Iconic Venue Hosts Unique Performance
The Ulster Hall, a renowned stage that has welcomed legendary acts such as Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and Rory Gallagher, will be the setting for a special performance on Sunday. The event, titled Suitcases and Skies, features 140 adults with additional needs from across Belfast coming together to sing, dance, and act.
Participants Gain Confidence and Skills
Among the cast is 27-year-old Jamiee-Leigh Tweed, who describes her involvement as a significant boost to her confidence.
"I learn a lot of new things and I like to meet all my new friends," Jamiee-Leigh said.
She expressed pride in her progress, stating she has become "actually good" at dancing and singing.
"I'm really proud of myself to do that."
"It's been good about learning new things with other people and meeting new people, it's very inspirational."
Another cast member, 21-year-old Adam Thompson, is also enthusiastic about the upcoming show.
"I am having so much fun dancing and seeing all my friends," he said.
Adam contributed artwork used as backdrops for the stage production, adding a personal creative touch to the performance.
Production and Direction
The show has been in development for approximately six months, beginning in October 2025. The director, Ciara McGeown of CMAC Creative Arts and Wellbeing, highlighted the unique nature of the project.
"Suitcases and Skies is a very special story told by a cast of 140 adults with learning disabilities," she explained.
She noted that one of the main challenges was managing the logistics of bringing together participants from different parts of Belfast.
"The cast is made up of groups from north, south, east and west Belfast.
We had about 35 in each location, so bringing them together to rehearse was part of the magic of the project but also quite challenging."
The full cast convened for the first time only three weeks prior to the performance.
Community Support and Impact
Suitcases and Skies is part of the Belfast Local Community Action Plan, supported by Peaceplus and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. MayWe Events has also played a role in organizing the production.
Romi Said from MayWe Events emphasized the transformative effect the project has had on participants.
"What makes this programme so special is that it uses the arts and different genres and forms to art to bring communities together and break down barriers," she said.
"It helps to show not just Belfast or Northern Ireland, but the world, that there is no limit to anyone's abilities."
She described the experience as "extremely amazing and rewarding."
"So many participants have said to me that they were not confident, that they were shy, before this."
"The number one thing to gain from this show was confidence for the participants."
"At the beginning of the project most of the participants that will be on stage did not want to take part in the drama.
As the months and days went by they found that confidence."
Performance Details
Suitcases and Skies will be performed at the Ulster Hall in Belfast at 19:00 BST on Sunday, 17 May. Tickets are free, and some remain available for those interested in attending.
