Workshop Programme
Introduction
Cahoots NI in partnership with Belfast International Arts Festival are proud to present their 4 week workshop programme for the second year which has been made possible by funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Delivered free of charge from Cahoots’ base, a shared community theatre space in North Belfast, participants from a range of backgrounds will share hands-on experiences, united under one roof as a team, engaging in creative workshops (magic,music,writing,post-showdiscussions)to instigate conversation, encourage collaboration and build new relationships.
The project will conclude with group members enjoying premiere performances of world-class theatre pieces designed specifically for young audiences.
The workshops will all be based around two Cahoots productions which are running this year in the festival’s extensive 2025 programme; The Musicians of Bremen Live! and Unlocking Sherlock.
The Musicians of Bremen Live!
Inspired by the much-loved Grimm’s fairy tale, The Musicians of Bremen features live music, storytelling, song, and plenty of surprises!
Ruffles is a hen with a voice that could stop a freight train. Lost at a crossroads, she meets Mule, Bobcat, and Coyote. Together, they embark on an epic journey across the desert to the big city, chasing a bold dream. Their goal? To become a famous musical band.
Unlocking Sherlock
Master magician Caolan McBride reveals the striking connections between deduction and deception. Through sleight of hand, mind reading, and psychological illusion, Holmes’ legendary methods unfold before your eyes—but you hold the key to how the mystery evolves.
As the lines blur between magician and detective, one question lingers: What is the cost of such extraordinary skill?
Workshops
For interest in all workshops please contact info@cahootsni.com
- Music with Hugh W. Brown | Wed 1, Thur 2 & Fri 3 October
Create your sound, tell your story.
A magical series of free creative musicworkshops where young people (aged 8+) come together to explore harmony and difference through rhythm and sound.
Led by acclaimed writer Hugh W. Brown,these fun, inclusive sessions inviteparticipants to:
- Explore music and samba drumming
- Celebrate diversity and individualitythrough rhythm
- Record a professionally captured musicpiece
- Perform live or share your soundscape onthe big screen at Cityside Retail Park
2. Magic with Caolan McBride | Tues 7 & Wed 8 October
Step into a world of illusion, creativity, and self-expression in this Magic Workshop designed for young people aged 16+.
Led by professional magician and performer Caolan McBride, these fun, hands-on sessions will explore:
- Sleight of hand & stage magic
- Mind reading & observation skills
- Performance techniques & public speaking
- Building confidence through communication
Participants will not only learn incredible tricks they’ll also gain powerful tools to focus, problem-solve, and express themselves in everyday life.
3. Theatre with Christina Nelson | Building Trust Through Theatre | Thur 16 & Fri 17 October
Join us for a dynamic interactive theatre workshop led by acclaimed actress and Cahoots NI collaborator Christina Nelson—designed to inspire connection, confidence, and collaboration.
Aimed at ages 8+, these sessions use drama-based games and activities to explore key themes from The Musicians of Bremen Live! including:
- Characterisation & storytelling
- Trust and communication
- Teamwork and empathy
- Celebrating our differences and finding common ground
Participants will step into the roles of a hen, bobcat, coyote, and mule—discovering what makes each character unique, and how they work together to achieve harmony from disharmony.
4. Story Time with Charles Way | From Fairytale to Footlights: A Story time Session Like No Other | Fri 24 October
Join playwright Charles Way for a magical one-off story time workshop inspired by The Musicians of Bremen Live!
Designed for ages 8+, this engaging session explores how a classic Grimm’s fairytale set in 1819 Germany was reimagined as a vibrant family musical set in the American Southwest.
With live readings, music, and behind-the-scenes insights from the show’s cast and creative team, children will:
- Hear extracts from the script and score
- Discover how stories evolve through creativity
- Explore big ideas like respect, reconciliation, and harmony from disharmony
INFORMATION AND ACCESS
All workshops are free, but prior registration is required.
Our approach to Access is to communite with everyone in an individually focused and receptive way. We understand that knowing your needs will be met is very important.
We know that everyone’s needs are different but here are some examples of how we currently support individuals in our audiences:
- Quiet Space – The freedom to leave a performance at any time.
- Wheelchair friendly – Step free access is available throughout our venue.
More information on accessibility can be found here – https://cahootsni.com/our-venue-2/
If there is anything the team at Cahoots can do to make this programme more accessible please let them know by contacting hannah@cahootsni.com
Please note: As part of our child safeguiarding policy, adult leaders from your group must be present throughout the session to supervise.
For further questions or to register interest please contact hannah@cahootsni.com
