75 Years of the Lyric Theatre Belfast: A House of Play Exhibition Marks a Landmark Anniversary.
A House of Play: 75 Years of the Lyric Theatre Belfast, a major free exhibition marking one of Northern Ireland’s most significant cultural anniversaries, 30 January to 8 November 2026, opens to the public this week. The opening week will feature a series of special ticketed public events celebrating its founding by Mary O’Malley in 1951.
Curated by Kim Mawhinney, A House of Play charts the evolution of the Lyric from its beginnings in Mary O’Malley’s Derryvolgie Avenue home to its position today as Northern Ireland’s only producing theatre and a vital cultural hub for artists working across theatre, literature, visual art, music, dance and education.
It offers the first comprehensive public presentation of the Lyric’s cultural legacy across 75 years, highlighting its influence on many of Ireland’s most important artistic voices. Mary O’Malley is placed at the centre of the story, acknowledging her vision in creating a space where new voices could emerge and artistic risk was actively encouraged. Artists and writers associated with the Lyric include Helen Lewis, Seamus Heaney, Brian Friel, John Hewitt and Sam McCready.
Exhibition highlights include artworks associated with the Lyric’s historic New Gallery (1963–1969), with works by Jack B. Yeats, Basil Blackshaw, Alice Berger Hammerschlag, Louis Le Brocquy, Neil Shawcross, Jean Osborne, Brian Ballard, Raymond Piper and Robert Ballagh. Rare editions of the literary magazine Threshold (1957–1990) will be on display alongside archival material from the Lyric Theatre archive. A recreation of the original Derryvolgie Avenue theatre will form a central feature, alongside a newly commissioned artwork by Colin Davidson, unveiled as part of the anniversary.
The opening week will be marked by a specially curated programme of music, poetry readings, conversations, documentary screenings and live performances. The Lyric’s Naughton Studio will be transformed into the original home-theatre setting, allowing audiences to experience performances in the intimate conditions in which the Lyric began. Featured guests include Medbh McGuckian, Anne Devlin, Colin Davidson, Mark Carruthers, Conor O’Malley and Kim Mawhinney, with performances by Neil Martin, Hive Choir, Rogue Encounters, John Anderson’s Voices of Ireland and more.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. A House of Play is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Lyric Theatre is principally supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Lottery funding, and Belfast City Council.
Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer of the Lyric Theatre Belfast, said:
“The House of Play is a major innovation for the Lyric Theatre. Through it we acknowledge some of the outstanding artists that have been part of our 75-year history. Their work remains fresh, vibrant, and adventurous, continuing to inspire our artists and audience. This exhibition will give a whole new look to the Lyric, and I hope people will take the time to enjoy it in our stunning cafe/bar overlooking the magnificent river Lagan and join with us in celebrating our ongoing vibrant legacy.”
Chief Executive of Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Roisín McDonough commented:
“Our journey with the Lyric Theatre has evolved over many decades and is one in which we’ve been privileged to witness the theatre’s multiple triumphs and the launching of many wonderful careers as a result of its work. As an Arts Council, we have stood alongside the Lyric throughout, supporting programming and award-winning creative outreach initiatives, bringing the magic of theatre and performance to communities who might not otherwise be able to benefit from them. Congratulations and deep thanks from the Arts Council to The Lyric, to all the wonderful directors, players and staff and successive boards. You have all helped mark the legacy of this creative space across 75 years.”
Dr Paul Mullan, Northern Ireland Director for The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:
“I’m delighted that The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been able to support this milestone project that uncovers and celebrates the 75-year history of the Lyric Theatre. The Lyric Theatre has been at the heart of cultural life here, from the small beginnings at The O’Malley’s Derryvolgie Avenue home to the two iterations of the theatre today. The free exhibition and supporting events programme is a wonderful way to experience and mark the theatre’s contribution to our cultural heritage.”
Curator of the exhibition from National Museums NI, Kim Mawhinney added:
“National Museums NI is delighted to be involved with the celebration of 75 years of the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. It has been a real privilege to curate A House of Play showcasing the original artists and paintings of those who were involved from the Lyric’s very beginning. We are indebted to the artists and private collectors who have supported this major exhibition by lending significant artworks to be exhibited alongside the Lyric’s own art collection.”
For further information on the exhibition and opening week events visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk. Follow Lyric Theatre on Instagram and Facebook @LyricBelfast #LyricBelfast.