James Nesbitt 'disappointed' at closure of 'iconic' Coleraine theatre where career began
Hollywood actor and Coleraine native James Nesbitt says he is 'disappointed' over a decision by Ulster University to close the Riverside Theatre.
Nesbitt, who honed his craft at the venue and was Chancellor of the university for 10 years also expressed his sadness at the long term reduction in arts investment across the North West.
Ulster University says the cost of running the theatre does not align with their academic goals and available funding stating the building would require significant capital investment to remain in use, with refurbishment works estimated to cost nearly £750,000, in addition to annual running costs of almost £500,000.
The Riverside Theatre at Ulster University's Coleraine campus has been at the heart of performing arts in the town since it was opened by Queen Elizabeth II almost 50 years ago.
Its stage has been graced by the likes of Liam Neeson and of course James Nesbitt. After hitting the stage in Coleraine, he went on to superstardom with hits including ITV's Cold Feet and the Hobbit movies.
In January 2025, the university announced that it was looking into how the theatre was funded.
In March it proposed Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council consider a lease agreement for the venue with a meeting expected to take place in June.
However on 29 May the university announced the closure in August.
Mr Nesbitt expressed his sadness at the closure: 'It's so disappointing that the university of which I was Chancellor for 10 years finds itself in the position that it feels it necessary to close this iconic arts venue which was the launch pad of my career.
"However, I'm also disappointed in the long- term reduction in investment in the arts by the arts council, the NI Executive and the local authority in performing arts in the North West.
"I think the agencies involved need to get together to invest in the future of the arts in this community. It will be sorely missed.'
Mr Nesbitt is not the only one disappointed by the news of the theatres imminent closure. A protest outside Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council offices in Coleraine is planned while a petition to save the venue has got more than 3,500 signatures.
In a statement Ulster University added: "We remain focused on the university's core purpose: to deliver high-quality teaching and impactful research across our multiple campuses; and in the face of unprecedented financial challenges, with the funding model in Northern Ireland acknowledged as unsustainable, it is more important than ever that we focus our resources on core academic activities.
"Having supported and delivered this civic asset for 50 years, the building itself has now come to the end of its life and requires significant capital investment to remain in use.
"This is estimated at £745,000 in the immediate term alone and is in addition to the annual running costs of £495,000.
"While we appreciate that this news will come as a disappointment to many, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the artists, audiences, staff, and supporters who have made the Riverside Theatre such a special place for so many years."
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
3 hours ago
- Metro
Crime drama with 'one of the best twists of all time' finally available on Netfl
A crime drama that viewers have declared 'one of the best they've watched in a long time' has now been made available on Netflix. First airing in Australia in 2023, North Shore was created by Mike Bullen, who was also behind the comedy-drama Cold Feet. The six-part series follows a British and Australian detective who must team up and investigate the murder of the British trade minister's daughter after her body is found in Sydney Harbour. The politician, Abigail Crawford, is played by Downton Abbey and Breathtaking's Joanne Froggatt. In the middle of negotiating a major deal between Britain and Australia she is told the devastating news about her 19-year-old daughter Sophie's (Bailey Spalding) death. Invited to help investigate the case is London based detective Max Drummond (Game of Thrones' John Bradley) who flies across the world with Abigail and her husband Simon (Dan Spielman). However, once he arrives, it's made clear by DS Meg Driscoll (Kirsty Sturgess) that she will be taking the lead, with their personalities and cultures quickly crashing. Despite their icy introduction, the pair must overcome their differences to work together, which then sees them uncovering a 'complex conspiracy with international political consequences'. Several suspects then emerge, including Sophie's boyfriend and his best friend, while questions are also raised about Abigail's relationship with her old friend Greg Hardy, the leader of the Australian opposition party who looks likely to be the nation's next leader. Since tuning in, many viewers have shared what they thought of the drama. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'One of the best twists of all time. The final episode has the most surprising twist of any crime/ murder mystery series since the first season of Broadchurch! Not as emotionally dramatic but still shocking!' lbowdls posted on IMDB. 'Ok so this isn't Line of Duty or The Wire, but it was much better than I was expecting. Don't go into this expecting a breathtaking drama. Take it for what it is. A simple whodunit with a great twist at the end!' thenorthcotes shared. 'It doesn't sound cliché or cheesy like a lot of modern murder mysteries do lately, and it's just the right amount of thriller and mystery to keep you wondering, with little hints of comedy to spark your mood,' thewatcher17 added. The series was initially acquired by ITV in the UK, streaming on ITVX following its initial release on Australian television in 2023, but its dropped on Netflix in the UK today. 'Just binge watched North Shore One of the best series we've watched in a long time! Here's hoping they'll be another series!' Ian posted on X. More Trending 'Brilliant crime drama from down under with 2 UK lead actors. I'd recorded the first 2 episodes but after watching them yesterday I just couldn't wait and watched the rest,' John wrote. North Shore also stars Rob Carlton, Matt Passmore, Rhys Muldoon and Toby Truslove. North Shore is streaming on Netflix. View More » A version of this article was first published on January 16, 2025. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Daisy May Cooper makes shock exit from ITV series before second series MORE: Vanessa Feltz guest apologises after 'disgraceful' remarks spark almost 2,000 complaints MORE: Wincey Willis, ITV's first female weather presenter, dies aged 76
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Cutting edge virtual production at Belfast studio ‘most advanced in the world'
Studio Ulster, on the shores of Belfast Lough, not far from where the ill-fated liner was launched back in 1911, has officially opened what have been termed the world's most advanced virtual production facilities spanning 75,000 square feet. The facilities have been designed to support productions at every scale, from blockbuster films and high-end television to AAA game development and world-class animation. It integrates real-time engines, in-camera visual effects, volumetric capture and motion tracking to revolutionise how all those production types are made. While Northern Ireland has already established a reputation internationally as a filming destination, with Game of Thrones among productions beaming the natural scenery onto televisions across the world, Studio Ulster has been described as taking things to the next level. Some of the more recent productions made in Northern Ireland include How to Train Your Dragon, starring Gerard Butler, and Netflix's The School for Good and Evil, starring Charlize Theron and Laurence Fishburne. Studio Ulster benefited from a £72 million investment, part-funded through the Belfast Region City Deal, and was developed by Ulster University in partnership with Belfast Harbour and supported by Northern Ireland Screen. It was designed to elevate the UK and Ireland's capacity for commercial studio production using advanced in-camera visual effects, establishing a world-class benchmark for the industry. Professor Declan Keeney, chief executive of Studio Ulster, described the start of a new chapter for Belfast. 'From the docks that built the Titanic to the LED stages that now build entire universes, Belfast has always punched above its weight,' he said. 'The launch of Studio Ulster marks a new chapter, one where cutting-edge virtual production, motion capture and digital scanning converge to give filmmakers, game developers and creatives the power to shape worlds in real time. 'We've taken the spirit of Belfast's shipyards, precision, ambition and pride in what we build and applied it to the future of storytelling. 'This isn't just a studio. It's a global platform for imagination, powered by some of the most advanced creative technology anywhere in the world.' Richard Williams, chief executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said virtual production has 'truly come of age at Studio Ulster'. 'While many filmmakers are aware of the basics, few fully grasp how radically the technology has evolved,' he said. 'Studio Ulster is a genuine game-changer, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on screen and enabling directors to bring any imagined world to life, right here at Belfast Harbour. 'Northern Ireland Screen is proud to support this landmark facility, which redefines the studio offering not only in Northern Ireland but across the UK and Europe.' Professor Paul Bartholomew, vice-chancellor of Ulster University, said Studio Ulster is a transformative investment offering significant cost and time efficiencies by reducing the need for physical sets and location travel. 'Studio Ulster is a transformative investment for the screen industries of the UK and Ireland,' he said. 'This incredible facility is more than a milestone, it's a launchpad for the next generation of creators and storytellers. 'By bringing cutting-edge virtual production capabilities to Belfast, we're enhancing the region's global competitiveness and creative potential, in turn creating jobs and economic impact. 'As a university, we are immensely proud to have developed and delivered this ambitious new enterprise at the heart of Northern Ireland's creative economy.' Laura Livingstone, VFX executive at Netflix, said Studio Ulster has the potential to shape the next generation of storytelling. 'This is a pivotal time for our industry, where innovation is not just accelerating but fundamentally reshaping how we create and experience stories,' she said. 'It's more than just a facility; it's a bridge between visionary creators, the local community and global opportunity. Studio Ulster has the potential to shape the next generation of storytelling, and I'm proud to have helped launch this studio.' Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn added: 'I am so impressed by the technology, skills and vision, which have brought this world-leading facility to Belfast. 'The UK Government has part-funded the studio's development, including through £25.2 million awarded as part of the Belfast Region City Deal; CoStar funding through the UK Research and Investment; and £3 million from the Levelling Up Fund. 'Studio Ulster will be transformative for the film industry in Northern Ireland.' First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the Stormont Executive is proud of the success of the creative industries. 'The journey of the creative industries here tells such a positive story of our progress over the last 26 years. A journey that we as an Executive are proud to have been involved in and to have championed over the years,' she said. 'Productions like Game of Thrones and Derry Girls have put us on the map as a place of talent, creativity and technical expertise. This incredible space will build on that momentum and help attract even more high-end productions. 'With the opening of this incredible facility, we enter into the next chapter of our creative industries journey – we are excited to see where the next part of the journey takes us, and we, as an Executive, want to continue our role in making it a successful one.' Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: 'Northern Ireland is on the cutting edge of global screen production and immersive technologies and I am proud that through Belfast Region City Deal, we have been able to support this multi-million pound investment in our creative industries. 'We are known throughout the world for our productions and for our expertise and skills in this thriving industry. 'We have the facilities, people and locations that can make a success of any screen production and I am confident Studio Ulster will raise our potential to a new level, helping to attract even more big-budget films and television productions.'
South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- South Wales Guardian
Cutting edge virtual production at Belfast studio ‘most advanced in the world'
Studio Ulster, on the shores of Belfast Lough, not far from where the ill-fated liner was launched back in 1911, has officially opened what have been termed the world's most advanced virtual production facilities spanning 75,000 square feet. The facilities have been designed to support productions at every scale, from blockbuster films and high-end television to AAA game development and world-class animation. It integrates real-time engines, in-camera visual effects, volumetric capture and motion tracking to revolutionise how all those production types are made. While Northern Ireland has already established a reputation internationally as a filming destination, with Game of Thrones among productions beaming the natural scenery onto televisions across the world, Studio Ulster has been described as taking things to the next level. Some of the more recent productions made in Northern Ireland include How to Train Your Dragon, starring Gerard Butler, and Netflix's The School for Good and Evil, starring Charlize Theron and Laurence Fishburne. Studio Ulster benefited from a £72 million investment, part-funded through the Belfast Region City Deal, and was developed by Ulster University in partnership with Belfast Harbour and supported by Northern Ireland Screen. It was designed to elevate the UK and Ireland's capacity for commercial studio production using advanced in-camera visual effects, establishing a world-class benchmark for the industry. Professor Declan Keeney, chief executive of Studio Ulster, described the start of a new chapter for Belfast. 'From the docks that built the Titanic to the LED stages that now build entire universes, Belfast has always punched above its weight,' he said. 'The launch of Studio Ulster marks a new chapter, one where cutting-edge virtual production, motion capture and digital scanning converge to give filmmakers, game developers and creatives the power to shape worlds in real time. 'We've taken the spirit of Belfast's shipyards, precision, ambition and pride in what we build and applied it to the future of storytelling. 'This isn't just a studio. It's a global platform for imagination, powered by some of the most advanced creative technology anywhere in the world.' Richard Williams, chief executive of Northern Ireland Screen, said virtual production has 'truly come of age at Studio Ulster'. 'While many filmmakers are aware of the basics, few fully grasp how radically the technology has evolved,' he said. 'Studio Ulster is a genuine game-changer, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on screen and enabling directors to bring any imagined world to life, right here at Belfast Harbour. 'Northern Ireland Screen is proud to support this landmark facility, which redefines the studio offering not only in Northern Ireland but across the UK and Europe.' Professor Paul Bartholomew, vice-chancellor of Ulster University, said Studio Ulster is a transformative investment offering significant cost and time efficiencies by reducing the need for physical sets and location travel. 'Studio Ulster is a transformative investment for the screen industries of the UK and Ireland,' he said. 'This incredible facility is more than a milestone, it's a launchpad for the next generation of creators and storytellers. 'By bringing cutting-edge virtual production capabilities to Belfast, we're enhancing the region's global competitiveness and creative potential, in turn creating jobs and economic impact. 'As a university, we are immensely proud to have developed and delivered this ambitious new enterprise at the heart of Northern Ireland's creative economy.' Laura Livingstone, VFX executive at Netflix, said Studio Ulster has the potential to shape the next generation of storytelling. 'This is a pivotal time for our industry, where innovation is not just accelerating but fundamentally reshaping how we create and experience stories,' she said. 'It's more than just a facility; it's a bridge between visionary creators, the local community and global opportunity. Studio Ulster has the potential to shape the next generation of storytelling, and I'm proud to have helped launch this studio.' Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn added: 'I am so impressed by the technology, skills and vision, which have brought this world-leading facility to Belfast. 'The UK Government has part-funded the studio's development, including through £25.2 million awarded as part of the Belfast Region City Deal; CoStar funding through the UK Research and Investment; and £3 million from the Levelling Up Fund. 'Studio Ulster will be transformative for the film industry in Northern Ireland.' First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the Stormont Executive is proud of the success of the creative industries. 'The journey of the creative industries here tells such a positive story of our progress over the last 26 years. A journey that we as an Executive are proud to have been involved in and to have championed over the years,' she said. 'Productions like Game of Thrones and Derry Girls have put us on the map as a place of talent, creativity and technical expertise. This incredible space will build on that momentum and help attract even more high-end productions. 'With the opening of this incredible facility, we enter into the next chapter of our creative industries journey – we are excited to see where the next part of the journey takes us, and we, as an Executive, want to continue our role in making it a successful one.' Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly added: 'Northern Ireland is on the cutting edge of global screen production and immersive technologies and I am proud that through Belfast Region City Deal, we have been able to support this multi-million pound investment in our creative industries. 'We are known throughout the world for our productions and for our expertise and skills in this thriving industry. 'We have the facilities, people and locations that can make a success of any screen production and I am confident Studio Ulster will raise our potential to a new level, helping to attract even more big-budget films and television productions.'
