Musicians Neil Martin, Mary Dillon and Dónal O’Connor are pictured in a softly lit room: Martin sits with his cello, Dillon stands by the window gazing out, and O’Connor sits nearby holding his violin.
Festival News

First Shows Announced for Festival ’26

We can reveal the first shows for our 2026 programme, with a major series of performances at Lyric Theatre Belfast as part of the theatre’s 75th anniversary celebrations.

The Festival returns from 14 October – 8 November 2026, with further announcements to follow very soon, ahead of the full programme launch in August.

Mary Dillon, Dónal O’Connor and Neil Martin

Musicians Neil Martin, Mary Dillon and Dónal O’Connor are pictured in a softly lit room: Martin sits with his cello, Dillon stands by the window gazing out, and O’Connor sits nearby holding his violin.

Following a string of sold-out performances, Mary Dillon, Dónal O’Connor and Neil Martin will launch their long-awaited debut album on 25 October.

Combining Mary Dillon’s luminous vocals with expressive fiddle, cello and harmonium, the trio reimagine timeless Ulster songs and dance tunes in what promises to be an unforgettable live performance.

Faith Healer

A silhouetted figure stands with one arm raised against a glowing, sepia-toned landscape of bare winter trees and misty light.

Brian Friel’s acclaimed masterpiece returns to Belfast in a major new Lyric Theatre production starring Conleth Hill.

Described by The Guardian as one of the greatest plays of the twentieth century, Faith Healer follows Frank Hardy, a travelling healer whose astonishing gift may be either miraculous or fraudulent.

Hello Charlie

A collage of black-and-white film-strip portraits shows Caoimhe Farren in a series of close-up expressions, shifting between humour, vulnerability and defiance

Written by Derry playwright Caoimhe Farren, this multi-award-nominated dark comedy follows sisters Maeve and Kate as they attempt to outrun the trauma of their past.

As Maeve spirals into self-destruction, she blames her drunken alter ego, Charlie, for her increasingly chaotic behaviour. Funny, fearless and sharply observed, Hello Charlie is a bold exploration of addiction and accountability.

Darren Jackson’s Wedding

A man in a suit stands beside a veiled bride whose face is obscured by delicate lace fabric. Soft pink light and a hazy backdrop create a dreamlike atmosphere, suggesting romance layered with mystery and unease.

After the success of Granny Jackson’s Dead, Big Telly Theatre Company return with another wildly immersive theatrical Jackson experience.

Darren is marrying an AI, the Jackson family is in chaos, and audiences are invited to join the celebrations at a secret location. Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion and prepare for a wedding they are unlikely to forget.

The Human Voice

Actor Nicky Harley reclines against cushions in a richly coloured setting, holding a mobile phone close to her face. Dressed in a vivid floral blouse, she gazes directly toward the viewer.

Prime Cut Productions present their critically acclaimed new adaptation of Jean Cocteau’s classic work, adapted by Darren Murphy.

Directed by Emma Jordan and starring Nicky Harley, this contemporary Belfast reimagining follows a woman interrupted during a devastating final call with the lover who is leaving her.

Critics have described the production as “riveting” and “an impeccable piece of theatre”.

More Festival shows will be revealed in the coming weeks ahead of the full 2026 programme launch in August.