History of the Lyric Theatre
The Founding of The Lyric Players (1951)
The history of the Lyric Theatre began in 1951 when Mary O'Malley and her husband Pearse established The Lyric Players Theatre in their Derryvolgie Avenue home.
This intimate Belfast theatre started with small productions in their drawing room before expanding to a converted hayloft, focusing on Irish and English classics while championing poets and writers who would define modern Irish literature.
From Home Theatre to Professional Venue (1960s-1968)
Growing popularity throughout the 1960s demanded a permanent home for this beloved Belfast cultural venue. Through dedicated fundraising efforts, the company secured land on Ridgeway Street overlooking the River Lagan.
The purpose-built Lyric Theatre Belfast officially opened on 26 October 1968, with Austin Clarke laying the foundation stone in 1965 to honor W.B. Yeats, cementing its connection to Ireland's literary heritage.
Launching Irish Theatre Careers and Notable Productions
A huge part of The Lyric Theatre's history includes nurturing some of Ireland's most celebrated talent. Actor, now Patron Liam Neeson performed in Brian Friel's Philadelphia Here I Come! at the Lyric in 1976. We are proud to have produced significant works by renowned Irish playwrights including Brian Friel and Marie Jones, establishing ourselves as a cornerstone of Northern Ireland theatre.
Modern Renaissance and Recognition (2000s-Present)
Following years of financial challenges and necessary repairs, a major redevelopment campaign launched in 2004. Dr. Martin Naughton's £1 million donation in 2007, the largest arts donation in Northern Ireland's history at the time , enabled the theatre's transformation. The old building was demolished, and a state-of-the-art new Lyric Theatre opened on 1 May 2011.
This modern incarnation has garnered significant recognition, including The Stage's Theatre of the Year award in January 2023 for outstanding contributions to outreach, inclusion, and education programmes.
The Lyric Theatre's Lasting Cultural Impact
Across seven decades, the Lyric Theatre Belfast has staged over 300 plays, establishing itself as an indispensable part of Belfast's cultural landscape. From Mary O'Malley's initial vision in 1951 to today's award-winning productions.
The history of Belfast's Lyric Theatre represents more than just entertainment ,it's a story of artistic perseverance, community resilience, and the transformative power of theatre in bringing people together across social and political divides.
For inquiries, tour rates, or donations, please contact us at [email protected].
The Lyric Theatre Belfast stands as Northern Ireland's premier cultural institution, with a remarkable history spanning over 70 years. From humble beginnings in a South Belfast drawing room to becoming the region's only full-time producing theatre company, the Lyric Theatre has shaped Belfast's theatrical landscape and launched countless careers in Irish theatre.