Theatres

Get whisked away to a different time, place or world during your visit to Mid Ulster.

Take in the arts at one of Mid Ulster’s theatres

Mid Ulster is home to some of the best theatres in Northern Ireland, so it’s always worth seeing what’s on when you’re in the area. Local talent and international artists both appear on our stages. With large auditoriums and intimate venues to choose from, you’ll be able to seek out everything from touring stage shows to local am-dram productions during your visit.

Plays and pantomimes, comedy and concerts, poetry and performance — whatever you’re looking for from a night out, you’ll find it at a theatre in Mid Ulster. Our venues also offer a wide range of workshops, courses and activities, so adults and children can explore their own creativity with expert guidance.

The Burnavon

Mid Ulster District Council’s Burnavon Theatre, in Cookstown, is the largest theatre in the area, with a 347-seater auditorium, plus studio and exhibition space. The venue boasts a busy programme of music, drama, comedy and much more.

Nathan Carter recorded a live album at The Burnavon, while fellow country music stars Lisa McHugh and Mike Denver have also performed at the venue. Neil Delamere and Patrick Kielty are among the comedians to have done standup gigs at The Burnavon.

The Helicon at Seamus Heaney HomePlace

The Seamus Heaney HomePlace arts and literary centre, in Bellaghy, is home to an intimate 190-seater performance space. The theatre design, including a distinctive traverse stage, is in recognition of Heaney’s love of Greek theatre.

The Helicon hosts a rich collection of drama, music, song, poetry, readings and talks. Many events are focused on Heaney’s life and literature, but others are inspired by the Nobel Laureate’s broader love of the arts. Michael Palin, Sally Rooney, Van Morrison, Carol Ann Duffy, Michael Morpuro and Fiona Shaw are among those to have performed at The Helicon.

Square Box at Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House

Square Box is a 98-seater black box venue at the Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House, in Dungannon. The modern auditorium is designed with comfort and convenience in mind, and is a perfect venue for cosy performances, stripped-back gigs and audience involvement. Expect stand-up comedy, drama and an array of musical genres.

The Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House’s event space is ideal for larger concerts, with the Ulster Orchestra having played there, and the programme also includes plenty of open-air events that make use of the venue’s expansive outdoor space.

Bardic Theatre

Donaghmore’s Bardic Theatre is a professional community theatre renowned for developing new talent through its theatre school and community groups. Comedian Conor Grimes; Hunger actor Liam McMahon; Les Miserables star Fra Fee; BBC Radio Ulster's Lynette Fay; singer Malachi Cush; and West End actor Ben Kerr are among its alumni.

The theatre also puts on high-quality productions at its 220-capacity venue. Its programme includes productions of Shakespeare plays, works by Irish playwrights, musicals, pantomimes and much more.

Craic Theatre

Housed in an old linen factory in Coalisland, the Craic Theatre's performing arts space includes a 198-seater auditorium. On its programme you’ill find productions by local theatre companies; plays featuring up-and-coming performers, writers and directors; music concerts; pantomimes and children's shows.

The Craic Theatre is also home to a youth theatre group, dance and drama classes and a wide range of community activities.