Menu
15/01/2010
Neeson Hosts US Lyric Theatre Fundraiser
Ballymena-born actor Liam Neeson hosted a private fundraising dinner last week in New York in aid of the reconstruction of the Lyric Theatre in Belfast, of which he is Patron.
Special guests who turned out to show their support included actors Meryl Streep, Aidan Quinn and Ciarán Hinds.
The dinner was held at the Manhattan home of Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman of the American Ireland Fund.
The evening included a presentation in music and readings about the Lyric, (pictured) with performances by Brian Kennedy and double Tony nominee Conleth Hill, and a menu designed by Paul Rankin.
Chairman of the Lyric, Mark Carruthers, joined Liam Neeson in urging guests to support the theatre's fundraising campaign and help to transform Northern Ireland's cultural landscape.
The dinner was deemed a "resounding success" and has raised nearly $400,000 (£250,000) so far.
The theatre has to raise a total of £800,000 by June to complete its capital campaign and secure a £500,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation in Michigan.
The Lyric's fundraising team has been working since 2003 to raise the funds to build a completed the redevelopment of the Belfast theatre.
Support has come from a wide range of sources, including the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, private trusts and foundations, corporate sponsors and individual philanthropists.
With nearly four times the floor space than in the original theatre, the Lyric's new home will consist of a 394 seat main auditorium, a 150 seat studio theatre, a rehearsal room, extensive riverfront foyers and bar, dressing rooms, technical facilities and office accommodation.
Ciarán McAuley, Chief Executive of the Lyric Theatre commented: "We would really like to thank all the Lyric’s funders, sponsors and donors who have contributed to our fund raising campaign so far."
(NS/GK)
Special guests who turned out to show their support included actors Meryl Streep, Aidan Quinn and Ciarán Hinds.
The dinner was held at the Manhattan home of Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman of the American Ireland Fund.
The evening included a presentation in music and readings about the Lyric, (pictured) with performances by Brian Kennedy and double Tony nominee Conleth Hill, and a menu designed by Paul Rankin.
Chairman of the Lyric, Mark Carruthers, joined Liam Neeson in urging guests to support the theatre's fundraising campaign and help to transform Northern Ireland's cultural landscape.
The dinner was deemed a "resounding success" and has raised nearly $400,000 (£250,000) so far.
The theatre has to raise a total of £800,000 by June to complete its capital campaign and secure a £500,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation in Michigan.
The Lyric's fundraising team has been working since 2003 to raise the funds to build a completed the redevelopment of the Belfast theatre.
Support has come from a wide range of sources, including the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, private trusts and foundations, corporate sponsors and individual philanthropists.
With nearly four times the floor space than in the original theatre, the Lyric's new home will consist of a 394 seat main auditorium, a 150 seat studio theatre, a rehearsal room, extensive riverfront foyers and bar, dressing rooms, technical facilities and office accommodation.
Ciarán McAuley, Chief Executive of the Lyric Theatre commented: "We would really like to thank all the Lyric’s funders, sponsors and donors who have contributed to our fund raising campaign so far."
(NS/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
17 December 2010
Northern Bank 'Sets Scene' For Lyric
The Lyric Theatre has announced a major funding boost as details of a five-year partnership with Northern Bank were revealed at an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the new theatre. Building work is nearing completion and the Lyric will reopen its doors on Sunday 1 May 2011 with a gala performance on the newly named Northern Bank Stage.
Northern Bank 'Sets Scene' For Lyric
The Lyric Theatre has announced a major funding boost as details of a five-year partnership with Northern Bank were revealed at an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the new theatre. Building work is nearing completion and the Lyric will reopen its doors on Sunday 1 May 2011 with a gala performance on the newly named Northern Bank Stage.
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.
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
