Robin & Jane In The Stalls

Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 42 - Dear Arabella

This week, Robin & Jane took their seats at Belfast's Lyric Theatre for Dear Arabella by the legendary Marie Jones – and wow, do they have thoughts!
Three women. Three lives intertwined by love, regret, and the quiet power of a simple, random act of kindness. There's Jean, feeling the walls close in as she cares for her difficult mother… Elsie, still struggling to connect with the man her husband became after the war… and Arabella, a widow haunted by the ghosts of what could’ve been.
With Dear Arabella, Marie Jones once again proves her magic: her signature humour and emotional insight shine through as everyday moments ripple into life-altering consequences.
💭 What did Robin & Jane make of the performances, the writing, and the beach setting?
🎧 Tune in now to the latest episode of Robin & Jane In The Stalls to find out! Available wherever you get your podcasts.
🎟️ And don't miss your chance to see Dear Arabella at the Lyric Theatre – running until 12th October.

Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 41 - Follies

This week, Robin & Jane are donning their sequins and stepping into the hauntingly glamorous world of Follies, Northern Ireland Opera’s bold new production of the Sondheim classic at Belfast’s Grand Opera House.
✨ A crumbling theatre.🕰️ A reunion decades in the making.👻 Ghosts of the past — and songs you won’t forget.
But here’s the question: Does this new take on the legendary 7-time Tony Award-winning musical hit the high notes — or lose its mind? 👀
Tune in as Robin & Jane pull back the velvet curtain to give their thoughts on everything from the staging to the standout performances (and yes, that iconic score). Whether you’re a Sondheim superfan or just theatre-curious, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.📍 Catch Follies at the Grand Opera House, Belfast — on stage until Saturday only!
 

Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 40 - Ulster American

This week, our intrepid theatre reviewers Robin & Jane took their seats at The Sanctuary Theatre Belfast for Ulster American by East Belfast’s own David Ireland — and what a night it was!
 A Hollywood actor. An ambitious English director. A Northern Irish playwright.The stage is set for collaboration… but egos, politics, and power struggles turn this dark comedy into a powder keg. How far will each of them go to be heard?
Robin & Jane dive into the performances of James Boal, Caroline Curran, and Andrew McClay, unpack the biting satire, and explore how Ireland’s script fearlessly tackles big themes like privilege, identity, and consent — all in the space of one unforgettable evening.
 Don’t miss their full review — streaming now on all podcast platforms!
 Catch Ulster American at The Sanctuary Theatre Belfast, running until 6th September.Book your tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/brightumbrella/ulster-american-by-david-ireland/e-yejrkv

Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 39 - Simon & Garfunkel Story

This week on Robin & Jane In The Stalls, our dynamic theatre-loving duo took their seats at Belfast's Grand Opera House for one of the most beloved music tribute shows of our time — The Simon & Garfunkel Story. But did it live up to the global hype? 🌍🎶
With over 50 countries visited and more than 20 performances in London’s West End, including the legendary Palladium, The Simon & Garfunkel Story promises an unforgettable night of nostalgia, stunning visuals, and timeless hits like Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and Homeward Bound — all performed by a full live band alongside powerful storytelling and original film footage. 🎤📽️ ✨
But what did Robin & Jane really think?
Find out in the latest episode — available now wherever you get your podcasts!
🎟️ And if you’re feeling inspired, you can still catch the show this September at venues across the UK: 📍 Sep 10 – Liverpool (Empire Theatre) 📍 Sep 11 – Lytham (Lowther Pavilion) 📍 Sep 12 – Southport (The Atkinson) 📍 Sep 13 – Chesterfield (The Winding Wheel) 📍 Sep 14 – Gateshead (The Glasshouse) 📍 Sep 16 – Wimbledon (New Theatre) 📍 Sep 17 – Portsmouth (Theatre Royal) 📍 Sep 18 – Bridgwater (McMillan Theatre) 📍 Sep 19 – Aylesbury (Waterside Theatre) 📍 Sep 20 – Potters Bar (Wyllyotts Centre)
Let us know if you’ve seen the show — or plan to!

Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 38 - Mother Of All The Behans

This week on Robin & Jane In The Stalls, we’ve taken a trip to Belfast’s Grand Opera House to catch Mother Of All The Behans, starring the phenomenal Imelda May — and wow, what a night at the theatre! 
Following two sell-out runs in Dublin, this one-week-only engagement in Belfast is not to be missed. Imelda May shines in this powerful and moving tribute to Kathleen Behan, mother to the legendary Brendan Behan. From the book by Brian Behan & adapted and directed by Peter Sheridan, this production is a  is an entertaining journey through the social history of Dublin and the Behan family history.  .
From a life of hardship and resilience to  becoming a celebrated public figure through her singing, storytelling and appearances on radio and television.   Kathleen’s story is brought to life through songs, humour, and grit  & is a celebration of womanhood, motherhood, and Irish spirit. 
 Tune in to our latest episode to hear our full review, our thoughts on Imelda’s performance, and why this show is the perfect mix of history and heart.
 Mother of All the Behans runs at the Grand Opera House until Saturday — grab your tickets while you can!
 

Robin & Jane In The Stalls - Episode 37 - The Girl On The Train

This week on Robin & Jane In The Stalls, our intrepid theatre duo took their seats at Belfast’s Grand Opera House to catch the gripping new production of The Girl On The Train – and trust us, they’ve got thoughts 🎤👀
Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ international bestseller, this thriller takes us deep into the mind of Rachel Watson, whose daily train ride becomes anything but routine when she witnesses something shocking through the window. With Laura Whitmore in the spotlight and a plot packed with twists, this play keeps you guessing right to the final scene.
Tune in as Robin and Jane unpack the performances, the staging, and that jaw-dropping final act. Did it live up to the hype? Is it worth jumping on the next train to see it before it ends this Saturday? 🎟️🚆
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts – and let us know, did you guess the ending?
 

Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 36 - Holiday Flush

This week on Robin & Jane In The Stalls, we pack our factor 50 and head to sunny Spain (well... in spirit!) to review Holiday Flush by Rosemary Drama Group
 
Set in June 1982, this hilarious play sees two Belfast families jet off to the Costa Blanca in search of sun, fun, sangria… and maybe a Northern Ireland win against Spain in the World Cup! But of course, things don’t go quite to plan – with delayed flights, holiday romances, blistering sunburn, and a poolside disaster!
 
Expect:
Chaotic travel
Holiday Romance
80s nostalgia (and sunburn)
Football fever
Laugh-out-loud moments
 
Robin and Jane break down the performances, the storytelling, and just how many 80s throwbacks they could count in one show!
Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
 
Want to catch the show?
Portrush Town Hall – 13th–16th August
Courtyard Theatre, Ballyearl – 23rd August

Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 34 - The Tunnel

This week on Robin & Jane In The Stalls, we're swapping the velvet seats for prison sheets as we head to Belfast’s Lyric Theatre for The Tunnel – running until 16th August!
Set in Long Kesh Prison, 1976, The Tunnel is a gripping and deeply human drama. Academy Award-winning director Terry George teams up with Brassneck Theatre Company for the Irish premiere of this thrilling masterpiece
 Escape plans. Heavy construction. A tunnel beneath it all.But what are they really digging – a path to freedom, or their own graves?
Tune in as we unpack the tension, the politics, the performances – and ask the big question: what would you do behind the wire?
 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 33 - Everybody's Talking About Jamie

This week on Robin & Jane In The Stalls, we’re heading to The MAC, Belfast, where Everybody’s Talking About Jamie — and trust us, you will be too! 💃🌈
Brought to the stage by the Alfie Boe James Huish Academy of Theatre Arts, this bold and beautiful production isn’t your average youth musical. Directed by James Huish, it’s a timely and heartfelt celebration of identity, courage, and self-expression — arriving just as Belfast Pride 2025 kicks off. 🏳️‍🌈
✨ 🎧 Listen now as we dive into why this production is one not to miss.
🎟️ Catch it at The MAC until Saturday! 

Robin & Jane In The Stalls Episode 32 - Rocky Horror Show

This week on Robin & Jane In The Stalls, our dynamic duo don their fishnets and step into the time warp as they head to Belfast’s Grand Opera House to see the one and only Rocky Horror Show! 
Following its sell-out run in August 2023, Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical is back — and it’s just as gloriously outrageous as ever! With over 35 million theatregoers worldwide, this cult classic tells the tale of sweethearts Brad and Janet, a broken-down car, and one wild night inside Dr. Frank’n’Furter’s eerie mansion. 
From sequins to sci-fi, Adam Strong shines as the fabulously wicked Frank’n’Furter, and Robin & Jane are here to dish all the deliciously naughty details. Is it a show worth shouting "Dammit, Janet!" for? Tune in and find out! 
 The Rocky Horror Show runs in Belfast until Saturday 26th July – don’t miss your chance to join the party!
 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts – just search Robin & Jane In The Stalls!