the dumb waiter

The Dumb Waiter is a dark comedy by Harold Pinter and a cornerstone of modern British theatre. Set in a basement room, the play follows two hitmen, Ben and Gus, as they await instructions for their next job. When unexplained orders begin arriving from above via a dumb waiter, routine gives way to confusion, tension, and menace.

Through sharp dialogue and unsettling silences, Pinter explores power, obedience, and the fear of unseen authority. As the demands become increasingly irrational, the play asks urgent questions about compliance, responsibility, and what happens when orders are followed without understanding — themes that feel more resonant than ever.

This production is directed by Mary-Ellen O’Hara and stars Richard Sherwood and AJ Johnston. Darkly funny, tense, and disturbingly familiar, The Dumb Waiter remains a powerful and timely piece of live theatre.

Show Info

In-Person

Venue: 12-13 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, BT2 7DB

Access: From Stage Door on Albion Lane

Performance(s): Friday 3rd April & Saturday 4th April 2026.

Evening Shows

Doors: 6:30pm BST

Starts: 7:00pm BST (Book Bar* will not be open, BYOB welcome)

Saturday Matinee

Doors: 1:30pm BST

Starts: 2:00pm BST (Book Bar* will not be open, BYOB welcome)Run Time: 60 mins

Disabled Access: Theatre (ground floor) is fully accessible. Toilets & Book Bar (1st floor) are accessible via a wheelchair platform lift. Carer tickets available: Call 028 9032 5881 to book.

*The Book Bar is our charity bar, run to help support Accidental & the new building.

Ticket Info

Please book a ticket per person watching to avoid viewing issues.

£12 - WATCH IN-PERSON TICKET - a standard ticket that gives you in-person access to watch the show in the theatre.

£15 - DONATION TICKET - a special ticket that gives a little extra to the exceptional and hardworking artists creating the show.