Belfast’s greatest punk story Good Vibrations is coming back home to Belfast next summer.
The stage musical version of the popular movie charting the life of Belfast punk legend Terri Hooley will rock the Grand Opera House Stage from May 9-20 2023 before heading to the Irish Arts Centre in New York.
The Lyric Theatre’s on-tour production tells the story of Terri Hooley - radical, rebel, music-lover who is the owner of Good Vibrations record shop on ‘the most bombed half-mile in Europe' in 1970s Belfast.
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When the conflict shuts down his city, Terri and friends take sides and take up arms through the compelling voice of resistance in the city’s underground punk scene. Galvanising the young musicians into action, he becomes the unlikely leader of a motley band of kids and punks who join him in his mission to create a new community, an alternative Ulster, and to bring his city back to life.
Good Vibrations was adapted for stage by Colin Carberry and Glenn Patterson, the same writing team behind the film which was nominated for Outstanding Debut at the 2014 BAFTA Film awards.
Terri Hooley commented: “It’s good to see it back on a Belfast stage and it’s even better to know that its heading to New York next year. Wonder what New York will make of it.”
Good Vibrations’ world premiere at the Lyric Theatre in 2018 was an immediate box office and critical success. Audiences across the globe travelled to Belfast to watch the sold-out production directed by Des Kennedy (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), who will return to direct this production. Cast will be announced later this year.
Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer Lyric Theatre, said: “In 2018 we offered Belfast the world premiere of the stage version of the wonderful film ‘Good Vibrations’ and were completely overwhelmed by the response from our audiences, the theatre sector, the music press and the punks! The story of Terri Hooley and the punk bands he came in contact with is one of the great ballads of Belfast.
"It created music that has lasted and provided a soundtrack to many crazy, messy and fun-filled nights and pointed towards a way out of the dark. We are delighted to bring this important story of Belfast’s music history back to audiences at home and importantly bring it to new audiences in another city known for its punk culture - New York."
The Lyric on tour production of Good Vibrations is supported by Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery funding and Belfast City Council.
Dr Damian Smyth, Head of Literature and Drama, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: "The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support the Lyric Theatre with this tour of ‘Good Vibrations’. Thanks to the National Lottery players, audiences here will get the chance to once again see this electrifying, hit production which played to sold-out audiences the first time around.
"It’s also hugely exciting that ‘Good Vibrations’ will tour to New York in 2023, helping to shine a light on the immense talent and unique stories from Northern Ireland that we have to share. Congratulations to everyone involved!”
Naomi Waite, Director of Marketing, Tourism NI, said: "We are thrilled to welcome ‘Good Vibrations’ back to Belfast and to the Grand Opera House; it is sure to be a spectacular experience for visitors coming from near and far. ‘Good Vibrations’ is a prime example of the world-class music and arts scene we have in Northern Ireland, and we look forward to seeing the story of Belfast legend, Terri Hooley come to life on stage at home, as well as find new audiences around the world.”
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