The Stage

Nesbitt joins Lyric, Belfast campaign

Published Tuesday 16 March 2004 at 11:55 by Ruth Gillespie

James Nesbitt has joined the campaign to save Ulster’s only producing theatre after plans to rebuild the venue were shelved as a result of Arts Council Northern Ireland offering far less towards the project than had been hoped for.

Management at the Lyric, Belfast had hoped to start rebuilding on its current site in June 2005 and submitted an application to ACNI’s lottery building fund in August last year, seeking support for the £12 million project.

As the existing building can no longer meet with health and safety requirements and new legislation regarding disability access, theatre staff warned at the time the theatre could be forced to close in two years. However, ACNI allocated just £2 million to the scheme - accounting for 17% of the overall target needed.

During a visit to the province Nesbitt said: “The Lyric is one of Belfast’s greatest treasures and it is a tragedy that the venue is facing closure due to lack of investment. I hope that the people of Northern Ireland will join me in campaigning to save the theatre as a matter of urgency and ensure that it continues to challenge, inspire and entertain future generations.”

Chairman David Johnston said the situation was now critical and he was awaiting the outcome of crisis meetings with the arts council and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure in January.