With ongoing Covid restrictions keeping the doors closed to audiences, the Lyric is encouraging everyone to recreate the magic of the Lyric Theatre Christmas at home.
Join festive favourites Conor Grimes and Alan McKee from the 8th December in a Christmas special for Listen at the Lyric, an audio recording of The Nativity…What the Donkey Heard, or from 5th December take off to magical worlds with family Christmas spectaculars from the past: Peter Pan: The Musical, Alice: The Musical and Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf.
Families can join the Lyric Online and take a trip to marvellous magical places with Peter Pan: The Musical, Alice: The Musical and Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf from 5th December – 3rd January. With fairies, crocodiles, flying children, and mermaids, join the Darling children as they embark on the most magical adventure – where Hook and the crew of the Jolly Roger come face to face with all of Neverland and the boy who won’t grow up. Tumble down the rabbit hole for an adventure in Wonderland featuring a host of Lewis Carroll’s most famous characters.
Join Little Red Riding Hood and a ramshackle troupe of travelling actors who tell the real events behind the story of dear old Granny and the Big Bad Wolf. Wrap up your family Christmas experience with a bespoke Christmas sweetie hamper from the Lyric and Aunt Sandra’s homemade candies – available to book alongside the shows!
The Listen at The Lyric series gets into the festive spirit with a Christmas special from Conor Grimes and Alan McKee from 8th December – 3rd January. The Nativity…What the Donkey Heard is an audio adaption of their hugely popular 2016 show, The Nativity…What the Donkey Saw. This irreverent seasonal comedy looks for answers to some big questions such as why didn’t Joseph book a room in advance – didn’t he know the place would be packed for Christmas? The Nativity: What the Donkey Heard stars Conor Grimes, Terence Keeley, Alan McKee, Tara-Lynne O’Neill and Kerri Quinn, and directed by Frankie McCafferty with music from Rod McVey.
Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer of Lyric Theatre Belfast, said: “It has been an incredibly challenging year for the Lyric Theatre, as well as for all our colleagues in theatres across the UK & Ireland. Whilst our doors remain closed since March, we have been determined to produce work which showcases new and emerging artists, supports our many freelancers and keeps the spirit of the Lyric alive. Normally, at the end of November the theatre is packed full of schoolchildren to see the annual Christmas show. For many this is often their first ever visit to see live theatre. This year, like many cultural events, Christmas plans for our brand-new musical Pinocchio have been postponed until 2021. Although we cannot be together in our wonderful theatre this Christmas, we hope that our programme of festive treats featuring the hilarious Grimes and McKee and the beautiful productions of Peter Pan, Alice and Little Red Riding Hood will help you recreate a Lyric Theatre experience at home. On behalf of the team at the Lyric Theatre, I would like to thank everyone who supported us during these very challenging times. We hope you have a very merry Christmas and look forward to the time we can welcome you back to the Lyric.”
Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland added: “Whilst the doors of this much-loved theatre remain temporarily closed, the magic of the Lyric lives on with not one but four Christmas shows to enjoy from the safety and comfort of our homes this festive season. The Lyric has also inventively created a wonderful range of merchandise to treat yourself or a loved one this Christmas. It’s never been easier to support your local theatre and we look forward to gathering one day soon to enjoy live theatre together once again.”
Performances for the family shows: 5th December 2020 – 3rd January 2021 and performances for The Nativity… What the Donkey Heard 8th December 2020 – 3rd January 2021, are now available to book online. Also, why not visit the Lyric Theatre’s new online shop for some gift ideas for Christmas?
