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Award-winning playwright Christina Reid dies

Playwright and former writer in residence at Belfast's Lyric Theatre, Christina Reid
Playwright and former writer in residence at Belfast's Lyric Theatre, Christina Reid Playwright and former writer in residence at Belfast's Lyric Theatre, Christina Reid

AWARD-winning playwright Christina Reid has died at the age of 73.

Born in Ardoyne in north Belfast, Ms Reid died on Sunday.

She was writer in residence at the at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast from 1983-4 and held the same position at the Young Vic in London from 1988-9.

Her plays for the Lyric included Tea in a China Cup, Joyriders and The Belle of Belfast City.

The Lyric's executive producer, Jimmy Fay, spoke of his sadness at her death.

"Only last week we were performing rehearsed readings of Joyriders, which feels as fresh and relevant today as it did when it was written almost 30 years ago," he said.

"The arts, theatrical community is a sadder place now she has left us but should celebrate her extraordinary achievement as a writer."

Actor Dan Gordon said Ms Reid was a "brilliant playwright and a magnificent human being".

"She gave a voice to generations of Belfast working women and young people alike in her landmark plays, Tea in a China Cup and Joyriders," he said.