Aspects 2026: Jane Coyle: A Better Locksmith. NI Theatre

For more than forty years, journalist and theatre critic Jane Coyle has documented the story of Northern Irelands theatre, capturing its creativity, resilience and remarkable evolution.
Her new anthology, A Better Locksmith , brings together reviews, interviews, features and profiles from 1984 to 2025, creating a vivid record of the artists, companies and productions that have shaped our cultural landscape.Join Jane in conversation with acclaimed theatre director David Grant, who also wrote the books foreword. Together they will explore four decades of theatre-making through times of conflict, change and renewal, discussing the changing role of criticism, the enduring power of live performance and the people behind Northern Irelands vibrant theatre community.The event will also feature readings by acclaimed actors Ruairi Conaghan and Caitriona Hinds.Insightful, entertaining and full of fascinating stories from behind the scenes, this event will appeal to theatre-goers, arts practitioners, students and anyone interested in the cultural history of Northern Ireland.