The Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival makes its much-anticipated return to Lime Tree Theatre and Belltable from 1-11 October 2025, bringing a vibrant programme of theatre, dance, music, film, workshops, and community events designed especially for young audiences and their families.
Now in its 11th year, the festival has cemented its position as a cornerstone of the city’s artistic calendar, offering an extraordinary programme of theatre, dance, music, film, workshops, and community events designed specifically for young audiences and their families.
Festival curator Liam McCarthy describes the event as “a unique two weeks in Limerick’s cultural calendar” when the city prioritises its younger citizens alongside their carers and families. The festival’s commitment to placing children at the heart of artistic life has made it the only professional children’s festival in the mid-west region.
This year’s programme showcases both beloved returning productions and exciting new additions.
Boss Rob: A Masterclass for Aspiring Artists returns by popular demand, offering an interactive creative workshop where children must coax the pompous artist character into actually performing his demonstration. “It’s great craic,” McCarthy explains. “Boss Rob is this crazy, pompous artist who refuses to do the demonstration for the children. It’s really up to the children to urge him to actually do his job—there’s a lot of audience participation.”
The highly regarded Branar production company returns with their brand-new show ‘Leaves’, continuing their tradition of creating exceptional theatre for young audiences. McCarthy, having seen a preview, describes it as “absolutely beautiful,” praising Branar as “one of the best companies making work for children.”
International highlights include Microworlds, an imaginative dance piece presented by Czech choreographers Jazmína Piktorová and Sabina Bocková in association with Dance Limerick. The production explores micro movements, body landscape, and small object performance in what McCarthy calls “a stunning piece of movement.”
The Little Prince, presented by The Egg from Bath, offers a classic tale reimagined for contemporary audiences, demonstrating the festival’s impressive international reach.
Among the new additions is REVERB, presented by Luail, marking their first-ever festival appearance with a powerful music experience tailored for secondary school students.
Revisiting the Banshee sees artists Michael Fortune and Aileen Lambert return twenty years after their online success, featuring stories told by children from St Mary’s School, Bishop Street, and Thomond Primary School. The premiere of the new film opens in Belltable on October 3 at 6.30pm with a special 10am screening for schools on September 30 which will be attended by the children who feature. The artists, Michael Fortune and Aileen Lambert will also be present as well as teachers from St. Mary’s School in Bishop St. and Thomond Primary School.
Festival favourite Anna Newell returns with Shimmer, her latest immersive theatre experience for the youngest audiences, whilst other notable productions include The Lonesome Boatman by Ouch Productions, Orla Clogher’s thought-provoking Fen, and The Adventures of Shay Mouse, adapted from Pat McCabe’s beloved story.
The festival’s commitment to inclusivity extends well beyond its main programme. McCarthy emphasises their work with vulnerable children and those without regular access to the arts, operating through various community centres and engaging with the deaf school community. The extensive school and community engagement programme includes a visit from Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde among other special events.
“We’ve been working hard to make this year’s festival as inclusive as we can, with a brilliant programme of dance, theatre, film and music,” McCarthy notes. The festival caters to audiences from babies to teenagers, ensuring there truly is something for everyone.
Beyond entertainment, McCarthy sees the festival as crucial for the future of theatre itself. “I do believe in the transformative power of art and including children in art,” he explains.
“If we don’t start them young and they don’t see theatre as a thing to do as a child—I don’t think we will have a Belltable or a Lime Tree theatre in 20 years’ time.”
The Bualadh Bos Children’s Festival runs from October 1-11. For the full programme and bookings, visit www.limetreebelltable.ie
