What Happens Next

The last public performance in the current Lyric theatre will take place on Sunday 13 January. We have kept the venue open for as long as possible, but the fabric of the building is rapidly deteriorating, particularly in the backstage areas, and continuing to patch it up is simply not a cost-effective, safe or viable option. After closure we will take a few weeks to pack up everything in the building and outlying stores.  The administration of the Lyric – and all our archives and memorabilia -  will move to a small office in Stranmillis, while our technical equipment, props, costumes etc will move to a temporary warehouse. The fundraising work will continue until we have enough money to build a fantastic new home on Ridgeway Street. Full details of how you can help us to achieve this can be found on www.supportthelyric.com.

We are very concerned not to lose contact with you, our audience during this period of change.  You will be able to contact a small core team of staff at our new office and keep in touch via our web site at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk.  Most importantly, we will continue to bring Lyric shows to you at various locations around Belfast and Northern Ireland during our “off-site” period.  In May 2008, we will produce a major project showcasing one of Belfast’s best known playwrights in a two play retrospective as part of the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival.  In September, we will present the Irish premiere of a new play by a Northern Ireland writer – this play which is set in the borderlands of Armagh will tour to Strabane, Letterkenny, Enniskillen, Sligo, Armagh, Cookstown and Omagh after the Belfast run.   In October, the Lyric will produce a highly unusual world premiere play in a site specific location during Belfast Festival. In January 2009 we are working with Brian Friel towards a production which will open in Donegal and transfer to the Grand Opera House.  

We will keep you informed through the press, the web site and our mail shots!