THE LYRIC THEATRE PHOTOGRAPHED IN MAY 2025
THE LYRIC THEATRE IN BELFAST [ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER LAGAN]
The Lyric Theatre in Belfast stands as one of Northern Ireland’s most significant cultural institutions. More than just a venue for entertainment, it has historically served as a neutral civic space where the complexities of Northern Irish identity could be explored through art, even during the most turbulent years of the Troubles.
Situated on the banks of the River Lagan, it is currently the only full-time producing theatre in Northern Ireland, meaning it creates its own productions from scratch—employing writers, directors, designers, and actors locally—rather than simply hosting touring shows.
Origins and History
The theatre's story began in 1951, founded by Mary and Pearse O'Malley. It had humble beginnings, originally operating out of the drawing room of their private home on Derryvolgie Avenue. Mary O'Malley’s vision was to create a "poet's theatre" that revived Irish poetic drama, with a particular focus on the works of W.B. Yeats and Austin Clarke.
1968 Move: As its popularity grew, the company moved to a purpose-built venue on Ridgeway Street.
The Troubles: During the conflict in Northern Ireland, the Lyric remained a vital sanctuary. It famously never closed its doors, providing a shared space where people from all communities could gather safely.
2011 Rebuild: By the early 2000s, the 1968 building was deteriorating. A major fundraising campaign led to the construction of the current state-of-the-art facility, which opened in May 2011.
Architecture and Design
The current building is an architectural landmark in its own right. Designed by the Dublin-based firm O'Donnell + Tuomey, it is celebrated for its striking, angular design that utilises "Belfast brick" and timber to mirror the gritty yet warm character of the city.
River Connection: The design takes full advantage of the sloping site, offering sweeping views of the River Lagan from the foyer and rehearsal spaces.
Performance Spaces: The building houses the Main Stage (a 389-seat auditorium designed to be intimate, with no seat far from the stage) and the Naughton Studio (a flexible black-box space for experimental work).
Awards: The building was shortlisted for the prestigious Stirling Prize in 2012 and has won numerous awards for its architectural excellence.
Cultural Impact and Alumni
The Lyric has been a launchpad for many of the island’s most celebrated actors and playwrights. It continues to nurture new talent through its drama studio and creative learning programmes.
Liam Neeson: The Hollywood star began his career at the Lyric in the 1970s and remains the theatre's Patron.
Notable Alumni: Other famous names associated with the theatre include Ciarán Hinds, Adrian Dunbar, and Conleth Hill.
Playwrights: It has premiered works by major writers such as Brian Friel, Marie Jones, and Stewart Parker.
Current Mission
Today, the Lyric describes itself as a "Playhouse for All." Its programme is diverse, ranging from grit-and-humour Northern Irish comedies and fresh contemporary writing to heavy-hitting classics. It recently won The Stage's Theatre of the Year (2023), recognising its resilience and excellence in producing high-quality work post-pandemic.
Based on the current schedule for December 2025 and early 2026, here are the productions showing now and coming up next at the Lyric Theatre:
Playing Now
A Christmas Carol (28 Nov 2025 – 10 Jan 2026) The Lyric’s main festive production for the season. This is a new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, likely infusing the traditional tale with the Lyric's signature local energy and high production values. It runs right through the holiday period.
Coming Soon (December)
Don't Fence Me In (3 Dec 2025) A unique piece of physical theatre where survivors of brain injury share personal stories of resilience. This appears to be a limited engagement or one-night event.
Pigeon & Plum's Vaudeville Circus (10 Dec – 21 Dec 2025) Billed as "Belfast's very own punk rock Victorian Music Hall," this is a cabaret-style show featuring circus acts and absurd comedy. It usually serves as an alternative, adult-oriented Christmas night out compared to the main stage pantomime or play.
Looking Ahead (2026)
The Importance of Being Earnest (31 Jan – 22 Feb 2026) Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of manners returns to the Main Stage to kick off the new year.
The Human Voice (12 Feb – 28 Feb 2026) Starring Nicky Harley, this is a local take on Jean Cocteau's play, focusing on a woman's emotional final phone call with her lover.
Consumed (24 Feb – 8 Mar 2026) A drama about four generations of Northern Irish women living under one roof, dealing with family skeletons and "hungry ghosts."
Group! (24 Mar – 4 Apr 2026) A new musical comedy set in a support group, described as having "seven plastic chairs, seven cups of coffee, and seven souls trying to hold it together."
If you are planning to visit, I recommend booking A Christmas Carol early, as the main holiday shows at the Lyric tend to sell out quickly.
The Lyric Theatre in Belfast stands as one of Northern Ireland’s most significant cultural institutions. More than just a venue for entertainment, it has historically served as a neutral civic space where the complexities of Northern Irish identity could be explored through art, even during the most turbulent years of the Troubles.
Situated on the banks of the River Lagan, it is currently the only full-time producing theatre in Northern Ireland, meaning it creates its own productions from scratch—employing writers, directors, designers, and actors locally—rather than simply hosting touring shows.
Origins and History
The theatre's story began in 1951, founded by Mary and Pearse O'Malley. It had humble beginnings, originally operating out of the drawing room of their private home on Derryvolgie Avenue. Mary O'Malley’s vision was to create a "poet's theatre" that revived Irish poetic drama, with a particular focus on the works of W.B. Yeats and Austin Clarke.
1968 Move: As its popularity grew, the company moved to a purpose-built venue on Ridgeway Street.
The Troubles: During the conflict in Northern Ireland, the Lyric remained a vital sanctuary. It famously never closed its doors, providing a shared space where people from all communities could gather safely.
2011 Rebuild: By the early 2000s, the 1968 building was deteriorating. A major fundraising campaign led to the construction of the current state-of-the-art facility, which opened in May 2011.
Architecture and Design
The current building is an architectural landmark in its own right. Designed by the Dublin-based firm O'Donnell + Tuomey, it is celebrated for its striking, angular design that utilises "Belfast brick" and timber to mirror the gritty yet warm character of the city.
River Connection: The design takes full advantage of the sloping site, offering sweeping views of the River Lagan from the foyer and rehearsal spaces.
Performance Spaces: The building houses the Main Stage (a 389-seat auditorium designed to be intimate, with no seat far from the stage) and the Naughton Studio (a flexible black-box space for experimental work).
Awards: The building was shortlisted for the prestigious Stirling Prize in 2012 and has won numerous awards for its architectural excellence.
Cultural Impact and Alumni
The Lyric has been a launchpad for many of the island’s most celebrated actors and playwrights. It continues to nurture new talent through its drama studio and creative learning programmes.
Liam Neeson: The Hollywood star began his career at the Lyric in the 1970s and remains the theatre's Patron.
Notable Alumni: Other famous names associated with the theatre include Ciarán Hinds, Adrian Dunbar, and Conleth Hill.
Playwrights: It has premiered works by major writers such as Brian Friel, Marie Jones, and Stewart Parker.
Current Mission
Today, the Lyric describes itself as a "Playhouse for All." Its programme is diverse, ranging from grit-and-humour Northern Irish comedies and fresh contemporary writing to heavy-hitting classics. It recently won The Stage's Theatre of the Year (2023), recognising its resilience and excellence in producing high-quality work post-pandemic.
Based on the current schedule for December 2025 and early 2026, here are the productions showing now and coming up next at the Lyric Theatre:
Playing Now
A Christmas Carol (28 Nov 2025 – 10 Jan 2026) The Lyric’s main festive production for the season. This is a new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, likely infusing the traditional tale with the Lyric's signature local energy and high production values. It runs right through the holiday period.
Coming Soon (December)
Don't Fence Me In (3 Dec 2025) A unique piece of physical theatre where survivors of brain injury share personal stories of resilience. This appears to be a limited engagement or one-night event.
Pigeon & Plum's Vaudeville Circus (10 Dec – 21 Dec 2025) Billed as "Belfast's very own punk rock Victorian Music Hall," this is a cabaret-style show featuring circus acts and absurd comedy. It usually serves as an alternative, adult-oriented Christmas night out compared to the main stage pantomime or play.
Looking Ahead (2026)
The Importance of Being Earnest (31 Jan – 22 Feb 2026) Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of manners returns to the Main Stage to kick off the new year.
The Human Voice (12 Feb – 28 Feb 2026) Starring Nicky Harley, this is a local take on Jean Cocteau's play, focusing on a woman's emotional final phone call with her lover.
Consumed (24 Feb – 8 Mar 2026) A drama about four generations of Northern Irish women living under one roof, dealing with family skeletons and "hungry ghosts."
Group! (24 Mar – 4 Apr 2026) A new musical comedy set in a support group, described as having "seven plastic chairs, seven cups of coffee, and seven souls trying to hold it together."
If you are planning to visit, I recommend booking A Christmas Carol early, as the main holiday shows at the Lyric tend to sell out quickly.
THE LYRIC THEATRE