The Lyric Theatre in Belfast makes a unique and vital contribution to the community as the only full-time producing theatre in Northern Ireland. Employing local actors, including Liam Neeson, Ciarán Hinds and Adrian Dunbar at early stages of their careers, its mission is to produce high-quality professional theatre that is alive to the complex cultural experience and diverse traditions of the community, and to use the power of live theatre to empower, inspire, engage and educate. From first rehearsal to final curtain, the shows we create are truly indigenous products of Northern Ireland. Putting local issues and local characters centre stage is what the Lyric does best. Our shows are relevant to local audiences and revealing to visitors to the city. And a very important part of the new Lyric Theatre’s strategy is to tour as widely as possible, to give audiences outside Northern Ireland an insight into our culture and to the work of the Lyric. The Lyric’s new home on the banks of Belfast’s River Lagan, on the site of the previous theatre, is a landmark £18.1m building that signals the continued regeneration of the city and a catalyst for real progress in arts infrastructure for artists and audiences alike. Designed by O’Donnell + Tuomey, and built in a stunning blend of Belfast brick, glass, steel, concrete and Iroko timber, the new theatre will be alive and dramatic at all times.