Lyric Theatre is ready to spring into 2021

In partnership with BBC NI and BBC Four, the Lyric will present the international premiere of Sadie, a searing new play from former Artist-in-Residence David Ireland, directed by Conleth Hill. In addition, the Lyric is now accepting submissions for their New Playwrights Programme 2021.

Sadie is a Lyric Theatre Production; in association with Stephen Rea’s Field Day Theatre Company, who originally commissioned the play. Directed by Conleth Hill (Lord Varys, Game of Thrones) and starring award-winning actress Abigail McGibbon, it will be filmed on the Main Stage in February 2021, and broadcast on BBC Four as part of BBC Arts ‘Lights up’ for the new Culture in Quarantine Season – a celebration of British theatre, bringing newly-recorded staged productions from UK theatres to audiences across television, radio, iPlayer and BBC Sounds. Sharp-witted cleaner Sadie develops an intense, dysfunctional relationship with a much younger man - triggering a psychological showdown with the remnant demons of her past.

The Lyric has announced that their New Playwrights Programme 2021 is now open to all new and emerging playwrights interested in developing a new full-length play. For the first time, participating writers will each receive a £1,000 bursary to take part in the programme. This six-month programme provides intensive, hands-on dramaturgical support for four writers, with an opportunity to showcase new work at the end of the programme.

Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer commented: “We are delighted to announce two amazing initiatives as part of our spring 2021 programme. Firstly, that our partnership with the BBC continues to grow with Sadie. We are also very excited to launch our New Playwrights Programme 2021 for future writers and their work. Our fantastic team will provide support and the platform to help them get their voices and stories heard.

Further details of the Lyric’s Spring programme will be announced soon. Applications for the New Playwrights Programme 2021 is open until Monday January 11.

Find out more at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk.