Hi °C | Lo °C A host of international movie stars have turned out in New York to support Belfast’s Lyric Theatre.
Liam Neeson hosted the star-studded bash at the Manhattan home of Loretta Brennan Glucksman, chairman of the American Ireland Fund, which was was attended by Meryl Streep, Aidan Quinn and Ciaran Hinds.
The Lyric Theatre, which has nurtured the talent |of some of Ulster’s best loved talent, is undertaking a major fundraising effort for its new home on Ridgeway Street.
Brian Kennedy and double Tony nominee Conleth Hill performed at the fundraiser, and even the menu boasted the Ulster touch, designed by Paul Rankin.
The event raised almost $400,000 (£250,000).
In total the theatre must raise £800,000 by June to complete its capital campaign and secure a £500,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation in Michigan.
With nearly four times the floor space than in the original theatre, the Lyric’s new home will consist of a 394-seat main auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, a rehearsal room, extensive riverfront foyers and bar, dressing rooms, technical facilities and office accommodation.
