Brian Friel Theatre

Opened in February 2009 by Brian Friel, The Brian Friel Theatre and the Brian Friel Centre for Theatre Research form the centre piece of the Drama and Film Centre at Queen’s University which opened in October 2004.  It is one of the best equipped theatres in Belfast with a 120 seat studio theatre, rehearsal room, dressing rooms, green room and workshop.  Click here for more venue information
Both the theatre and research centre aim to produce work of the highest international standard and lead the way in theatre research and theatre production.

The theatre and research centre have already hosted international conferences as well as touring productions from around the world with a view to establishing one of the leading academic drama facilities.

Distinguished theatre scholars and artists (playwrights, directors, actors, designers) often visit our Department to deliver lectures, seminars and workshops as well as to discuss their work with our students and staff. In recent years, visitors have included:  Brian Friel, Seamus Heaney, Sir Peter Hall, Simon Callow, Augusto Boal, Eugenio Barba, Joshua Sobol Thomas Kilroy, Owen McCafferty, Stephen Rea, Gregory Burke, Christina Reid, Tracy Davis, Marvin Carlson, Janelle Reinelt, Phillip Zarilli, Dennis Kennedy, Bruce McConnachie, Jane Taylor, Mary Lockhurst.

Drama also collaborates with leading arts organizations and theatre companies, such as the Belfast Festival, The Linen Hall Library, The Lyric Theatre, Prime Cut Productions, Tinderbox Theatre Company, Kabosh, and Ransom Productions, all of whom have helped us develop a vital professional practice dimension as part of our overall provision.

The Brian Friel Theatre is located in the heart of the university campus and is the focal point for the creative and performing arts within the university.