Belfast theatre ignites northern ireland with 75 years of storytelling
The Lyric Theatre in Belfast is more than just a stage; it’s a vital artery pumping stories and perspectives through Northern Ireland, and its 75th anniversary promises a potent blend of legacy and daring new work.
A beacon of dialogue, forged in the fires of history
According to Jimmy Fay, the theatre’s director, ‘The Lyric gives voice to everyone in Northern Ireland,’ a sentiment underscored by its commitment to showcasing both established talent and emerging artists. This year’s program, celebrating a remarkable milestone, is designed to honor the theatre’s rich past while simultaneously illuminating the creative landscape of the present. The revival of Christina Reid’s 1983 masterpiece, Tea in a China Cup, starring a young Marie Jones, is a prime example, promising a powerful revisiting of working-class life across three decades – from wartime Belfast to the tumultuous Troubles.
Fay emphasizes the play’s significance: ‘Reid’s is an important political voice from the 1980s, articulating the idea that working-class people across the sectarian divide had more in common with each other than was often assumed.’ This sentiment echoes the tenacious vision of Mary O’Malley, the theatre’s founder, who established Belfast Lyric Players in 1951, inheriting a socialist ethos and a drive to foster a truly inclusive artistic space.
Celebrating a legacy of innovation
The anniversary exhibition, A House of Play, meticulously traces the theatre’s evolution, beginning with the New Gallery, founded by O’Malley in 1963. It features iconic works by Jack B Yeats, Louis Le Brocquy, and Basil Blackshaw, alongside contemporary commissions, offering a tangible connection to the theatre’s groundbreaking roots. Upstairs, a dedicated gallery presents the captivating cover designs, correspondence, and manuscripts from Threshold, the influential literary journal edited by O’Malley and a constellation of literary giants – Seamus Heaney, John Montague, and Seamus Deane – from 1957 to 1990.
Current plans include a new production of Brian Friel’s Faith Healer, directed by Emma Jordan, and a bold interpretation of Aristophanes' The Frogs by Paul Muldoon, staged in a unique “music-theatre pub gig” format, initially premiering in New York’s Public Theatre. Looking further ahead, Clare Dwyer Hogg’s new play, a version of Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, and an adaptation of the Irish epic The Táin promise to continue the Lyric’s tradition of ambitious, thought-provoking work. Fay, who seamlessly blends his roles as CEO, executive producer, and artistic director, is fiercely committed to nurturing the next generation of talent, with programs like Conor Mitchell's Abomination: A DUP Opera and Propaganda, supporting adventurous artists and fostering a pipeline to television and film.
“Supporting and commissioning adventurous artists like Conor Mitchell, with Abomination: A DUP Opera and Propaganda, is central to what we do,” Fay states. “And in our drama studio, we’re bringing young actors through, who then cross over into television and film; it’s possible for them to combine those careers now. There’s so much talent, energy and vitality in Northern Ireland at the moment, despite the difficult funding environment.”
Despite the challenges, the Lyric remains a vibrant hub, humming with activity – from Paines Plough on stage to workshops for young actors. The theatre’s recent expansion, funded by a significant campaign led by Liam Neeson, reflects its enduring importance. The stunning new building, a testament to O’Donnell + Tuomey’s design, overlooking the River Lagan, stands as a powerful symbol of resilience and artistic commitment.