Welcome

Welcome to PlayMake-Believe!

At Play Make Believe, we specialise in event entertainment, walkabout characters, storytelling, street theatre and children's theatre.

Throughout the site, you'll find information on the characters and services that we provide. These range from solo performers for small events to entire teams for spectacle events, festivals, parties and parades.

We can also create interactive narrative-based experiences, where we design bespoke characters, write scripts and provide props to bring your event to life in colourful, unique and magical ways!

To find out more, send us your contact number to request a callback.

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Clients

Testimonials

Play Make-Believe is a must when it comes to booking entertainment for events! Louise is reliable and really goes the extra mile to create something that will bring your vision to life. We've used Play Make-Believe for many events, and will continue to do so in the future. She's a professional and top of her game!

Rebekah Hutchinson, BNL Productions

At MayWe we love working with Louise and her team at Play Make-Believe, Louise is so professional and lovely to deal with. She always delivers and exceeds expectations, it’s clear how much she really cares about every event she is booked for, and puts as much effort into a small event as a big event. I would highly recommend Louise and Play Make-Believe.

Lois Kennedy Director , MayWe

Follow us!

🌈Thrilled to share the remarkably talented @kalonrae (X Factor, The Voice UK, and Tu Sí Que Vales) will be performing at the Inishowen Pride event, held in @angriananhotel in Burt, on May 10th. As will Inishowen’s @thehenrygirlsmusic making this an event not to be missed! Here’s what stars are saying about Kalon: 🌟 “I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. YOU ARE YOUR OWN STAR.” - Jennifer Hudson 👩‍🎤 “You definitely are an original... You have a fantastic voice.” - Sir Tom Jones 🎶 “The first time I heard Kalon I was mesmerised... his talent matched his personality.” - Rebeca Riofrio, CEO, Art in Fusion TV Kalon’s diverse performances range from drag acts to concerts and private events, making him the perfect choice for any event looking for an unforgettable experience. His collaborations include stars like Rita Ora, Lionel Richie, George Michael, and Mel C showcasing his versatility and reach across the music industry! 📧 Book Kalon Rae for Your Event: Email info@playmake-believe.com or PM for a live entertainment package. 🇮🇪 🏳️‍🌈 #KalonRae #InishowenPride #TheHenryGirls #playmakebelieve

Connswater Jollyes opened yesterday. It’s their 99th store and we are delighted to be here helping spread the word!

We had fun with families yesterday for @fibrusbroadband making reindeer food and Christmas Wreaths. It’s not something we do a lot of but we love it when we do!

Another appreciation post! This time it’s for the wonderful @kittykafka1 Kindness is her first language and she makes perfection look effortless. Whilst our @rosiemcclelland23 is off spreading her artistic talents at one award winning show after another we have been blessed, nay saved by @kittykafka1

We all know that Santa Clause has thousands of little elves helping him through the festive season…And Mrs Clause, of course! At Play Make-Believe we knew we needed help ahead of the silly season too, so instead of a team of thousands of elves we went one better and hired….An Arts Entrepreneur!!! Introducing our client liaison, artist coordinator and bringer of calm - Brona Jackson! Brona checks all the lists…more than twice and books the acts for the clients - nice! And all this is in her spare time! When she’s not playing PA to Mrs Clause she runs her own dance company called ‘Brona Jackson Dance’, alongside the administration of her family business, and her own projects. She herself is a talented dancer and performer specialising in TYA and we are so lucky to have her!

Thank you to @grasshopperevnts for having Mrs Mary Claus at your wonderful event yesterday. We got to meet and hang out with the lovely @mr_hullabaloo, @jitterbugjackson and @kidisco.ie among many wonderful others. If anyone finds Mrs C’s voice can you please return it immediately. 🥳🎄

And these delightful giant sprouts were in Cookstown in that stinking weather! @andrewgraememcclay @cathaljferris_ @play_make_believe @lconaghan @bnlproductionsltd

Look at these little cutie patooties who were out in Coalisland today! #gingerbread #playmakebelieve @bnlproductionsltd @catbarter @play_make_believe @lconaghan

MC Mrs Mary Claus and Raving Santa with Paul Clarke and his son David

What a lovely comfy set up for Mrs Claus in @belfast_castle over the last few days! We’ve been so busy with events and lists 📋 and presents 🎁 and of course keeping an eye on you…👀that we often forget to check in and let you know what we’re up to! @nightcapeventgroup @thechristmaschroniclesni

Mrs Mary Claus 🤶 is getting all warmed up for her annual visits to the Lurgan and Portadown Twilight Markets with this weekend! Thank you to our friends at BNL Productions who are always top of the nice list for looking after the old girl so very well. 🥰🤶 #38sleeps #playmakebelieve #mrsmaryclaus

Some cute snaps of Fairy Tales 🧚‍♀️ turned up today, this was on a gig during the summer, courtesy of EastSide Arts . We are very fortunate to get to work with this wonderful team in East Belfast on a regular basis. I've heard rumours that the White Witch will be making an appearance in C.S. Lewis Square on the 25th of November! To check out their events and book your tickets, go to www.VisitEastSide.com. (Please note: booking may be required) #CSLewisFest

@play_make_believe Christmas Tree Fairy, photographed by @auroraphotographicagency outside the beautiful @belfastcityhall 🎄 Here is what @belfastcitycouncil had to day about it: We're delighted to announce that City Hall will once again be the focus for Belfast's Christmas lights switch-on, taking place on Saturday 18 November at 6.30pm. 🌟 Ryan Murphy, Mayor of Belfast will join residents, artists and performers, as well as Cool FM's breakfast presenters Pete, Paulo and Rebecca, to turn on the festive lights and officially begin the countdown to 25 December! 🎟️ Tickets for our #LetsGlowBelfast event will be released at 10am next Wednesday 8 November from visitbelfast.com We expect this event to be very popular - tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to six per booking. Wheelchair accessible platform viewing can also be booked by calling 028 9024 6609 on this date - these are limited to two per booking. For full ticket info, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/christmas 🎵 Let's Glow Belfast will be packed full of performances from our best Belfast talent, including: * NI soul band Manukahunney * Lyric Belfast's pantomime Hansel and Gretel * electro pop queen FYA FOX * DU Dance NI's youth dance group Belfast Boys * festive singalong favourites from Fortwilliam Musical Society * music from Downtown Radio earlier in the day 🎅 Our Winter's Den at 2 Royal Avenue will also open its doors on Saturday 18 November, with activities and events for all ages until Sunday 7 January, such as: * festive markets * family performances * Santa’s post office with Belfast One * tea dances * upcycling workshops and loads more! 🍔 The Belfast Christmas Market will also open in City Hall grounds on Saturday 18 November, starting at 12pm. The market will continue until 6pm on Friday 22 December. 💻 For full details of the Let’s Glow Belfast switch-on event and other festive events in Belfast city centre, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/christmas

Halloween Day. Done.

30 th of October Still good availability!

29th of October availability Still some availability

28th October Availability left? Hahahahahahahahahahaha…No.

Halloween 2023 availability in pictures 27th - Good Availability

I love this beautiful handmade gift I was given, made by our lovely thoughtful nephew! 🥰 #playmakebelieve #handmadegifts

Hi all, Louise here, here’s a wee update as we have been a little quiet on here compared to usual. There’s still plenty going on behind the scenes! We are steadily gearing up towards the busy seasons coming our way! 👻🎃🤶🎅🌲🎄 For the past few months, I’ve been mostly focused on repairing a pair of dodgy ankles and was back doing a lot more theatre work. In August I played the role of Dodo O’Donnell in An Grianan Theatre’s ‘Jimmys Winning Matches’, a one woman show by Kieran Kelly. This month I’m back up in Donegal again Stage Managing the first half of the rehearsal period for his new show ‘Drumboe’ based on historical events in The Balor Theatre in my hometown of Ballybofey. There some other new and very exciting other roles of in the pipeline so watch this space! Headshot by @little_acres_photography @balordonegal @angrianantheatre @lconaghan

Eithne The Adventurer had a great time storytelling and doing walkabout over the weekend at the first ever Science Street by @niscifest at the Maritime Festival. There was so much to see, do, learn and enjoy!

Grace O Malley or Granuaile was down at the Maritime Festival today! Catch her and many more again tomorrow. Bring water and sunscreen!

Massive thank you to Theatre for Young Audiences Ireland, for the wonderful training opportunities they provide. It was fantastic to get a bursary to be able to participate in this training online with people all over Ireland! #cpd #childprotection #qualifications #eternalstudent #tyai

Our Eithne was adventuring in Banbridge today with @bnlproductionsltd for the Francis Crozier day celebrations!

What a day in Armagh today! We were out with Briccrui, challenging passers by for the ‘Champions Portion’. We even had Big Heads on us through Storm Betty, although she went easy on us for the most part. Music and video edit by the wonderful @davemarks of @twowolvesproductions Costume: @rosiemcclelland23 Thank you to @maywe_events and @visitarmagh for having us! And @eventsecltd for looking after us.

*Glimmer Warning* The incredibly adorable @rosiemcclelland23 is in Moira today with our friends from @bnlproductionsltd for the wonderful Parklife event! #playmakebelieve #GOAT #Parklife #eithnetheadventurer

Wee Granny Myrtle was out and about at the @crescentartscentre for the Belfast Book Festival.

**Sold Out** Play Make-Believe are delighted to be a part of this year's Cruinniú na nÓg celebrations and we are bringing our Eithne's Woodland Adventure to Ballybofey and Stranorlar, in Co. Donegal. 🎉*What is Cruinniú na nÓg?* "Ireland is the first, and only, country in the world to have a national day of free creativity for children and young people under 18. Cruinniú na nÓg is a flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan to enable the creative potential of children and young people." 🤠*What is Eithne's Woodland Adventure?* A fun packed 45 minute woodland trail for all the family, in Drumboe Woods, Stranorlar, Co.Donegal. Join Eithne the intrepid adventurer and her team of explorers on an exciting adventure through the mystical Drumboe Woods in Stranorlar on 10 June. This interactive and theatrical journey will take you on a guided tour of the woods, encountering magical characters along the way. With a focus on leave-no-trace practices, you’ll learn about the importance of preserving the natural environment. Bring your hiking boots or wellies and a sense of adventure as you explore the wonders of Drumboe Woods with Eithne and her team. 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦The event is designed for ages 3-10 but it’s fun for all the family! 👉There will be three shows of 45 minutes duration at 11am, 12pm, and 1pm. 👉Link: https://lnkd.in/eeG-XShY 👈 This unforgettable experience is not to be missed! #donegal #cruinniunanog #outdoor #adventure #summer2023

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/eithne-the-adventurers-woodland-adventure-tickets-640043175367?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

Some of our Best in Show at the Balmoral Show. Have you spotted us? Adam Dougal, Colette Dougal, Louise Conaghan , Andrew McClay, Neil Keery, Rhodri Lewis, and the wonderful McClelland Bros. x

Throwback to last year's @balmoralshow It's been an exciting few days at the PMB HQ, getting ready for this year. We are introducing a few new acts so prepare to meet your new favourites. 🐎👀

We had a wonderful bank holiday weekend. Did you spot us? Thanks to Corderry Fruit Farm, The Sensory Room at Shelly House and The Boulevard Banbridge for their warm welcome! Jo Maguire thanks for joining us!

Across the weekend 🥳 we will be popping up all over, The Boulevard Banbridge, The Sensory Room at Shelly House and Corderry Fruit Farm. Keep an eye out for our magical characters. Who will you stumble across on your journeys? 👀 Photo: Little Acres 📸 Character: Fairy Tales

Will you create new characters for the @balmoralshow ? Yes, yes we will! First fitting and already it’s looking stupendous. Those jodhpurs are to thigh for! Model: @mrneilk Costume: @rosiemcclelland23 Costume supervisor: Sandy Horses: @myhorsehobby

We picked up some lovely items in the gift shop at @ntcastleward on a recent trip. The book was from their second had book store which we highly recommend! Looking forward to Eithne bringing it along to her storytelling session in @corderryfruitfarm on Sunday at 11am! Looking forward to usin

Our busiest Easter to date! It was wonderful working with so many clients, actors and organisations. Thanks to: @themacbelfast, @bnlproductionsltd, @theboulevardbanbridge , @belfastcitycouncil, @circusful, Pomeroy People & Place and @artsekta for having us!

So delighted to hear that Blue Lights has been commissioned for second season. Always exciting to see a drama filmed in NI getting their props for great work, even better when so many of our talented actors are involved! PS How good do @iamvickyallen and @mrneilk look here! 💙💙

It was a wet yet wonderful day at Malone House for the Belfast Spring Fair. Looking forward to seeing the crowds tomorrow. #belfastspringfair #scarecrowmakeup #scarecrow #fairytales #flowercrown #PlayMakeBelieve

Eithne was thrilled to be working with the @grasshoppersfestival in Balbriggan again. We had 3 sessions of interactive storytelling with young audiences in schools and nurseries. We also attended @cornamaddy_n.s this week but had so much fun we forgot to get pictures!!! Thanks to both for having us! If you’re interested in booking some of our characters give us a message go to our website. Link in the bio. @play_make_believe @lconaghan #SustainableCostumes #NIActors #PMB #PlayMakeBelieve #TYA #EarlyYears #InteractiveStoryTeller #irishactor #eithnetheadventurer #strongfemalecharacters #primaryschoolentertainment #nationalschoolentertainment #kidsshow

Last we braved the cold with some of our new characters from Narnia! Thank you to Belfast Healthy Cities for having us again for their amazing ‘Walking Bus’ initiative for schools. If you are interested in booking some of our characters give us a message go to our website. Link in the bio. @play_make_believe @lconaghan @nicefryup @leannedevz @mrneilk @iamvickyallen #WhiteWitch #SnowDay #CoincidenceWeThinkNot #narnia #TeamAslan #lucypevensie #mrtumnus #BelfastHealthyCities #WalkingBus #WalkToSchool #SustainableCostumes #NIActors #PMB #PlayMakeBelieve #NorthernIreland

**NEW CHARACTER ALERT** Our glittering new Disco Belles! Thank you to @maywe_events for hiring us for the silent discos in Larne Town hall and @islandartscentre . They were so much fun! Photo credit: @l0iskennedy

**NEW CHARACTER ALERT** Our glittering new Disco Belles! Thank you to @maywe_events for hiring us for the silent discos in Larne Town hall and @islandartscentre . They were so much fun!

Eithne the Adventurer is out and about again! Last Saturday she was in C.S. Lewis Square with @eastsidepship for their Love Your Greenway Market. Photo credit goes to the lovely Megan :) This Saturday Eithne will be at Ulster University’s new Belfast Campus for the @niscifest SIREN23 event. See you there! X

Learn acting techniques for both the stage and the screen with Louise Conaghan(Play Make-Believe ) 🎭 📍 St Joseph’s NS | 10am | Age 6-9 Book your place here: https://www.rathmullan.ie/events-1/rff2023-tickets Brought to you by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon & Young Irish Film Makers #actingworkshops #kidsactingworkshops #rff #filmfestivals #irishfilm #irishacting #donegal

Don’t forget to soak your sprouts! 🌱 Honestly, some of the things I find myself doing these days. 😂 #playmakebelieve #brusselsprouts #christmascharacters #sproutsout #christmas2022

Jolly old Saint Nick and Holly Berry had a wonderful time with the Instonian’s Rugby club yesterday!

How do Santa and Mrs Claus manage to be everywhere all at once? With a little help from their friends and family of course!!!

Mr and Mrs Claus are home after a long day! Sweet dreams everyone. X #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #playmakebelieve #mrandmrs

Mrs Mary Claus was delighted to attend the annual Armagh Georgian Day last Saturday. Many thanks to the @abc_council for having us and the library for hosting a lively storytelling session with all the boys and girls. X #armaghgeorgianday #armagh #georgianday #christmas #maryclaus #mrsmaryclaus #playmakebelieve

A photo of our gorgeous musical Santa who has been in @navancentrefort this week! @abc_council @play_make_believe #santa #christmas #playmakebelieve

Are you all set for the @thelatelatetoyshow tonight? Wouldn’t you think it’s about time they had Mrs Claus on it? It’s the most wonderful time of the year! @latelaterte #mrsmaryclaus #christmas #latelatetoyshow

This is an incredibly unflattering photo of myself, but it’s not often I get to share the sheer unadulterated joy of the work we do in Play Make-Believe with my own family, as they are often pushed to the back of the queue because of it. Last weekend was very special and I’m afraid they know where I live now, so there will be lots more of this in the future. #sureisntthatwhatitsallabout #family #christmas #playmakebelieve #favouritechild #brusselsprouts

Our wee Bread and Ginger out and about at C.S Lewis Square today for @eastsideartsbel and again later for @belfastcitycouncil Christmas Celebrations out and about the town and in @2royalave @sarahreidd_ @sarahreidactress @maywe_events @adamdougal84

Acorn, the little pine cone pixie was in @2royalave telling stories with her lovely friend Hazel the Autumn Fairy. Did you see them? @maywe_events @belfastcitycouncil @ashton.fenix #christmasinbelfast #belfastchristmas

Introducing our sNOw Angels! They were out and about in Belfast City Centre tonight for @belfastcitycouncil Christmas celebrations. They stopped into @2royalave for some relief from the rain.

The first of our Christmas gigs kicked off this week and Mrs Mary Claus was in Rushmere Shopping Centre. All the crouching down was like a leg day workout, but worth it all to see those gorgeous smiling faces. If you’d like a special Christmas visit drop us a message. X

Fairy Tales 🧚🏼

Mela 2022

Mela 2022! @artsekta

Greenwich and Docklands festival. Thank you Without Walls for having me! @withoutwallsconsortium #playmakebelieve #WWDiscover #gdif

Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!

The legendary Granuaile had a riot of a time at the Foyle Maritime Festival. Huge thank you to Atlantic Youth Trust for having us on board their ship. Watch this space for more adventures in the future! #granuaile #graceomalley #foylemaritimefestival #fmf22 #derryandstrabanedistrictcouncil #dcsdc #clipperfestivalderry #streettheatre #storyteller #pirate #playmakebelieve #atlanticyouthtrust #shipmates

Thank you to all the team at Loughcrew Estate for a magical weekend!!! Fairy Tales had a wonderful time. 🧚🏽‍♂️🧚🏼🧚🏻‍♀️

Shameless self promotion!! Thank you to @localwomenmagazineofficial for including a wee profile on us, in this months edition! You can pick one up all over Northern Ireland. X #RavesToRoyals #Storyteller #ArtBusiness #femaleentrepreneur #artsentrepreneur #artistsoninstagram #playmakebelieve #artsandbusiness #donegalwomeninbusiness #performer #streettheatrecompany #theatre #actor #donegalactress #lovewhatyoudo #youllneverworkadayinyourlifeifyoulovewhatyoudo #youllworkalldayeveryday #localbusiness #ihatemarketingmyself #cansomeonehelpmewithhashtags #womeninbusiness

This picture was too good not to share. Our beautiful Fairy Tales all set for a story telling session in Pomeroy last week. Here she is holding the storybook by Declan Carville and Belinda Larmour, a beautiful children book about fairies in the Mournes area called The Fairy Glen. 🧚🏽‍♂️🧚🏼🧚🏻‍♀️ #nikids #adventure #childrensentertainment #playmakebelieve #fundayout #northernireland #pomeroy #thefairyglen #mournes #mournemountainsnewcastle #fairytales #womeninbusiness #donegalbusinesswomen

We were in Pomeroy last week for some storytelling with Granny Martha. Look at that little rainbow! #nikids #adventure #childrensentertainment #playmakebelieve #fundayout #northernireland #womeninbusiness #donegalbusinesswomen

The @play_make_believe mobile was full to the roof yesterday in preparation of Eithne’s Play Day in @2royalavenue with @maywe_events, thank you @belfastcitycouncil for having us. What about the giant balloons from @ourplaceearth ! 🤩🤩 We had a ball with everyone who joined in; decorating hats; playing games; doing some incredible challenges all topped off with some adventure storytelling. #nikids #adventure #childrensentertainment #belfast #playmakebelieve #eithnetheadventurer #maywe #belfastcity #belfastcitycouncil #facepainting #fundayout #embracethegiantspirit #northernireland #womeninbusiness #donegalbusinesswomen

Bertha and Delilah had to join our cast at the @maywe_events Jubilee event on Saturday in Lurgan. Saying as they remember each era from 1950 right up to 2010, we couldn’t not invite them #QueensJubilee #Fashion #SevenDecades #PlayMakeBelieve 📷 by @lymanskaya

Beryl and Stanley spent their Saturday meeting Royals and having the craic in 2 Royal Ave with @maywe_events #Jubilee #PlayMakeBelieve #SevenDecades #QueensJubilee

Have a look at how amazing our cast looked on Saturday, representing each era from 1950 right up to 2010 as part of @maywe_events Jubilee events in Belfast and Lurgan. Costumes and Set designed by @chrishunter110 and Choreography by @paulaoreilly_choreographer #QueensJubilee #Fashion #SevenDecades #PlayMakeBelieve

2010: Orla (@orlagraham) Have a look at how amazing our cast looked on Saturday, representing each era from 1950 right up to 2010 as part of @maywe_events Jubilee events in Belfast and Lurgan. Costumes and Set designed by @chrishunter110 and Choreography by @paulaoreilly_choreographer #QueensJubilee #Fashion #SevenDecades #PlayMakeBelieve Some pics by @lymanskaya

2000: Ro (@rowens94) Have a look at how amazing our cast looked on Saturday, representing each era from 1950 right up to 2010 as part of @maywe_events Jubilee events in Belfast and Lurgan. Costumes and Set designed by @chrishunter110 and Choreography by @paulaoreilly_choreographer #QueensJubilee #Fashion #SevenDecades #PlayMakeBelieve Some pics by @lymanskaya

1990: Brendan (@_brendanquinn) Have a look at how amazing our cast looked on Saturday, representing each era from 1950 right up to 2010 as part of @maywe_events Jubilee events in Belfast and Lurgan. Costumes and Set designed by @chrishunter110 and Choreography by @paulaoreilly_choreographer #QueensJubilee #Fashion #SevenDecades #PlayMakeBelieve Some pics by @lymanskaya

1980: Debra (@debrellen) Have a look at how amazing our cast looked on Saturday, representing each era from 1950 right up to 2010 as part of @maywe_events Jubilee events in Belfast and Lurgan. Costumes and Set designed by @chrishunter110 and Choreography by @paulaoreilly_choreographer #QueensJubilee #Fashion #SevenDecades #PlayMakeBelieve Some pics by @lymanskaya

1970: Ciaran (@captain_slimwaistz) Have a look at how amazing our cast looked on Saturday, representing each era from 1950 right up to 2010 as part of @maywe_events Jubilee events in Belfast and Lurgan. Costumes and Set designed by @chrishunter110 and Choreography by @paulaoreilly_choreographer #QueensJubilee #Fashion #SevenDecades #PlayMakeBelieve Some pics by @lymanskaya

1960: Andrew (@andrewgraememcclay) Have a look at how amazing our cast looked on Saturday, representing each era from 1950 right up to 2010 as part of @maywe_events Jubilee events in Belfast and Lurgan. Costumes and Set designed by @chrishunter110 and Choreography by @paulaoreilly_choreographer #QueensJubilee #Fashion #SevenDecades #PlayMakeBelieve