New writing airs with ‘Listen at the Lyric’

Lyric Theatre Belfast invites audiences to take a seat, tune in and enjoy an exclusive ‘first listen’ of brand-new work from emerging, established and new Northern Ireland writers.
By Julie-Ann Spence
Published 25th Sep 2020, 09:35 BST
Cast and creative for cast of Gap Year image: L-R: Laura Hughes, Director Benjamin Gould, Julia Dearden, Libby Huntley, James Doran, Seamus O’Hara, Writer Clare McMahonCast and creative for cast of Gap Year image: L-R: Laura Hughes, Director Benjamin Gould, Julia Dearden, Libby Huntley, James Doran, Seamus O’Hara, Writer Clare McMahon
Cast and creative for cast of Gap Year image: L-R: Laura Hughes, Director Benjamin Gould, Julia Dearden, Libby Huntley, James Doran, Seamus O’Hara, Writer Clare McMahon

‘Listen at the Lyric’ is part of the theatre’s continued commitment to keeping the spirit of the Lyric alive whilst its doors remain closed due to the impact of the pandemic.

Whilst the autumn/ winter programme celebration of new writing is unable to take to the stage this year; the Lyric has opened its door to welcome cast and creative teams to record a series of audio versions of three dynamic new works.

‘Listen at the Lyric’s says it is proud to announce:

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The Gap Year by Belfast based writer Clare McMahon: Kate, Roisin and Oonagh decide enough is enough, life is too short - sure didn’t Kate’s husband drop dead in the bread aisle of Lidl? They’re going to follow in their children’s footsteps and take a Gap Year. Thailand? Europe? Down Under? No, they’re going to visit every county in Ireland, sure there are a few they’ve never even heard of;

Burnt Out by Belfast writer Gary Mitchell: This dark psychological thriller follows a couple as their perfect life unravels into a disorientating nightmare of suspicion, paranoia, and intimidation when they unwittingly move to a new home opposite a bonfire site;

2050 Under the Albert Clock; A selection of short plays from Northern Ireland’s most dynamic female playwrights. 2050 Under the Albert Clock is a series of monologues that will be released in two parts on October 27 and November 10.

Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer Lyric Theatre Belfast, said: “Even though we continue to operate in a very challenging climate, we are very excited to provide audiences with the opportunity to get an exclusive, first listen to these wonderful audio pieces of new work from Northern Irish writers. Until we can safely bring these plays to our stage; we invite everyone to turn on, tune in, enjoy and celebrate this wonderful creative talent.”

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‘Listen at the Lyric’ is available to listen at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk on the following dates: The Gap Year September 29 – October 12; Burnt Out October 13-26; 2050 under the Albert Clock part one October 27 - November 9 and 2050 under the Albert Clock part two November 10 – 23. 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.

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