Michael Quinn
@quinnfreelance.bsky.social
Theatre director, writer and editor.
Booklet Editor: National Symphony Orchestra, Ireland;
Associate Writer/Obituaries Editor: @thestage.co.uk
Programme consultant: @porticoards.bsky.social.
Booklet Editor: National Symphony Orchestra, Ireland;
Associate Writer/Obituaries Editor: @thestage.co.uk
Programme consultant: @porticoards.bsky.social.
"Something of a coup for @niopera.bsky.social… Another vivacious feather in their hat." My review of Follies in the January edition of Opera magazine. To read the rest, subscribe at opera.escosubs.co.uk.
December 6, 2025 at 5:40 PM
"Something of a coup for @niopera.bsky.social… Another vivacious feather in their hat." My review of Follies in the January edition of Opera magazine. To read the rest, subscribe at opera.escosubs.co.uk.
Thanks to host Pamela Ballantine, producer Petra Ellis, interviewer Rita Fitzgerald, the editor, cast of Baby, It's Cold Outside and @rachaelharriottni.bsky.social for tonight's slot on UTV Life. The Sanctuary Theatre, Belfast: Dec. 16-Jan. 4. ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
December 5, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Thanks to host Pamela Ballantine, producer Petra Ellis, interviewer Rita Fitzgerald, the editor, cast of Baby, It's Cold Outside and @rachaelharriottni.bsky.social for tonight's slot on UTV Life. The Sanctuary Theatre, Belfast: Dec. 16-Jan. 4. ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
Three world premieres and two Irish classics by O’Casey and Lennox Robinson feature in @abbeytheatre.bsky.social's 2026 season. My @britishtheatreguide.info news story:
Theatre news: Three world premières lead Abbey Theatre’s 2026 season
Old and new combine in season devoted to exploring resistance.
www.britishtheatreguide.info/news/three-w...
Old and new combine in season devoted to exploring resistance.
www.britishtheatreguide.info/news/three-w...
Theatre news: Three world premières lead Abbey Theatre’s 2026 season
Old and new combine in season devoted to exploring resistance.
www.britishtheatreguide.info
December 5, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Three world premieres and two Irish classics by O’Casey and Lennox Robinson feature in @abbeytheatre.bsky.social's 2026 season. My @britishtheatreguide.info news story:
Lashings of festive bonhomie and heart in the return of A Christmas Carol to Lyric Theatre Belfast, with Dan Gordon as Scrooge incarnate. Vivid support from @MartyMaguire11 @shaunblaney @E_Whitehead98 et al. Evocative design from @marytumelty @Cath_Kodicek @garthyb0y, Stuart Marshall
December 3, 2025 at 11:14 PM
Lashings of festive bonhomie and heart in the return of A Christmas Carol to Lyric Theatre Belfast, with Dan Gordon as Scrooge incarnate. Vivid support from @MartyMaguire11 @shaunblaney @E_Whitehead98 et al. Evocative design from @marytumelty @Cath_Kodicek @garthyb0y, Stuart Marshall
Fascinating, wide-ranging interview with David Ireland on the latest @britishtheatreguide.info podcast. Awkward moment when he responded to a quote from one of my reviews: "I don't know if that's a compliment or an insult". A useful writer's note to get about clarity!
NEW PODCAST EPISODE: Playwright David Ireland: from 'The Troubles' to romantic comedy
David Ireland on why Most Favoured @sohotheatre.bsky.social is a contrast to the work for which he is best-known
btguide.libsyn.com/playwright-d...
David Ireland on why Most Favoured @sohotheatre.bsky.social is a contrast to the work for which he is best-known
btguide.libsyn.com/playwright-d...
December 2, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Fascinating, wide-ranging interview with David Ireland on the latest @britishtheatreguide.info podcast. Awkward moment when he responded to a quote from one of my reviews: "I don't know if that's a compliment or an insult". A useful writer's note to get about clarity!
Delighted to see Baby, It's Cold Outside included in @belfasttelegraph.co.uk's round-up of must see Christmas shows at "one of Belfast’s hidden gems", The Sanctuary Theatre. Dec. 16-Jan. 4. ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/...
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/...
Pantos in NI: Here are 14 shows that will get you feeling festive… oh yes they will!
Pantomimes are more popular in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the UK.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
December 1, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Delighted to see Baby, It's Cold Outside included in @belfasttelegraph.co.uk's round-up of must see Christmas shows at "one of Belfast’s hidden gems", The Sanctuary Theatre. Dec. 16-Jan. 4. ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/...
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sunday-life/...
A pleasure to host Rita Fitzgerald, producer Petra Ellis, and cameraman Jim at Baby, It's Cold Outside rehearsals today to film for a slot on UTV Life. Looking forward to seeing the results this Friday at 7.30pm.
The Sanctuary Theatre. Dec. 16-Jan. 4. ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
@rcb35
The Sanctuary Theatre. Dec. 16-Jan. 4. ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
@rcb35
December 1, 2025 at 7:34 PM
A pleasure to host Rita Fitzgerald, producer Petra Ellis, and cameraman Jim at Baby, It's Cold Outside rehearsals today to film for a slot on UTV Life. Looking forward to seeing the results this Friday at 7.30pm.
The Sanctuary Theatre. Dec. 16-Jan. 4. ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
@rcb35
The Sanctuary Theatre. Dec. 16-Jan. 4. ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
@rcb35
The blessed George Harrison died far too early 24 years ago today, aged 58. Here The Beatles' bandmates Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, with Eric Clapton and Jeff Lynne, poignantly cover 'All Things Must Past' in 2002's Concert for George @royalalberthall.bsky.social. www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ia...
Paul McCartney - All Things Must Pass (Live)
YouTube video by GeorgeHarrisonVEVO
www.youtube.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:20 PM
The blessed George Harrison died far too early 24 years ago today, aged 58. Here The Beatles' bandmates Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, with Eric Clapton and Jeff Lynne, poignantly cover 'All Things Must Past' in 2002's Concert for George @royalalberthall.bsky.social. www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ia...
Thrilled to have spent the first week of rehearsals for Baby, It's Cold Outside with this wonderfully talented company: SM Emma Dawson; actors Jade O'Neill, Brian Markey, Michelle Wiggins and Mary McGurk. Sanctuary Theatre, Belfast, Dec. 16-Jan. 4. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
November 29, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Thrilled to have spent the first week of rehearsals for Baby, It's Cold Outside with this wonderfully talented company: SM Emma Dawson; actors Jade O'Neill, Brian Markey, Michelle Wiggins and Mary McGurk. Sanctuary Theatre, Belfast, Dec. 16-Jan. 4. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
Exciting times ahead for @thestage.co.uk as it moves to a monthly edition next month on the eve of its 146th year. Long – and still – the essential go-to first choice reference for all things theatre, I'm flattered to be a part of its evolution and growth as one of its Associate Writers.
From January 2026, The Stage will no longer appear as a weekly newspaper but rather as a monthly magazine designed for deeper reading, says Alistair Smith.
Read more 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/...
Read more 👉 www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/...
November 28, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Exciting times ahead for @thestage.co.uk as it moves to a monthly edition next month on the eve of its 146th year. Long – and still – the essential go-to first choice reference for all things theatre, I'm flattered to be a part of its evolution and growth as one of its Associate Writers.
Christmas theatre season off to a stylish, magical start with the beautifully designed, stylishly directed Jack Frost at @themacbelfast.bsky.social. Powerhouse creative team behind the scenes, vivacious company on stage. themaclive.com/event/jack-f...
November 27, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Christmas theatre season off to a stylish, magical start with the beautifully designed, stylishly directed Jack Frost at @themacbelfast.bsky.social. Powerhouse creative team behind the scenes, vivacious company on stage. themaclive.com/event/jack-f...
Thanks to @ulstertatler.bsky.social for previewing
Bright Umbrella Theatre's Baby, it's Cold Outside at the Sanctuary Theatre, Belfast from Dec.16-Jan.4. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
ulstertatler.com/baby-its-col...
Bright Umbrella Theatre's Baby, it's Cold Outside at the Sanctuary Theatre, Belfast from Dec.16-Jan.4. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
ulstertatler.com/baby-its-col...
Baby, It’s Cold Outside - Ulster Tatler
Bright Umbrella Theatre Company is set to unwrap an alternative festive treat this December with Baby, It’s Cold Outside – a sharp, funny, and big-hearted Christmas comedy-drama that promises laughter...
ulstertatler.com
November 27, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Thanks to @ulstertatler.bsky.social for previewing
Bright Umbrella Theatre's Baby, it's Cold Outside at the Sanctuary Theatre, Belfast from Dec.16-Jan.4. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
ulstertatler.com/baby-its-col...
Bright Umbrella Theatre's Baby, it's Cold Outside at the Sanctuary Theatre, Belfast from Dec.16-Jan.4. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
ulstertatler.com/baby-its-col...
It's freezing inside, never mind Baby, It's Cold Outside. Day 2 of rehearsals with Mary McGurk, Brian Markey, Michelle Wiggins & Jade O'Neill – suffering for their art for Bright Umbrella Theatre at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from Dec. 16-Jan. 4. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
November 25, 2025 at 11:43 PM
It's freezing inside, never mind Baby, It's Cold Outside. Day 2 of rehearsals with Mary McGurk, Brian Markey, Michelle Wiggins & Jade O'Neill – suffering for their art for Bright Umbrella Theatre at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from Dec. 16-Jan. 4. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
Thanks to Belfast Times for previewing Baby, it's Cold Outside at the Sanctuary Theatre, Dec.16-Jan.4. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
thebelfasttimes.com/blogs/theatr...
thebelfasttimes.com/blogs/theatr...
Love, Snowstorms and Belfast Wit
Bright Umbrella Theatre Company is offering an alternative festive night out this December with Baby, It’s Cold Outside
thebelfasttimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Thanks to Belfast Times for previewing Baby, it's Cold Outside at the Sanctuary Theatre, Dec.16-Jan.4. Tickets: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
thebelfasttimes.com/blogs/theatr...
thebelfasttimes.com/blogs/theatr...
Eyes down for a read through of Baby, It's Cold Outside on Day 1 of rehearsals – with Michelle Wiggins, Brian Markey, Mary McGurk and Jade O'Neill – for Bright Umbrella Theatre. At Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from December 16-January 4. Tickets available now at: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
November 24, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Eyes down for a read through of Baby, It's Cold Outside on Day 1 of rehearsals – with Michelle Wiggins, Brian Markey, Mary McGurk and Jade O'Neill – for Bright Umbrella Theatre. At Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from December 16-January 4. Tickets available now at: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
"This country will never, can never, prosper until it escapes from its past." David Hare's pungent The Absence of War, first seen @nationaltheatre.org.uk in 1992, rebukes today's @labouruk.bsky.social, consumed by tribal feuding – a grave fault line in British politics. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Screen Two - The Absence of War
Political drama written by David Hare and starring John Thaw. Labour leader George Jones battles with his party on the campaign trail of a general election.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 22, 2025 at 10:27 PM
"This country will never, can never, prosper until it escapes from its past." David Hare's pungent The Absence of War, first seen @nationaltheatre.org.uk in 1992, rebukes today's @labouruk.bsky.social, consumed by tribal feuding – a grave fault line in British politics. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Grateful to VisitBelfast for previewing Brenda Murphy's Baby, It's Cold Outside for at Bright Umbrella Theatre at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from December 16 to January 4. Booking now open at: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella visitbelfastpartners.com/article/brig...
Bright Umbrella Unwraps a Belfast Christmas Comedy with a Twist: Baby, It’s Cold Outside - Corporate Visit Belfast
Bright Umbrella Unwraps a Belfast Christmas Comedy with a Twist: Baby, It’s Cold Outside
visitbelfastpartners.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Grateful to VisitBelfast for previewing Brenda Murphy's Baby, It's Cold Outside for at Bright Umbrella Theatre at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from December 16 to January 4. Booking now open at: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella visitbelfastpartners.com/article/brig...
There's much more to know and find out, but Paul McCartney's 'oral history' of Wings (edited by Ted Widmer) is a valuable addition alongside @allankozinn.bsky.social and Adrian Sinclair's @mccartneylegacy.bsky.social and @lucaperasi.bsky.social's various delvings to Macca's post-
The Beatles life.
The Beatles life.
November 16, 2025 at 11:16 PM
There's much more to know and find out, but Paul McCartney's 'oral history' of Wings (edited by Ted Widmer) is a valuable addition alongside @allankozinn.bsky.social and Adrian Sinclair's @mccartneylegacy.bsky.social and @lucaperasi.bsky.social's various delvings to Macca's post-
The Beatles life.
The Beatles life.
Four weeks to go until Brenda Murphy's Baby, It's Cold Outside – with MaryMcGurk, Brian Markey, Michelle Wiggins and Jade O'Neill for Bright Umbrella Theatre – opens at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre, running until January 4. Christmas treat tickets on sale at: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
November 16, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Four weeks to go until Brenda Murphy's Baby, It's Cold Outside – with MaryMcGurk, Brian Markey, Michelle Wiggins and Jade O'Neill for Bright Umbrella Theatre – opens at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre, running until January 4. Christmas treat tickets on sale at: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
Good to see Graham Reid's 1995 post-ceasefire drama Life After Life on BBC iPlayer, led by Lorcan Cranitch, Michelle Fairley & Ingrid Craigie. Vivid support from Vincent Higgins, Alan McKee, John Hewitt, BJ Hogg, Ian McElhinney, Marie Jones, and Abbie Spallen. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Screen Two - Life After Life
Leo Doyle, in his mid-30s and single, is released into ceasefire Belfast after serving a life sentence for an IRA murder. Desperate for a new cause, he tries to rekindle an affair with his ex-fiancee.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Good to see Graham Reid's 1995 post-ceasefire drama Life After Life on BBC iPlayer, led by Lorcan Cranitch, Michelle Fairley & Ingrid Craigie. Vivid support from Vincent Higgins, Alan McKee, John Hewitt, BJ Hogg, Ian McElhinney, Marie Jones, and Abbie Spallen. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
With the first day of rehearsal looming ever closer, thank you to @thegourmetboys.bsky.social for spotlighting Baby, It's Cold Outside, for @BUTheatreCo at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from December 16 to January 4. thegourmetboys.com/baby-its-col...
thegourmetboys.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:40 PM
With the first day of rehearsal looming ever closer, thank you to @thegourmetboys.bsky.social for spotlighting Baby, It's Cold Outside, for @BUTheatreCo at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from December 16 to January 4. thegourmetboys.com/baby-its-col...
"A striking sense of conductor and orchestra on a mission." Kirill Petrenko and the Berlin Philharmonic's three-disc dive into Schoenberg boasts attention-grabbing accounts of Die Jakobsleiter and the Violin Concerto. My review for Limelight magazine: limelight-arts.com.au/reviews/kiri...
Kirill Petrenko conducts Arnold Schoenberg ★★★★
Read the Limelight review.
limelight-arts.com.au
November 10, 2025 at 11:28 PM
"A striking sense of conductor and orchestra on a mission." Kirill Petrenko and the Berlin Philharmonic's three-disc dive into Schoenberg boasts attention-grabbing accounts of Die Jakobsleiter and the Violin Concerto. My review for Limelight magazine: limelight-arts.com.au/reviews/kiri...
Marjorie’s Dead from Dark Forest Theatre at the Grand Opera House Studio, Belfast. My @britishtheatreguide.info review:
Theatre review: Marjorie’s Dead from Dark Forest Theatre at Grand Opera House, Belfast
www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/marj...
www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/marj...
Theatre review: Marjorie’s Dead from Dark Forest Theatre at Grand Opera House, Belfast
Theatre review of Marjorie’s Dead (Nathan Martin) from Dark Forest Theatre at Grand Opera House, Belfast - reviewer: Michael Quinn
www.britishtheatreguide.info
November 8, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Marjorie’s Dead from Dark Forest Theatre at the Grand Opera House Studio, Belfast. My @britishtheatreguide.info review:
More than delighted to have PR genius Rachael Harriott –
@rachaelharriottni.bsky.social – on the team for Brenda Murphy's Baby, It's Cold Outside, for Bright Umbrella Theatre Company at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from December 16 to January 4. Booking now open at: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
@rachaelharriottni.bsky.social – on the team for Brenda Murphy's Baby, It's Cold Outside, for Bright Umbrella Theatre Company at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from December 16 to January 4. Booking now open at: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
November 7, 2025 at 8:20 PM
More than delighted to have PR genius Rachael Harriott –
@rachaelharriottni.bsky.social – on the team for Brenda Murphy's Baby, It's Cold Outside, for Bright Umbrella Theatre Company at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from December 16 to January 4. Booking now open at: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
@rachaelharriottni.bsky.social – on the team for Brenda Murphy's Baby, It's Cold Outside, for Bright Umbrella Theatre Company at Belfast's Sanctuary Theatre from December 16 to January 4. Booking now open at: ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella
Glad to have caught Nicola McCartney's Faust-ish from Big Telly at the Lyric, Belfast for @belfastfestival.bsky.social. Funny, imaginative and cleverly pointed, with Jo Donnelly superb and strong support from Chris Robinson, Emma Rose Creaner and Claire Lamont.
November 6, 2025 at 10:43 PM
Glad to have caught Nicola McCartney's Faust-ish from Big Telly at the Lyric, Belfast for @belfastfestival.bsky.social. Funny, imaginative and cleverly pointed, with Jo Donnelly superb and strong support from Chris Robinson, Emma Rose Creaner and Claire Lamont.