Theatre & Performing Arts Archive

Read articles and documents covering the history of performance in Northern Ireland from the 17th century to the present day.

Artillery Lane Theatre opens in Londonderry.

1st September 1789

In September 1784 Michael Atkins announced that he was going to build a new theatre in Londonderry.

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The famous Mrs Sarah Siddons performs in Belfast.

6th June 1785

Sarah Siddons, thought to be the greatest tragic actress of her time, performed in Belfast on June 6 1785.

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New theatre opens at Rosemary Lane, Belfast.

3rd March 1784

March 3 1784 saw the opening of a new theatre at Rosemary Lane, Belfast, by the acclaimed theatre manager Michael Atkins.

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Newry’s first purpose-built playhouse opens.

1st January 1783

Newry, which was visited by Belfast and Dublin touring companies, was deemed ready for its first purpose-built theatre, the Theatre Royal, in 1783.

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The ‘New Theatre in Ann Street’, Belfast, opens.

23rd October 1778

On October 23 1778 the ‘New Theatre in Ann Street’, Belfast, opened.

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New theatre opens at Londonderry.

1st August 1774

Londonderry, whose theatricals previously took place at the Town Hall and Exchange, opens its first theatre in August 1774.

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Newry’s first playhouse opens.

23rd January 1769

Newry’s first playhouse was opened in 1769 at High Street by manager James Parker.

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The ‘New Theatre in Mill Street’ opens.

23rd August 1768

The ‘New Theatre in Mill Street’ (alternatively denoted as ‘The Theatre, Mill Gate’) opened on Tuesday 23 August 1768.

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Belfast's first playhouse closes.

1st January 1768

The Vaults, which is presumed to have been a converted wine vault located at Weigh-House Lane, closed in 1768.

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The first recorded theatre performances in Northern Ireland.

1st January 1736

Smock Alley tour to Newry and Belfast for a summer season.

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