By Conor O’Neill
Photography courtesy of Carrie Davenport
Belfast’s Lyric Theatre and Primetime Cut Productions are pleased to announce the run of The Beauty Queen of Leeanne as part of the summer season. Theatre goers can see the show between May 27th and July 1st, 2023.
From the pen of playwright Martin McDonagh, famous for titles including The Banshees of Inisherin, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing and The Lieutenant of Inishmore, The Beauty Queen of Leeanne has won four Tony Awards on Broadway and has been nominated for an Olivier Award. The play promises to conjure up the unbearable tension and loneliness of an isolated existence.

In an isolated cottage in Connemara, Maureen Folan (Nicky Harley, pictured above) leads a lonely life with Mag (Ger Ryan, pictured above), her demanding, manipulative mother. With the arrival of an unexpected admirer (Coalan Byrne) and his brother (Martin Breen), Maureen finally sees the possibility of escaping her dismal life. Mag, however, has other ideas, and the two women are plunged into a desperate conflict which leads to a shocking conclusion.

The play’s director, Emma Jordan (pictured above) from Prime Cut Productions said: “I am delighted to finally be directing The Beauty Queen of Leeanne. I have adored this play for years and can’t wait to share it with the Lyric’s audiences. It’s a rollercoaster of a play; funny and horrific in equal measure.”
The Lyric’s Executive Producer, Jimmy Fay added: “What a pleasure to welcome the brilliant The Beauty Queen of Leeanne by the exceptional Martin McDonagh to The Lyric Theatre. Our co-production with Prime Cut Productions is directed by the fantastic Emma Jordan and features an incredibly talented cast and creative team. Audiences will be taken on a journey of biting comedy and gut-wrenching tragedy – not for the faint hearted but nonetheless a classic, timeless tale.”
The Beauty Queen of Leeanne runs at the Lyric from May 27th through to July 1st, 2023.
For booking information and times visit http://www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or simply ring the box office on 02893 444506.
ENDS