1. When did you think about a career in writing and what were your first steps into it? I was mad into books as a child, but it took me ages to get serious about writing.

THERE isn’t much to laugh about at the moment, certainly not when it comes to Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill, no bosom mates they.

THE Out to Lunch Arts Festival returns to Belfast in 2018 for its 13th year of music, comedy, theatre, literature and food.

1. When did you think about a career in acting/singing and what were your first steps into it? It started with training in classical singing and then at school my love of acting developed.

"THREE weeks is a long time in this place – Arlene Foster might marry the Pope or something," laughs Belfast comedian Jake O'Kane when asked why he always leaves preparing his annual 'review of the year' show until the very last minute.

BELFAST'S SSE Arena becomes the north's newest pantomime venue this year, staging family favourite Aladdin with a cast led by Rhydian Roberts, of X-Factor fame.

Peter Pan Grand Opera House Celebrating her 28th consecutive year of pantomime at the Grand Opera House, May McFettridge will lead the star-studded cast as Mrs Smee alongside Coronation Street’s Claire King as the Magical Mermaid, double Olivier award-winning David Bedella as Captain Hook, Paddy Jenkins as Hook’s right hand man Smee and Mikey Jay-Heath as Peter Pan.

THIS Christmas, all Conor Grimes wants is a day without having to wear make-up.

Whenever Sleb Safari hears the name 'Michael Flatley', a song starts playing in its head.

COMEDIAN Katherine Ryan will bring her brand new live show Glitter Room to Northern Ireland next year.

A COMEDY which tells the true story of a young Belfast man coming to terms with the death of his father while coping with a hugely swollen testicle has become a surprise stage hit.

WHITE Western European audiences are challenged about their response to the global refugee crisis in the latest play by Dublin theatre company Brokentalkers.

MANY remember actor Ian Reddington as market inspector 'Tricky Dicky' in EastEnders or as Vernon Tomlin in Coronation Street, but the English actor is currently enjoying being a love guru in the new Dusty Springfield musical The Son of a Preacher man.

1. When did you think about a career in acting/comedy and what were your first steps into it? When I left college (Dublin City University) in 1987, I was at a bit of a loose end with not a clue what I wanted to do with my life.

ADELE Thomas's 1920s set Northern Ireland Opera production of one of Mozart's most popular operas at the Grand Opera House could easily be renamed Cosi fan Tutte Fruity.

He will plays gigs in the UK and Ireland during 2018 and 2019.

IT'S nearly 10 years since the rags-to-riches musical My Fair Lady was performed in the north but that notable absence will be remedied when Kaleidoscope brings its production to the stage next week.

IT'S hard enough to even keep up with current events in these uncertain times, but comedian and activist Mark Thomas is currently making bold assertions about our future – and taking money from the bookies as a result.

TWO of the most recognisable names in contemporary art will stage their first major Irish exhibition for almost 20 years in Belfast in January.

ARTWORK produced by art and architecture students in Belfast is to be showcased in one of the city's newest apartment buildings following a competition and link-up with Ulster University.