A HOUSE OF PLAY: 75 Years of the Lyric Theatre Belfast
Left to right: Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Colin Davidson, Eamonn Mallie, First Minister Michelle O'Neil. Image courtesy of Gorgeous Photography.
On 29th January 2026 we opened A House of Play: 75 Years of the Lyric Theatre Belfast, a major free exhibition marking one of Northern Ireland’s most significant cultural anniversaries.
A LANDMARK EXHIBITION
Curated by Kim Mawhinney, A House of Play charts the evolution of the Lyric from its beginnings in Mary O’Malley’s Derryvolgie Avenue home to its position today as Northern Ireland’s only producing theatre and a vital cultural hub for artists working across theatre, literature, visual art, music, dance and education.
The exhibition offers the first comprehensive public presentation of the Lyric’s cultural legacy across 75 years, highlighting its influence on many of Ireland’s most important artistic voices. Mary O’Malley is placed at the centre of the story, acknowledging her vision in creating a space where new voices could emerge and artistic risk was actively encouraged. Artists and writers associated with the Lyric include Helen Lewis, Seamus Heaney, Brian Friel, John Hewitt and Sam McCready.
Artists included in the exhibition: Jack B Yeats, Basil Blackshaw, Neil Shawcross, Alice Berger Hammerschlag, Louis Le Brocquy, Carolyn Mullholland, Jean Osborne, Colin Davidson, Neil Shawcross, Colin Middelton.
Poets/Writers include: Seamus Heaney, John Hewitt, Medbh McGuckian, John Montague, Paul Muldoon, Mary Beckett, Christina Reid, Kate O’Brien, Stewart Parker, Michael Longley, Gerard Dawe.
SHOWCASING HERITAGE: A WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL OF EVENTS
The exhibition opening was accompanied by a specially curated programme of music, poetry readings, conversations, documentary screenings and live performances celebrating the legacy of the Theatre’s co-founder Mary O’Malley.
Transformed into the original home-theatre setting, The Lyric’s Naughton Studio invited audiences to experience performances in the intimate conditions in which the Lyric began. Featured guests included Medbh McGuckian, Anne Devlin, Colin Davidson, Mark Carruthers, Conor O’Malley and Kim Mawhinney, with performances by Neil Martin, Hive Choir, Rogue Encounters, John Anderson’s Voices of Ireland and more.
2026: BRINGING HERITAGE TO LIFE
Thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund, this year marks the beginning of a series of events, exhibitions and initiatives celebrating culture, community and creativity.
2026 is an exciting year for all things heritage. A second exhibition in May 2026 will showcase the impact of little-known artist, set-designer and curator Alice Berger Hammerschlag and the New Gallery (1963 – 1969) on local Belfast artists. A special limited edition of ‘Threshold’ (1957 – 1990), the theatre’s literary journal and Northern Ireland’s longest running periodical, will be published later in the year.
The Lyric Theatre is principally supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Lottery funding, and Belfast City Council.
Curator of the exhibition from National Museums NI, Kim Mawhinney:
“National Museums NI is delighted to be involved with the celebration of 75 years of the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. It has been a real privilege to curate ‘A House of Play’ , showcasing the original artists and paintings of those who were involved from the Lyric’s very beginning. We are indebted to the artists and private collectors who have supported this major exhibition by lending significant artworks to be exhibited alongside the Lyric’s own art collection.”
Chief Executive of Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Roisín McDonough:
"Our journey with the Lyric Theatre has evolved over many decades and is one in which we’ve been privileged to witness the theatre’s multiple triumphs and the launching of many wonderful careers as a result of its work. As an Arts Council, we have stood alongside the Lyric throughout, supporting programming and award-winning creative outreach initiatives, bringing the magic of theatre and performance to communities who might not otherwise be able to benefit from them. Congratulations and deep thanks from the Arts Council to The Lyric, to all the wonderful directors, players and staff and successive boards. You have all helped mark the legacy of this creative space across 75 years."
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director for The National Lottery Heritage Fund:
“I’m delighted that The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been able to support this milestone project that uncovers and celebrates the 75-year history of the Lyric Theatre. The Lyric Theatre has been at the heart of cultural life here, from the small beginnings at The O’Malley’s Derryvolgie Avenue home to the two iterations of the theatre today. The free exhibition and supporting events programme is a wonderful way to experience and mark the theatre’s contribution to our cultural heritage.”