Overview
The Lyric Theatre sits on the leafy banks of the River Lagan in south Belfast, just a ten‑minute walk from the city centre. Opened on 1 May 2011, the £18.1 million state‑of‑the‑art building has quickly become a cultural landmark, offering a programme that ranges from classic comedies to cutting‑edge new writing. Visitors are drawn not only by the high‑quality productions but also by the venue’s striking contemporary architecture, its panoramic river views, and a café bar that serves as a social hub throughout the day.
History
The original Lyric Theatre, founded in 1968, operated from a modest venue in the city centre. In 2011 the company moved to its purpose‑built home on Ridgeway Street, a project that transformed a former industrial site into a beacon of regeneration. Architecture critics, including Ellis Woodman of the Daily Telegraph, have praised the building as one of the “best British buildings built this century”.
Within its first year the Lyric earned the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award at the Northern Ireland Tourism Awards (2012) and was later named UK Theatre of the Year 2023. It has also collected a suite of design accolades – the Royal Society of Ulster Architects’ Building of the Year, a Civic Trust Award, and multiple brick‑and‑concrete society honours – cementing its reputation as both a cultural and architectural destination.
Architecture & Design
The new Lyric was the result of an international competition in 2003, won by O’Donnell + Tuomey Architects from a field of 56 entries. Construction began in March 2009 and the building opened in May 2011. The 5,026 m² (54,164 sq ft) structure is composed of three distinct brick‑clad volumes – the main auditorium, the Naughton Studio and a rehearsal room – linked by public circulation spaces wrapped in sandstone, echoing the river’s bed.
Design team & construction
- Architects: O’Donnell + Tuomey (Ireland) – lead design winner of the 2003 competition.
- Project lead: Richard Wakely, former Managing Director of the Abbey Theatre, Dublin.
- Specialist consultants: Theatreplan (stage and technical design) and Sound Space Design (acoustics).
- Materials: Deep orange/red Belfast brick, hand‑made special bricks, Iroko timber arches for acoustic lining, sandstone circulation floors.
Key design features include:
- Timber arches – three faceted Iroko arches form the acoustic lining of the auditorium, hiding technical equipment while enhancing sound.
- River‑front windows – large timber‑framed glazing offers uninterrupted views of the Lagan and surrounding parkland.
- Steep raked seating – the 389‑seat Danske Bank Stage is a single‑rake auditorium, ensuring every seat is within 15 m of the stage.
- Flexible studio – the Naughton Studio’s picture‑window façade creates a visual dialogue between street activity and performance.
- Public realm – a gently rising sandstone stair, a spacious foyer and a riverside terrace invite visitors to linger, while the surrounding Lyric woods connect the site to the river’s continuous line.
Awards & Recognition
Since opening, the Lyric has amassed a notable list of awards:
- Outstanding Contribution to Tourism – Northern Ireland Tourism Awards, 2012
- UK Theatre of the Year – 2023
- Royal Society of Ulster Architects – Building of the Year
- Civic Trust Award
- Multiple accolades from the Brick‑and‑Concrete Society for innovative use of Belfast brick and sustainable design.
These honours underline the Lyric’s dual role as a premier performing‑arts venue and an architectural landmark.
Productions
The Lyric’s core mission is to produce professional theatre for local and international audiences. Its main house, the Danske Bank Stage, seats 389 patrons in a single steep rake, ensuring an intimate connection between actors and audience. A flexible studio, the Naughton Studio, accommodates 110‑150 people and hosts experimental works, workshops, and community projects.
Current highlights (April 2026):
- The Importance of Being Earnest – Oscar Wilde revival
- Tea in a China Cup – original piece (May 2026)
- GROUP! – musical comedy (Mar‑Apr 2026)
- Broadway: Lloyd Webber & More – 24 Apr 2026
- Minute by Minute – The Ultimate Doobie Brothers Tribute – 23 Apr 2026
- Youth‑Driven Cinema – 22 Apr 2026
Seasonal Highlights & Upcoming Productions
Vivid Faces – Centenary Programme (2024‑25)
The Lyric launched the Vivid Faces season, commissioning eight new works that mark the centenaries of the 1916 Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme. Highlights included:
- Here Comes the Night (Rosemary Jenkinson) – new writing commission
- The Patriot Game (Tom Murphy) – docu‑drama about the Easter Rising
- Northern Star (Stewart Parker) – Rough Magic co‑production
- Smiley (Gary Mitchell) – comedy about football and identity
- Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme (Frank McGuinness) – multi‑company co‑production
- St Joan (George Bernard Shaw) – autumn launch
- The Nest (Conor McPherson translation) – Young Vic co‑production
- Three Sisters (Lucy Caldwell adaptation) – modern Chekhov reset
Christmas Tradition
Each winter the Lyric presents a family‑friendly Christmas production. In 2024 the venue staged A Christmas Carol – a fresh adaptation by acclaimed playwright Marie Jones, drawing audiences into a Belfast‑centred retelling of Dickens’ classic.
Notable Performances
- Gary Arbuthnot – Stage and Screen (November 2025) – the internationally‑renowned flautist performed a programme that blended classical, pop and jazz, showcasing the Lyric’s capacity to host world‑class music events.
- Broadway‑style productions such as Lloyd Webber & More demonstrate the venue’s technical capability to mount large‑scale musical spectacles.
Virtual Tour
A 360° virtual walk‑through of the Lyric Theatre is available on YouTube, allowing remote visitors to explore the auditorium, studio and riverside terrace before their visit. [Watch the tour] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxNnr1xZyrQ).
Charity & Community Role
The Lyric operates as a registered charity, relying on ticket sales, corporate partnerships and public support. In October 2025 it announced a partnership with W&G Baird, a long‑standing Belfast printer, to help fund new productions, education programmes and community outreach.
The Creative Learning department runs drama workshops, backstage tours, youth theatre programmes and professional‑development courses for teachers and artists. Recent community work includes a performance for Antrim Primary School pupils that explored environmental issues such as littering and recycling.
Backstage Tours
Visitors can book a backstage tour that takes them behind the scenes of the auditorium, studio and rehearsal spaces, with insights from technical staff. Tours run on selected weekdays; details and booking are available on the venue’s “Plan Your Visit” page.
Visiting the Lyric
Address: 55 Ridgeway Street, Stranmillis, Belfast BT9 5FB, Co. Antrim
Getting Here:
- Public transport: Several Translink bus routes run along Stranmillis Road (e.g., 5, 6A, 7). The nearest train station is Belfast Lanyon Place, a 15‑minute walk.
- Parking: Limited on‑street parking is available on Ridgeway Street and the adjacent Botanic Gardens car park (pay‑and‑display). A short walk brings you to the venue’s doorstep.
- Walking: A 10‑minute stroll from Belfast City Hall and opposite the Belfast Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum.
Box Office & Tickets:
- Open daily; exact opening hours should be confirmed on the official site.
- Tickets can be purchased online via the Lyric’s website, by phone (+44 (0)28 9038 5685 or +44 (0)28 9038 1081) or at the box office.
- Discounts are available for students, seniors, families and groups of ten or more.
Café Bar: Open every day for breakfast, lunch and evening refreshments. The riverside terrace is especially popular in summer, offering coffee, tea, pastries and light meals.
Accessibility: Wheelchair‑friendly entrances, designated seating, hearing‑loop facilities and accessible restrooms. Detailed information is on the dedicated Accessibility page.
Contact:
- Phone: +44 (0)28 9038 5685 (box office) / +44 (0)28 9038 1081 (alternative)
- Email: info@lyrictheatre.com
Nearby Attractions
The Lyric’s riverside location makes it easy to combine a theatre visit with other Belfast highlights:
- Stroll through the Belfast Botanic Gardens and explore the Palm House and Tropical Ravine.
- Visit the adjacent Ulster Museum for art, history and natural‑science exhibitions.
- Walk along the River Lagan to the historic Belfast Harbour and enjoy the waterfront promenade.
- The nearby Belfast Hills offer scenic walks if you have extra time.
- A short walk north brings you to Belfast Castle, set in the beautiful Cave Hill Country Park.