Entertainment

Emerging new writers selected for Lyric Theatre playwright programme

The new writers selected for the Lyric writing mentoring programme: Meghan Tyler, Lee Coffey, Alice Malseed, Breman Rajkumar, Shirley-Anne Bonner and Martha Barnett
The new writers selected for the Lyric writing mentoring programme: Meghan Tyler, Lee Coffey, Alice Malseed, Breman Rajkumar, Shirley-Anne Bonner and Martha Barnett The new writers selected for the Lyric writing mentoring programme: Meghan Tyler, Lee Coffey, Alice Malseed, Breman Rajkumar, Shirley-Anne Bonner and Martha Barnett

SIX talented new writers have been selected for the 2018 New Playwrights Programme organised to mark the Lyric Theatre's 50th year celebrations.

The emerging writers chosen for the six-month development programme by the Lyric and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland are Alice Malseed, Breman Rajkumar, Lee Coffey, Shirley-Anne Bonner, Martha Barnett and Meghan Tyler.

They will develop ideas over the next six months, working closely with the Lyric's literary manager, Rebecca Mairs, with resulting new works being brought to life on stage by professional directors and actors this autumn.

Executive producer of the Lyric Theatre, Jimmy Fay, said, "New writing is the lifeblood of any producing house theatre and in the Lyric we are exceptionally lucky to have a brilliant scout in Rebecca Mairs, someone who understands and can seek out the most extraordinary voices.

"Not every voice can make it to the stage, but everyone who takes part in the new writing programme is offered exceptional insight, craft and inspiration to take on their onward journey."

Gilly Campbell, arts development officer for drama and dance with the Arts Council, said the council was "delighted" to support the initiative.

"The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is committed to providing valuable, meaningful opportunities to support new writing from emerging talent," she said. "We are delighted to support this initiative through National Lottery funding and to partner with the Lyric Theatre on the New Playwrights Programme for the second year."

For further details on the Lyric’s new writing work, visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk/new-writing-lyric/