Lyric Theatre, Belfast launches new Programme for 2024
by Cathy Brown

The Lyric Theatre Belfast launched its new season programme on Thursday afternoon and includes a wide array of top-class theatre.  Executive Director Jimmy Fay launched the programme saying that ‘our programme reflects Northern Ireland’s diversity, ingenuity, creative energy and theatrical talent.’

The new season programme sees new work sitting beside established classics, visiting theatre shows, returning hits and a strong focus on youth theatre. The main highlight of the new season is a major new staging of the Louisa May Alcott classic Little Women. Running from 3 February to 2 March, this new Lyric production has been adapted by Anne-Marie Casey and will be directed by rising star Emily Foran. Sure to be a hit with audiences, this production ‘promises to be a heartwarming and captivating rendition that breathes new life into a much-loved classic. One to book early for!

Another must-see is Agreement by Owen McCafferty, which returns in March following a sell-out, critically acclaimed run earlier this year.  In Agreement, Owen McCafferty examines the negotiations leading up to the Good Friday Agreement and weaves potent drama out of this complex, momentous, landmark event. This unmissable play will be back on the Lyric stage for a limited three-week run in March, directed by Charlotte Westenra and sponsored by FinTrU.

Cheesy Grin Productions take to the Main Stage in April with a new show by Diona Doherty called Sunny Side Up which draws on Doherty’s IVF journey in a hilarious yet heartfelt dark comedy. Anyone who has seen Dione’s popular videos on Instagram will know that audiences are in for a treat.

A major focus of the new season is around sustainability and theatre for young people. Wastebusters is a new play, written by Rebecca Applin and devised by the Lyric Creative Learning team in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. It will tour primary schools across Northern Ireland in February and March to highlight environmental issues in a fun and engaging manner. The Lyric has also partnered with the National Theatre to deliver a youth theatre festival for the 12th consecutive year. NT Connections is a showcase of 10 newly commissioned plays performed by ten youth theatre companies from across the island of Ireland.

The major shows on the main stage are augmented by a lot of interesting work being presented in conjunction with other theatre companies. Amadan Ensemble present their new children’s show Geppetto, Brassneck Theatre Company will showcase Project Children and Commedia of Errors will bring their well-received show I Am Maura back for one night only. The season closes with Boy Out The City, performed by Declan Bennett which visits the Lyric Theatre fresh from a run on London’s West End and a sold-out Edinburgh show.

The Lyric Theatre has displayed great fortitude since the theatre-closing pain of Covid and lockdown and it is great to see a return to full houses, packed programmes and a continuing commitment to the best that theatre has to offer.