A peace process thriller, the DUP opera and countless cuppas: Belfastâs Lyric theatre at 75
What began as a tiny space above the founderâs stables became the beating heart of the cityâs performing arts. Its leader Jimmy Fay reflects on recent hits and reveals what audiences can expect from the theatreâs anniversary yearâThe Lyric gives voice to everyone in Northern Ireland,â says the theatreâs boss, Jimmy Fay. âItâs a beacon.â Fay views the 2026 programme, celebrating 75 years of the Lyric, as an opportunity to showcase current creative talent, as well as honouring the theatreâs past.One of the plays from the repertoire that Fay was keen to revive is Christina Reidâs Tea in a China Cup, from 1983. With a cast including Marie Jones, the new production â which runs in May â is directed by Dan Gordon, who performed in the original. Reidâs play traces the daily lives of Protestant working-class women in Belfast across three decades, from the second world war to the Troubles, with humour and poignancy. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
