Music, theatre, comedy, and other performance art I attendhttps://thamara.co.uk/en-gbhttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/regard-23/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/regard-23/Regard gigs are always unique and interesting, and this month's was even more so. It took place in Foxglove Alley, a cozy community garden maintained by volunteers in the Stranmillis area in Belfast. There was a light drizzle throughout the whole evening, but that did not deter the crowd from enjoying the excellent music performed by a trio of local artists.Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/james-acaster/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/james-acaster/James Acaster started his 4-day run in Belfast with an unconventional set which mostly consisted of meta jokes about how Belfast is always a difficult crowd to please. Bits of it were really funny, but I wasn't a fan of the show overall. It felt incomplete somehow, as if he was not really into it. I wonder if the material would change in the next 3 nights. Well, I'm not going to be there to find out.Sat, 25 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/metallica/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/metallica/Seeing Metallica live has been a bucketlist item for as long as I can remember. They were every bit as good as I hoped they would be. It was such an energetic show, especially after Gojira’s blistering opening set, but it also had sentimental moments, like the performance of Nothing Else Matters. After 3 rock shows back to back, I couldn’t feel my legs, my ears probably had permanent damage, and a neckbrace seemed like a good idea. It was all worth it.Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/alter-bridge/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/alter-bridge/At this inaugural “Blackbird Festival” put together by themselves, Alter Bridge performed with an impressive lineup of support acts. Cardinal Black and Florence Black opened the afternoon, but I only went in after their sets had ended. I caught Mammoth and Skindred who were both impressive in their own right and got the crowd hyped up for the highlight of the evening. Being the presence of Mark and Myles seemlessly shredding the Blackbird solo alone was lifechanging to say the least.Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/def-leppard/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/def-leppard/Rock legends Def Leppard performed at Belsonic this year supported by Extreme. Nuno Bettencourt showed off his impressive guitar skills during Extreme’s set, which I quite enjoyed. Def Leppard’s headline performance was peppered with both new and old hits which got the crowd going.Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/big-thief/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/big-thief/Accompanied by Joshua Crumbly on bass, Big Thief performed a mix of new and old songs, including my favourites Mary and Not (which was every bit as powerful live as I had hoped it would be). They ended the show with a new song they had written only a few days ago.Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/regard-22/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/regard-22/The monthly Regard gigs are certainly becoming one of our favourite things to do. This month, the event took place in the beautiful Thread Studio in the Portview Trade Centre, featuring a spoken word performance by Beckie Stew and music by Tyrell and the band Vera—Sarah Toner (vocals), Darragh Tibbs (drums), Matt Holland (keys/guitar) and David Dalzell (bass).Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/london-african-gospel-choir-paul-simon/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/london-african-gospel-choir-paul-simon/Another event in this year’s excellent Cathedral Quarter Music Festival line-up, the London African Gospel Choir performed Paul Simon’s Graceland album in its entirety. The first half of the evening was dedicated to the choir’s own music, inspired by African rhythms, at the end of which the audience was taught some dance moves. I remain staunchly godless, but this was a joyful experience with infectious energy. I had a big smile on my face the whole time.Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/stray-gaitors/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/stray-gaitors/This event was part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival (CQAF). The Stray Gaiters played some of Neil Young’s best-loved numbers, including some of my favourites (Down by the River, Cortez the Killer, Out on the Weekend).Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/friends-the-musical/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/friends-the-musical/This was a musical comedy satirising iconic moments from the TV show Friends, by an all-UK cast.Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/regard-21/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/regard-21/The monthly Regard gig, this time featuring the artists Reylta, Ronan McSorley, Matt Holland, and poetry by Rachel Hedley. All sets were original compositions by the artists; Reylta's set included some Irish songs, too. Photo courtesy of the Regard team.Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/david-byrne/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/david-byrne/It was such a pleasure to witness David, who I regard as a once-in-a-generation talent on his Who is The Sky Tour. The set featured music from Talking Heads and David’s solo career. The entire set was choreographed and energetically performed by his crew of musicians, singers, and dancers.Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/regard-20/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/regard-20/The monthly Regard gig, featuring poetry readings by Denisa Hasieberova and music by Catriona Gribben and Joseph Toman. Joseph's energetic set was an interesting ending to the evening, and nicely complemented the laid back (yet emotional )poetry readings by Denisa and Irish music by Catriona. Photo courtesy of the Regard team. Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/to-kill-a-mockingbird/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/to-kill-a-mockingbird/This was a stage adaptation of Harper Lee's acclaimed novel, peformed by a UK cast. Richard Coyle was excellent as Atticus Finch. Some moments were played for laughs, unlike the movie version, but the play still conveyed the gravity of the source material well. Photo courtesy of WestEndTheatre.comTue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/talking-sopranos/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/talking-sopranos/Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bacala) and Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) were taking their podcast, Talking Sopranos, on the road with this tour around the UK. They shared many behind the scenes stories from the show.Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/celebrating-50-years-desire/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/celebrating-50-years-desire/Belfast-based musician Arborist (Mark McCambridge) and his band performed Dylan’s album Desire, and a few songs from the back catalogue. Desire is my second favourite Dylan album, and it was a privilege and a pleasure to see it performed by talented local musicians.Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/regard-18/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2026/regard-18/The monthly Regard gig featuring poetry and short stories by Caitlin Young, and music by Amanda Fawn, Maria Nickolay, and JulieJulie. This was our very first Regard. Our friends Mamina and Jonah are co-organisers of these monthly events which feature original music, poetry, and spoken word performances by local artists. Photo courtesy of the Regard team.Fri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/larkin-poe/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/larkin-poe/One of my favourite contemporary rock bands, Larkin Poe, blends great American music traditions such as the blues, country and bluegrass with signature flair. It was great to witness the Lovell sisters's guitar prowess up close.Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/rocky-horror-show/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/rocky-horror-show/A new UK and Ireland stage adaptation of the cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, with Adam Strong as Frank-N-Furter. All the performers were great and had the audience in stitches.Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/girl-from-the-north-country/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/girl-from-the-north-country/This Conor McPherson’s play which masterfully intertwines a number of Dylan classics with an original story set in Minnesota in the 1930s was a highlight of our London trip. It was a limited revival at the iconic Old Vic which we were fortunate enough to witness. Katie Brayben's rendition of "Forever Young" towards the end of the play had me in tears.Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/sing-street/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/sing-street/This stage adaptation of John Carney’s film "Sing Street" featured a new UK & Ireland cast. I love the film to bits, and although there were some minor differences made to the story in this version, I enjoyed it immensely.Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/neil-young-and-the-chrome-hearts/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/neil-young-and-the-chrome-hearts/Neil Yound played the BST Hyde Park festival with his new backing band, The Chrome Hearts, on their "Love Earth" tour. Neil didn't disappoint; his guitar tone was as raw and dirty as ever, and they played all the way through to the curfew at 10.30pm. They had to cut the sound off as he was finishing "Rocking in the Free World".Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/alanis-morissette/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/alanis-morissette/Alanis headlined the Belsonic festival. It was a rainy evening in Belfast, but the atmosphere was great and Alanis rocked the show. People were singing along and having fun.Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/bonnie-raitt/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/bonnie-raitt/The legendary Bonnie Raitt performed a number of classics from her enormous back catalogue. I especially liked the acoustic rendition of "Angel from Montgomery".Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/holy-holy/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/holy-holy/Woody Woodmansey (from The Spiders from Mars) and Tony Visconti (Bowie's longtime producer) pay tribute to the late, great David Bowie, featuring Glen Gregory from Heaven 17 on vocals, and a brilliant crew of musicians in tow. They performed a delightful selection of Bowie’s hits. Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/wes-banderson/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/wes-banderson/Wes Banderson is a motley crew of musicians, led by Adam Znaidi, playing the music from Wes Anderson’s films. They covered a number of tracks from several Wes Anderson films with great precision, paying fitting tribute to composers such as Alexandre Desplat and Mark Mothersbaugh.Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/foil-arms-hog/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/foil-arms-hog/The Irish comedy trio Foil, Arms & Hog brought their signature skits to Belfast on their "Skittish" tour. It was am excellent evening full of laughs.Thu, 17 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/andre-rieu/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2025/andre-rieu/The Dutch violinist and his Johann Strauss Orchestra performed a delightful selection of classical tunes and renditions of modern popular music. The SSE Arena was sold out.Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/myles-kennedy/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/myles-kennedy/I caught Myles Kennedy on his solo tour promoting the album Year of the Tiger. As a big fan of Alter Bridge, Myles is one of my favourite modern rock vocalists, and he is as every bit as powerful on stage performing his own material as he is when he is with the band.Fri, 06 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/david-o-doherty/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/david-o-doherty/David’s show included his signature blend of comedy and music. Having seen and liked him on many panel shows over the years, I was delighted to experience a live show with David's antics.Sat, 16 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/deep-purple/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/deep-purple/The =1 tour, including songs from the latest album, as well as their well-known hits.Sat, 09 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/bob-dylan/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/bob-dylan/This was a phone-free show, and Bob performed a number of songs from his 2020 album Rough and Rowdy Ways, as well as a few classics. All new arrangements.Sun, 03 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/jimmy-carr/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/jimmy-carr/A night of dark humour, including Jimmy’s signature one-liners and some excellent clap-backs at hecklers.Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/bootleg-beatles/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/bootleg-beatles/The tribute band performed a number of Beatles classics spanning the length of their recording career.Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/liam-gallagher/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/liam-gallagher/Liam performed a number of Oasis classics, and even a few Beatles songs.Fri, 16 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/green-day/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/green-day/Energetic show, with a setlist consisting of a mix of their biggest hits, and some songs from the latest album, Saviors.Tue, 25 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/sting/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/sting/Blondie opened the show with a short set, and then Sting performed a number of his iconic hits, including Roxanne, Englishman in New York, and Every Breath You Take.Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/eric-clapton/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/eric-clapton/Guitar God Eric Clapton did not disappoint. I prefer his older material, the heavier, bluesier stuff, before he went all pop. This show included both.Sat, 18 May 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/uk-pink-floyd-experience/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/uk-pink-floyd-experience/The tribute band performed a number of Pink Floyd’s best loved songs. This was my second time seeing them. Echoes was notably absent from the setlist this time.Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/bruce-springsteen/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/bruce-springsteen/The Boss kept going for almost 3 hours, performing a number of iconic hits.Thu, 09 May 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/may-the-fourth/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/may-the-fourth/A celebration of the music of John Williams, specifically his work on the Star Wars films, performed by the Ulster Orchestra.Sat, 04 May 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/slash/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/slash/Slash and his new backing band, The Conspirators, with the angelic voice of Myles Kennedy in the lead, performed a number of songs from Slash’s solo albums, as well as some Guns N’ Roses classics.Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/life-of-pi/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/life-of-pi/The stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s novel, with a new UK & Ireland cast, and exquisite puppetry.Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/bill-bailey/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/bill-bailey/Bill Bailey’s new tour, named Thoughtifier, included a mix of his signature comedy and music, with audience interaction.Sat, 10 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/the-two-of-us/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/the-two-of-us/Featuring songs from the Lennon and McCartney songbook, performed by a number of artists, backed by the Ulster Orchestra.Sat, 03 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/prof-brian-cox/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/prof-brian-cox/An evening of science, hosted by Professor Brian Cox, with the aid of stunning visuals, focusing on space exploration.Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/jon-richardson/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2024/jon-richardson/Jon Richardson’s The Knitwit Tour, serving his signature style of comedy.Sat, 20 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/norah-jones/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/norah-jones/Supported by a stripped-down band, Norah performed a number of her best loved songs.Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/james-acaster/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/james-acaster/James welcomed hecklers at the show, and expertly clapped back at all of them. He even managed to split the room with the joke about the royal family.Thu, 02 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/uk-pink-floyd-experience/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/uk-pink-floyd-experience/The tribute band is made up of a great lineup of excellent musicians. They did the music justice. I was quite excited to see one of the very first shows where they had added Echoes to the setlist.Fri, 23 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/bowie-experience/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/bowie-experience/The tribute band performed an explosive set of hits to a very enthusiastic audience. The show was opened by the local band Lonely Astronaut.Sun, 09 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/hats-off-to-led-zeppelin/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/hats-off-to-led-zeppelin/The tribute band performed an explosive set of hits to a very enthusiastic audience. The show was opened by the local band Lonely Astronaut.Sat, 25 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/candlelight-fleetwood-mac/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/candlelight-fleetwood-mac/A string quartet—all local musicians—performed acoustic renditions of Fleetwood Mac classics at Belfast’s iconic St. Anne’s Cathedral. This was a special show.Fri, 17 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/brian-jonestown-massacre/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/brian-jonestown-massacre/This was uncharacteristically chilled out for a BJM show. There were no fights on stage!Fri, 10 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/romeo-juliet/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/romeo-juliet/Our very first time at The Lyric, watching this modern retelling of the Shakespeare classic, with a local cast.Sat, 04 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/van-gogh/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2023/van-gogh/An immersive exhibition of Vincent van Gogh’s art, using large format projections.Sun, 15 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2022/the-cure/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2022/the-cure/Robert Smith and the band performed a number of songs from their new album, as well as some fan favourites.Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2022/circus-extreme/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2022/circus-extreme/This thrilling circus featured peformers—acrobats, motocross riders, trapeze artists, and more—from all over Europe.Sun, 23 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2022/the-mersey-beatles/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2022/the-mersey-beatles/The tribute band performed a number of favourites spanning the entire recording career of The Beatles.Mon, 03 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabadahttps://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2017/guns-n-roses/https://thamara.co.uk/gigs/2017/guns-n-roses/I flew to Singapore with a friend to see GNR. This was my first time going to a major gig.Sat, 25 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMTThamara Kandabada