by Richard Buckley, Editor, Business Eye

As the famous musical lyrics say, there’s no business like show business, and as talented performers prepare for a series of drive-in concerts to be staged beside the Titanic Slipways in Belfast next month, it will be a welcome relief both creatively and financially for many of them. One of Northern Ireland’s most popular and enduring musical talents Peter Corry is the driving force behind the major entertainment initiative in the city.


The hotly anticipated Titanic Drive In Concerts will take place over three days between July 3 to 5 featuring a full entertainment programme to ensure there is something for everyone. World-famous ABBA tribute band The Bjorn Identity start the party, Peter and his team will be performing favourite songs from famous musicals, while the ever-popular Flash Harry and his band will be recreating the magic of Queen. There will also be a REAL Princesses NI show for children and Proms in the (Car) Park presented by Noel Thompson.

Deprived of the usual performance venues due to rules around social distancing, Peter is keen to bring joy not only to local music fans but also to support the entertainment industry which has been devastated by the pandemic lockdown.

Acutely aware of how financially precarious life in the ‘gig economy’ is under normal circumstances, The West End star’s production company is now investing over £70k and creating more than 70 jobs for performers and staging crew over the three-day series of concerts.

“This pandemic came out of the blue, so nobody in the entertainment and hospitality industry had time to prepare financially or creatively,” Peter said.

“Many entertainers have not been able to avail of the financial security net provided to other workers in the hospitality sector, and they have been forgotten during this crisis.

“Too often the assumption is made that entertainers perform for their own fun, but it’s a tough career like any other. They need to eat, pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads like everyone else. If there is no work because venues are locked down or operating under strict conditions that don’t allow for entertainment, then performers are not making any money.

“I felt I had to do something to help inch our industry back into recovery and raise the spirits of the people of Northern Ireland during this stressful time. Music and entertainment have always brought people together, so the drive in concerts at the iconic Titanic slipways are an uplifting way to remind people of our resilience in the face of adversity.”

Peter is appealing to the public to step up and support the local arts and entertainment industry at a time when they need it most.

“There is a two-way relationship between performers and their audience, and now more than ever, the entertainment industry needs public support if it is to survive and recover.

“Like other sectors of our economy, the arts will also need substantial government backing and intervention to get back on its feet, or there is a real danger we could lose some of our greatest and unique talents. This will have a detrimental knock-on effect on our economy in general.

“It must be remembered just how much local entertainers contribute to our hospitality and tourism sectors. They are often the primary attraction that brings people into venues where they spend money and enjoy everything else that is on offer. Entertainment and the arts generate millions of pounds every year for venues, restaurants, hotels, retail and the drinks industry. They provide an economic ‘halo’ effect that we can’t afford to jeopardise.”

Despite the popularity of online performances during the pandemic, as a seasoned performer, Peter knows there is no substitute for the magic that happens between entertainers and their audiences sharing the same physical space. Although, he sees future local business opportunities for bringing more technology into performance.

“Online performance is an interesting area, but I think we have all found that just pointing a camera at a performance and streaming it doesn’t always make for the most satisfying interaction,” Peter said.

“I believe integrating digital innovation into performance is going to be a growth area going forward. In Northern Ireland, we are ideally placed in terms of our technological talents and major film and TV production experience to take advantage of these new relationships.

“This is a big learning curve for tech companies and venues to adapt, and it needs more investment, support and guidance. But the opportunities will be there, and by working together, we can take advantage of the new normal and create jobs and skills that will boost our local economy.”

With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Peter knows the post-pandemic new normal will require adjustment for both performers and audiences.

“We all need to get our heads around the fact that this isn’t about going back to how we behaved before COVID 19. Being an audience member is going to feel different for a while, but that’s not a reason not to go back and enjoy the arts. Different can be exciting and inspiring for everyone involved,” he said.

While focused on the quality of performances, Peter also puts public and performer safety at the top of his agenda when planning future events.

“Outdoor events are going to be more popular until we can feel safe in buildings for an extended period of time, so we need to invest in temporary outdoor structures to facilitate this. Venues will need to re-assess how they offer their services as it’s all about inspiring confidence and trust. Our audiences will also want to see that our performers and staff are being given the same consideration and that they are being kept safe.”

Peter Corry Production’s shows at Titanic Slipway Maritime Mile next month will allow thousands of people to enjoy live performances in a safe and socially-distanced way against the backdrop of one of Northern Ireland’s most impressive and historic locations. It will help kick start the local arts and entertainment industry and give confidence to performers and audiences alike.

Ever the greatest showman, Peter concluded: “The show must and will go on, but unless there is some considerable government, venue and public support there is a real danger that the industry will contract and could take many years to recover so please, where you can, support your local arts.”

To book tickets please visit petercorryproductions.com/titanic-drive-in-concerts. Tickets on sale NOW.

For more event information please visit petercorryproductions.com

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Peter Corry and his wife Fleur Mellor

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