Neeson Prepares To Star In 'The Other Man'

Fresh from supporting the fund-raising campaign to replace Belfast's iconic Lyric Theatre – where his own career started – Liam Neeson has begun work on a new big screen movie.

The Ballymena-born star is to go on set on St Valentine's Day with award-winning director Richard Eyre on a new feature film, the Other Man.

The film features Neeson - star of Kinsey, and Schindler's List – alongside Golden Globe nominee Antonio Banderas, Oscar nominee Laura Linney and Romola Garai star of Atonement and Amazing Grace.

The Other Man will begin shooting in on location in and around London, in Milan and at Lake Como as well as at Ealing Studios.

Main character, Peter – played by Neeson - is missing his wife Lisa (played by Linney) when he discovers that she has been receiving emails and mobile messages from a man he never knew existed.

Against the advice of his estranged daughter, Bryony (Garai), a hurt and vengeful Peter flies to Milan to seek out the mysterious Rafe (Banderas) and the truth about the other man in his wife's life.

The Other Man has a tremendous pedigree. Richard Eyre is renowned as a director of both theatre and film.

His feature films include Academy Award nominee Notes on a Scandal starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett, Stage Beauty, starring Claire Danes and Billy Crudup and Iris starring Judi Dench and that year's Oscar winner for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Jim Broadbent.

Meanwhile, back in Belfast - where Liam Neeson's recent support for the Lyric Theatre project was a considerable fillip to the rebuilding project - the now closed south Belfast theatre has revealed the full plans for the replacement venue.

Set to open its doors in 2010, the new Lyric is to be twice the size of the current building, although bosses say it will still retain the sense of intimacy familiar to regular Lyric visitors.

Demolition is expected to begin in April to make way for the £17m building on the Stranmillis Embankment.

Last weekend saw the curtain fall for the last time at the historic venue with Glenda's Glitter Ball, a performance of The Wizard of Oz and Liam Neeson was among those who attended the poignant closing performance.

Neeson, who began his acting career on the stage at the Lyric 30 years ago, also lent his support to the fundraising drive, which was boosted recently after Belfast City Council agreed to give the theatre £1.25m towards the redevelopment.

The council will provide the funding from its Cultural Legacy Fund which was established in November 2007.

And last summer local businessman Dr Martin Naughton and his wife Carmel donated £1m to boost the fund.

The new Lyric will feature a 380-seat main auditorium, a purpose-built studio space with 140 seats and spacious new lobby, bar and restaurant overlooking the River Lagan - no doubt attracting Hollywood star Neeson (and friends) - back again.

(BMcC)