Fairy Tale Meets Farce At The Lyric Theatre This Christmas

Fairytale at the Lyric.[/caption] Starring Belfast actress, Naomi Rocke as Cinderella this visually stunning musical version of the classic rags to riches fairy-tale will wow kids and adults alike. Condemned by her ugly step-sisters to a grim life among the kitchen ashes, Cinderella makes some new, furry friends – Ears, Teeth, Claws, Tail and Whiskers. Yes, they’re a bunch of colourful rats who, when they aren’t hunting scraps of food, love to sing and dance and they are determined that beautiful Cinderella goes to the Ball. The mainly local cast who double-up as rats and royalty include two actors from the recent Lyric show Pride & Prejudice – the Musical:  Richard Clements and Christina Nelson, who also starred in last year’s Hansel + Grettel. They are joined by Welsh actor Michael Conway who plays Prince Charming, Orla Mullan, from Co Derry and Belfast actor Tommy Wallace (Molly Wobbly) who complete the dazzling cast line-up. Set and costume are designed by the very talented Robin Peoples, who brought the sumptuous musical Pride & Prejudice to life and music is composed and directed by Oliver Payne. Richard Croxford, who directs Cinderella, described it as “the only show for kids this Christmas. Cinderella has always been a firm favourite for young and older audiences and this version written by Mike Kenny is a truly charming adaptation of the classic fairy-tale. It has been given a lovely twist in that the story we all know and love is told by the rats who live in Cinderella’s house.  This sparkling production will pull the heart-strings of all who see it and with our fine ensemble of actors and fabulous set, this Christmas show is ‘gonna rock’.” With schools prices, family tickets and group discounts available, the Lyric’s Christmas show is suitable for ages 4 plus and is bound to enchant all ages. Forget Turkey! For those too old for a Santa stocking the Lyric welcomes the return of comedy trio Colin Murphy, Dan Gordon and Gary Mitchell with a new side-splitting review of the year Forget Turkey! (We liked it so much we’re going to Phuket again). The year has gone at a meaty gallop and continues to grill, braise, barbeque and roast us. Will Derry/Londonderry/Legenderry/Mary Berry ever agree on a recipe? Will mixed marriage become a subject at GCSE or earn your partner three points on their licence? Will North Korea be a happier place when Terri Hooley relocates his Good Vibrations shop there? And will we ever work out what ‘fleg’ to fly on which day of the week and when to illuminate the City Hall with 50 shades of red, white and blue… and green with maybe a hint of orange… and pink and purple… Directed by Dan (didn’t you used to be Red Hand Luke) Gordon, Forget Turkey! sees the return of a supremely inexpensive local cast of Michael Condron (Tom Cruise body double & Liverpool FC Reserves), Maria Connolly (Miss Ulster Fleg 2012 & All Ireland Feis Wig silver medallist ) Dr Jo Donnelly (Volunteer Dog Warden &  Eamonn Holmes Fan Club President) and Sir Chris Robinson A.S.B.O W.T.F O.K complete the twinkling cast line-up. Writer/director Dan Gordon described it as “the only show for adults this Christmas”. “Forget Turkey is Northern Ireland’s answer to the The Fast Show – only faster, funnier and showier. Four actors do the work of forty in a clear breach of the European working time directive – the laws of physics and boundaries of cross dressing. MGM (Murphy, Gordon and Mitchell) have been paying closer attention than the CIA to Angela Merkel’s phone. If you’ve crossed the line this year they’ll have your number and you can count on a call. This blazing production will ignite the underwear of all who see it and with our ensemble of under-nourished actors and stolen set, this Christmas show is ‘gonna mock’.” You can enjoy a Christmas party night at the Lyric with a special food, drink and theatre package for just £35. For one week only before Christmas (16 – 22 December) you can enjoy a side-splitting night out with colleagues or friends and family at Forget Turkey! The package includes: celebratory glass of bubbly on arrival; pre-theatre fork supper; theatre ticket; VIP access to private party room. For more information contactevents@lyrictheatre.co.uk Damian Smyth, Head of Drama at the, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “The Lyric is once again offering a feast of festive drama for all the family this Christmas.  These two very different productions will ensure that 2013 ends on a high for Northern Ireland’s only full time producing theatre. Having provided an outstanding cultural programme over the past 40 years, we anticipate yet more ground-breaking and innovative theatre in 2014.  The Arts Council enjoys a strong partnership with the Lyric Theatre and we look forward to another exciting year ahead.” Cinderella runs on the Danske Bank Stage from 24 November 2013 to 5 January 2014. Tickets are £18 for adults and £12.50 for children or buy a Family Ticket for less than £54.50 (1 adult and 3 children or 2 adults and 2 children). Forget Turkey! (We’re Going To Phuket This Christmas) runs on the Danske Bank Stage from 12 December 2013 to 12 January 2014 at 7.45pm (previews 8, 10 & 11 December). Tickets from £10 – £18. To book contact the Lyric box office on 028 9038 1081 or online at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk]]>