre Belfast.

Cavalier Attitude released their debut album ‘Heartbreak & Hangovers’ at the end of June. The record is a perfect blend of emo, punk, and pop-punk with plenty of heart . Already a contender for album of the year. They have been getting rave reviews about their live performances and are a band on the up.

Formed in Belfast in 2023 Bad Noise Monster avoid the predictable, the generic, the soiled pigeonhole of rock and pop cliche. "So we took our musical ideas, new songs, riffs, beats and hooks, gave them a shake and added a little bit of swagger." - The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born : now is the time of monsters.

£10 plus booking fee each night. Doors 7.00pm Event 7.30pm
Fully licensed Bar at Club Prices.  BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!  www.ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella

Shine bright

Theatre for All

Shine Bright is Bright Umbrella's empowering theatre based, community programme.  Shine Bright responds to the needs and talent of the community, promoting and developing creative skills and encouraging community cohesion in a relaxed and informal setting.

Shine Bright meets on a Monday evening from 6:30-9pm.  We work to develop skills in drama, build confidence and play creatively.  Sessions are open to all adults who want to make new friends, gain confidence, have fun through Theatre! 

The weekly session are on a PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN basis.  Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Learn More

god's official: a rehearsed reading

Monday 6th October 2025 7.30. Community / amateur rehearsed reading

What happens when blind faith meets football fanaticism?

Join us for a special rehearsed reading of God’s Official, Robert Farquhar’s darkly comic play that tackles belief, obsession, and the beautiful game. When a disillusioned football fan kidnaps a referee he blames for his team’s relegation, things spiral into a surreal and hilarious interrogation of morality, madness, and divine intervention.
Expect sharp dialogue, unexpected twists, and a night of theatre that’s as thought-provoking as it is laugh-out-loud funny. Whether you're a theatre lover, a football nut, or just up for a cracking night out – this is one not to miss.

Faith. Football. Fury.

Come see what happens when the final whistle blows and the real game begins. 

Book Tickets (£10)

baby it's cold outside

Tuesday 16th December 2025 to Saturday 3rd January 2026

 Set in a snow-trapped, isolated cottage on the Black Mountain outside Belfast, the play presents a bizarre love triangle.  Pregnant Patsy, a young West Belfast woman has gone to live there and have her baby with the support of her two female friends: older woman and academic Sally and the beautiful American Law student, Madison. Into this arrives Joe, Patsy’s ex-boyfriend and the father of the baby. He wants to win Patsy back and assert his rights as father of the child.  But this is a Brenda Murphy comedy, and as always, nothing is as it seems....

Baby Its Cold Outside is a comedy by award-winning playwright, Brenda Murphy (A Night With George). 

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Bright Umbrella

The Sanctuary Theatre, Mountpottinger Old Church, 1a Castlereagh Street, Belfast BT5 4NE. Contact Lindsay at 07305 069597

Organisational members - Equity, the Actors' Union

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