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07/06/2010
Branagh Backs Final Push For Lyric
The rebuilding of Belfast's Lyric Theatre is nearing a crucial deadline as it continues its fundraising attempts.
Last week, the north Belfast-born actor Kenneth Branagh offered his backing to the theatre that is currently under redevelopment.
In 2009, US-based Kresge Foundation pledged a donation of £500,000 to the rebuilding of the facility – on the condition that the theatre raised £800,000 by 30 June 2010.
But, with just four weeks to go, the theatre still has £150,000 left to raise, prompting Mr Branagh to appeal for people to give the Lyric "the support that it truly deserves".
The Lyric's Development Director, Angela McCloskey, said she is "confident" that the target will be reached.
The original theatre opened in 1951 and moved to premises on Ridgeway Street about 20 years later.
However, ongoing problems with the building and dated facilities led to a decision to close it.
The new theatre is now under construction on the banks of the River Lagan, and due to open in Spring 2011.
The new building, which will be three times the size of the original facility, will have a 390-seat auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, a rehearsal room, extensive riverfront foyers and bar, backstage facilities and office accommodation.
Mr Branagh is not the first Irish Hollywood heavyweight to pledge his support for the project.
Ballymena-born actor Liam Neeson, who got his start as an actor at the Lyric, hosted a celebrity dinner in New York in January, raising $400,000 (£273,482) for the theatre.
The fundraising campaign began in 2003, with almost £17.5m being raised so far.
(NS/GK)
Last week, the north Belfast-born actor Kenneth Branagh offered his backing to the theatre that is currently under redevelopment.
In 2009, US-based Kresge Foundation pledged a donation of £500,000 to the rebuilding of the facility – on the condition that the theatre raised £800,000 by 30 June 2010.
But, with just four weeks to go, the theatre still has £150,000 left to raise, prompting Mr Branagh to appeal for people to give the Lyric "the support that it truly deserves".
The Lyric's Development Director, Angela McCloskey, said she is "confident" that the target will be reached.
The original theatre opened in 1951 and moved to premises on Ridgeway Street about 20 years later.
However, ongoing problems with the building and dated facilities led to a decision to close it.
The new theatre is now under construction on the banks of the River Lagan, and due to open in Spring 2011.
The new building, which will be three times the size of the original facility, will have a 390-seat auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, a rehearsal room, extensive riverfront foyers and bar, backstage facilities and office accommodation.
Mr Branagh is not the first Irish Hollywood heavyweight to pledge his support for the project.
Ballymena-born actor Liam Neeson, who got his start as an actor at the Lyric, hosted a celebrity dinner in New York in January, raising $400,000 (£273,482) for the theatre.
The fundraising campaign began in 2003, with almost £17.5m being raised so far.
(NS/GK)
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17 August 2011
Lyric's Launches Theatre School
NI's Lyric Theatre is launching a year-round training programme called Theatre School in September offering a suite of drama programmes for budding thespians. No previous experience is required and entry into each programme is set by age.
Lyric's Launches Theatre School
NI's Lyric Theatre is launching a year-round training programme called Theatre School in September offering a suite of drama programmes for budding thespians. No previous experience is required and entry into each programme is set by age.
19 June 2008
Lyric Stoops To Conquer
Thanks in large part to a Belfast City Council investment of ₤1.25m the demolition of Belfast's Lyric Theatre later today is a new start - and not the end of the iconic south Belfast stage - which though bowed is set to rise again in less than two years time.
Lyric Stoops To Conquer
Thanks in large part to a Belfast City Council investment of ₤1.25m the demolition of Belfast's Lyric Theatre later today is a new start - and not the end of the iconic south Belfast stage - which though bowed is set to rise again in less than two years time.
14 March 2011
Lyric Theatre To Open With Miller
Belfast's much missed Lyric Theatre is to re-open on 1 May, and early announcements are already causing quite a lot of excitement. The theatre will open with a gala performance of Arthur Miller's influential play, The Crucible. The play examining the hellish Salem witchcraft trials is viewed as one of the greatest plays ever written.
Lyric Theatre To Open With Miller
Belfast's much missed Lyric Theatre is to re-open on 1 May, and early announcements are already causing quite a lot of excitement. The theatre will open with a gala performance of Arthur Miller's influential play, The Crucible. The play examining the hellish Salem witchcraft trials is viewed as one of the greatest plays ever written.
20 May 2010
New Lyric Lays Solid Foundation
As Belfast's iconic Lyric Theatre continues its run of plays in its temporary home at the Elmwood Hall, a major milestone has (literally - given the literary inscription) been passed. The laying of the old Lyric Theatre's foundation stone in the new theatre, (also being built on the original Ridgeway Street location) has taken place.
New Lyric Lays Solid Foundation
As Belfast's iconic Lyric Theatre continues its run of plays in its temporary home at the Elmwood Hall, a major milestone has (literally - given the literary inscription) been passed. The laying of the old Lyric Theatre's foundation stone in the new theatre, (also being built on the original Ridgeway Street location) has taken place.
23 July 2012
Lyric Theatre Shortlisted For Architecture Prize
A new £18m theatre in Belfast has been short-listed for the 2012 Stirling Prize in architecture. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) put the new Lyric Theatre in the running for the £20,000 prize, alongside London's Olympic Stadium and Maggie's cancer centre in Glasgow.
Lyric Theatre Shortlisted For Architecture Prize
A new £18m theatre in Belfast has been short-listed for the 2012 Stirling Prize in architecture. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) put the new Lyric Theatre in the running for the £20,000 prize, alongside London's Olympic Stadium and Maggie's cancer centre in Glasgow.
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