Lyric Season Brochure: June - December 2022

JUNE - DECEMBER 2022

THIS IS LIVE THIS IS LIVING THIS IS THE LYRIC

Welcome to our diverse and wide-ranging programme jam packed full of amazing live theatre. This season is all about fresh, new and bold work. Join us and be part of the story. It’s nothing like you’ve ever seen before.

OUR PRINCIPAL FUNDER

OUR EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

“The Arts Council, as principal funder, is proud to support the Lyric Theatre as it continues to innovate, bringing exceptional home-grown talent to local and international attention and providing Northern Ireland audiences with unforgettable, world-class, theatre experiences.”

“I think staging “new writing” is the most exciting pursuit in theatre. It can take years and years for words on a page to make it to that moment. But it’s usually worth the wait.

An audience discovering a new work for the first time can be perhaps the most electrifying moment in a theatre’s history.”

Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive Arts Council of Northern Ireland

Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer The Lyric Theatre

Jimmy Fay Roisín McDonough

For full quotes scan here:

MULTIBUY TICKETS Full Details on Page 6

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES TICKETS FROM £12

WHAT’S ON COMING UP SOON We have a jam-packed end to 2022. Here is just a taster of what to expect this summer.

FOR FULL DETAILS VISIT: LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK

Stones in his Pockets

Shedding of Skin

14-19 JUN

07 JUN -03 JUL

Bread Boy

27-31 JUL

Two Fingers Up

19-20 JUL

Paul Currie: The Chorus of Ghosts Living In My Skull Keep Telling Me To Take A Shit In The Fruit Salad

St.Mungos The Ladies

Carson & The Lady

09-21 AUG

03-07 AUG

Roshni - Belfast Mela

Muldoon’s Picnic

22-23 JUL

13 AUG

22 AUG

The Border Game

25-27 AUG

LOVE THE LYRIC There’s lots of ways to #LoveTheLyric this season...

MEMBERSHIP Introducing our first ever Lyric membership!

Lyric+ is free to join for students & community groups, or from only £2.50 a month for everyone else and is packed full of benefits.

Bringing you perks like priority seating, new show exclusives and even £12 tickets on Lyric-made shows, regardless where you sit.

MULTIBUY TICKETS

LYRIC MERCH

Keep a lookout for the multibuy icon on our brochure and on our What’s On page of the website.

Bring your love of the Lyric wherever you go with our new Lyric branded merchandise. We’ve got everything from notebooks and pens to totes, and thermal coffee cups. With lots on offer, there’s something for everyone.

This means the show is included in our Multibuy offer. Book 3 or more shows with the multibuy logo at the same time and get 15% off ALL tickets.* * offer on selected shows only, on B&C tickets. Subject to availability.

Visit lyrictheatre.co.uk/shop

LYRIC ON TOUR This summer, we’re taking two of our most-loved recent productions on tour as the Lyric hits the road!

2021’s powerful piece of new writing from award-winning writers Michael Patrick and Oisín Kearney, The Border Game, co-produced with Prime Cut, is a timely reflection on 100 years of the border and how it has impacted those who live along it.

Our highly acclaimed co-production of Translations with the Abbey Theatre ran at the Lyric to packed houses and rave reviews. Brian Friel’s modern masterpiece finds new potency and is absolutely unmissable theatre.

THE BORDER GAME Aug 25-27 Aug 31 Sep 03 Sep 07 Sep 13 Sep 15 Sep 17 Sep 21 Sep 23 & 24 Sep 27 & 28 Oct 01

Lyric Theatre, Belfast Town Hall Theatre, Galway Axis Theatre, Dublin Marketplace Theatre, Armagh Roscommon Arts Centre Garage Theatre, Monaghan An Tain Arts Centre, Dundalk Hawks Well Theatre, Sligo An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny The Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda

TRANSLATIONS April 23 - May 29 June 13 – Aug 13 Aug 16 – 20 Aug 23 – 27 Aug 30 – Sep 03

Lyric Theatre, Belfast Abbey Theatre, Dublin Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick Town Hall Theatre, Galway An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny

THE GAP YEAR 03–25 SEPTEMBER A new play by Clare McMahon A Lyric Theatre Production A journey of craic, coffee shops and self-discovery at 60.

Newly widowed Kate, childminder-in-chief Roisin and their best friend Oonagh have decided enough is enough. Life is too short, they’re going to follow in their children’s footsteps and take a Gap Year.

Thailand? Europe? Down Under? No, they’re visiting every county in Ireland, sure there’s a few they’ve never even heard of!

It’s time for castles, coffee and craic as three women in their 60s go on the adventure of a lifetime.

Starring Libby Smyth, Carol Moore and Marion O’Dwyer.

By Clare McMahon Directed by Benjamin Gould DATES & TIMES 03-25 September Previews: 03–06 Sept Press Night: 07 Sept Tues - Sat: 7.30pm Sat-Sun Matinee: 2.30pm PRICE Previews: £12/£18/£24 Performances: £12/£20/£28 SPACE Main Stage CONCESSIONS Carer Seats Available Every 11th ticket free for groups for 10+

Clare McMahon is a playwright and actor based in Belfast and is Co-Creative of Commedia of Errors Theatre Company. A graduate of The Lir Academy’s MFA Playwriting she is currently under commission with Kabosh Theatre, Commedia of Errors and is one of the Abbey Theatre’s Commemoration Bursary recipient artists.

£12 tickets for Student Ambassadors, Schools & Super Saver Groups

‘The Gap Year’ was first developed through Fishamble’s ‘A Play for Ireland’, the Lyric Theatre’s New Playwrights Programme 2019, selected for New York’s 1st Irish Origin Festival as part of their Vital Voices programme and produced for the Lyric’s ‘Listen at the Lyric’ audio series in 2020.

Audio described: 24 Sept,2.30pm

Socially-distanced performances: 10 & 18 Sept ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES ISL/BSL: 22 Sept, 7.30pm

Captioned: 25 Sept, 2.30pm

PROPAGANDA: A NEW MUSICAL 8 OCT–5 NOV A new musical by Conor Mitchell A Lyric Theatre Production with the Belfast Ensemble Berlin, 1949.

An ‘iron curtain’ draws across war ravaged Germany. Berlin divides in two. Trapped in the East, two young lovers become embroiled in the chaos of circumstance, art, love and American jazz.

With a Broadway influenced score, a live 14-piece orchestra and stellar cast, Propaganda promises to be a musical for our time.

“Mitchell has long been the coming man in musical theatre” - The Guardian Commissioned by the Lyric Theatre, and developed with the Lyric New Writing department, Propaganda: A New Musical by double Ivor Novellonominated composer Conor Mitchell is an old fashioned Soviet love story.

Written and Directed by Conor Mitchell DATES & TIMES 8 October–5 November Previews: 8, 9, 11th Oct Press: 12th Oct Tues - Sat: 7.30pm Sat - Sun Matinee: 2:30pm PRICE Previews: £12/£18/£24 Performances: £12/£20/£28 SPACE Main Stage CONCESSIONS Carer Seats Available Every 11th ticket free for groups for 10+ £12 tickets for Student Ambassadors, Schools & Super Saver Groups ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES ISL/BSL: 3 Nov, 7.30pm Captioned: 5 Nov, 2.30pm Audio described: 30 Oct, 2.30pm

YES SO I SAID, YES 11–22 OCT A new play by David Ireland

Ulster Loyalist Alan Black is kept awake every night by his neighbour McCorrick’s dog barking. To add to his difficulties, McCorrick refuses to acknowledge that he even owns a dog, let alone one that is creating a disturbance.

In a Northern Ireland he barely recognises, where politics has proved just to be the continuation of war by other means, a disconsolate Alan sets out to rid himself of the incessant noise.

As he seeks help from authority figures, he finally – as a very last resort – turns to the only voice he can really trust, Stephen Nolan…

By David Ireland Directed by Max Elton DATES & TIMES 11 - 22 October Tues - Sat: 8.00pm Sat-Sun: 3.00pm PRICE £12/£20/£28 SPACE Naughton Studio CONCESSIONS Free Carers seat Group bookings receive 11th ticket free £12 tickets for Student Ambassadors, Schools & Super Saver Groups Age recommendation 16+

BIG MAN 27 OCT–13 NOV A new play by Paul McVeigh A Lyric Theatre Production Holding hands across Ardoyne, two men in pursuit of love move beyond the barrier of age and conflicting gay experience in Paul McVeigh’s latest play. Big Man is an evocative one man show that explores love at first sight and whether it ever truly works out. Held together by their shared workingclass background and experience of devastating loss, what if the very things that brought them together end up pulling them apart? Starring Tony Flynn.

“ THE MOMENT HE WALKED IN, I WAS HIS”

By Paul McVeigh Directed by Patrick J O’Reilly DATES & TIMES 27 Oct – 13 Nov Preview: 27 Oct Press Night: 28 Oct Thurs - Sat: 8.00pm Sat - Sun Matinee: 3.00pm PRICE £12/£18/£20 SPACE Naughton Studio CONCESSIONS Carer Seats Available Every 11th ticket free for groups for 10+ £12 tickets for Student Ambassadors, Schools & Super Saver Groups ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES ISL/BSL: 10 Nov, 8.00pm Captioned: 12 Nov, 3.00pm

THE SNOW QUEEN 25 NOV–31 DEC A new musical by Paul Boyd A Lyric Theatre Production This Christmas join us for an all-new version of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic adventure, The Snow Queen.

Gerda works in her grandmother’s busy flower shop in the centre of town where, for as long as she can remember, the roses are delivered every morning by her friend Kai. One night an unexpected cold wind blows across the land, and when the windows of the town begin to freeze over, grandmother fears the worst - the Snow Queen has returned. When Kai doesn’t arrive at the shop next morning Gerda sets off on a long journey to find him, travelling across distant lands in search of a palace that legend says sits amongst the snowy, frozen peaks of Finnmark.

Join Gerda on her quest in Paul Boyd’s new musical adventure, a glittering spectacular for all ages adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s muchloved tale of courage, adventure, and friendship.

“ A SPECTACULAR NEW MUSICAL ADVENTURE”

Written, Composed and Directed by Paul Boyd DATES & TIMES 25 Nov - 31 Dec Previews: 25 - 26 Nov Press: 27 Nov PRICE Schools: £11 Previews: £12/£18/£24 Performances: £12/£20/£28 Family Tickets: save £2 per ticket (B&C tickets only) SPACE Main Stage CONCESSIONS Every 11th Ticket Free for groups of 10+ Free Babe-in-arms tickets Free carer tickets £12 tickets for Student Ambassadors, Schools & Super Saver Groups ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES Audio Described: 11 Dec, 12:30pm BSL/ISL 16 Dec, 12:30pm Captioned: 18 Dec, 12:30pm

GRIMES & McKEE: CHRISTMAS CRAIC–ER 02–30 DEC A Lyric Theatre Production The two Kings of Christmas craic return to the Lyric Theatre this December.

DATES & TIMES 02-30 December 8.00pm, 8.30pm & 9.00pm

Don’t miss the festive favourites, Conor Grimes and Alan McKee, in their latest show, jam-packed full of Christmas chaos. Join them on their wild winter ride!

PRICE £12/£20/£28

“Fantastic laughed from start to finish. Can’t wait to see them again! Love the wee songs!”

— Audience Feedback

SPACE Main Stage CONCESSIONS Carer Seats Available Group bookings receive 11th ticket free £12 tickets for Student Ambassadors, Schools & Super Saver Groups

BOOK CHRISTMAS OFFICE PARTY

PIGEON AND PLUM’S VAUDEVILLE CIRCUS 08–23 DEC Back by very popular demand, this Christmas messers GILDA PIGEON & MADELINE PLUM return with a circus cabaret to kick all cabarets in the proverbial jingle bells.

There will be Stephen Beggs AKA “Peregrine Ravenguard” the Victorian MC, plus regulars such as Bob Pickles, the Whittling Gimp, Fanny Batter the Domestic Dame, Hilario Spillachi performing daring feets of dexterity and lots of new VARIETY acts for all to feast their festive peepers upon.

The Lyric Naughton Studio shall be transformed into an opulent Victorian music hall with a contemporary punk rock twist. So come submerge yourself into the decadent beer halls of old Berlin and throw two fingers up to the fascists as we kick back and let the FESTIVE FRIVOLITY COMMENCE!!!

DATES & TIMES 08 - 23 Dec 7.30pm, 8.00pm & 9.30pm PRICE £12/£20/£25 SPACE Naughton Studio CONCESSIONS Carer Seats Available Group bookings receive 11th ticket free £12 tickets for Student Ambassadors, Schools & Super Saver Groups

BOOK CHRISTMAS OFFICE PARTY

MORE TO SEE AT THE LYRIC HOW TO BURY A DEAD MULE 06–10 SEPT How to Bury a Dead Mule tells the story of Norman Clements, Royal Irish Fusilier, his experiences of the front line battles of North Africa, Sicily and Italy during World War Two and his subsequent struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Norman’s account is brought to life in a one man show with original music, scripted by his grandson, actor Richard Clements who also performs.

Performed and presented by Richard Clements SPACE: Naughton Studio

THE WHOLE NINE YARNS 11 SEPT The Whole Nine Yarns is a hybrid of poetry and comedy storytelling. Owen O’Neill is an award winning writer and performer with two Fringe Firsts at the Edinburgh Festival. He has also won Best Actor Off Broadway at the Irish Festival and The New York Critics award for best play.

Performed and presented by Owen O’Neill SPACE: Naughton Studio

GREEN & BLUE 14–18 SEPT Award-winning ‘Green & Blue’ explores the painful and humorous realities faced by the individuals who patrolled the border during the height of the conflict. An officer from the Royal Ulster Constabulary in his green uniform and Eddie from An Garda Síochána, resplendent in blue, communicate via crackly radios until an explosive incident forces them to meet across a field only farmers know the location of.

Presented by Kabosh SPACE: Naughton Studio

LIFE BITES 28 SEPT–02 OCT Nuala McKeever is back with more musings on Life with a capital “WTF?” Like, why do people give you a present and then tell you it’s rubbish before you’ve even opened it? How do loyalist paramilitaries get their nicknames? And Hillary Hamilton of Holywood discusses the cost of living crisis from her villa in Majorca. From Partygate to personal growth, nothing is off limits.

Performed and presented by Nuala McKeever SPACE: Naughton Studio

THE MATCHMAKER 30 SEPT–01 OCT John B. Keane’s beloved hit comedy follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn from all parts of the country. At the centre of this celebrated production is John B Keane’s marvellous and mischievous wit coupled by his unparalleled way with words.

By John B. Keane. Presented by SD Entertainment Ltd. SPACE: Main Stage

THE SONG OF THE BONES 07–08 OCT The story of Ireland’s last Witch Trial. ‘The Song of the Bones’ is a piece of dark, immersive storytelling gig theatre; merging electronic pop music with puppetry and spoken word poetry, to tell the tale of the Islandmagee Witch trials in 1711.

Presented by VOKXEN as part of the University of Atypical’s Bounce Festival SPACE: Naughton Studio

MORE TO SEE AT THE LYRIC DOUG ALLEN: IT’S A WRAP 07 NOVEMBER After a sell-out Scottish run in 2021, Doug Allan brings his critically acclaimed brand new tour to Ireland. Doug looks back over his successes and setbacks during 35 years of natural history film making. Part retrospective, the show is also Doug’s perspective on climate change and its impacts on the world’s wild places.

SPACE: Main Stage

REVVED 17–20 NOVEMBER ‘Revved’ is a thrilling, funny and heart-wrenching debut play from Patrick Quinn. It explores what it means to be on the cusp of adulthood in modern Donegal, while tackling themes of belonging, truth and desire.

By Patrick Quinn. Presented by An Grianán Theatre SPACE: Naughton Studio

A WARNING TO THE CURIOUS...

TWO GHOST STORIES BY M R JAMES 20–21 NOVEMBER M R James wrote the finest ghost stories in the Englsh language. Now, over a century after their first publication, Nunkie Theatre Company have bought two of the eeriest and most entertaining back to life in this gripping one-man show.

Performed and presented by Robert Lloyd Parry SPACE: Naughton Studio

PATRICK KIELTY 10–13 NOVEMBER A second chance to catch Dundrum’s finest as he returns to The Lyric stage to reprise his critically acclaimed BORDERLINE stand up show. Bittersweet, poignant and laugh out loud funny, BORDERLINE sees Patrick reflect on his personal past and our shared future in his first live stand up in over five years.

SPACE: Main Stage

WHAT’S ON AT A GLANCE JUNE STONES IN HIS POCKETS

MAIN STAGE

07 JUNE – 03 JULY

SHEDDING OF SKIN

NAUGHTON STUDIO

14 – 19 JUNE

TWO FINGERS UP

NAUGHTON STUDIO

19 & 20 JULY

PAUL CURRIE: TCOGLIMSKTMTTASITFS

NAUGHTON STUDIO

22 & 23 JULY

BREAD BOY

MAIN STAGE

27 – 31 JULY

CARSON & THE LADY

MAIN STAGE

03 - 07 AUG

ST.MUNGOS THE LADIES

MAIN STAGE

09 - 21 AUG

MULDOONS PICNIC

MAIN STAGE

13 AUG

ROSHNI - BELFAST MELA

NAUGHTON STUDIO

22 AUG

THE BORDER GAME

MAIN STAGE

25 - 27 AUG

THE GAP YEAR

MAIN STAGE

03 - 25 SEPT

HOW TO BURY A DEAD MULE

NAUGHTON STUDIO

06 - 10 SEPT

THE WHOLE NINE YARNS

NAUGHTON STUDIO

11 SEPT

GREEN & BLUE

NAUGHTON STUDIO

14 - 18 SEPT

LIFE BITES

NAUGHTON STUDIO

28 - 02 OCT

THE MATCHMAKER

MAIN STAGE

30 SEPT - 01 OCT

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER THE SONG OF THE BONES

NAUGHTON STUDIO

07 - 08 OCT

PROPAGANDA: A NEW MUSICAL

MAIN STAGE

08 OCT – 05 NOV

YES SO I SAID YES

NAUGHTON STUDIO

11 - 22 OCT

BIG MAN

NAUGHTON STUDIO

27 OCT – 13 NOV

DOUG ALLEN: IT'S A WRAP

MAIN STAGE

07 NOV

PATRICK KIELTY: BORDERLINE

MAIN STAGE

10 - 13 NOV

REVVED

NAUGHTON STUDIO

17 - 20 NOV

A WARNING TO THE CURIOUS

NAUGHTON STUDIO

20 & 21 NOV

THE SNOW QUEEN

MAIN STAGE

25 NOV – 31 DEC

GRIMES & MCKEE: CHRISTMAS CRAIC-ER

MAIN STAGE

02 - 30 DEC

PIGEON & PLUM

NAUGHTON STUDIO

8 - 11, 15 - 18, 22 - 23 DEC

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

NOTHING LIKE YOU’VE EVER SEEN BEFORE

THE LYRIC THEATRE 55 RIDGEWAY STREET BELFAST, BT9 5FB +44 (0)28 9038 1081 BOXOFFICE@LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK