Belfast

The Grand Opera House, Belfast, first opened on 23 December 1895 and since then has offered a wide vari ety of entertainment including drama, comedy, opera, musicals and pantomime. During the 1920s and 1930s variety was all the rage and some of the finest perform ers of the day appeared at the Grand Opera House, including Gracie Fields, who was given a wonderfifi reception.

During the Second World War, the Grand Opera House became a repertory theatre and to celebrate victory at the end of the war the Savoy Players gave gala performances for General Eisenhower and Field Marshal Montgomery. During the 1 950s the Grand Opera House was increasingly used as a cinema. It fell into decline, but in the 1 970s, following a campaign by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, it was listed and soon afterwards the Arts Council of Northern Ireland funded its restoration.

Today the Grand Opera House is thriving and is being expanded and refurbished. An L-shaped site is being developed in the surrounding area which will include an education suite, a 150-seat studio theatre, new foyers, bars, a café, function rooms and improved back stage facilities, including dressing rooms for 100 people and a band room for 60 musicians.

Cast members coming down from dressing rooms on the top floor of the opera house have often seen another face looking in at them as they have passed a round window. Other members of staff have been spooked by the feeling that someone was behind them when no one was there, especially when crossing the stage. A woman who was alone in the theatre one morning heard something behind her and then looked up to see a figure in a long black robe on the fly floor. When she looked back, it had disappeared.

The Northern Ireland Paranormal Research Association recently investigated the opera house and claimed to have contacted the spirits of Harry and George, who worked there as stage crew in the 198Os, a woman spirit who liked to tidy the place up and the spirit of an electrician. As one of Belfast’s great Victorian landmarks, the Grand Opera House is rich in atmosphere, entertain ment and, it would seem, ghosts!

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