Eerie tales from the Lyric this Hallowe’en

‘Listen at the Lyric’, part of the theatre’s commitment to support new work and emerging writing talent while the building is closed, continues with a series of specially commissioned audio plays inspired by Ulster folk-tales and unexplained real-life experiences.

‘Listen at the Lyric Ulster After Dark’ features monologues directed by Emma Jordan and performed by three of Northern Ireland’s acting greats - Sean Kearns, Frankie McCafferty and Stella McCusker.

In the spirit of keeping the Lyric Theatre alive during the ongoing impact of the pandemic, audiences are invited to close the curtains, light the fire, hold their cushion tight and tune into these eerie tales from Gary Crossan, Karis Halsall and Kat Woods. In Bad Ground, by Gary Crossan - performed by Sean Kearns - after a tough year, Frank Devine returns to his dilapidated family home in Co Derry to renovate the building and start a new chapter. As he chips away at the mountain of work needing done, will he uncover things that refuse to go back where they came from?

Outside Her, by Karis Halsall - performed by Stella McCusker - is based on true stories, recounted by Karis’ family from Co Down. Join elderly Iris as she recounts a terrifying tale from her youth.

The Familial Binds of Cheiromancy, by Kat Woods, is performed by Frankie McCafferty. The O’Rourke’s of Benaughlin Mountain, Fermanagh, have been reading palms for generations, until now. Mark has a strange encounter and decides to retire early from the profession, much to the disillusionment of his elderly mammy, who wants him to continue the family tradition.

The Hallowe’en stage is also set for young creatives too. Today, October 30, they can get creative with the Lyric’s Creepy Craft Making and Spooky Storytelling workshops. The Lyric’s team of professional facilitators will take to Zoom to deliver these interactive workshops for young people aged 6 – 11.

‘Listen at the Lyric: Ulster After Dark’ will be available to listen until November 2. Tickets are on sale at a standard price of £6 with optional donation tickets available at £12 and £20 to support the Lyric in continuing to produce great theatre during the pandemic.

For further details and to book in forthe creative workshops for kids, visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk.