A major new free exhibition celebrating 75 years of the Lyric Theatre Belfast opens to the public this week, marking one of Northern Ireland’s most significant cultural milestones.
Running from 30 January to 8 November 2026, A House of Play tells the story of the Lyric’s evolution—from its beginnings in Mary O’Malley’s home on Derryvolgie Avenue in 1951, to its role today as Northern Ireland’s only producing theatre and a vital creative hub for theatre, literature, visual art, music, dance and education.
AT A GLANCE
A House of Play (Lyric Theatre Belfast)
Exhibition: A House of Play
Venue: Lyric Theatre Belfast
Dates: 30 January – 8 November 2026
Entry: Free
Focus: 75 years of the Lyric Theatre + Mary O’Malley’s legacy
Opening Week: Ticketed events (music, poetry, screenings, talks, performances)
Supported by: The National Lottery Heritage Fund
What Is A House of Play at the Lyric Theatre Belfast?
Curated by Kim Mawhinney, A House of Play is the first major public exhibition to showcase the Lyric’s cultural legacy. The exhibition places Mary O’Malley at the heart of the story and highlights the theatre’s long tradition of championing new voices and bold artistic work.
Over the decades, the Lyric has been linked with influential creatives including Seamus Heaney, Brian Friel, John Hewitt, Helen Lewis, and Sam McCready.
What You’ll See at the Lyric Theatre Exhibition
Visitors can explore a rich collection of material, including:
- Rare archive content from the Lyric Theatre collection
- Special editions of the literary magazine Threshold
- Highlights from the Lyric’s historic New Gallery programme
- Works connected to Jack B. Yeats, Basil Blackshaw, Louis Le Brocquy, and Neil Shawcross
- A recreation of the original Derryvolgie Avenue theatre space
- A newly commissioned artwork by Colin Davidson
Opening Week Events at Lyric Theatre Belfast
To mark the opening week, the Lyric will host a programme of ticketed events, featuring:
- Live music
- Poetry
- Film screenings
- Talks and conversations
- Live performances
The Naughton Studio will also be transformed to reflect the Lyric’s original intimate “house theatre” setting.
Lyric Theatre Belfast Exhibition 2026 FAQs
When is A House of Play at the Lyric Theatre Belfast?
The exhibition runs from 30 January to 8 November 2026.
Is A House of Play free to visit?
Yes — A House of Play is a free exhibition at the Lyric Theatre Belfast.
What is the exhibition about?
It celebrates 75 years of the Lyric Theatre Belfast, from its origins in Mary O’Malley’s home to its role today as Northern Ireland’s only producing theatre.
What will I see at the exhibition?
Expect archive material, rare editions of Threshold, gallery highlights, a recreation of the original theatre space, and a new artwork by Colin Davidson.
Are there events during opening week?
Yes — the Lyric will host ticketed opening week events including music, poetry, screenings, talks and performances.
For more details and tickets, visit the Lyric Theatre website and follow @LyricBelfast.
