The theatre was established in the former home of Mary and Pearse O'Malley, originally functioning as a small, intimate space for experimental drama.
The 2011 building is designed with a 'folded' roof geometry to integrate with the sloping site above the River Lagan.
The construction involved using over 500,000 hand-laid bricks, which were selected to blend with the older houses in the Stranmillis area.
The Naughton Studio is specifically designed for flexible staging, allowing for varying seating configurations depending on the production requirements.
The building features a sustainable design, incorporating natural ventilation systems in the public foyers.
The Lyric Theatre is Northern Ireland’s only full-producing theatre, known for commissioning and staging new works alongside classic drama. It occupies a striking building designed by O’Donnell + Tuomey, featuring a brick-clad exterior that echoes the surrounding residential architecture. The facility houses two performance spaces: the 389-seat main auditorium and the flexible 150-seat Naughton Studio. It was founded in 1951 by Mary O’Malley and originally located on Derryvolgie Avenue before moving to its current site in 2011. The venue is uniquely situated on the banks of the River Lagan, integrated into the riparian landscape. The interior features a glass-walled foyer that provides direct views of the river and the adjacent parkland. It functions as a year-round hub for professional drama, education, and community engagement programs. The current building was awarded the RIBA National Award in 2012 for its architectural design.
The glass-fronted atrium overlooking the River Lagan during the golden hour.
Book a table at the on-site café-bar in advance if you plan to eat before a show, as the space fills up quickly.
Arrive early to take advantage of the floor-to-ceiling windows in the foyer which overlook the river.
Check the production program in advance, as the Naughton Studio often hosts experimental work that differs from the main stage shows.
Do not assume there is parking available on-site; the venue has extremely limited space, so plan for nearby street parking or alternative transport.
The theatre operates year-round but often has shorter runs or dark periods between major seasonal productions; checking the online program is essential.
