Denouement News and Updates

It’s 2048. And it's the end of the world.

Edel and Liam are living out the final hours in a remote Irish farmhouse at the base of a mountain. Liam frantically rat-a-tats his memories on a battered old typewriter, while Edel tries to connect with their children to say their final goodbyes.

Set against an extraordinary apocalyptic backdrop, Denouement is a funny, tragic and slightly absurd observation of what remains when everything else is gone. As the world collapses around them, Edel and Liam show the might of the human spirit as they navigate the end of the world with humour, honesty, and decades of shared history.

Intensely provocative and wonderfully witty, Denouement is both a glimpse into a dystopian future, and a moving portrait of an enduring relationship between two ordinary people. Are some things better left unsaid, even at the end?

John Morton’s Denouement was part of Lyric’s New Writing Programme, which aims to give a voice to high-quality and diverse new work. The programme includes a masterclass series and dramaturgical support. As the only full time production and development house in Northern Ireland the Lyric is passionate about supporting artists and developing new talent, an area which will continue to take centre stage as the theatre marks its 75^th Anniversary in 2026.

Denouement will premiere as part of the 2025 Belfast International Arts Festival, reaffirming the Lyric’s place at the heart of Northern Ireland’s cultural conversation.

Don’t miss this unmissable new production.

Richard Wakely, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF) said: "BIAF is once again delighted to include a major new play from the Lyric Theatre in our annual festival programme. John Morton’s dystopian drama, Denouement reflects our shared commitment to presenting contemporary new works for festival audiences".

Director of the play and Executive Producer of the Lyric Theatre, Jimmy Fay, added: "John’s beautifully conceived play is a startling meditation on the end of our future. It’s apocalyptic but plays like a thriller with comedic undertones. It’s a bold, brave, funny and tender play about love, perseverance, fear and courage. Paddy and Anna are astonishing actors, and I know Denouement will have audiences on the edge of their seats".

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland also commented: "The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support the Lyric Theatre and this new production, Denouement, which features as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival. With such an impressive storyline, cast and creative team, Denouement promises to be an autumnal highlight in the theatre calendar, and I would encourage everyone to go along and enjoy".

For Lyric booking details visit: https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/whats-on/denouement