Robin & Jane In The Stalls

robinelliottbroadcaster

A Theatre Review Podcast from Broadcaster/Journalists Robin Elliott & Jane Hardy

  1. Robin & Jane In The Stalls - Lyric Theatre Special

    FEB 2

    Robin & Jane In The Stalls - Lyric Theatre Special

    🎭 A very special episode from Belfast’s Lyric Theatre! 🎭 This week on Robin & Jane In The Stalls, Robin & Jane head to the iconic Lyric Theatre Belfast to celebrate a landmark moment in Northern Ireland’s cultural history — 75 Years of the Lyric Theatre and the opening of the major new exhibition A House of Play. Recorded at the Lyric itself, this episode dives into the story of a theatre that has shaped generations of artists, writers and audiences. Robin & Jane meet Clare O’Malley, granddaughter of the Lyric’s visionary founder Mary O’Malley, who reflects on her grandmother’s legacy and the fearless spirit that gave the theatre life back in 1951. They’re also joined by Claire Murray, Head of Marketing & Development, who gives us a sneak peek at the exciting programme of events planned as part of the anniversary celebrations. A House of Play: 75 Years of the Lyric Theatre Belfast opens to the public this week and runs from 30 January to 8 November 2026. Curated by Kim Mawhinney, the free exhibition charts the Lyric’s journey from Mary O’Malley’s home on Derryvolgie Avenue to its role today as Northern Ireland’s only producing theatre and a vital creative hub. The exhibition places Mary O’Malley firmly at the heart of the story and highlights the Lyric’s influence on artists such as Seamus Heaney, Brian Friel, Helen Lewis, John Hewitt and Sam McCready. Expect stunning artworks from the Lyric’s historic New Gallery, rare editions of Threshold magazine, a recreation of the original home theatre, archival treasures, and a newly commissioned artwork by Colin Davidson. The opening week is packed with special performances, music, poetry, talks and screenings featuring guests including Medbh McGuckian, Anne Devlin, Colin Davidson and more. ✨ Whether you love theatre, Irish arts history, or stories of creative risk and imagination, this is an episode not to miss. 👉 Listen now, subscribe, and join us in celebrating 75 years of a true house of play. For exhibition details and opening week events, visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk #RobinAndJaneInTheStalls #LyricTheatreBelfast #AHouseOfPlay #IrishTheatre #TheatrePodcast #BelfastArts #MaryOMalley #TheatreHistory 🎟️🎶

    19 min
  2. Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 56 - Here & Now The Steps Musical

    JAN 30

    Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 56 - Here & Now The Steps Musical

    🎭✨ Robin & Jane In The Stalls – Belfast Gets Its Party On! ✨🎭 This week on Robin & Jane In The Stalls, we’re heading to Belfast’s Grand Opera House for a big, bold, feel-good night out with HERE & NOW – The Steps Musical, running until Saturday! Get ready to move your feet and feel the beat as Robin & Jane dive into the brand-new jukebox musical packed with the iconic hits of pop legends Steps. Hailed as “the biggest jukebox hit since MAMMA MIA!” (The Sun), this show is a full-on celebration of love, friendship, and chasing that happy ending 💃🕺 It’s Friday night, the vibe is right, and Caz and her fabulous friends are dreaming of the perfect summer of love. But when happily-ever-after turns out to be a lie, romance goes off the rails, and hearts are on the line… will love finally get a hold on them, or is it time to take a chance on a brand-new ending? Featuring wall-to-wall bangers including 5, 6, 7, 8, One for Sorrow, Better The Devil You Know, Deeper Shade of Blue and more, this is pure musical heaven (The Star on Sunday). Produced by Steps, ROYO, and Pete Waterman, it’s a night of nostalgia, laughs, and feel-good fun. 🎧 Watch & listen now for Robin & Jane’s full review, reactions, and all the theatre chat you love. 👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe so you never miss a seat in the stalls!   #RobinAndJaneInTheStalls #HereAndNowTheMusical #StepsMusical #TheatreReview #GrandOperaHouseBelfast #MusicalTheatre #JukeboxMusical #TheatrePodcast

    8 min
  3. 12/15/2025

    Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 55 - A Christmas Carol

    Robin & Jane In The Stalls – A Christmas Carol (Lyric Theatre, Belfast) Review  Robin & Jane are feeling festive as they head to the opening night of A Christmas Carol at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre, and they’re back in the stalls to share their thoughts on this much-loved seasonal favourite. Back by popular demand, Marie Jones’ joyful reimagining of Charles Dickens’ timeless classic returns after enchanting audiences and earning rave reviews in 2024. Running until 10th January, this production promises warmth, wonder and plenty of Christmas cheer. Nobody loathes Christmas more than the infamous miser Ebenezer Scrooge — but on a frosty Christmas Eve, he’s swept on a thrilling journey through past, present and future, offering him one final chance to change his fate before it’s too late. Under Marie Jones’ masterful hand, this big-hearted tale bursts with wit, music and merriment. From the chilling arrival of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come, to the joyful spirit of redemption and goodwill, every moment sparkles with theatrical magic. With an incredible ensemble cast, the production uses the pure magic of live theatre to conjure the sounds, characters and settings of Victorian Belfast, creating a rich and imaginative festive world on stage. In this episode, Robin & Jane discuss:  The festive atmosphere on opening night  Standout performances and ghostly moments  Music, storytelling and Marie Jones’ distinctive touch  Whether this production lives up to its glowing reputation Whether this is your first Christmas theatre trip or a much-loved Lyric family tradition, A Christmas Carol aims to make magical memories — and Robin & Jane are here to tell you if it delivers.  A Christmas Carol runs at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast until 10th January.  Don’t forget to like, subscribe and share Robin & Jane In The Stalls for more theatre reviews, opening-night reactions and all things stage-related. #RobinAndJaneInTheStalls #AChristmasCarol #LyricTheatre #BelfastTheatre #TheatrePodcast #ChristmasTheatre #MarieJones #Dickens

    11 min
  4. Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 52: Faust-ish

    11/06/2025

    Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 52: Faust-ish

    🎭 Robin & Jane In The Stalls — Episode: Faust-ish at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast 🎭 This week on Theatre Review Podcast: Robin & Jane In The Stalls, our reviewers head to Belfast’s Lyric Theatre to experience Faust-ish — Big Telly’s wickedly inventive reimagining of the Faust legend, running until 9th November as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival. 🔥 Fresh from Off Broadway, where Big Telly picked up Best Production for Granny Jackson’s Dead, the company is back on home turf — and this time, the devil’s got a Northern Irish accent. 💬 Join Robin and Jane as they unpack this devilishly funny, fast-paced, and fabulously farcical new production. Expect talk of torchlit search parties, political satire, sharp humour, and that trademark Big Telly mix of mischief and heart. Can Faith Hughes — a 45-year-old MLA trying to fix the world — bargain her way back to her lost soul? Or has Lucifer already won? Tune in for insights, laughter, and plenty of craic from the stalls! 🎧 Listen now for their full review, behind-the-scenes chat, and all the theatrical gossip you love. 📍 Faust-ish runs at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, until 9th November — don’t miss your chance to see it! 👇 Subscribe, like, and drop a comment if you’ve seen the show — we’d love to hear your thoughts! #TheatreReviewPodcast #RobinAndJaneInTheStalls #BigTelly #Faustish #LyricTheatreBelfast #BelfastInternationalArtsFestival #NITheatre #TheatreReview #Podcast #BelfastArts #FaustReimagined #IrishTheatre

    8 min
  5. Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 51 - Blood Brothers

    11/01/2025

    Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 51 - Blood Brothers

    🎭 Robin & Jane In The Stalls | Episode: Blood Brothers (UK Tour – Belfast Grand Opera House) 🎭 This week, Robin and Jane are back In The Stalls for one of the most iconic British musicals of all time — Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers. Currently touring the UK, the show is playing at Belfast’s Grand Opera House until 8th November. It’s a special episode: this is Jane’s very first time seeing Blood Brothers — and Robin’s 15th (!!). Expect laughs, nostalgia, a few tears, and a deep dive into why this show continues to captivate audiences decades after its debut. They’ll be chatting about the timeless story of the Johnstone twins, the emotional power of Russell’s writing, and the unforgettable performances from Vivienne Carlyle (Mrs Johnstone), Kristofer Harding (Narrator), Sean Jones (Mickey), Joe Sleight (Eddie), and Gemma Brodrick (Linda). 🎶 Featuring classic numbers like Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe, and the tear-jerking Tell Me It’s Not True, Blood Brothers truly earns its nickname — The Standing Ovation Musical. 👉 Tune in for: Robin’s seasoned take vs. Jane’s first impressions Discussion on why Blood Brothers still hits home today Favourite moments, performances, and production highlights 📍 Blood Brothers – UK Tour 🗓️ Belfast Grand Opera House | Running until 8th November 🎟️ Visit goh.co.uk for tickets 💬 Join the conversation: Have you seen Blood Brothers? Was your reaction as emotional as ours? Let us know in the comments! 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review — it really helps us keep the theatre chat alive! #BloodBrothers #TheatreReview #WillyRussell #UKTour #BelfastTheatre #MusicalTheatre #RobinAndJaneInTheStalls #TheatrePodcast #WestEndClassic #BillKenwright

    12 min

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A Theatre Review Podcast from Broadcaster/Journalists Robin Elliott & Jane Hardy