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Wedding Dress Wednesday

Give your bridal gown another outing on Wednesday 26 June. Come see Weddins, Weeins and Wakes on 26 June in your wedding outfit just for fun.

Hot stuff at the Lyric

Summer is nearly upon us and despite the rain, temperatures are rising. No more so than in rehearsals at the Lyric Theatre. The hottest ticket this season will be for new romantic comedy Can't Forget About You which premieres on 23 May.

Theatre is like a small republic...

"The theatre is like a small republic, it requires private sacrifices for the good of the whole" - Ralph Clark, Our Country's Good. Shireen Azarmi was a member of the Lyric Drama Studio which finished the term with a production of Our Country's Good. She writes about her experience:

The Seafarer from a 17-year-old perspective

My first experience of a play that wasn't either a pantomime or a musical was Conor McPherson's black comedy "The Seafarer" in the Lyric Theatre, Belfast. Having no previous theatre experiences to compare it to I was in the dark as to what to expect.

Lights, Camera...Costume

Over 80 pupils from across Northern Ireland enjoyed a careers day at the Lyric Theatre to find out about the various skills involved in producing a play. The event, that was a collaboration between the Lyric and Creative & Cultural Skills, was facilitated by the Lyric's Creative Learning Department.

City Conversations review

The City Conversations have begun. On Sunday evening, 3rd March, award winning poet, Michael Longley, spoke about the full breadth of his work with BBC Arts presenter, Marie-Louise Muir, in the intimate setting of the Naughton Studio at the Lyric Theatre.

Test Drive the Arts celebrates 3rd birthday

Test Drive the Arts NI reaches another important milestone with its 3rd birthday this Saturday, the 9th of February, and Audiences NI has 15745 reasons to celebrate this flagship arts development project.  Since its launch Test Drive the Arts NI has seen 15745 new attenders be issued tickets for arts event across Northern Ireland.

Sounds Great

Students from Limavady Grammar attended a Sound Design workshop led by Lyric Theatre Technician Michael Harpur.

Child actors on stage in Macbeth

A group of budding child actors has been rubbing shoulders on stage with the professional cast of Macbeth.

Hallowe'en horrors

There are many frights about on Hallowe'en as people put on their most ghoulish make-up and dress up for the night. Get some tips from the experts at the Lyric.

And God said let there be light, and light there was

Christine Collins, a recent graduate of Queen's University Belfast is a technical intern at the Lyric Theatre. Christine won a Northern Bank Freedom Experience Scholarship which included work  experience at the Lyric, supported by Arts and Business Northern Ireland.

Every cuppa counts

The Lyric Cafe Bar is hosting a Macmillan Coffee Morning on Friday 28 September from 9am to 10pm.

When I grow up, I want to be...

University of Ulster graduate, Carly Brownlee is one of two theatre interns working at the Lyric Theatre.

Life of a Theatre Intern

Name: Christine Collins, 21
Occupation: Technical Intern at the Lyric Theatre

Youth company rehearse Oedipus The King

Desmond Eastwood, from Lisburn, Co Antrim is one of 11 teenagers taking part in the Lyric Summer School's production of Oedipus The King which runs from 10-11 August.

Rainbows over the RSC

Setting off from Belfast on Friday 13th July could perhaps be seen as a bad omen but that wasn't going to stop the excited team from Belfast as we departed for Stratford-upon-Avon - the home of the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

WANTED: One Olympic Torch for Molly Wobbly

Requests at the Lyric are wide-ranging from publicity to props but never dull. This week our props team are appealing for a real Olympic Torch to use in Molly Wobbly.

The Importance of Being an O'Malley

As a landmark new building on the Belfast landscape, the Lyric Theatre gets a lot of visitors on a daily basis.

Wilde about Lyric's new play

Andrew Devonshire, a Northern Bank employee, blogs about the forthcoming production of The Importance of Being Earnest.

Lady in red starts a riot

A lady arrived at the Lyric Theatre today who can certainly pack a punch…and was teaching our actors a trick or two.

Northern Bank gets in on the act

Northern Bank Lyric Lead, Lorraine Lauder, works as Service Manager in Lending Services in Belfast and is also passionate about theatre.

Calling all scriptwriters

Are you an aspiring playwright? The Lyric Theatre's Write Night offers six writers the chance to produce short satirical and comic sketches to be performed by actors from the Lyric's Drama Studio this May.

Big Telly celebrate 25th birthday at Lyric

Big Theatre Company are all grown up and turning 25. To celebrate, their greatly anticipated first production of the year Melmoth the Wanderer runs at the Lyric from 21 to 25 March.

Lyric receives six nominations in Irish Times Theatre Awards

We're delighted to have received a total of six nominations in the 2011 Irish Times Theatre Awards including five nominations for our opening production The Crucible and a Judges' Special Award.

The Little Prince dress rehearsal

And so we rode on the stars, following the Little Prince and a pilot on their epic journey looking for friendship and the meaning of life. As the Little Prince looks for something to match his lost love the pilot seeks fulfilment.

Song from Lyric musical on soundcloud

We are very excited that a song from The Little Prince has been uploaded to soundcloud. Check out "Welcome to B-612" written by Nicholas Lloyd Webber and James D.Reid.

Nathalie Carrington from The Little Prince cast on Le Petit prince

My mum spent most of her early life in France so I grew up in a bilingual household. When I was four my mum read The Little Prince to me in French. I absolutely loved it!

Public Art Commission - Call for Submissions

The Lyric Theatre in Belfast invites visual artists working in all genres to submit proposals for a permanent outdoor artwork to mark and celebrate the recent opening of our new world-class theatre.

Northern Bank Freedom Experience Scholarships

Calling all students. The Lyric Theatre is delighted to be part of Northern Bank Freedom Experience Scholarship. 2 out of the 20 bursary recipients will be offered an internship at the Lyric.

Perfect prescription for arts and business partnership

Local firm Clear Pharmacy is the first corporate sponsor of the new Lyric Theatre, supporting the production of The Painkiller starring Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon.

Artistic Director Richard Croxford on The Painkiller

When opening our beautiful new building in May of this year we promised an exciting programme of world class theatre and our production of The Painkiller certainly fits the bill.  As one of the leading cultural organisations of Northern Ireland, it is only fitting that we are bringing such a distinguished cast and creative team to work on this project.

Critics rave about Blackbird

Prime Cut's production of Blackbird, which runs in the Lyric Studio until 18 September, has been receiving rave press reviews and astounding audience reactions since it opened on 10 September.

Abbey Theatre brings award-winning play B for Baby to the Lyric

The Abbey Theatre, Ireland's national theatre, is delighted to announce the nationwide tour of Carmel Winters' much applauded production of B For Baby, from August to November of this year. The Lyric Theatre in Belfast is one of the first stops for the tour, where it will run for six performances only.

Mowgli and the Royal Python

Tony Hasnath, who plays Mowgli in the current production of The Jungle book met Samantha the Royal Python at Belfast Zoo yesterday. Visit www.facebook.com/lyrictheatrebelfast to check out the photos. For more information about Belfast Zoo visit www.belfastzoo.co.uk or www.facebook.com/BelfastZoo

First day of rehearsals

Alice O'Connell is resuming her role of Dotty in Owen McCafferty's play The Absence of Women which opens at the theatre on 20 August before touring to Perth in Scotland the Tricycle in London. Here's her diary from day one in the rehearsal room.

Lyric Lead enjoys monkeying around in The Jungle Book

Lorraine Lauder, Service Manager at Northern Bank Limited watched the final dress rehearsal of The Jungle Book on 19 July.

Arts and Business

Partnership between Commerce and Culture was discussed at the recent Arts & Business In Camera in Stormont, with the both the Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Investment, Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure and senior business and cultural leaders including the Lyric's Chief Executive Ciaran McAuley.

Southbank Player participates in RSC Skills Exchange workshop

As a keen amateur actor and member of the Southbank Players I was really excited to take part in the RSC Open Stages performance workshops at the Lyric on Saturday 2 July.

Belfast Docker meets Lyric Dockers

John Campbell, a writer, poet and former Docker attended the performance of Martin Lynch's Dockers on Tuesday 28 June along with his granddaughter Louise.

First day of rehearsals for The Jungle Book

I arrived at The Lyric at 9.30am for the first read-through of The Jungle Book. I was shown into the cafe where the other Northern Bank Lyric Leads, the cast and crew were starting to gather for coffee and pastries. I thought this was a great way for everyone to meet in a relaxed setting.

Artist Colin Davidson collaborates with Lyric Theatre

The Belfast-born artist, Colin Davidson has been collaborating with the Lyric Theatre, producing a series of large-scale portraits, to be exhibited in the theatre on an ongoing basis.

Lloyds TSB Foundation

The Lyric was presented with a cheque for £4,000 towards their work with people of all ages in the Belfast area.

Drama Teacher's Association Launch

The new Lyric Theatre was the venue for the launch of the exciting new association to support drama teachers across Northern Ireland. There are already over 80 members from all sectors of education.

Northern Bank Lyric Leads meet the cast at The Crucible reading

I was one of the lucky four Lyric Leads to be picked to go to the very first read-through of the Crucible at the Lyric -how lucky was I. What better way to spend a Monday morning. We met many of those involved in the Lyric, including the lively and engaging Roma Tomelty, who told us many stories of the old Lyric.

Northern Bank's team of Lyric Lead events

Lyric Theatre recently announced a five year partnership with Northern Bank. Northern Bank employees throughout Northern Ireland are fully involved in this partnership through the Northern Bank Lyric Leads programme. This programme allows staff with a love of the theatre to meet the cast and crew of the diverse upcoming productions, preview rehearsals and write reviews, giving them the necessary knowledge and inspiring their enthusiasm to promote this exciting venue to their colleagues and customers alike, both in the workplace and in the wider community.

RSC Open Stages

Ian Wainright (RSC Open Stages) met with several amateur companies on Monday 7th March in Belfast to outline plans for Open Stages over the next year and a half. As one of 10 regional theatre's the Lyric will be offering skills exchange workshops during the week of the 27th June and RSC facilitators will join us that weekend to offer specialised training in voice, movement and direction.

Royal Shakespeare Company Open Stages

The Lyric's Creative Learning Co-ordinator Carol Moore recently paid a visit to the Royal Shakespeare Company. "Just recently I was thrilled to be invited to Stratford-upon-Avon and the home of the Royal Shakespeare Company, to discuss the detail of how regional theatres like the Lyric will partner with the RSC in the UK's biggest amateur theatre project."

Show your love for the arts

The Fair Deal for the Arts campaign is urging the Executive to reconsider the proposed 23 per cent cut - some £4.2 million - in arts funding in the new draft budget. The campaign highlights that these proposed cuts are disproportionately high compared with other sectors and will impact directly on arts jobs and creativity. Campaigners are urging all art lovers to write to the Executive to express their support for the protection of arts funding here.

In the name of love...

Treat someone you love to a very unique gift this Valentine's Day...Name a seat in main auditorium of the new theatre. Here are two reasons why some seats have been named in the name of love...

Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon cast in opening season

Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon are to star together in the reopening season in new comedy The Painkiller. Tickets go on sale at 10am on Monday 24 January.

Conor O'Malley visits Lyric site

Conor O'Malley, son of the Mary O'Malley who founded the Lyric Theatre paid a visit to the site of the new theatre on Ridgeway Street on 20 January 2011. Read Conor's blog about the new theatre.

Gift vouchers on sale now for the Lyric spring/summer programme

Suprise someone in 2011 with a gift voucher to see a play of their choice at the new Lyric Theatre opening on 1 May

The Lir seeks aspiring actors in Belfast

The Lir, the exciting new Academy of Dramatic Art opening in Dublin next year will be in Belfast this Saturday 27 November from 2pm at the Brian Friel Theatre.

Behind the Scenes of Terrorism with Drama Studio's Nadine Gorman

As the Drama Studio approaches the final week of rehearsals we hear from the cast of their production Terrorism opening on Wednesday 1 December aboard the Belfast Barge, Lanyon Place

Drama Studio full steam ahead

A play on a boat. Well, that's…new. Once again, The Lyric Drama Studio Director Anna Newell has pulled a pretty big surprise out of her hat, much like a magician and his rabbit.

Preparing for Audition Training Course - Dates Confirmed

Would like to gain more audition experience and develop techniques to improve your chances of getting your next job? Take advantage of the Lyric Theatre's Creative Learning Professional Career Development Courses with actor and coach Kieran Lagan  

Pisz i bogac sie - Creative Writing Workshops for the Polish Community

As part of the Lyric's Creative Learning opportunities with the local community we are launching our first creative writing course for the Polish community.

Lyric Theatre is Fate's Charity of the Year

The Lyric was so pleased to be nominated as the Fate Awards 2011 Charity of the Year and very much enjoyed the launch at Ten Square on Thursday 14th October.

Adrian Dunbar looks foward to directing Freedom of the City

It's always a privilege to engage with the mind and works of Brian Friel. A testament to this is the wonderful cast we have gathered for this Lyric theatre reading at the Elmwood Hall.

Have Your Say

Please take a minute to fill in our online survey today. Your answers will help the Lyric know what aspects, services and facilities you would like to see when we open our doors again in Spring 2011.

Musician Neil Martin on our new House

I recently had the tingling pleasure of walking right through the new theatre, from bottom to top, from dressing rooms up through stage and out onto roof. A year since my Threshold Stone visit, this is an emotional journey, its several years' long making now melodeoned into these minutes.

Anna Newell on new Drama Studio Season

As ever, the auditions were well attended and this year necessitated very difficult choices, and following a specific call for male actors, there were many excellent male actors who auditioned.

Braniel Principal on Lyric's Summer Programme

Three of our pupils, Mason Clyde, Jack Dougherty and Bradley Reid attended the Lyric's Summer School in July.  The boys thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the programme including gaining experience in; artwork, props, scenery, rehearsals, putting on a performance and making new friends.

Development Manager Caroline Armstrong on Corporate Partnerships

With the building of our new theatre on schedule and due to open in Spring 2011, now is the time to get involved with the work of the Lyric. The new state-of-the-art theatre offers a wealth of unbeatable opportunities for corporate partnerships.

Week 2 of Summer Programme

Week number 2 of 2010's Summer Programme has been and gone. We can't believe it went so quickly! It seemed only 5 minutes ago that 31 11-13yr olds gathered together in St Bart's Hall, some a bit shy and unsure, others a bit more excited as they have been with us before.

Facilitator Niki Doherty on Summer Programme

The 1st week of the Lyric Theatre's Summer Programme is just over and we are EXHAUSTED!! But I have to tell you it was so worth it! We (Niki-drama and Bobbi -art) had the pleasure of 31 children from all over Belfast who contributed to making this a week of laughs.

Architect John Tuomey on reaching 'Topping Out'

We are delighted to see the Lyric reach 'Topping Out'. Our team has worked closely with Gilbert Ash during this crucial stage of construction to ensure a high quality of construction and craftsmanship.  

Hollyoaks Actor Glen Wallace supports the Lyric

Belfast actor Glen Wallace took a break from the set of Channel 4's 'Hollyoaks' recently to enjoy the Lyric's production of 'The Miser' in the Elmwood Hall and to visit the site of the new theatre.

Actress Niki Doherty can't wait for this year's Summer Programme

The Lyric Theatre Programme offers children and young people the opportunity to explore the dynamics of theatre in a relaxed and friendly environment. Come and join us this summer and you will get to write, produce and perform your very own play!

Update from The Miser's Richard Orr

The play is going down really well; it's great to hear the audience laughing so heartily every night. Andy Gray is a master at playing the audience and he has them eating out of his hand by the end of every show.

Carol Moore talks about the Lyric's Engagement Days

As the new Education and Creative Learning Coordinator at the Lyric Theatre and just officially in post 3 weeks - it's busy, busy, busy here in the office at Stranmillis.But what does the title actually mean I hear you ask? Well let me take a step back.

Project Director Philip Crawford gives an update on Lyric's education work

12 Primary Schools across are currently performing 2 new plays by Dan Gordon: Kissing the Shuttle, which explores the Linen Industry in Ulster and A Lemonade Bottle for Clabberin' Hitler. For the second year running, the Lyric has teamed up with the Ulster-Scots Agency for the Key Stage 2 Pat & Plain project.

Lyric Drama Studio latest project

Read more from Director Anna Newell on the Lyric Drama Studio's collaboration with Ormeau Baths Gallery

Irish Times review of The Absence of Women

You can take the man out of Belfast but you can't take Belfast out of the man. Iggy and Gerry are two living examples of that truism. They may have left home in their youth, but it remains the thing that defines them.

Belfast Telegraph review of The Absence of Women

Two men sit together, waiting. They pass the time bickering and bantering, waiting for something that never comes.  Owen McCafferty gives Beckett a nod in the opening scene of his new play, in which Gerry and Iggy look back at lives less lived as they plot their way to their final resting place.

Culture NI describes The Absence of Women as a perfectly formed mini masterpiece

Owen McCafferty is a playwright of the missing and the missed, the silent and the dispossessed. As a chronicler of Belfast, he has got under the pocked skin of his home city and created works of literature, of art, that compare with few other writers, a handful of early Brian Moore novels aside.

Dan Gordon on the Lyric rebuild

Every time I go down to the building site I'm reminded of what it is we do - plays. A special space for making them is growing daily on Ridgeway Street and every day brings a new scene and a new act.

Chairman's Blog on NY Fundraising Dinner

Our recent fundraising dinner in New York has generated tremendous interest and those of us who were involved in putting the event together were delighted, of course, that it was so successful. I heard Paul Rankin chatting to Gerry Kelly on the radio and I think he summed up the whole thing perfectly: "It was held in a very cool penthouse near Broadway in New York. As we were sitting down, you could see Manhattan glittering in the background. It was an out of the world experience. It was just a stunning event".

Stella McCusker nominated for Best Actress in Irish Theatre Awards

Congratulations to Stella McCusker for her nomination for Best Actress in the Lyric Theatre's production of The Beauty Queen of Leenane, directed by Richard Croxford. The Awards Ceremony takes place on 28 February 2010.

In Memory of Helen Lewis

The Board and staff of the Lyric Theatre express their deep sadness at the loss of their inspirational friend and colleague Helen Lewis. Her dance choreography and approach to life changed the lives of many who came into contact with her. A truly energetic person, her contribution to the Lyric Theatre will not be forgotten.

Comedy duo will leave you 'howling' with laughter

Grimes and McKee's alternative Christmas story 'Howl!' is as outrageously funny as their previous performances, and offers up the kind of Northern Ireland humour you have come to expect from the talented duo.

The Tale of the Beauty and the Tail of the Beast

A Christmas entertainment with a difference, which children and adults will enjoy equally.

Grimes & McKee's comedy reviews

"Some things are made to go together at Christmas. Turkey and stuffing, holly and ivy…, Grimes and McKee. The funny pair's annual shows at the Lyric are as much a part of the festive season as tinsel and crackers." Belfast Telegraph

Rachel Tucker & Dan Gordon take a seat for the new Lyric Theatre

West End actress Rachel Tucker takes a seat with Lyric Trustee and actor Dan Gordon at the opening night of the Grimes & McKee comedy Howl on Friday 20 November at the Elmwood Hall.

The Tale of the Beauty and the Tail of the Beast video trailer

Paul Boyd's enchanting adaption of the original French fairytale Beauty and the Beast. "Forget Disney...this is more magical" BBC Radio

The Lyric will have you HOWLING with laughter this Christmas

It's that time of year again when Christmas cheer and festive fun are brought to life on stage at the Lyric. This year's line up includes grown-up festive capers in a brand new comedy Howl! by Grimes and McKee and a fun-filled musical for the family in the Northern Ireland premiere of Paul Boyd's The Tale of the Beauty and the Tail of the Beast

Lyric Theatre's coverage from Threshold Ceremony

Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney, treats assembled guests to a reading of one of his poems at the unveiling of the Threshold Stone at the recently laid foundations of the new building.

Lyric Theatre Summer Scheme

If you know someone aged 8 - 16 years old who wants to tread the boards, take part in creating brand new plays and learn all about the world of theatre, then the Lyric Theatre Summer Scheme is the place to be. The Lyric Theatre is delighted to announce the return of its ever popular summer scheme for 2009. And for the first year ever, the scheme has been extended to include a week for young people aged 14-16yrs.

Update on new building from Lyric Chairman Mark Carruthers

Lyric Theatre appoints new Chief Executive

The Lyric Theatre is pleased to announce the appointment of Ciarán McAuley F.C.A. to the post of Chief Executive. This is the most senior position in the company with ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the Lyric thrives artistically and financially. Ciarán will report directly to the Board and will manage the planning, resourcing and delivery of all aspects of the Lyric's programme and operations, working closely with the Artistic Director, Richard Croxford.

RTE The View feature on The Home Place

Brian Friel's 'The Home Place' is the current production at the Grand Opera House in Belfast. Directed by Mick Gordon, it's a co-production between the Lyric Theatre and An Grianán in Letterkenny, with a cast including Ian McElhinney, Conleth Hill and Stuart Graham.

Theatre touring tale of unrest

Brian Friel's latest play was written in 2005 and performed that year in London and Dublin.

Destruction of old Lyric Theatre

Watch the old Lyric theatre being demolished to make way for a brand new state-of-the art building.