It is with great, great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Finnian Garbutt, a cherished member of the Lyric and wider Creative Learning family for many years.
Finnian's journey with us began in 2014 when he appeared in the summer school production 'What Are They Like?'. He went on to join the Lyric Drama Studio in 2015, where his talent and commitment quickly shone through, and performed in Tom Murphy’s 'The Patriot Game' in the Naughton Studio in 2016.
Following his training at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Finnian continued to build a distinguished career. Shortly after graduating, he appeared in Y'outh Without God' at the Coronet Theatre in London. His work for the BBC included appearances in 'Casualty' and a reading of 'The Bog Child' for A Book at Bedtime on Radio 4.
Finnian remained closely connected to the Lyric throughout his career. He regularly collaborated with the Creative Learning team on projects with Hydebank Wood College, including 'Last Orders' and 'Locked Up in Lockdown', and returned to the Drama Studio as a guest facilitator, generously sharing his experience with emerging artists.
On stage at the Lyric, Finnian appeared as Benvolio in 'Romeo and Juliet' in 2023, and just in January this year, he was one of our guest performers at the launch of the Lyric's 75th anniversary exhibition, 'A House of Play'.
Finnian was a gifted actor, a generous collaborator, and a valued member of our artistic community. His contribution to the Lyric spans over a decade and leaves a lasting legacy in the work he made and the people he supported.
We extend our deepest condolences to Finnian’s wife, Louise, his young daughter Saoirse, and his wider family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
Remembering Finnian Garbutt
