Lyric Theatre: 75 Years of Belfast's Artistic Heartbeat

The Lyric Theatre in Belfast is gearing up to celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026, with Artistic Director Jimmy Fay aiming to highlight both its enduring legacy and contemporary creative output. The anniversary program will feature significant revivals, including Christina Reid's "Tea in a China Cup," a play that delves into the lives of working-class Protestant women in Belfast from World War II through the Troubles. This production, directed by Dan Gordon who acted in the original, is seen as a powerful voice of its time.

Founded in 1951 by Mary O'Malley, the Lyric began as a modest 50-seat studio theatre above stables. O'Malley’s vision extended to establishing related arts institutions, such as the New Gallery art exhibition space and the influential literary journal, Threshold. The theatre has seen significant evolution, moving to larger premises in 1968 and finally to its current award-winning building on the River Lagan, which opened in 2011 following an £18 million fundraising campaign.

Under Fay's leadership, combining CEO and artistic director roles, the Lyric continues to produce impactful work, such as "Agreement," a play dramatizing the Good Friday Agreement negotiations. Future plans include productions like Brian Friel's "Faith Healer" and Paul Muldoon's adaptation of Aristophanes' "The Frogs." The theatre remains a hub for new talent, nurturing young actors and supporting adventurous artists amidst challenging funding environments.