Returning for its third year, Incubate Festival 2026 is a one-day showcase of bold new theatre in development. Each artist presents a 30-minute extract of an original work in progress, ready to be tested in front of a live audience.

Four women are detained following a protest in Belfast. Under interrogation, they respond not with answers, but with passages from Animal Farm, sparking a fierce debate around free speech, propaganda, and censorship.

A first love story, one last time.
Heartfelt, hilarious, and wildly imaginative, The Upside-Down House is a time-bending story of love, memory, and learning to let go.

We are delighted to begin our three-year residency at the MAC as its first Associate Company. It’s an exciting new chapter for Tinderbox, and we can’t wait to share a fantastic line-up of shows, projects, and collaborations.

Our first Incubate Festival under the MAC residency was a huge success, seven gorgeous works-in-process shared by brilliant artists. The energy in the building was electric, with audiences and creatives coming together to celebrate new work. A powerful start to an exciting year ahead.

We’re delighted to welcome Clíona Donnelly and Martin Ožarek to the Tinderbox team. It’s brilliant to have them on board as we step into a busy and exciting new chapter. Their creativity and energy will be a fantastic addition to the work ahead.