The Lyric Theatre Belfast has revealed a dynamic lineup of productions for their Spring/Summer 2025 season, showcasing an exceptional programme, perfect for an amazing night out at the theatre. With a mix of fresh new work, celebrated classics, and thought-provoking performances, the Lyric invites audiences to take a seat for an unforgettable theatre experience.
Opening the 2025 season is the smash hit The Gap Year, Sat 1 Feb—Sun 2 Mar, back by popular demand following a sell-out run in 2022. Written by Clare McMahon and directed by Benjamin Gould, this heartwarming comedy follows widowed Kate, childminder Roisin, and their best friend Oonagh as they embark on a whirlwind Gap Year across Ireland, exploring counties they’ve never heard of with plenty of craic.
The Lyric’s spring production is Our New Girl by Nancy Harris, the acclaimed writer of the hit TV series, The Dry, Tues 8 Apr – Sun 4 May 2025. Described by The Guardian as “an engrossing psychological drama”, this is new, wickedly witty production of Harris’ macabre drama about parenthood reveals the dark side of modern living. The final Lyric production of the Spring/Summer season brings us into a world of wit, charm, and sheer hilarity with a vibrant revival of the Oscar Wilde classic The Importance of Being Earnest, Sat 31 May – Sun 29 Jun.
The Lyric will partner with Replay Theatre Company in a co-production of the beloved children’s classic The Velveteen Rabbit, Fri 14– Sun 30 March, by Margery Williams. Re-imagined for a new generation of young people by writer Jan Carson and composer Duke Special in an original musical adaptation from as part of the Belfast Children’s Festival.
The award-winning Lyric Drama Studio’s production is always a highlight of the season. This year’s graduates present Jessica Swale’s Nell Gwynn Wed 30 Apr – Sat 10 May. Set in London in 1660, Nell Gwynn charts the rise of an unlikely heroine, from her roots in Coal Yard Alley to her success as Britain’s most celebrated actress, and her hard-won place in the heart of the King Charles II.
Experience a host of visiting shows at the Lyric from comedy to music, dance and exciting new works including: Druid Theatre Company’s Three Short Comedies by Seán O’Casey Tues 4 – Sat 8 Mar; Mónica Muñoz Dance’s Fall & Float Sat 8 – Sun 9 March and Enrunga Theater’s Univers Sat 15 Mar, both presented by Young at Art as part of Belfast Children’s Festival; Conor Mitchell & Belfast Ensemble’s The Necklace, A new musical in concert Sun 9 Mar; Nuala McKeever presents her smash-hit In The Window Wed 19 – Sun 30 Mar; David Hull Promotions presents Barbara Dickson, Nick Holland & Anthony Toner Sun 13 Apr; Mary-Elaine Tynan presents Paddy – The Life and Times of Paddy Armstrong Wed 16 – Sat 19 April; Rogue Encounters presents Behind The Mask Wed 9 – Thurs 10 Apr; back by popular demand Insideout Theatre production presents A Night at the Musicals Tues 13 – Thurs 14 May; Replay Theatre Company presents Prism Wed 14 – Fri 16 May, Luail – Ireland’s National Dance Company presents Chora Sun 18 May and the inaugural Cat Laughs Comedy Festival Thurs 22 – Mon 26 May.
Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented:
“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, as principal funder, is proud to support the Lyric Theatre’s new 2025 season as it continues to innovate, bringing exceptional new writing from home-grown talent to local and international attention and providing audiences with unforgettable theatre experiences. What a great start to the New Year!”
Lyric Theatre Executive Producer, Jimmy Fay, said:
“We’re incredibly excited to present this exciting range of productions for Spring/ Summer 2025. Whether it’s a gripping new drama, a captivating adaptation, or a thought-provoking piece of theatre, we believe these works will engage, entertain, and spark important conversations. The Lyric Theatre has always been a place where bold ideas and exceptional talent come together, and this season is no exception. We can’t wait to share these performances with our audiences.”
Tickets for the Spring/ Summer 2025 season now available. Full details can be found on the Lyric Theatre’s website visit https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/ Follow Lyric Theatre on X, Facebook and Instagram @LyricBelfast.
The Lyric Theatre is supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery funding and Belfast City Council.