“Standing on that stage felt surreal. Representing Belfast and local amateur theatre on such a huge platform filled me with pride.
The Belfast Operatic Company has ended 2025 on a high by performing at this year’s Royal Variety Performance.
In one of their proudest moments to date, a 31-strong cast from the Belfast Operatic Company concluded an extraordinary year by performing at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Royal Variety Performance.
One of Northern Ireland’s most established musical theatre groups, the company joined performers from across the UK and Ireland to mark the 40th anniversary of Les Misérables on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. Not resting on their laurels, the busy amatuer dramatics company are already looking ahead to their next major challenge, bringing the Broadway classic Guys and Dolls to the Grand Opera House, Belfast, this May.
Greg Fox, Naomi Smyth, Dessie Havlin, who play three of the principal roles in Guys and Dolls were all part of the extraordinary experience which celebrated the 40th anniversary of Les Misérables, culminating in a spectacular performance at the Royal Albert Hall, broadcast to millions as part of the Royal Variety Performance.
The appearance followed Belfast Operatic Company’s historic status as the first adult amateur company worldwide to be granted permission to stage Les Misérables, ‘Let the People Sing’ a collaborative licensed production and a landmark moment not just for the company, but for amateur theatre.
For Greg Fox, currently poised to play Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls and who took on the role of Monsieur Thénardier in the Belfast production of Les Mis, the journey has been unforgettable.
“I stepped on stage knowing I was the first amateur in the world to perform Les Misérables in that way,” he said. “Everything that followed, sold-out houses, the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Variety Performance is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Naomi Smyth, who portrayed Fantine, described the Royal Albert Hall experience as “iconic”.
“Standing on that stage felt surreal. Representing Belfast and local amateur theatre on such a huge platform filled me with pride. The talent coming from this little island is extraordinary.”
Dessie Havlin, who shared the role of Thénardier and will now take on the iconic role of Sky Masterson, said performing alongside West End legends was a career-defining moment.
“Singing ‘One Day More’ in a sold-out Royal Albert Hall with Michael Ball and hundreds of performers is something I’ll never be able to put into words. It reignited my love for what amateur theatre can achieve.”
Belfast Operatic Company, undoubtedly delivered a sterling performance with Les Misérables as they took the cast to the barricades, their next stop however promises to be very different, the fast-talking, high-rolling streets of 1950s New York.
Directed by Kerry Rodgers, Guys and Dolls marks a joyful tonal shift for Belfast Operatic Company, following a run of darker, dramatic productions including The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Misérables.
“This show is pure joy,” said Rodgers. “It’s glamorous, witty and full of heart. After the emotional weight of recent productions, Guys and Dolls feels like a celebration, for the cast and for audiences.”
For the principals, the contrast is part of the appeal.
“It’s a show about fun, colour and comedy, and nobody dies,” Naomi Smyth laughed. “After Les Mis, that’s a welcome change.”
With toe-tapping numbers including Luck Be a Lady, Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat and Adelaide’s Lament, Belfast Operatic Company’s Guys and Dolls promises a fresh, stylish take on one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals.
And for audiences who watched the Royal Variety Performance and were struck by the quality of the performers on stage?
“Come and see what Belfast talent can really do,” said Havlin. “If you were impressed by Les Mis, Guys and Dolls will show a completely different side of us.”
Guys and Dolls runs at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, in May 2026. Tickets are on sale now via www.goh.co.uk
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