All Belfast's a Stage - historical theatre walking tour

Schedule

Sun Oct 26 2025 at 11:30 am to 01:30 pm

UTC+00:00

Location

The Grand Opera House, Belfast | Belfast, NI

Advertisement
THE TOUR MUST GO ON!
Join Alternative Ulstours' Andrew Johnston on a walking tour of historic Belfast theatre sites, in a dramatic programme spanning nearly three centuries.
Let us set the scene and recite the script, and applaud the larger-than-life characters, both on stage and 'behind the curtain'.
• Belfast's 'Palace of Varieties', still going strong
• 'Theatreland's' ambitious Edwardian edifice
• Bedford Street's home of new writing and comedy
• Victorian Belfast's mecca for lovers of verse and wine
• Music hall memories of Belfast's original Empire
• The modest, formative theatre on Ann Street
• Shakespeare and 'strollers' in a lost tavern cellar
• Three incarnations of Belfast's 'Royal' auditorium
• Belfast's first public hall, where drama unfolded
• Noble patronage of Millfield's prestigious playhouse
• Smithfield theatres on the wrong side of the law
• On 'Rosemary Lean', the pride of Belfast's impresario
• Triumph and disaster at Belfast's rowdiest venue!
Please note:
• The walking tour starts outside the Grand Opera House on Great Victoria Street in Belfast city centre, where your guide will be waiting for you
• Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled start time
• The tour will last two hours and cover around one and a half miles on mainly flat, even ground
• The route is fully accessible, but please inform us in advance of any mobility issues
• The tour ends at the Deer's Head on Lower Garfield Street in Belfast city centre
• The tour will go ahead in all weathers, so please dress accordingly and stay hydrated
• There are public toilets near the start and end points, and we can make a toilet stop approximately halfway through the tour if required
• Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the tour
• Your guide is a Level 4 'blue badge' tour guide and Visit Belfast industry partner
• The tour is fully insured through Tour Guides NI
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

The Grand Opera House, Belfast, United Kingdom

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Alternative Ulstours

Host or Publisher Alternative Ulstours

It's more fun with friends. Share with friends

Discover More Events in Belfast

KISS vs AC\/DC: Double Header Halloween Show
Sat, 25 Oct at 07:00 pm KISS vs AC/DC: Double Header Halloween Show

Mandela Hall

HALLOWEEN
Glamslam- Johnny Hero
Sat, 25 Oct at 07:00 pm Glamslam- Johnny Hero

104a Woodvale Road, Belfast

PARTIES ENTERTAINMENT
MACK FLEETWOOD
Sat, 25 Oct at 07:30 pm MACK FLEETWOOD

The Belfast Empire

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Ignite MOONSTONE Freestyle
Sat, 25 Oct at 08:00 pm Ignite MOONSTONE Freestyle

Malone RFC

Grand Central Hotel Wedding Show
Sun, 26 Oct at 02:00 pm Grand Central Hotel Wedding Show

Grand Central Hotel

MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Busking Sharks Project & Open Mic at 1G1 Studio Belfast
Sun, 26 Oct at 06:00 pm Busking Sharks Project & Open Mic at 1G1 Studio Belfast

1G1 Studio, Edenderry Industrial Estate, 326 Crumlin rd, Belfast, BT14 7EE Belfast, United Kingdom

OPEN-MIC MUSIC
Steve \u00b4n\u00b4 Seagulls in Belfast
Sun, 26 Oct at 07:00 pm Steve ´n´ Seagulls in Belfast

The Limelight 2

CONCERTS MUSIC
Spirits of Belfast - historical ghost walking tour
Mon, 27 Oct at 06:30 pm Spirits of Belfast - historical ghost walking tour

The Crown Liquor Saloon

DOG
Community Cultural Event
Sat, 16 Aug at 01:00 pm Community Cultural Event

Malone Road Belfast

Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr.
Sat, 16 Aug at 03:00 pm Disney's Beauty and the Beast Jr.

94 Belvoir Drive, BT8 7DJ Belfast, United Kingdom

TRIPS-ADVENTURES
David Lynch: Twin Peaks: The Return (Parts 1, 2 & 8 )
Sat, 16 Aug at 06:00 pm David Lynch: Twin Peaks: The Return (Parts 1, 2 & 8 )

Queen's Film Theatre, Belfast

ENTERTAINMENT
Cabaret Variety Show \ud83d\udd25PRICE DROP\ud83d\udcb0 \u00a345 PP
Sat, 16 Aug at 06:30 pm Cabaret Variety Show 🔥PRICE DROP💰 £45 PP

38-44 Upper Arthur Street, BT1 4GH Belfast, United Kingdom

WORKSHOPS COMEDY
Ulster Hall Summer Concert
Sat, 16 Aug at 07:45 pm Ulster Hall Summer Concert

Ulster Hall

ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC
David Lynch: The Straight Story (35mm)
Sun, 17 Aug at 03:00 pm David Lynch: The Straight Story (35mm)

Queen's Film Theatre, Belfast

PERFORMANCES ART
 NEVER SEEN IT FILM CLUB Presents PRIDE! A Season of Queer Cinema
Sun, 17 Aug at 07:00 pm NEVER SEEN IT FILM CLUB Presents PRIDE! A Season of Queer Cinema

12-13 Shaftesbury Square, BT2 7DB Belfast, United Kingdom

ENTERTAINMENT ART
SOME KIND OF HEAVEN (2020) w\/ SHANKILL SCREEN
Thu, 21 Aug at 08:00 pm SOME KIND OF HEAVEN (2020) w/ SHANKILL SCREEN

Vault Artist Studios - Shankill Mission

ENTERTAINMENT HOLIDAY
Cosmic Jam - Open Mic Night
Thu, 21 Aug at 08:00 pm Cosmic Jam - Open Mic Night

12-13 Shaftesbury Square, BT2 7DB Belfast, United Kingdom

OPEN-MIC ENTERTAINMENT
The East Laffs
Thu, 21 Aug at 08:00 pm The East Laffs

The Sanctuary Theatre, 1a Castlereagh Street, Belfast

COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT
Sirocco Works Comedy night
Fri, 22 Aug at 07:00 pm Sirocco Works Comedy night

Castlereagh Glentoran Supporters Club

COMEDY ENTERTAINMENT
David Lynch: Mulholland Drive
Sat, 23 Aug at 08:45 pm David Lynch: Mulholland Drive

Queen's Film Theatre, Belfast

ENTERTAINMENT

What's Happening Next in Belfast?

Discover Belfast Events