My ten-part short story series The Circus commissioned by, and aired on, BBC Radio 4, earlier this year, is being repeated on BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Foyle every Saturday. In five episodes, each one will combine two of the stories. I hope you enjoy.
A former working men’s club in North Belfast called ‘The Circus’ has been refurbished and relaunched with an inaugural talent show – and a massive cash prize for the winner! – inspiring the locals to brush up on some old skills. The new owner, a successful London property developer, has promised to bring a bit of the West End to North Belfast. But can the area really change? Can the people?
Cliftonville Circus is where five roads meet in North Belfast. It is situated in the most deprived part of the city; it is also the most divided. Each road leads to a different area – a different class – a different religion. ‘The Circus’ explores where old Belfast clashes with the new around acceptance, change, class and diversity.
Read by Ruby Campbell and Abigail McGibbon
Produced by Michael Shannon
Executive Editor Andy Martin

Thanks for sharing this re-run, so looking forward to catching up! I’m full of anticipation for The Circus because I lived as a teenager on Westland Road and know that circus v well!
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