Regency romance meets Belfast transport hub as cast of hit musical stages special pop-up performance for NI Children's Hospice
Passengers at Belfast's Grand Central Station are in for a surprise Saturday 10 October from 1pm when the cast of Pride and Prejudice and 80's Hits! swap the theatre stage for a very different kind of performance space.
The cast will be making a special pop-up appearance at Grand Central, performing a selection of songs and dance routines from the hit musical in full Regency costume. Shoppers, visitors and commuters will see Elizabeth Bennet, Mr Darcy and friends bringing a little Jane Austen glamour to one of Belfast's busiest new landmarks, accompanied by some of the biggest and best-loved hits of the 1980s.
And there's an important reason for the performance. The event is being held in support of Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, with volunteers from the charity organising a collection at the station.
Pride and Prejudice and 80's Hits! combines Jane Austen's timeless story of romance, pride and first impressions with an energetic soundtrack of iconic 1980s pop hits. The production premiered at the Waterfront Hall earlier this year, leaving audiences on their feet, singing, dancing and cheering. Following that success, the show returns to the Waterfront this November.
This performance at Grand Central Staton will give Belfast audiences a flavour of the show while supporting a very worthwhile cause.
Writer and director Kerry Rooney MBE said: “We thought it would be great fun to take the show out of the theatre and surprise people in the middle of Belfast. There's something wonderfully ridiculous about seeing a group of costumed theatre characters suddenly burst into an 80s song in the middle of Grand Central!”
Kerry added: “We're delighted that we can use the performance to support Northern Ireland Children's Hospice. We'd love people to come along to Grand Central on Saturday, have a bit of fun with us and experience ‘Pride and Prejudice and 80’s Hits!’ in a completely unexpected setting. And if we can raise some money for Northern Ireland Children's Hospice at the same time, even better.”
People passing through Grand Central this Saturday from 1pm are advised to keep an eye out for Mr Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet and the rest of the Pride and Prejudice Bennet clan - they may have brought their 80s playlist with them!
Pride and Prejudice and 80’s Hits! performs at the Waterfront Hall Studio from Thursday 05 to Saturday 07 November.
