The Tragedy of Richard III Places Diversity Centre Stage

The new production will star Michael Patrick in the title role and is directed by Oisín Kearney - the creative team behind acclaimed productions such as My Left Nut (★★★★★ - Voice Mag UK); The Alternative (★★★★★ - The Sunday Times); and Lie Low (★★★★★ - The Irish Times).

Continuing to write and perform following his own diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease in February 2023, Michael and his long-term creative partner Oisín have adapted the Shakespeare classic from the historical content of Richard III, to present it as a tragedy. Richard, the King’s youngest brother, has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and is now disabled, and is coming to terms with both his new disability and his shortened life-span. His quest to take the crown from his brothers and nephews comes from a desire to put his stamp on the world before it is too late, as well as railing against the fate that has dealt him such a bad hand.

This production follows Richard as he sets in motion a bloody chain of events that will lead to death and destruction. We watch him rail against an ableist world and tear down the barriers against him, and witness the marginalised Richard reject society and reform it with the same callous disregard that is shown to the disabled. The Tragedy of Richard III production will be a timeless tragedy about hunger for power and the desperate rejection of fate in the face of certain death.

Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer Lyric Theatre Belfast, said:
“When Michael put up a post on social media about his diagnosis with a suggestion about playing Richard III, and I texted him and asked him if he was serious, he got back immediately and said he was. I felt then, as did the rest of the Lyric team, that it was something we needed to make happen on our Lyric main stage. Michael Patrick has a great relationship with the Lyric, from acting in our award-winning schools programme Blackout to our initial support development of the wonderful and wittily proactive play The Alternative, that he wrote with Oisín Kearney. The Alternative went on to win and be produced by, Fishamble’s Play for Ireland. Michael and Oisín are a breath-taking creative double-act, they have developed a fascinating and intriguing concept on the Richard III story which will bring audiences on a enthralling and electrifying journey.”

Looking forward to playing Richard III, Michael Patrick commented:
“Oisín and I are excited to bring this production of Richard III to Belfast. Although plays we have written have been staged at the Lyric and I have performed in the Naughton Studio on several occasions, I have never acted on the Lyric main stage. I cannot wait to bring everything I have learned performing in other Shakespeare productions at the RSC, The Abbey Theatre, and The Cambridge Shakespeare Festival to the Lyric in Belfast this Autumn.”

Programmed as part of this year's Belfast International Arts Festival 2024.

The Tragedy of Richard III opens 12th October 2024, with tickets starting from £15, they are available now to book: Click Here for 'The Tragedy of Richard III' Tickets