Belfast theatre not opening for performances until 2021

by Q Radio News

The Lyric Theatre in Belfast has confirmed it won't be opening for plays or performances until 2021 due to the impact of covid-19. 

It was announced in a statement by management, saying the decision had been taken "reluctantly" as there was "no clarity or timetable" for a financial package for venues. 

Throughout the pandemic, the theatre has found other ways to programme appropriately and create work for freelance artists through online films, co-productions with the BBC and audio plays. 

Permanent staff were also maintained throughout with the furlough scheme. 

However, Executive Producer Jimmy Fay said it wasn't enough. 

"None of these initiatives can make up for the loss of £2 million in earned income that the Lyric achieves through the work on our stages and in our Café bar annually.

"At every stage of this pandemic, we have been working towards reopening the theatre in a safe and COVID compliant way for our wonderful audiences and brilliant artists.

"But each carefully thought-out plan has collapsed like dominos in the howl of the ill-wind of this pandemic."

Back in July, the Stormont Executive announced £33 million funding for Northern Ireland's arts sector. 

However, ministers haven't decided how or when the money will be spent. 

Mr Fay said with the theatre being the single largest employer of arts workers, this decision will have major implications for both permanent and casual workers, audiences and hundreds of freelance artists normally employed. 

He is calling for ministers to take urgent action to provide the funding needs to Northern Ireland's arts and culture sector. 

"We had hoped that clarity around the level of financial support to venues and production companies would have come much sooner.  No such clarity or timetable currently exists.

"We hope that will be quickly resolved. The Lyric is part of a large vibrant artistic and creative community and this community is suffering thorough reduced work opportunities.

"Therefore, we are asking for urgent attention to be given to what the arts and our culture sector needs through the £33 million grant. We are asking our politicians to work with our artistic community and Arts Council on this package.

"By keeping our doors closed we are playing our part in helping defeat the spread of this terrible virus in our society and among our community. In 2011 the opening of the new Lyric theatre was widely seen as the symbol of a re-energised, economically thriving and creative Belfast. 

"Getting back to that position is our goal, and we know that our many partners across NI share that vision of a brighter 2021."