Our Values

A shared passion for theatre, poetry and the arts gave birth to the Lyric Players in 1951, marking the start of one of the most significant movements in Ireland’s theatrical history. Creativity and vision knew no bounds as the company defied the confines of space to stage an inspiring and innovative range of verse plays in the window recess of the consulting room at the home of founding members Dr Pearse and Mary O’Malley.

In 1952 a studio space was developed in a narrow, converted stable loft at the O’Malley’s new home in Derryvolgie Avenue in Belfast where local audiences enjoyed the work of dramatists who were rarely, if ever, staged in the commercial theatre.  Over the next sixteen years the group and its activities rapidly expanded to include regular poetry recitals, lectures, art exhibitions, a crafts gallery, publishing and a music and drama school for children. Many of Ireland’s finest artists, writers and performers joined forces with the O’Malleys during this extraordinary period of artistic growth. 

The foundation stone for the purpose-built theatre on Ridgeway Street was laid in 1965, the Centenary year of the birth of W B Yeats and in 1968 the new theatre opened for business. ‘Look Up in the Sun’s Eye’ is engraved above the entrance. The line was taken from a poem by Yeats in which he defends great art against the philistines. The visionary founders of the Lyric were motivated by the fundamental belief that society needs accessible spaces in which artists can have the courage of their convictions and be allowed to soar.