We are delighted to be working with the Pleasance Theatre as part of their Edinburgh National Partnerships programme to support one Northern Ireland artist or company who want to take work to Edinburgh Fringe in 2026.
The Pleasance is working with partner theatres across the UK to identify and support exceptional artists and companies local to them who want to take work to the Fringe. Each partner is a leading national producing house, with a commitment to supporting and developing new artists.
For 2026, the Lyric Theatre Belfast is delighted to be one of the partner organisations alongside Leicester Curve, Theatre Royal Plymouth, Pitlochry Festival Theatre & Sherman Theatre.
Working with The Pleasance we will identify dynamic artists at different stages in their careers, with the primary aim of the scheme to uncover and support the best companies and artists from Northern Ireland, and across the UK, to present work at the Fringe!
Please note that this opportunity is for projects that are at an advanced stage of development with a creative team already attached, and with the ability/potential to match fund an Edinburgh Fringe run in 2026. This opportunity is for artists/companies who reside primarily in Northern Ireland.
Previous projects supported by the partnership of Lyric and Pleasance Theatre Trust include; Scaredy Fat by Colm McCready, The Half Moon by Alice Malseed, The Daughters of Róisín by Aoibh Johnston and Rose + Bud by Rose Coogan.
To apply for the Lyric Theatre opportunity please see details below. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 12 noon.
What do you get?
- Guaranteed inclusion in the Pleasance’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival programme.
- £2000 grant towards the costs of presenting your show at the Fringe.
- PR delivered by Michelle Mangan.
- A package of marketing and advertising to support your show specific campaign.
- Edinburgh Fringe registration fee covered.
- One-week minimum of in-kind rehearsal and development space at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast.
- Support offering accessible performances as part of your Fringe run.
- Mentorship, support and advice from both the Lyric Theatre and The Pleasance leading up to, and during the Fringe.
- A programming option in the Pleasance’s London transfer season following the Fringe.
- Support to build new touring relationships.
Application
In order to apply, please complete the submission form and return to [email protected]:
SUBMISSION FORM
The deadline for submission is Wednesday 25th February 2026 at 12 noon.
If you feel you feel you aren’t able to best express yourself in a written form, please contact [email protected] for details on how to submit a video or audio application.
Selection Day
We aim to select a shortlist of around 5 artists/companies who will then meet with representatives from the Pleasance Theatre and the Lyric Theatre, Belfast.
These conversations will take place on Zoom on Thursday 5th March 2026.
Interviews usually take about 30 - 40 minutes and are an informal conversation following a similar structure to the application form - a chance to hear the artist and company talk about their work first hand, get a gauge on the technical ambition of the work as well as an opportunity for the artist/company to ask any burning questions of either partner.