Lyric Theatre Belfast - Autumn/Winter 14/15 Season Brochure

r e t n i mn / w

autu

15 2014-20

b

38 e 028 90 c i f f o ox

k

re.co.u

1081

t ricthea y .l w w w

STUDENTS! Looking for an alternative night out? For the same price as a cinema ticket and a box of popcorn, you can see top-quality live drama on your doorstep. Join us for a drink in our atmospheric café bar before the show and rub shoulders with the next generation of acting talent. Or if you want to try your hand at acting, check out our range of drama classes and workshops….so what are you waiting for? £10 student tickets are available for all offpeak performances (Tuesday & Wednesday evenings + all matinees) for Lyric-produced shows featuring on the Danske Bank Stage.

Please note: valid student ID required on entrance to auditorium and either at time of purchase or on collection of tickets.

A DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT VENUE FOR MEETINGS, EVENTS AND CORPORATE HOSPITALITY.

NESTLED ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER LAGAN WITH SEVERAL BEAUTIFUL AND FLEXIBLE SPACES FOR HIRE, LET THE LYRIC ADD A TOUCH OF STAR QUALITY TO YOUR NEXT EVENT. CONTACT OUR EVENTS TEAM EVENTS@LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK OR VISIT LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK TO FIND OUT MORE

ED BY

ND ALSO FU

to become a corporate partner of the lyric, contact Chief Operating Officer Ciarรกn McAuley on (028) 9038 671 or Ciaran@lyrictheatre.co.uk

WELCOME A Message From Our corporate partner As corporate partner, it is a great pleasure for us to welcome this new season to the Danske Bank Stage. The Lyric looks forward to hosting two world premieres and is delighted to welcome the return of work by much loved local playwrights, the late Stewart Parker, Marie Jones and Owen McCafferty.

The Danske Bank Stage will showcase the talents of one of Northern Ireland’s most recognised playwrights, the late Stewart Parker. His final play, Pentecost, is an intimate drama set against a backdrop of Belfast during the Ulster Workers’ Strike of 1974. This poignant and powerful piece is often regarded as one of Parker’s greatest works.

Olivier Award winning playwright Marie Jones also returns to the Lyric with the premiere of Mistletoe & Crime, a comedy that follows two WPCs as they try to keep order amongst the mayhem that is Belfast at Christmas. The festive

season is set to further delight audiences with a musical production of the beloved Sleeping Beauty adapted by the award-winning children’s writer, Derek O’Connor.

As a leading local bank, we are keen to celebrate local talent and are delighted that the Danske Bank Stage will host the world premiere of The Death of a Comedian by local playwright, Owen McCafferty.

This Faustian-style drama, set across four separate stand-up gigs, follows comedian Steve Johnston as he wrestles with many of life’s choices and compromises.

Productions like these are of the calibre that audiences have come to expect at the Lyric and we look forward to warmly welcoming you to another fantastic season on the Danske Bank Stage.

Gerry Mallon CEO Danske Bank UK

Patron / Liam neeson obe trustees / chairman / mark carruthers obe vice chairman / sid mcdowell cbe phil cheevers, stephen douds, nicky dunn, henry elvin, patricia mcbride, dr mark phelan, sir bruce robinson 4 / LYRIC THEATRE

NEW SEASON I am delighted to introduce you to the autumn/ winter season at the Lyric as Executive Producer.

When I took up the position I already knew this award-winning theatre was special, so it was fantastic for the Lyric to be formally recognised in September by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board as a 5-star venue – the first award for an arts venue in Northern Ireland. The five-star accreditation signifies the Lyric is operating to an ‘outstanding’ level of quality as a visitor experience. I hope you will find the new season also provides outstanding drama to provoke, entertain and enrich your lives.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Ulster Workers’ Council Strike which provides the perfect context for Stewart Parker’s Pentecost.

Parker is one of the most extraordinary artists to have emerged from Belfast. His plays evoke a rich tapestry of life in Belfast throughout her history and Pentecost – our first play this autumn is regarded as his masterpiece.

We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Ulster Bank Festival at Queen’s and present some of the cream of the Festival. It is a huge honour to welcome the renowned European theatre director Peter Brook to the Lyric theatre, possibly the reason a director exists as a creative force in theatre is because of Brook’s extraordinary legacy. His elegiac masterpiece The Suit comes to the Danske Bank Stage. Another legend of both stage and screen, Charlotte Rampling brings her show about the tragic poet Sylvia Plath set to the music of Benjamin Britten to the Lyric in a UK/ Ireland premiere.

Coming straight after the Festival is an outstanding production directed by Conall Morrison for the Abbey Theatre of Sive by John B. Keane. Don’t miss this dark, powerful story of greed and passion for one week only in November.

story of two WPCs, played by the irrepressible Katie Tumelty and Tara Lynne O’Neill, who try to keep order amongst the mayhem that is a Belfast Christmas! This exciting new work will be directed by the superbly multi-talented Dan Gordon.

Of course Christmas is a time for children and this festive season we present a magical adaptation of Sleeping Beauty. Written by the award-winning writer of hit children’s TV series Roy, Derek O’Connor. It will be directed and choreographed by the very talented Deborah Maguire.

I was delighted to announce the acclaimed playwright Owen McCafferty as the Lyric’s new Playwright-in-Residence for 2014/15. I had the honour of directing the award-winning Quietly so I am thrilled to have such a quality playwright of integrity, passion and talent take up this position.

In the New Year, we will co-produce Owen’s brand new play Death Of A Comedian with the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and London’s Soho Theatre. It tells the story of a comedian trying to find a way of achieving something significant on the dangerous comedy circuits without sacrificing his inner soul.

On behalf of the whole team at the Lyric, I would like to thank the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Danske Bank, DCAL and Belfast City Council as well as many other organisations, individuals and of course our valued customers.

We hope to continue to offer a 5-star experience this season.

Thank you.

JIMMY FAY EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

This Christmas we are delighted to be producing the World Premiere of Mistletoe & Crime by the dynamic and wonderful Marie Jones. It tells the

5 / LYRIC THEATRE

t n a w i w. o n e v i l o t t n a � . e “i w v i l o t e s u o h this

a lyric theatre production

ST

PENTECO er rt Park

a

By Stew by Jimmy Fay Directed DIRECTOR / JIMMY FAY Set & Costume Designer Alyson Cummins Lighting Designer Ciaran Bagnall Sound Designer Fergus O’ Hare CAST Will Irvine, Roisin Gallagher, Paul Mallon, Carol Moore, Judith Roddy

PRICES PREVIEWS & EARLY RUN MATINEES £15 OFF-PEAK (TUEs & WED EVENING) £20 PEAK (THUrs – SAT EVENING) £24.50 CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE Tues 14 Oct 7.45PM AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE THUrs 16 oct 7.45PM

sat 20 Sept – Sat 18 Oct tickets: £15 - £24.50 Marian needs to move on. She has sold her business and takes up tenancy in a repossessed Belfast parlour-house. Her hopes for a safe haven and fresh start are soon shattered when she finds herself bunkered down during the Ulster Workers’ Strike with estranged husband Lenny, his muesli-chomping friend Peter, and her best friend Ruth who is fleeing from an abusive husband.

From the late, great Stewart Parker, this, his final masterpiece sets out to find the light in the dark. #parkerpentecost

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

The four have their own personal crises to reconcile before they can carve a new future. They work out their relationships to each other, the world outside and to the past while trying to envisage a future beyond bombs and reprisals. Only Marian is aware of a fifth presence - the ghost of Lily Matthews, the previous occupant.

7

VISITING PRODUCTION

Sole Purpose Productions and The Rainbow Project presents Accidental Theatre Presents

Fast & Loose How long does it take to make a play? Months, years, decades? What if you had only 24 hours?

Fast & Loose is a bold and often breathless experiment in playmaking and inspiring creativity, all housed in the Lyric over 24 hours. From 9pm on Friday four playwrights have only 12 hours to craft a new short play. At 9am the following day, four directors and casts will have a further 12 hours to make the plays, which premieres that very Saturday night.

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

The results are often unpredictable, unique and uplifting, showcasing some of the finest theatre and creative artists working in Northern Ireland.

Come and see the freshest theatre around.

8

“Loved it. Brave, bold, funny and engaging” Marie-Louise Muir, BBC

SAT 4 oct Time 9PM TICKETS £5

Pits and Perverts

By Micheál Kerrigan Produced, directed and script development by Patricia Byrne Presented during the 30th Anniversary of the Miners Strike, this critically acclaimed play follows the story of Sean who leaves Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles. After coming out as a gay man in 1980s London he becomes involved with the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners group. Two miners from South Wales come to stay with Sean and his partner not realising they are a gay couple. The events that unfold impacts on all their lives.

This play toured Northern Ireland last year receiving standing ovations at every performance.

It is based on real events in Thatcher’s Britain and highlights the power of community. **** “A sensitive and gritty dialogue” Belfast Telegraph

wed 8 - sat 11 oct Time 8pm TICKETS £10

VISITING PRODUCTION

ts

Presen Cymru r t ea h yd T

k w a H y Sk is Clw

By Gill

Lew

An edge-of-your-seat wildlife musical adventure for young people and their families.

***** “A delightful production, well-conceived and beautifully performed.” Western Mail, Sky Hawk 2013

TIMES Public: Tues 14 @ 7pm Sat 18 @ 2pm & 6pm Schools: Wed 15, Thurs 16, Fri 17, Mon 20 & Tues 21 @ 10.30am & 1.30pm Tickets £10 Adult £5 Child

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

This is an intense and touching story of how protecting a rare bird, an osprey, forges a deep and special friendship between two children, Callum and Iona and crosses over to Africa, to a Gambian girl called Jeneba. Using digital media, live music and songs, this thrilling and poignant story of friendship, loyalty and hope takes you on an ecological journey that stretches from Wales to the Gambia.

TUES 14 – TUES 21 oct

9

VISITING PRODUCTION

’s

ueen q t a l a t festiv

fas l e b k n ter ba

uls

Gay Byrne Enjoy Ireland’s legendary broadcaster at his best, reminiscing about his life and times, telling behind-the-scenes stories of the stars in a hilarious evening’s entertainment.

In his five decade broadcasting career, Gay Byrne was the first presenter to ever interview The Beatles on TV and is recognised as the man who introduced Ireland to modernity, both on his RTÉ morning radio show and the Late Late Show.

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

Don’t miss this chance to hear the behind the scenes stories of the stars and the star-makers with Ireland’s foremost legendary broadcaster in his solo stage show.

10

“... exhilarating... superb... ingenious... a thoroughly enjoyable evening” Irish Times

Tues 21 oct Time 7:45PM TICKETS £20

Aisling Ghéar Theatre Co. present

Makaronik by dave duggan It’s 2084 and a world where ‘The Empire’ reigns supreme. Most European languages are forbidden.

We’re introduced to the menacing wilderness that was once Belfast. Makaronik, the last woman standing, has been instructed by ‘The Centre’ to wrap up her archive and send back all remnants of the Irish language for ‘storage’. Diarmuid and Gráinne, two high level officials, arrive to ensure that all goes smoothly and that Makaronik comes back with them….. but will it all go as smoothly as planned?

Futuristic yet rooted in an ancient tradition, think of Beckett’s Endgame, Ridley Scott’s Bladerunner with just a hint of The Matrix. This play asks the big questions, the relentless drive of technology as it makes the world seem smaller and asks what are we losing out on? It’s also a story about home, security, and the basic human need to create family and community, even under the most alien of circumstances. A struggle that is at the beating heart of Makaronik.

fri 24 - sun 26 oct

ut Sold Oback

Check ional it for add es dat

Time Fri & Sat 8pm & 3pm Sun TICKETS £12 / £10 Concession

VISITING PRODUCTION

k ow tal pre-sh able avail

t

es pos includ talk show

ice

ox off stival b e f m o le fr .com availab n o i estival t f a t s m r a f o l f ww.be more in 97 or w 1 1 7 9 0 T: 028 9

the night dances

Théâtre du Bouffes Du Nord present

The Suit

By Peter Brook, Marie-Hélène Estienne and Franck Krawczyk World-renowned theatre director Peter Brook presents this simple but sad South African story of infidelity which centres on a middle-class lawyer who punishes his wife for being unfaithful to him by treating the suit that her lover left behind as a physical person in their life. She has to feed it, entertain and take it out for walks as a constant reminder of her adultery.

Explore the subtleties of Benjamin Britten’s composition for cello through the lens of the American poet, Sylvia Plath, considered one of the leading cultivators of confessional poetry.

Acclaimed actress Charlotte Rampling reads in French and English, and Sonia Wieder-Atherton performs cello suites of Britten, in a moving performance, the only UK & Ireland date before a 2015 tour.

Fifty years after the death of Sylvia Plath and one hundred years after the birth of Benjamin Britten, the performance invites audiences to celebrate their new beginning, listening to each other. The one with the other.

Post Show Talk ‘Further steps on the road to freedom’ will take place after the performance on Fri 31 Oct.

Pre-show Talk: ‘An Introduction to Sylvia Plath with Professor Gerald Dawe’, starting at 6.30PM in the Naughton Studio

wed 29 - fri 31 oct

sat 1 nov

Time 7:45PM TICKETS £20 / £18 Concession

Time 7:30pm TICKETS £20 / £18 Concession

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

“This story of adultery in apartheid South Africa is quietly preparing to break your heart” The New York Times

Charlotte Rampling, who has starred in over 80 films working with directors such as Woody Allen and will play a lead role in the new 2nd Series of the award winning TV drama Broadchurch, takes to the Lyric stage in a very different role from her sex symbol status of The Night Porter or her role as Dr. Evelyn Vogel in Dexter.

The Suit is based on the 1950s novel by exiled South African author Can Themba, whose book was banned during apartheid.

11

VISITING PRODUCTION

Green shoot productions presents

Two Sore Legs

By Brenda Murphy

t es pos includ talk show

From the sell-out trilogy Flesh and Blood Women.

Green Shoot Productions presents Two Sore Legs,

by Brenda Murphy. Murphy’s autobiographical play is based on the experiences of her own mother, who had six children by a married man who lived nearby with his own family in the 1950s. In the best performance you’ll see this year, Maria Connolly purrs, struts, weeps and explodes around the stage in equal measure. Two Sore Legs combines humour, pain and joy; captured perfectly

by Murphy’s quick wit and energy. This play is presented with style, strength and originality, a story which will stay with you long after you’ve left the theatre.

A discussion with the writer will be held after each performance ‘Tantalising…ballsy…Commendably witty…swirling, multi layered…’ Irish Times ‘Highly entertaining…a play everyone should see.’

Belfast Telegraph

Tues 28 – Thurs 30 Oct Time 8PM TICKETS £14 / £12 Concession

Mistletoe and Dine

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

at the Lyric Theatre this Christmas...

12

Planning your Christmas night out and want to make a special occasion of it?

The stunning Lyric Theatre on the banks of the river Lagan is the perfect setting to celebrate Christmas with a top class seasonal show and delicious pre-theatre meal.

Expect a fun-filled night out at Marie Jones’ new Christmas comedy, Mistletoe & Crime, directed by Dan Gordon, on the Danske Bank Stage.

The Christmas pre-theatre package costs just £45 per person and can be booked for a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 40 people in a group.

Available dates: Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights – 11, 12, 13, 19 and 20 December only.

With limited availability don’t delay, book today. For more information or to book contact events@lyrictheatre.co.uk or call 028 9038 5681.

£45

per person

VISITING PRODUCTION

**** A gripping production, and the cast is outstanding The Sunday Times **** Sive is a beautifully plotted piece of theatre Irish Examiner

heatre Abbey T on tour

sivhen b keane by jo

DIRECTOR / Conall Morrison

One of the greatest Irish plays of the 20th Century, John B. Keane’s Sive stands tall in the Irish theatre canon.

tues 4 - sun 9 nov

This gripping new production by director Conall Morrison was enjoyed by over 30,000 people during a sell-out run at the Abbey Theatre. Now Sive returns for a major All-Ireland tour.

Beautiful young Sive lives with her aunt and uncle in rural Kerry. Seán Dóta, an elderly farmer, offers the local matchmaker Thomasheen Seán Rua, a large sum for her hand in marriage. Will this be too much for her aunt and uncle to resist?

Don’t miss your chance to rediscover this dark, powerful story of greed and passion.

TIMES Tues – Sat 7.45pm Sat 2.30pm & Sun 1.30pm tickets PEAK (FRI & SAT EVE) £24 OFF PEAK (TUES-THURS EVE) £20 matinees £20

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

‘Isn’t it only bringing two people together in wedlock we are?’

13

VISITING PRODUCTION

Gordon Buchanan One Act Festival The Belfast One Act Festival is the highlight of the year for many of Ireland’s amateur theatre companies, vying to be represented in the All-Ireland Grand finals. The curtain rises on Thursday 6 November and over three nights, nine productions will compete under the eye of the adjudicator.

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

One Act Festival showcases a diverse and stimulating range of shows from all amateur groups throughout the island of Ireland including some of the best new young writers and directors.

At the end of each show the performers will receive an instant live critique from the Festival Adjudicator. The final night will also include the Belfast One Act awards ceremony.

14

thurs 6 - sat 8 nov Time Thurs – Sat 7.30pm and Sat 1.30pm TICKETS £13 / £40 for all 4 sessions

Join Gordon Buchanan, the highly acclaimed wildlife cameraman and presenter of The Bear Family and Me and The Polar Bear Family and Me as he hosts an evening of exciting personal recollections, and lets you into his world of weird, wild and wonderful wildlife.

With twenty years’ experience of traveling across the globe, Gordon has a reputation for relishing dangerous and tough assignments. Listen to his adventures as he leads you through his life of challenging expeditions and enthralling wildlife experiences. Marvel as he shares his tales alongside his own film footage and brilliant images of all that he has come to face.

Have you got any burning wildlife questions?

Gordon has travelled the planet - from South America, Asia, Africa, Papua New Guinea, Russia and Alaska - and will definitely have some interesting answers! This is a show for any wildlife enthusiast who wants to enjoy the spell-binding stories of the natural world from a man who has experienced danger face-to-face.

tues 11 nov Time 7.30pm TICKETS £14.50 / £12.50 Concession

VISITING PRODUCTION

“The best musical revue ever!”

Time Out New York

blunt fringe presents

david hull promotions presents

jacques brel is Alive Barbara Dickson and Well & Living in Barbara Dickson is one of the most successful Paris recording artistes of recent times. It is a career that Directed By Matthew johnson While Jacques Brel is no longer alive, well or living in Paris, the singer/songwriter’s legendary vision of romance, humour and moral conviction endure.

Each song in this contemporary musical revue tells a story and examines themes of love, war, being young and growing old…but never forgetting that life, with all its tragedies and complexities, is filled with humour.

“Musical storytelling at its finest” The New York Post

tues 11 - sat 15 nov Time Tues – Sat 8pm & Sat 3pm TICKETS Peak (Fri & Sat Eve) £20 Off Peak (Tues – Thurs Eve and Sat Matinees) £18

The show features an eclectic mix of musical moods from classic singer-songwriter material, traditional music and some of Barbara’s greatest hits including Another Suitcase in Another Hall and The Caravan Song.

Barbara will also feature songs from her latest Greentrax album To Each and Everyone:The Songs of Gerry Rafferty.

sun 16 nov Time 7.45pm Tickets £25

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris is a powerful and bold theatrical experience that was an overwhelming success in its original offBroadway production in 1968 and in subsequent runs in Sydney, Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin.

Brel’s songs are as relevant today as they were when they were written.

has seen her achieve six platinum, eleven gold, seven silver albums and two Olivier awards for her work in the theatre. She is delighted to be touring Ireland with her talented keyboard player and vocalist Nick Holland.

15

mas Bundle

Christ

10% OFF

in’ n r u g d n a ’ n i opp h s ’ n s ’ i v e e r i e h h t T d n a ’ n i k in r d d n a

ie

by Mar by Dan Gordon Directed

a lyric theatre production

MISTLETOE Jones

& CRIME

DIRECTOR / dan gordon Set Designer Stuart Marshall Costume Designer Erin Charteris Lighting Designer Paul Keogan Sound Designer & music Garth McConaghie CAST includes Tara-Lynne O’Neill, Katie Tumelty & Christina Nelson

sat 22 Nov – Sun 11 Jan (Some exclusions apply) tickets: £14 - £22.50 T’was the night before Christmas the city is heavin’ There’s shoppin’ and gurnin’ and drinkin’ and thievin’…

From the Olivier Award winning author that brought you Stones in His Pockets and the acclaimed team that brought you Night in November – Xmas Eve Can Kill You and Women on the Verge of HRT. It’d be a crime to miss it… #mistletoe&crime

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

It’s a new time, a new place, a new police service. Two WPCs try to keep order amongst the mayhem that is a Belfast Christmas – it doesn’t help that it’s the last night on the beat for one of them – the first night for the other – and they can’t find their land rover.

17

mas Bundle

Christ

10% OFF

ht

delig l l i w ale t g n i t n ike! a l h a c s n e e cess this n i r P d an Princes

sleeO’Connor

a lyric theatre production

y t u a e b g n i p ed

k raph e r e eog D r y o B Ch and ed t Direc ah Maguire r

by Debo DIRECTOR / deborah maguire Set Designer Stuart Marshall Costume Designer Pat Musgrave Lighting Designer Paul Keogan composer Connor Linehan CAST Kathryn Aiken, Richard Ashton, Jo Donnelly, Beccy Henderson, Sam T McKee, Tommy Wallace

PRICES Previews / All tickets £10 Adult £18 Child £12.50 Family ticket (admits four) £54 Schools £8 + every 11th ticket free CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE TUES 30 dec 2PM signed & AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE to be announced

fri 5 Dec 2014 – Sun 4 Jan 2015 tickets: £10 - £18

Join us this Christmas to watch the beloved story of Sleeping Beauty brought to life in this magical new musical production. #lyricbeauty

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

With the prick of a finger a deep, deep sleep will surely linger.

Her slumber cannot be shaken, What will make this sleepy princess waken?

We’ll need a prince, a handsome one, So the wretched curse can be undone.

Will he find her? Time will tell if he can break the wicked spell.

19

n o s a e s LYRIC t e k c i t Become a Lyric Season Ticket holder and enjoy up to 50% off tickets!

As a Season Ticket holder you will enjoy many benefits including: · · · · ·

Priority Booking Free Show Programmes Backstage Tour of the theatre Savings at the Café Bar Flexibility to change dates

Designed to suit any budget choose from Gold, Silver or Bronze for your perfect theatre experience.

Season Tickets are valid for Lyric Theatre Productions for 12 months from purchase and can only be purchased from the Lyric Box Office. Call 028 9038 1081 to buy now.

Visit lyrictheatre.co.uk for more details

GOLD GOLD £100

silver £80

Five performances for £100 Valid for Friday & Saturday night performances 20% off your Café Bar bill during the show Invitation to season launches

SILVER

Five performances for £80 Valid for Tuesday & Wednesday night performances 15% off your Café Bar bill during the show

BRONZE bronze £60

Five performances for £60 Valid for any Preview or Thursday night performance 10% off your Cafe Bar bill during the show

creative learning

LEARNING CREATIVE ACTING WORKSHOP

NT CONNECTIONS

14 October – 25 November Tuesday evenings (No workshop on 4 November) Cost £40

From 24-26 April we will be hosting groups from all over Ireland for the National Theatre’s Connections festival. Up to ten groups of young actors will perform a range of new plays, specifically written for teenagers.

A six week course for 18+ looking at acting technique through the medium of Restoration Comedy.

DRAMA STUDIO

SCHOOLS The Creative Learning department has a range of opportunities available to teachers and students from workshops in your school to visits to the theatre. We regularly run workshops for Sixth Form students applying to Drama Schools to assist them in preparing for auditions.

Please register your interest with Pauline McKay at paulinemckay@lyrictheatre.co.uk

In 2016, the Royal Shakespeare Company will tour a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to various venues across the UK. The cast will consist of RSC actors working alongside a group of amateur actors from a local group. The Creative Learning Department will be looking for a local amateur theatre group and a group of children from a local Primary School to take part in the production at the Grand Opera House, Belfast.

PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOPS We offer a number of professional development workshops for actors on a range of topics Voice, Dialect, Playing Shakespeare & Stage Combat.

Check www.lyrictheatre.co.uk for details.

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

This 14 week course runs on Saturdays and is for 18-25 year old aspiring actors. Entry is by audition only and limited to a maximum of 16 participants.

This year’s course begins on 6 September. In January, those who have completed the course are eligible to audition for a production in the Naughton Studio in March.

RSC DREAM 16

21

early

r

bird offe

OFF 1B0oo% Jan k by 31

y n n u f s e m i t e m so e c i r p a t a s e m co

A OF DEATH IAN D COME rty

a lyric theatre production

heatre

Abbey T e h t , e r t esent ic Thea The Lyrho Theatre pr and So

cCaffe armion M en w

By O teve M S by Directed DIRECTOR / steve marmion PRICES PREVIEWS & EARLY RUN MATINEES £15 OFF-PEAK (TUEs & WED EVENING + matinees) £22.50 PEAK (THUrs – SAT EVENING) £24.50

CAPTIONED PERFORMANCE TUES 3 MAR 7.45PM AUDIO-DESCRIBED PERFORMANCE THUrs 5 MAR 7.45PM

sun 8 Feb – Sun 8 Mar 2015 tickets: £15 - £24.50 Steve Johnston wrestles with compromises.

The Lyric Theatre proudly presents the World Premiere of this new play by one of our country’s greatest writers, Lyric Playwright in Residence Owen McCafferty, author of the award-winning Quietly and Scenes from the Big Picture.

CONTAINS STRONG LANGAUGE #deathofacomedian

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

Set across 4 separate stand-up gigs, this Faustian-style drama follows the choices of a comedian who could gain everything he wants, but may lose everything he has.

23

VISITING PRODUCTION

David Hull Promotions presents David Hull Promotions presents

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

Jake O’Kane’s Tongue Lashing

24

the 4 of us The 4 Of Us bring their 25th anniversary acoustic show to the Lyric Theatre showcasing songs from their brand new album, as well as songs from their extensive back catalogue.

Jake O’Kane, star of BBC NI’s hit show The Blame Game and the country’s best known political stand-up, returns with his brand new show, TongueLashing. Following the successes of his earlier Teargas and Mouthful tours, Jake is back with a ferociously irreverent review of Northern Ireland in 2014.

From their first anthem Mary - still a radio favourite, through to the UK-charting She Hits Me, to Sunlight - the band has notched up over two decades of radio hits and six Top 20 charting albums.

Having created one of the most talked about comedy moments when dealing with the flags issue, Jake now turns his satirical eye on the local issues, events and characters which made the headlines over the past twelve months.

‘Never before have I been to a gig where the atmosphere has been so electric …’ The Irish News

Turning his attention to everything that makes Northern Ireland unique, Jake’s new show is the perfect antidote to the year that’s been. Everyone’s fair game and as Jake’s angry, this show is for 16+ only.

Time 7.45pm TICKETS £20

sun 11 jan 2015 Time 7.45pm TICKETS £18

Don’t miss this rare chance to catch them live.

sun 26 apr 2015

VISITING PRODUCTION

”Sometimes you don’t even know what you’ve been craving until the real thing comes along” New York Times.

“McDonagh’s tricks and turns have a purpose – they are bridges over a deep pit of sympathy and sorrow, illuminated by a tragic vision of stunted and frustrated lives.” Irish Times.

ts

any presen e Comp

n a m w o l l i p e th r t Theat

irish re r p emie

Decaden

h n McDonagw Flynn i t r a M By re

by And ed t ec r Di

From internationally-recognised auteur Martin McDonagh, writer and director of feature films such as In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths, comes the Irish Premiere of his most acclaimed stage-play, the wickedly-dark comedy that is The Pillowman.

Winner of the Olivier Award for Best Comedy, the Evening Standard Award for Best New Play and two Tony Awards, The Pillowman has taken the West-End and Broadway by storm.

Following the success of their recent tour of McDonagh’s A Skull in Connemara, Decadent Theatre Company return with this must-see production.You’ll be shocked and entranced, you’ll laugh at the most inappropriate of times…

Tues 24 Mar – Sun 19 Apr TIMEs Tues – Sat 7.45pm, Sat & Sun 2.30pm TICKETS Previews £15 Off-Peak (Tues – Thurs Evening + matinees) £20 Peak (Fri & Sat Evening) £24.50

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

When stories become gruesome reality surely it can only be the author who is to blame? An interrogation room. Two police officers are determined to make a young writer pay the ultimate price for telling tales, when it transpires that the content of some of his short stories bear an uncanny similarity to horrific real-life crimes.

director / andrew flynn

CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE AND ADULT CONTENT 25

VISITING PRODUCTION

tP

Talbo Patrick

ss e l b d go A new

on play based

s

resent

d l i h c the

ions P roduct

’Conno

rank O ies by F

stor

The short stories of Cork-born Frank O’Connor are universally regarded as being classics of their kind.

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

Now, Patrick Talbot has taken three of the funniest stories and adapted and directed them for the stage. My Oedipus Complex,The Genius and First Confession are brought together in a single fulllength play, God Bless The Child will provide a hugely entertaining and uplifting night of theatre.

26

r

Meet young Michael, who goes into mortal combat with his father when he returns from the First World War, Larry, a genius who can’t understand why the world can’t keep up with him, and Jackie, who has the grim task of not only making his first confession and communion, but must also deal with his very obstreperous grandmother.

‘A thoroughly enjoyable parcelling of three of Ireland’s best short stories’ Irish Times ‘A laugh from the moment the adult actors come on stage wearing short pants.This is a highly entertaining adaptation of three of O Connor’s funniest stories’ Irish Examiner

adaptor & director / patrick talbot wed 11 – Sat 21 mar TIMEs wed – Sat @ 7.45pm Sat Matinee 2.30pm (additional performances sun 15 2.30pm, tues 17 7.45pm) TICKETS Off Peak (Tues – Thurs Evening and Matinees) £18 Peak (Fri & Sat Eve) £22

VISITING PRODUCTION

belfast children’s festival

6 – 13 March 2015 Tickets from £4 Plus many FREE Workshops A treat for families, the Lyric Theatre will once again host some outstanding international and local productions for young audiences during the annual Belfast Children’s Festival. Now in it’s 17th year the programme will include theatre, dance, music, visual and the digital, sonic arts.

This year’s festival programme will be announced in January 2015. Check www.youngatart.co.uk for further information and announcements.

L TO LY E SPECIA 081 N O E M O TREAT S E / 028 9038 1 HEATRE.CO.UK IC ICT BOX OFF NE / WWW.LYR I NL BOOK O

CHERS

IFT VOU

ATRE G RIC THE

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

T F I G L IDEA

27

A1 A3

B2

A4

B3

C2

A5

B4

C3

A7

B6

C5

B7

C6

D5

E4

C8

C9

D8

E7

F6

G5

D9

E8

F7

G6

D1

E9

F8

G7

J3

0

L2

C1

1 0 F

G1

J8

L6 L7

M5

L8

M6

H2

H3

L9

M7 M8

0 M1 M9

Q11 Q12

R12

S10

R11

S9

R10

S8

R9

Q10

N11

Q9

S7

R8

N10

Q8

S6

R7

N9

Q7

S5

R6

N8

Q6

S4

R5

N7

Q5

S3

R4

N6

J1

0 J 1

K2

L1

0 L 1

1 J 1

K3

1

J7

L5

M4

11 0 G

J6

M3 N5

Q4

S2

R3

K1

2 F 1

H4

4 G 1

H5

3 J 1

4

K5

4

3 G 1

2 J 1

K4

3 F 1

2 G 1

5 G 1

H6 J1

E1

F1

5 F 16

5J 16

7G 18

H8

H9

7 E 1

8

7 F 1

8

F1

9 F 2

G1

9 G 20

H1

0

0

G2

1G 22

9

9

F2

1

F2

2

3

0

8

20

1

1D 2

2

E2

F2

A1

C2

0D 2

D2

3

2E 2

3

F2

C2

D2

E2

0E 21

B1

9B

8C 1

8 D 1

9

7

7 B 18

7 C 1

7 D 1

E1

6 A 1

6 B 1

6 C 1

D1

6 E 1

F1

5 A 1

5 B 1

5 C 1

5 D 16

5 E 1

4 A 1

4 B 1

4 C 1

D1

4 E 1

6 G 1

H7

4

A1

3 B 1

3 C 1

3 D 1

2 A 13

2 B 1

2 C 1

2 D 1

A1

B1

C1

D1

1 E1

F1

G9

J5

L4

N4

Q3

S1

R2

J9

0 E1

F9

G8

J4

L3

N3

Q2

H1

1

A1

0 A 11

B1

1

1

E1

G1

B1

0

0

D1

F1

A9

B8

D7

E6

F5

G4

C7

D6

E5

F4

A8

B9

C1

2 E 13

E AG ST

A6

B5

C4

D4

E3

F3

G3

J2 L1

N2 Q1 R1

BR12

ony

M2

N1

BR11

ovable

D3

E2

F2

G2

J1

M1

BR10

d

D2

E1 F1

G1

BR4

BR6

BR9

elchair accessible

A2

B1

C1 D1

BR1

BR2

BR3

BR5

BR7 BR8

SEATING PLAN / HOW TO BOOK

DANSKE BANK STAGE SEATING PLAN

E2

4

E2

G2 H1 1 L 4 3 1 J1 F2 K6 12 G2 H1 7 5 M1 4 L1 2 J1 F2 K7 G2 H1 3 8 1M 6 5G 3 H L1 J1 K8 F2 12 4 9 7 2 1 6 4 M1 J2 L1 K9 G2 H1 0 5 3 N1 7G 5 M1 L1 J2 K1 H1 1 0 6 L 2 N 4 M 2 8 6H J2 K1 13 17 G 15 2 1 17 29 N1 L1 M1 K1 J2 H1 8 4 N 2K 3 6M 8H L1 P1 J2 15 13 17 9 4 19 M1 N1 L2 K1 P2 J2 H2 0 4 8 M 6N 5 0 L K P3 J 21 19 15 26 17 Q1 N1 M2 K1 L2 J2 P4 3 Q 2 6 7 8 N 0M L2 K1 P5 J2 14 19 21 3 7 8 Q1 M2 N2 L2 K1 P6 5 Q 4 8 2M 0N R1 K1 L2 P7 16 21 23 3 R 9 5 M2 Q1 N2 L2 P8 14 6 4 7 2 Q1 R1 M2 N2 L2 P9 8 Q 5 R 3N 5M 7 P1 16 19 24 26 0 BL Q2 R1 N2 M2 P1 5 0 7 R 5N 1 7 Q2 P1 18 2 BL 6 2 1 6

5

BL1 BL2

BL3 BL4

Wheelchair accessible

BR7

Fixed

M1 N2

N3 Q3 Q4

R3

S2

Q5

R4

S3

Q6

R5

S4

R6

S5 S6

R7

S7

R8

FRONT TWO ROWS MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR SOME PERFORMANCES. CHECK W ITH BOX OFFICE AT TIME OF BOOKING. BALCONY SEATS HAVE RESTRICTED VIEW AND MAY BE SOLD AT A DISCOUNTED RATE.

N

Q2

R2

Balcony

PLEASE NOTE:

N1 Q1

Removable

R1

S9 S10

PLEASE INFORM BOX OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANY PARTICULAR ACCESS REQUIREMENTS.

R9

SEATING IN THE NAUGHTON STUDIO IS UNRESERVED.

S8

BOOKBOOK ONLINE ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

BR8

BR10

LYRIC THEATRE / 38

Balcony

S1

TERMS AND CONDITIONS TICKETS ARE SOLD SUBJECT TO OUR FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS, DETAILS OF W HICH, ALONG W ITH OUR TRANSACTION CHARGES, ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM THE B OX O FFICE AND ON OUR WEBSITE.

Fixed

BR11

BOX OFFICE OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK MONDAY TO SATURDAY 10AM TO 5PM, OR 7PM IF THERE IS A PERFORMANCE THAT EVENING / SUNDAY 10AM TO 5PM

Removable

BR12

BOX OFFICE / 028 9038 1081

28

ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK TELEPHONE / 028 9038 1081 TEXT RELAY / DIAL 18001 028 9038 1081 FOR THOSE USING A TEXTPHONE/MINICOM IN PERSON / LYRICTHEATRE, 55 RIDGEWAY STREET, BELFAST, BT9 5FB

Wheelchair accessible

BR9

HOW TO BOOK

ueen’s Quarter of Belfast off Stranmillis oad. The theatre is at the bottom of dgeway Street where it meets Stranmillis mbankment beside the River Lagan.

There are bike racks outside the theatre.

BY TAXI The Lyric’s taxi partner is Fonacab.

028 9033 3333. A freephone is available at the box office.

BUS The Lyric is situated the etro Service 8a Theatre from city centreinup Queen’s Quarter of Belfast off Stranmillis anmillis Road.

BY BIKE PARKING There are bike racks outside the theatre.

he nearest station is Botanic Avenue.

BY TAXI Stranmillis and off-street The Lyric’s taxiEmbankment partner is Fonacab.

028 9033 3333.

A freephone is available parking in the public car park at at the box office.

Stranmillis Embankment accessible by

There is on-street parking along the

Road. The theatre is at the bottom of TRAIN Ridgeway Street where it meets Stranmillis Embankment beside the River Lagan.

BY BUS

WW.TRANSLINK.CO.UK Metro Service 8a from city centre up

PARKING entrance on Stranmillis Road. See There is on-street parking along the for more information.

Stranmillis Embankment and off-street parking in the public car park at Stranmillis Embankment accessible by entrance on Stranmillis Road. See map for more information.

Stranmillis Road.

BY TRAIN The nearest station is Botanic Avenue.

D DR

K

RDENS

AVA S T

WAL MER ST KIMB ERLE Y ST

AVA G A

D AV

E

RK A VE

AVE ORE R

HAYP A

SBU

RY R

AILE

SBU

DR

RY R

D

HAYP ARK

D

AVE

ENS

ARD

RE G

AVE

AILE

ILLE

CEV

EN LOR

F

LN

RD ONE

Q7

DER AMO

HAYP ARK

RE G

AMO

DER

BUSH

O

VE

DEK RASVE M

RE A KIMB VE ERLE FIEL Y DA

Y ERLE

CARREDE SENNS T

KIMB

SU

HAYP A

KIMB

ERLE

T

Y ST

AVA ST

WAL MER S

AVA D R R AVA D

ESCEN T

SEN T CRE

CENT AVA CR ES

AVA CR

AILESBURYAILESBURY

T

IDE S

SUNNYS T

ES NNYSID

Q8 Q9

THE LYRIC THEATRE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THE PUBLISHED PROGRAMME IF NECESSARY.

LYRIC THEATRE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE ANY ALTERATIONS TO THE PUBLISHED PROGRAMME IF NECESSARY.

R10 R11 R12

29 / LYRIC THEATRE

ILLE

CEV

REN

FLO

BOOK BOOK ONLINE ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK //WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK BOOK ONLINE WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

DR

E

BUSH FIEL

Y PAR

HAYWOO

TIMBE ENS AVA GA RD

Y PARK

F

HAYWOO LATS D DR

TIMBE

ANNA DLAE

FLATS LAE ANNA D

R TON D HAM PTON DR

DR

E

RD

D AV

ST

D AV

AU

WOO

ST

E ORM

YSIDE

HAY

RD

SUNN

WOO

AU

YSIDE

HAY

E ORM

SUNN

DERS M

ONE MAL

PAR K

MAL

T

N6 LOC LOC KVI KVIEW EW RD RD

HS

P.

MA

P.

AVE

BUR

AVE R

N PARADE N

T

N5

CLE

T CEN RES LE C ESCENT ADA CR ANN NADALE AN

AN

DS

ST

R

AN

E

AV AVA

HS

LIS CT

MA

CHL

N4

ER A VE

NMIL

PARK RD

BUR

BEE

M SE

I

LL MI

DE

S

BA

CAN

ARA HI P

M4

ND

NT

ME

NK

S

LIS RD

HLA

E

A TR

N PARADE N

E

AV AVSAT

T

S

M3

EEC

ILL

A MB

NM

T

STRA

MENT

M2

ELM

L

IS C RIDG EWAY ST

STRANMIL

IS RD STRANMILL

OOD

IS

NMIL

ME

NK

NMIL

STRA

I PARK

SOUC

HOL LYW

MS

NT

RIDGEWAY ST LIS ST

STRA

EMBANK

SANS

L1

OD

ALE XV

NO

I PARK

LEN

SOUC

BR6 3 B2

WO

S

UR

DH

SAN

IN S

AVE

S

N DE

R

A TG

MENT

STR

ST

PARK RD

AR DAH

DEL

EMBANK

OR

LIS ANMIL

ANNADLAE

SANS

DS

ALE XV

NO

LEN WIN

DE

U E DH PR

SAN

T

AS

AGR

ELG

NS

DE

ST

E RD GIAA ST RSTTOR

ST

AR

DAH

CAN

ARA HI P

INE

ELA

ANNADLAE

TO CITY CENTRE

LAN

ARA OP

RD

RD

AVE

INE

ENS

ANT

COL

EGL

NMILLS

SOR

T

RS

E DSE

STRA

ND

T

AS

AGR

DEL

RD

WI

ST

HAM P

RD

RIA

TO PRE

ST

TO CITY CENTRE

DE

RD

map

IN ELG

INE

ST

E

ARA OP

ANT

ST

NE LAI

MILLS

N STRA

EGL

ER

DSE

ENS COL

PAR K

LN

WWW.TRANSLINK.CO.UK LAN

THEATRE LOCATION

GETTING TO AND FROM THE THEATRE

29

DR

PRICES FROM JUST £5

£10 STANDBY SUNDAY

The Lyric Theatre has a number of recessionbusting discounts and concessions, subject to availability, to ensure that everyone is able to attend the theatre. (Visiting companies may offer different concessions.)

A limited number of £10 Standby tickets, subject to availability, will be sold from 2 hours in advance of, and up to 30 minutes prior to, each Sunday matinee on the Danske Bank Stage.

Christmas Bundle We’ve got your festive entertainment all wrapped up! Book a family pass for Sleeping Beauty (admits four) and two tickets for Mistletoe & Crime receive 10% discount.

BOOK ONLINE / WWW.LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

CONCESSIONS

30

£5 COMMUNITY GROUP SUPER SAVER TICKETS Community groups registered in Northern Ireland can avail of £5 tickets for certain productions, subject to availability. Please download an application form from the About Us section of our website.

(SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)

ACCESSIBILITY

• Over 65s 10% discount on Off-Peak matinees only • Students and Unwaged £10 tickets for Off- Peak performances only • Children 15 and under, and Equity members half-price for Off-Peak performances only • Groups 1 ticket free with every 10 purchased • Schools £10 for Off-Peak performances only • Balcony Seats have restricted view and are sold at a 20% discount • Danske Bank Staff 2 for 1 Tuesdays and Off- Peak matinees • Danske Bank Customers 20% off Tuesdays and Off-Peak matinees

Access dogs are allowed inside the auditorium. A free carer seat is available to those customers who require essential assistance to attend the theatre.

Additional services: • Lift access to all floors • Infra-red audio enhancement and induction loops • Captioned and Audio-Described performances for all Lyric Theatre Productions on the Danske Bank Stage • Wheelchair spaces in a variety of areas within the auditoria – advance notice required at time of booking • Accessible toilets (left and right handed) • Baby changing facilities and adult changing mats

www.darraghneely.com

PACKAGE DISCOUNTS

CafÉ Bar Open every day from 9.30am - 5pm A welcoming and light filled space, The Lyric Café Bar is perfect for informal meetings, catching up with friends, or just some quiet time to yourself.

soup, sandwiches and pastas served 11.30am - 2.30pm Pre-show tasting platters served 6PM - 7.30pm Sunday brunch served 10am to 2pm

THEATRE TOURS Take a backstage tour of the new theatre and get a glimpse of what goes on behind-thescenes in northern ireland’s only full-time producing theatre. check tour shedule and book online at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or phone (028) 9038 1081

FREE