Ulster Drama Festival @ Courtyard Theatre April 2026

The Ulster Drama Festival is set to captivate audiences once again with its eclectic line-up of theatrical performances. Running from Monday 20th to Saturday 25th April 2026, this year's festival promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and the power of storytelling.

Now in its 72nd year, the festival has become a cornerstone of the local arts scene, showcasing the best in both established and emerging talent. With thought-provoking dramas, true stories, and celebrated classics there will be something for everyone at this year's festival.


The Dead - Newpoint Players

James Joyce (adapted by Sean Treanor)

Adaption of James Joyce's renowned short story.

There will be no interval in this production.

In the great canon of Irish short stories, there is none more renowned than Joyce's "The Dead". In this adaptation, Newpoint have tried to bring to the fore the changing nature of 1905 Ireland, the growing influence of the Gaelic Revival, the changing social balance, the conflicts between Empire and Nation, the important and unsettling Suffragist/Republican movement and the frustrations and disappointments of apparently minor characters, who are victims of class and of persisting mores and values.

A beautiful song is central to the original story. This stage adaptation extends the use of live music and singing as a means of recreating the generally nostalgic, but sometimes angry or tortured undercurrents experienced by individuals and by the Dublin middle class society of the era. Many of the characters are haunted by ghosts of the past. And now, for us, they and their environs are ghosts of a long-lost time.

The amateur production of "The Dead" is presented by arrangement with Sean Treanor.

📍Venue: The Courtyard Theatre
📅Date: 20 April 2026
⏰Time: 8.00pm
🎟️Tickets: £16.50 & £14.50 (Concession)
🚩Age:

Book for all six nights and enjoy a 20% discount. Definitely not to be missed.