Welcome
Begun in Belfast in 1951, the Lyric Theatre is Northern Ireland’s only full-time producer of professional theatre. Its mission includes specific initiatives to commission new work, train professionals, develop audiences and collaborate with other arts organisations.
The Lyric is committed to providing regular employment opportunities for indigenous professional practitioners and aims always to programme theatre that is of direct relevance to the people of Northern Ireland. In striving towards our aims we place emphasis on audience accessibility and regularly take our new works on tour.
The Lyric Theatre has developed a reputation par excellence towards challenging traditional genre and pushing through barriers. Producing the best in original, contemporary work that reaches new audiences and supports the wealth of indigenous talent that Northern Ireland has to offer regardless of financial, geographical and political difficulties is why The Lyric Theatre exists.
The Lyric’s core programme is made up of ‘in-house’ productions which explore the diversity of cultural values in the north – most recently these have included Conversations on a Homecoming by Tom Murphy, A Night in November by Marie Jones, Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme by Frank McGuinness, Ibsen’s Ghosts and Macbeth. These are supplemented by visiting theatre and dance productions, music and literary events that are in keeping with the artistic ethos of the Lyric. Art exhibitions, promoting the work of indigenous professionals are hosted in the Lyric foyer to complement each ‘in-house’ production.
As the Lyric has an essential role to play in representing the cultural voice of Ulster further afield it recognises and embraces the importance of local, national and international touring thereby enabling a broad range of individuals to access its work.
At its home on the banks of the Lagan River, the Lyric is developing a large and diverse audience for live theatre through a balanced, year round programme of high quality product with the provision of appropriate support mechanisms for marginalised and/or disadvantaged groups including the regular presentation of signed performances, audio described performances and touch tours over the Christmas period. The Lyric is committed to increasing access for all our patrons.