New Writing

We are a place of storytellers. At the Lyric we believe in nurturing unique voices and supporting new work, as well as supporting the careers of our foremost playwrights and creatives.

The Lyric has premiered the works of our most acclaimed playwrights including Stewart Parker (Northern Star 1982), Martin Lynch (Dockers 1981), Christina Reid (Tea in a China Cup 1983), Marie Jones (Stones in his Pockets 1997), Gary Mitchell (Demented 2014), Lucy Caldwell (Three Sisters 2016), Rosemary Jenkinson (Here Comes the Night 2016), Meghan Tyler (Crocodile Fever 2019), David Ireland (Sadie 2021), Oisín Kearney and Michael Patrick (The Border Game 2021), Tara-Lynne O'Neill (Rough Girls 2021), Conor Mitchell (Propaganda: A New Musical 2022), Owen McCafferty (Agreement 2023).

Through our Literary Department, we support writing talent to tell the stories about this place, and about our place in the world through our New Playwrights Programme, masterclass series and dramaturgical support. As the only full-time producing and development house in Northern Ireland, we’re passionate about supporting artists and developing talent and always on the lookout for exciting new plays.

We care deeply about maintaining a high-quality, diverse and inclusive programme. We are so proud to have won The Stage’s Theatre of the Year 2023, in recognition of our impact on writers and the wider artistic community.

"At a time when new writing in the UK is facing damaging cuts, we are delighted to be able to celebrate [this] wonderful producing theatre who [is] staging some of the most exciting new work around, while also maintaining and extending their support to playwrights.” Alistair Smith, The Stage Theatre of the Year 2023

We are committed to touring our work, showcasing and celebrating Northern Irish talent on the world stage, further enhancing our global cultural reputation. The Lyric's production of Good Vibrations by Colin Carberry and Glenn Patterson, which premiered at the Lyric in 2018, recently toured to the Irish Arts Center NYC to critical acclaim.

Please note: Due to capacity we aren’t currently accepting unsolicited scripts. Our Open Call scheme is currently closed but please do keep an eye on our website where any calls for new work will be posted.