Friday 30 October · Exhibitions
EXHIBITION-A HOUSE OF PLAY: 75 Years of the Lyric Theatre
Lyric Theatre · Belfast
- When
- 9 dates, from Fri 30 Oct During opening hours
- Price
- Free
A HOUSE OF PLAY | Exhibition A Lyric Theatre Belfast Exhibition Tickets & Info FRI 30 JAN - SUN 08 NOV 2026 10:00 - 15:00 BOOK NOW An Exhibition and Programme of Events to Celebrate a Landmark Anniversary. Discover the people, ideas and creative collaborations that have shaped the Lyric Theatre over 75 remarkable years. A House of Play celebrates the Lyric’s rich history and enduring role in the cultural life of Northern Ireland, tracing its journey from an intimate studio in the O’Malley family home to the award-winning theatre on Ridgeway Street. Through archival treasures, literary voices, artistic expression and the stories of those who brought the Lyric to life, explore a legacy built on imagination, experimentation and community — and discover how its past continues to inspire the future. Lyric Players Meet the people who made the Lyric. From founders Mary O’Malley and Alice Berger Hammerschlag to celebrated writers, performers and artists, discover the visionaries, collaborators and unsung heroes whose talent and dedication have shaped the theatre’s distinctive spirit across generations. Threshold Step into the pages of Threshold , the Lyric’s influential literary journal, published from 1957 to 1990. Explore rare editions, manuscripts, letters and artwork, and discover the writers and ideas that helped shape Ireland’s literary landscape, including early work by Seamus Heaney and Paul Muldoon. New Gallery Discover the Lyric’s enduring relationship with visual art. Celebrating the theatre’s commitment to artistic collaboration, this section explores how visual artists have contributed to its creative identity, bringing new perspectives, ideas and inspiration into the world of theatre. The Playhouse Trace the Lyric’s remarkable journey from its beginnings in Mary and Pearse O’Malley’s home in 1951 to the award-winning theatre of today. Experience a recreation of the original studio space and explore the milestones, ambition and collective endeavour that transformed an intimate gathering place into a cornerstone of Northern Ireland’s cultural life. A House Of Play is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery Players. Read Less Read More Credits Patsy McCartan & Matthew Maw Curators Patsy McCartan Heritage Manager Claire Murray & Emma Brennan Project Leads Naomi Johnston Interpretation Design Brian Delaney of Tom Caldwell Installations Installation of artworks Stuart Marshall Set Design Catherine Kodicek Costume Mounter Garth McConaghie Music and Sound Design Arthur Oliver-Brown Production Manager Jonny Daley Lighting Design Kerri McGimpsey Stage Manager Declan Paxton Technician Lyric Scene Shop Set Build Amanda Coogan & Kristina Laverty ISL/BSL Interpreters With Thanks Conor O’Malley, NUI Galway, Ulster Museum, Seamus Heaney Homeplace, The Linen Hall, Moya Osborne (on behalf of Jean Osborne), Anne Friel, Colin Davidson, Neil Shawcross, Dickon Hall, Michael & Barbara Lagan, Robert Walsh, RTÉ Archives, BBC NI, Below the Radar TV, Doubleband Films, Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen's, Seamus Heaney Estate, W&G Baird, Walk on Air Films, Donegal County Museum Off The Wall Creatives Interpretive panel print and installation Close Date & Times Date & Times Date Time Sat 31 Oct 2026 10:00 Choose seats Sun 01 Nov 2026 10:00 Choose seats Tue 03 Nov 2026 10:00 Choose seats Wed 04 Nov 2026 10:00 Choose seats Thu 05 Nov 2026 10:00 Choose seats Fri 06 Nov 2026 10:00 Choose seats Sat 07 Nov 2026 10:00 Choose seats Sun 08 Nov 2026 10:00 Choose seats
Dates
- Fri 30 Oct During opening hours
- Sat 31 Oct During opening hours
- Sun 1 Nov During opening hours
- Tue 3 Nov During opening hours
- Wed 4 Nov During opening hours
- Thu 5 Nov During opening hours
- Fri 6 Nov During opening hours
- Sat 7 Nov During opening hours
- Sun 8 Nov During opening hours