kids encyclopedia robot

Grand Opera House, Belfast facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Grand Opera House
Palace of Varieties (1904–1909)
The Grand Opera House Belfast.jpg
Front facade
Address 2-4 Great Victoria St,
Belfast BT2 7HR
Northern Ireland
Coordinates 54°35′42″N 5°56′06″W / 54.595°N 5.935°W / 54.595; -5.935
Owner Grand Opera House Trust
Type Visiting Production
Capacity 1058
Construction
Opened 23 December 1895
1980 (re-opening)
Closed 1972 (first closure)
2006 (for extension)
2020 (for restoration)
Rebuilt Restored 2020
Years active 1895–1972, 1980–present
Architect Frank Matcham
Website
www.goh.co.uk

The Grand Opera House is a famous theatre in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was designed by Frank Matcham, a very well-known theatre architect. The theatre first opened its doors on December 23, 1895.

Many people think its main hall is one of the best examples of "oriental style" theatre design in the United Kingdom. In 2020 and 2021, the theatre had a big £12.2 million makeover. This project made the main hall look amazing again. It also updated the lobby and bar areas for visitors.

Today, the Grand Opera House hosts many different shows. You can see musicals, plays, ballet, opera, and comedy. They also have educational events and tours. The theatre's yearly pantomime is very popular. It has been performed every year since 1895! The theatre can hold 1,058 people.

A Look Back: Theatre History

The theatre first opened as the New Grand Opera House and Cirque. In 1904, its name changed to the Palace of Varieties. Then, in 1909, it became the Grand Opera House.

Early Performances and Famous Faces

Many famous people performed here in the early days. Charlie Chaplin was on stage in 1908. Before World War II, the theatre mostly showed "Variety" acts. But other stars also performed, like Nellie Melba and Gracie Fields.

During World War II, the theatre became a place for plays. Important leaders like Dwight D. Eisenhower and Montgomery attended special shows. Lena Horne also performed here in the 1940s.

After the war, more big stars came to the theatre. These included Laurel and Hardy, Vera Lynn, and Orson Welles. The famous singer Luciano Pavarotti made his UK debut here. In 1965, the National Theatre brought its play Love for Love. The cast included amazing actors like Laurence Olivier and a young Anthony Hopkins.

Becoming a Cinema and Facing Closure

In 1961, the Rank Organisation bought the Grand Opera House. They turned it into a cinema until 1972.

In the early 1970s, business slowed down. This was due to a difficult time in Northern Ireland known as the Troubles. Rank planned to sell the theatre to a company that wanted to tear it down. They wanted to build an office block instead.

Saving the Grand Opera House

Luckily, some people stepped in to save the theatre. Kenneth Jamison from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Charles Brett helped. The Arts Council bought the building. In 1974, it was officially protected as a listed building.

The Department of Education also helped by providing money for big repairs. The Grand Opera House reopened in 1980. After that, many more leading performers appeared on its stage. These included Liam Neeson, Rowan Atkinson, Kenneth Branagh, and Ian McKellen.

Bomb Damage and Resilience

The theatre has been damaged by bombs a few times. This usually happened when the nearby Europa Hotel was attacked. The theatre was badly damaged in 1991 and 1993. However, it always managed to keep going. It continued to host musicals, plays, pantomimes, and live music.

Modern Updates: 2006 and 2020

In 1995, the Grand Opera House Trust took over running the theatre.

2006 Renovation and Reopening

In 2006, the theatre got a new extension. This added a smaller studio theatre space. It also made the lobby bigger and improved dressing rooms. The changes also made it easier for people with disabilities to visit. The theatre reopened with a special event on October 21, 2006.

2020 Restoration Project

In 2020, the Grand Opera House closed again for a big restoration. Workers carefully cleaned and fixed the paintings and decorations in the main hall. New seats, carpets, and curtains were also put in.

The lobby and public areas were redesigned. A new bar was added in the glass extension from 1980. The bars in the stalls and circle areas were also updated. The theatre's technical equipment was improved. A permanent exhibition was also set up. It tells the theatre's 125-year history.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gran ópera de Belfast para niños

kids search engine
Grand Opera House, Belfast Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.