75th anniversary of the Lyric Theatre Belfast
Tabled 26 January 2026 by Claire Hanna
That this House congratulates the Lyric Theatre Belfast, Northern Ireland’s only full-time producing theatre, on the occasion of its 75th anniversary; recognises its humble beginnings, founded in 1951 by Mary and Pearse O’Malley in their home on Derryvolgie Avenue, its move to Ridgeway Street in 1968, and its subsequent rebuild in 2011; further recognises the Lyric’s role in fostering distinguished acting talent including Liam Neeson, now its patron, Ciarán Hinds, Adrian Dunbar, Conleth Hill, Stella McCusker and Michelle Fairley; congratulates the theatre on its numerous achievements, including being named The Stage Theatre of the Year in recognition of its dynamic programming, inclusive outreach work and commitment to underrepresented voices; acknowledges that the Lyric kept its doors open and provided a truly shared space throughout some of the most complex and turbulent years of Northern Ireland’s past; and recognises the Lyric’s substantial contribution to the arts sector in Northern Ireland in platforming and nurturing talent and bringing communities together, as well as its touring work across the UK, Ireland and the United States.