The Lyric Theatre has announced a major funding boost as details of a five-year partnership with Northern Bank were revealed at an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the new theatre.

Building work is nearing completion and the Lyric will reopen its doors on Sunday 1 May 2011 with a gala performance on the newly named Northern Bank Stage.

Housed in the main auditorium of the new theatre, the Northern Bank Stage will be at the heart of this iconic landmark building.

There will be 389 seats in a single tiered rake, allowing audiences to enjoy the same unique sense of intimacy with the actors on stage that was one of the most successful characteristics of the old theatre.

On his first visit to the new Northern Bank Stage, Gerry Mallon, Northern Bank Chief Executive said: "It makes perfect sense for a bank with such a long local history to partner with a theatre that enjoys such a rich and impressive heritage.

"Northern Bank is all about local people in local places, and this exciting partnership with the Lyric will support and nurture Northern Ireland talent.

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"There is no doubt of the value of the arts to the local economy, to the local community and to visitors. This transformation of the Lyric is part of an enhanced infrastructure for the arts in both the city and the region," he said.

"Seeing the stage take shape is part of the drama that is building around the new theatre. Like so many other people, we are eagerly awaiting the first performance on the Northern Bank Stage. It will be a very proud moment for all of us who share a commitment to this wonderful venue. We look forward to playing our part in supporting the Lyric to realise its ambitions."

Welcoming the generous sponsorship of the Northern Bank Stage, the Lyric Theatre's Artistic Director, Richard Croxford, said: "This support will enable the Lyric to produce world-class theatre home-grown in Belfast, develop new audiences for the arts, and get more people involved in the arts.

"The financial and moral support of Northern Bank is particularly welcome at this time when cuts in public funding threaten to seriously diminish our cultural life.

"Liam Neeson, Ciaran Hinds, Adrian Dunbar, Brid Brennan and many other fine actors took to the Lyric stage early in their careers. It will be wonderful to see our next generation of acting talent take their first steps on the Northern Bank Stage," he said.

Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland added: "As the Lyric’s long-standing principal funder, the Arts Council is delighted that the theatre has secured additional support from the Northern Bank.

"Businesses invest in success and will look to the presence of public funding from the Arts Council as a Kitemark of quality. The Northern Bank's sponsorship is an expression of confidence in the Lyric and a positive statement that investing in the arts makes good commercial sense."

(BMcC/GK)