For three quarters of a century, the Lyric Theatre has served as more than just a venue for performance; it has been a cultural anchor for Northern Ireland. As the theatre enters its 75th anniversary year in 2026, it continues to operate as what current leader Jimmy Fay describes as a “beacon,” providing a vital platform that “gives voice to everyone in Northern Ireland.”
The Visionary Origins of the Lyric
The Lyric Theatre’s journey began with the indomitable spirit of Mary O’Malley. A native of Cork, O’Malley moved to Belfast in 1947 after marrying psychiatrist Pearse O’Malley. Her goal was ambitious: to establish a “poet’s theatre” in Belfast that mirrored the artistic philosophy of the Dublin drama group she had been part of during the 1940s.
This philosophy was heavily influenced by the poet WB Yeats, who believed in prioritizing the artistic vision and the specific words of the playwright. O’Malley’s determination manifested in 1951 with the founding of the Lyric Players Theatre. The organization was built on a foundation of diversity and resilience, featuring founding members such as Austrian visual artist Alice Berger Hammerschlag and Helen Lewis, a Czech-born survivor of Auschwitz.
A Legacy of Community and Art
Mary O’Malley’s influence extended far beyond the stage. She was a multifaceted force in Belfast’s civic and artistic life, serving as an Irish Labour Party councillor for the Belfast Corporation starting in 1951. Her contributions to the arts were further recognized in 1958 when she became an honorary member of the Ulster Society of Women Artists, and in 1959, when she established the literary magazine Threshold.
Modern Leadership: The Era of Jimmy Fay
Today, the theatre is led by Executive Producer Jimmy Fay, who was appointed to the role in January 2014. Fay brings a deep pedigree of Irish theatre experience to the Lyric, having previously served as the Literary Director of the Abbey Theatre and co-founded the Dublin Fringe Festival.
Fay’s tenure has been marked by a commitment to nurturing local artists—including writers, designers, and directors—while maintaining a provocative dialogue with the audience. His own directorial success, including winning Best Director in the 2007 Irish Times Theatre Awards for Saved, informs his approach to keeping the Lyric a space that stimulates the imagination and poses difficult questions.
Celebrating 75 Years: The 2026 Programme
The anniversary programming for 2026 is designed to balance the theatre’s rich history with its current creative trajectory. A centerpiece of this celebration is the revival of Christina Reid’s 1983 play, Tea in a China Cup, scheduled to run in May.
Directed by Dan Gordon—who performed in the original production—and featuring Marie Jones in the cast, the play explores the lives of Protestant working-class women in Belfast from the Second World War through the Troubles. Jimmy Fay notes that Reid’s work remains essential for articulating the shared experiences of working-class people across sectarian divides, a sentiment that aligns with the socialist outlook of the theatre’s founder, Mary O’Malley.
Key Takeaways: Lyric Theatre Milestones
- 1947: Mary O’Malley moves to Belfast, laying the groundwork for the theatre.
- 1951: The Lyric Players Theatre is officially established.
- 1959: Launch of the literary magazine Threshold by Mary O’Malley.
- 2014: Jimmy Fay is appointed as Executive Producer to lead the theatre’s operations.
- 2026: The Lyric celebrates its 75th anniversary with a programme highlighting current talent and historic revivals.
Looking Ahead
As the Lyric Theatre celebrates 75 years, it remains dedicated to its original mission of artistic excellence and social relevance. By bridging the gap between its pioneering past and the contemporary creative landscape of Northern Ireland, the theatre continues to serve as a critical space for storytelling, reflection, and community connection.