Belfast’s Lyric Theatre to Premiere John Morton’s *Denouement*

The Lyric Theatre in Belfast is set to host the world premiere of *Denouement*, an intense play by John Morton, on October 23, 2025, as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival. The production explores themes of renewal, aging, and the complexities of long-term relationships against the backdrop of an impending apocalypse.

Set in the year 2048, *Denouement* delves into the final days of a marriage between Liam, a writer, and Edel, an artist. The narrative examines how their partnership has shaped them, both positively and negatively, as they confront existential questions in the face of a potential end of the world. The play first gained attention in 2018 through the Lyric’s new-playwrights scheme but faced numerous delays, including a planned co-production for the 2020 Edinburgh Festival Fringe that was halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Anticipation Builds for the Premiere

After several adaptations and a virtual presentation in 2020 featuring actors Ian McElhinney and Marie Jones, the play is finally making its way to the stage. Jimmy Fay, the theatre’s executive producer and director of this new production, expressed his excitement for bringing the play home. “It’s got close a couple of times,” he said, “but I am delighted that we are at last bringing it home to the Lyric.”

Fay has cast renowned actors Patrick O’Kane and Anna Healy in the lead roles. Healy, a Derry native now based in Dublin, was previously recognized for her captivating performances in Druid’s acclaimed adaptations of O’Casey’s works. O’Kane, a celebrated figure in Northern Irish theatre, has gained acclaim for his recent role in the West End production of Aaron Sorkin’s *To Kill a Mockingbird*.

O’Kane noted the timing and relevance of *Denouement*, stating, “It’s very much a play about renewal in the face of an apocalypse.” He explained that the story reveals how the couple navigates their relationship while grappling with the reality of their situation. Healy echoed this sentiment, describing the play as a journey toward genuine connection, highlighting moments of both humor and tension. “They’ve become strangers in their own marriage,” O’Kane added, emphasizing how the characters rediscover each other as they confront their pasts.

Exploring Human Connection

The play’s title, *Denouement*, translates to the untying or unraveling of a knot, symbolizing the complexities of relationships. The narrative unfolds in the couple’s isolated home, a setting that reflects their emotional state and the choices that led them to this extreme moment. Healy described their situation as a form of self-imposed exile, where they are forced to confront their lives and the decisions that have shaped their marriage. “It’s that idyll of believing that if you move, things will get better,” she reflected.

As the couple navigates their past and present, moments of comedy emerge, showcasing the dynamics of their relationship. Their familiarity allows for sharp exchanges and mutual understanding, even in the face of their struggles. O’Kane noted, “We do laugh a lot in rehearsal,” illustrating the balance of humor within the darker themes of the play.

Fay emphasized the significance of the play’s themes, particularly in light of contemporary global challenges. He remarked, “In the 80 years since the Americans dropped the atomic bomb on Japan, we have lived in the shadow of that event. Yet we get on with life… It’s this shadow and light that the play deals with really well.”

As the premiere approaches, anticipation continues to build. *Denouement* previews on October 21 and October 22, with the official opening on October 23. The production is expected to resonate with audiences, offering a blend of humor, hope, and profound reflection on the human experience.