Located on the banks of the River Lagan, which runs through the city, the Lyric Theatre –more commonly known as the Lyric – is the foremost full-time production theatre in Belfast.
Although the latest incarnation of the theatre was officially opened in 2011, the Lyric can trace its roots back to 1951 when it was first established just off the Lisburn Road.
An artistic beacon for the community, the theatre attempts to reflect the vibrant cultural experience and diverse traditions of the city in the performances it stages.
After an extensive refurbishment, the Lyric is now three times the size of its former self and houses a 400-seat main performance area, a second performance studio capable of seating almost 200 visitors and a rehearsal room the same size as the main area.
There is also an attractive cafe-bar and river terrace as well as a range of corporate entertaining suites overlooking the meandering River Lagan and Belfast’s Botanical Gardens.
One of Northern Ireland’s most famous acting sons, Liam Neeson, is the Lyric’s patron - he first performed there in 1976.
The theatre was also the site of a historic handshake between Queen Elizabeth II and Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minister for the Northern Ireland Assembly and a former commander of the IRA. The event was seen by many as a symbolically positive sign for the ongoing peace process in the country.
Situated on Ridgeway Street to the south of the vibrant city centre, the Lyric is within easy striking distance of all Belfast’s main attractions and is a must for any lover of the stage.