Different ball game for Desmond in Lyric production

The teenagers are among 11 young people who are in rehearsals for the classic Greek tragedy, Oedipus The King, which runs this weekend from 10 – 11 August.

The young people auditioned for the three-week drama programme which gives them the opportunity to work with the Lyric’s professional Creative and Technical teams.

Desmond Eastwood (19) was a keen rugby player at Friends’ School, Lisburn and won an Irish Schools badminton medal.

“I just finished my first year in Law at Queen’s University and I thought this would be good fun to do over the summer,” Desmond said. “I’d like to keep up the Drama if I can, if I’m good enough.”

Former Campbell College pupil Ryan Armstrong (17) has a Black Belt in Ju-jitsu and played rugby until he broke his arm. He landed the lead role of Oedipus.

“It’s definitely possible to enjoy both sports and drama,” Ryan said.

Cillian Vallely-Gilroy (17) who attends Royal Belfast Academical Institution is a keen cyclist and rows at Junior 18 Level as well as coaching younger rowers.

“The rowing season is ‘full on’ and involves early starts but we don’t row over the holidays,” he said. “My mum suggested the drama school and I thought I’d like to have a go at it. It has been a great experience.”

The theme of the Lyric Summer School has been the Olympic Games and so the Greek play, written by Sophocles, was chosen as the final project in this summer’s programme for young people.

The production has been given a 21st century interpretation with a contemporary design. It features live theatre and filmed sequences. The story is about the kingdom of Thebes that is riddled with famine and disease. The people, in desperation, turn to their King for help. In taking action to solve the problem, he uncovers a web of murder, conspiracy and a scandal which rocks the Royal House to its core.

Lyric Creative Learning Co-ordinator, Philip Crawford, took his inspiration from the Cultural Olympiad.

“The idea behind the Cultural Olympiad is that culture and sport are mutually inspirational,” he said. “The disciplined approach and commitment to training, the striving for personal best are values common to both sport and working in theatre. The young people also get to meet others who share a common interest.”

The company of young actors, aged 17-19, will perform Oedipus The King in the Naughton Studio of the Lyric Theatre on Friday 10 August at 8pm and Saturday 11 August at 3pm and 8pm. Book online at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or telephone the Box Office on 028 90381081. Tickets £8 or £6 concession.