FinTrU becomes Title Sponsor of 'Agreement'

The acclaimed political drama Agreement, by renowned playwright Owen McCafferty, is coming back to the Lyric Theatre 9th – 30th March 2024. Proudly supported by FinTrU, Agreement examines the negotiations leading up to the Good Friday Agreement and weaves real drama out of this complex, momentous and landmark moment for Northern Ireland.

Playing to over 10,000 audience members in a sold-out run-in March/April 2023, the award winning new play, originally commissioned by the Michael Grandage Company, will return for a limited three-week run at the Lyric Theatre prior to a run in New York at the Irish Arts Centre in April/May 2024. Once again it is directed by Charlotte Westerna, with set and costume design by Conor Murphy.

Along with critic appraisal, positive audience feedback and attendance figures, the production attracted major international recognition, with VIP visitors and dignitaries including Senator George Mitchell, Secretary Hillary Clinton, members of the Women’s Coalition and the families of David Trimble, Mo Mowlam, Gerry Adams and John Hume. It was a key feature of the civic events to mark the 25th anniversary year of the Good Friday Agreement

The clock is ticking. It’s April 1998 and the main political parties in Northern Ireland, the British Government and the Irish Government, all under the watchful eye of Senator George Mitchell, try to hammer out a deal that could pave the way for peace in Northern Ireland. Every word, every movement, every stare means something. This is the last chance saloon and no one is leaving until Agreement is reached one way or another.

The Lyric Theatre is delighted that FinTrU, a proud supporter of the arts who has sponsored the FinTrU Theatre Bursary at the Lyric Theatre for actors in training since 2018, is supporting Agreement.

Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer Lyric Theatre, said: "The Lyric Theatre main stage is the perfect setting for this historically significant piece of work by Belfast playwright Owen McCafferty and directed by Charlotte Westerna, and we are delighted to bring it back after a completely sold-out run. Over the past 25 years Lyric has had its own part to play in the story and journey of The Good Friday Agreement and it is fitting that this powerful production is returning to Belfast and travelling to international audiences. We are very grateful to our funders, and our title sponsor FinTrU for their support in helping us get there”.

Katrien Roppe, FinTrU Chief of Staff, commented: “FinTrU is honoured to be the title sponsor of the Lyric Theatre’s 2024 run of Agreement. It is a fantastic production and we are proud to support the world class team that brings it to life – both on stage and off stage. The Good Friday Agreement was a pivotal moment in the history of Northern Ireland and has created an environment for economic prosperity. FinTrU was founded 10 years ago this month and it is not lost on us that the peace process has enabled us to create high-quality careers for local talent – right here in Northern Ireland.”