Liam Neeson Celebrates End of an Era at Lyric Theatre

Sunday 13 January 2008 marked the end of an amazing era at the Lyric Theatre. The current Ridgeway Street building went out in style with Glinda’s Glitter Ball - a gala performance of The Wizard of Oz featuring local celebrities including Dan Gordon, Brian Kennedy, Gerard McCarthy, Olivia Nash and Nuala McKeever.

The Lyric Players began in 1951 in the home of founding members Dr Pearse and Mary O’Malley. Their vision for a purpose-built producing theatre was finally realised with the opening of the Lyric in 1968. It has been an integral part of Northern Ireland’s community and cultural life for the last four decades. Many talented actors, directors, designers and playwrights found a creative and spiritual home here. Audiences have grown to over 50,000 each year and come from every part of the city and beyond. Over a third of this audience is made up of young people under the age of 25, many of whom are experiencing live theatre for the first time.

One of the highlights of the final weekend was a visit to the theatre by Liam Neeson. Liam is Patron of the Lyric and has been closely involved with the campaign to raise funds for a new theatre. He has hosted successful fundraising dinners for the Lyric in London and New York and there was a similar event for major donors during his visit to Belfast.

It was an emotional homecoming for Liam and his first visit to the Lyric since his last appearance on its stage over thirty years ago. Liam wrote to Mary O’Malley in 1976 and soon found himself thrust centre stage in seminal Lyric productions including We Do It For Love, Black Man’s Country and Philadelphia, Here I Come! He describes his time at the Lyric as "the best training any actor could have".

"Liam was very keen to visit the Lyric one last time before it closes as he has very fond memories of his time here and the people that he worked with,” said Lyric Development Director Angela McCloskey. “He is a great ambassador for the Lyric and his active support for the redevelopment and fundraising campaign has been invaluable. We’re delighted that he is flying over especially to be with us for the final weekend."

To find out more about progress with the new Lyric Theatre and fundraising campaign, log on to www.supportthelyric.com.