Listen at the Lyric, Ulster After Dark, Preview
By Conor O’Neill
With pumpkins greeting us outside fruit-and-veg shops as we walk down eerily deserted high streets; autumnal winds blowing our collect downbeat 2020 blues even deeper, life is to be honest a tad morose. People are already online banging on about how many days until Christmas and with online shops prepping us for Black Friday things are getting frantic, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Yes, we’ve spent more time indoors and with our families, or, possibly even worse, alone this year – I’ll let your partner decide – and with going to the theatre becoming a sepia-edged notion of nostalgia the weather seems to be reflecting our moods;p there is always a glimmer of hope.
Belfast’s Lyric theatre has been doing its best to keep us entertained. And the continuation of its ‘Listen at the Lyric’ project brings us three spooky new tales to entertain us over the next few days. Named Ulster After Dark, the series brings us new works from some of Northern Ireland’s brightest talents. There’s three new audio monologues to enjoy, namely: Bad Ground by Gary Crossan and performed by Sean Kearns; Outside Her by Karis Halsall and performed by Stella McClusker and finally the strangely and intriguingly titled The Familial Binds of Cheriomancy written by Kat Woods and performed by Frank McCafferty. All three are directed by the award-winning Emma Jordan.
Not to forget, there’s something for the youngsters too!.
The Lyric’s Executive Producer, Jimmy Fay said: “’Listen at the Lyric’ is our continued response to adapting to the current situation ensuring that new writing is given a platform to be heard and celebrated. We are very proud to present these wonderful new works from such bright new talents. There is simply no better way to show our commitment to support and nurture future creative talent. We invite you to turn on, tune in and hope you don’t have too many nightmares…”
Caroline Curry-Thompson, Drama and Dance Officer of the Arts Council of Norther Ireland added: “We are delighted that the Lyric continues to demonstrate its commitment to audiences and our local theatre artists with this thrilling new offering of three spooky tales for Hallowe’en. I’m particularly excited to see the mix of some of the brightest and best with some rousing talent.
“A new offering from the Lyric is always intriguing, and one which introduces new voices is all the more electrifying. Added to that, a touch of Hallowe’en mischief and I for one am looking forward to snuggling up by the fire for this virtual Hallowe’en treat.”
And what’s for the kids I hear you ask? Well, on October 30th they can get creative with the Lyric’s Creepy Craft Making and Spooky Storytelling workshops. The Lyric’s team will take to Zoom to deliver these interactive workshops for young people aged 6 – 11. In addition, young writers can let their Hallowe’en imaginations run wild as part of a creative writing competition. Winners will have their work included in the storytelling session. Details on both these programs can be found at http://www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Ulster After Dark ruins from October 27th until November 2nd. Tickets are on sale for £6 with optional donation tickets at £12 and £20 – if possible, please donate as the arts has been one of the hardest hit industries during these trying times.
For further info visit http://www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
#SaveTheArts #SaveOurTheatres #LyricOnline
ENDS fffffff
CultureCrush NI 