Opening of The Snow Queen

My festive season started with a sprinkle of snow and a whole lot of magic as I attended the opening night of The Snow Queen at the Lyric Theatre. I was very lucky to be accompanied to this imaginative and familyfriendly production by my seven-year-old niece - an occasion which also marked her first ever visit to this landmark theatre.

Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s wintry fairytale, The Snow Queen is an original piece of work by writer, composer and director Paul Boyd. It tells the story of Gerda, a young girl who must leave the sunny climes where she feels she belongs, and travel to Arctic-type conditions to save her best friend Kai from the clutches of the Snow Queen.

Speaking of the production, Paul Boyd, who staged his first ever musical in the Lyric in 1992, said: “The Snow Queen is, ultimately, a story about belonging, and as much as Gerda feels that she belongs in the sunny climes of Blomsterby, my shows have, for more than two decades now, belonged at the Lyric Theatre.”

From the catchy opening number to the plethora of memorable characters encountered on Gerda’s journey, it was obvious that this was going to be one tale that wouldn’t fail to entertain. The very talented cast were wonderfully complemented by choreography from Deborah Maguire and musical direction from Oli Rew. Set designer Stuart Marshall also did a tremendous job of transforming the stage from the sun-soaked Blomsterby to the baltic ice kingdom of the Snow Queen. And when the snow arrived, my niece’s face truly lit up.

It was no surprise that the opening night was a sell-out with the audience, including actress Stella McCusker, journalist Denise Watson, and writer and playwright Amanda Verlaque, being completely transfixed by the tale of the Snow Queen.

Rich in mystery, magic and musicality, the Snow Queen is definitely a show that entertains - regardless of your age. And it was the absolutely perfect way to kick start a memorable Christmas season.

The opening night of The Snow Queen took place on 27 November and runs until 31 December.

Soroptimist International 90th Lunch

Soroptimist International (SI) of Belfast recently celebrated their milestone 90 years with a Charter Lunch at Parliament Buildings, Stormont Soroptimists – translated as ‘the best of sisters’ – include all women who come together ‘to educate, empower and enable women and girls throughout the world to fulfil their potential.’ SI strives for gender equality, human rights, peace and security and has General Consultative Status with the United Nations.

The Belfast group is one of 3,000 clubs around the world and since the1920-30s it has vigorously lobbied for girls’ rights to education, women’s equal pay and the right to stay in work in a married status as well as striving to improve women’s health including providing equipment for premature babies in the City Hospital. The Belfast Club has also successfully completed a project in Malawi where funds were raised to support young girls through school.

The Charter Lunch was hosted by Naomi Long MLA who spoke on the day, addressing issues impacting women and girls in Northern Ireland. Belfast Club President Patricia Corrigan has been a member of the group for seven years. She said: “I joined because I wanted to give something back to the community. I have learnt so much about the experiences of women and girls in this country and around the world, and our vision and mission means that the work we do helps them transform their lives. A great bonus is the friendships I have made with fellow members.”

Maureen Maguire, SI International President, from Northern Ireland, the first Soroptimist across the island of Ireland to hold this position, also attended the 90th anniversary lunch. She said: “There is great satisfaction in knowing that in a variety of ways we can support women and girls in need who are in less favourable circumstances than we are. Soroptimist International have representatives at the United Nations and they work to influence Member States in their policy decision. Each year we send a delegation of 80 Soroptimists to the UN’s ‘Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)’. Speaking personally, Soroptimist International has given me support and friendship in difficult times.”

The Soroptimist International (SI) of Belfast 90th Charter Lunch took place on Saturday 26th November 2022.