THEATRE Carsonunderthemicroscope

Belvoir Studio Theatre, Belfast

Tonight and tomorrow, 7.45pm

Lord Edward Carson, the godfather of unionism and the first signatory of the Ulster Covenant, reflects on the pivotal moments of his life as he waits to be painted by Sir John Lavery.

And so the scene is set for Paddy Scully’s deconstruction of the man who still casts Ulster’s longest shadow, capturing the complexities — both the fire and brimstone and the quiet deliberation — of this unionist.

For box office, tel: 9049 1210.

Market Place Theatre, Armagh Feb 21, 8pm

Belfast singer Ruby Murray

was one of the biggest stars in the world in the 1950s but, as Michael Cameron’s new play shows, behind the scenes a darker story was unfolding.

Libby Smyth plays Ruby and tells us her incredible story, with its good times as she sang hit after hit, and its low points as her dependence on alcohol grew stronger.

Her tale is accompanied by a soundtrack of original Ruby Murray songs, produced by Duke Special.

For box office, tel: 3752 1821. MAC Belfast

Until Feb 23, 8pm

This new Tinderbox production is inspired by Alfred Jarry’s comic play Ubu Roi, which was so controversial that it led to rioting when it opened in Paris at the turn of the 20th century.

Ubu Roi was a greedy, cruel and cowardly ruler whose wife encouraged him to lead a revolution.

Tinderbox invites us to take a look at what happens when the appetite for power is too great to swallow. The company promises a deliciously grotesque experience. Suitable for 18-plus only.

For box office, tel: 9023 5053.