Actor Shaun on new play premiering at international arts festival

Actor Shaun on new play premiering at international arts festival

15 October 2025

A DOWNPATRICK actor is set to star in a new play premiering at Belfast International Arts Festival next week.

Shaun Blaney, best known for his portrayal of Gerry Conlon in In the Name of the Son, will feature in a two-man show, The Upside Down House from Tinderbox Theatre Company, alongside Colm McCready.

Described as “a gay coming-of-age story”, the play by Belfast-based playwright Ciaran Haggerty has been funded by the Arts Council NI and will run from Wednesday, 

October 22 to Sunday, November 2, at the MAC.

A former student of St Patrick’s Grammar School and a graduate of Queen’s University in 2008, Shaun is an award-winning actor now based in London and Belfast, with notable TV credits including Game of Thrones (HBO), Bloodlands (BBC) and Frankenstein Chronicles (ITV).

Reflecting on the play, Haggerty said: “The Upside Down House is a time-bending, dreamlike journey through memory, love and letting go.”

Patrick J O’Reilly, artistic director for Tinderbox Theatre Company, said The Upside Down House is “a story that beautifully captures the moment we fall in love for the first time”.

“Ciaran Haggerty’s play explores the innocence of love and the heartache that follows when that love is not accepted by the world.

“It is a gay coming-of-age story where past experiences shape our present as we seek acceptance and connection, not only with others but, most importantly, with ourselves.”

He added: “The play promises to be a visual feast for the senses, a tonic for the heart and a love letter to the mind.”

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, arts development officer for literature, drama and dance at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said the council was “proud to support this powerful new work”.

She added: “I would encourage everyone to experience it as part of this year’s brilliant Belfast International Arts Festival. Don’t miss out.”

Tickets start at £15 and are available now at themaclive.com and belfastinternationalartsfestival.com.