The Lyric Theatre Belfast’s Creative Learning Department has successfully concluded an ambitious five-week tour, bringing the urgent message of environmental stewardship directly into primary school classrooms across Northern Ireland. Their production, Waste Busters the Eco-Musical, visited schools in eleven council areas, engaging a total audience of over 4,000 young people.
Written and composed by Rebecca Applin, the musical serves as a dynamic educational tool designed to foster a deeper understanding of littering and plastic pollution. By blending performance art with environmental advocacy, the production aims to encourage the next generation to adopt more sustainable habits, including the fundamental principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
The initiative is more than just a theatrical performance; it is a carefully crafted educational experience that aligns with the “World Around Us” curriculum. For many of the students involved, the tour provided their first-ever opportunity to witness live theatre. The Creative Learning department at the Lyric Theatre has long championed the removal of barriers to the arts, prioritising the delivery of high-quality, professional performances within school environments to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
The project was made possible through the support of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), funded by the Carrier Bag Levy Fund. This partnership highlights the ongoing effort to tackle local environmental issues, such as the persistent impact of plastic waste on Northern Ireland’s landscapes and waterways.
The conclusion of this tour arrives at a significant juncture for the Belfast institution. As noted by the Lyric Theatre’s Executive Producer, Jimmy Fay, the organisation is approaching its 75th anniversary in 2026.
“It is wonderful to mark this milestone by continuing to bring the transformative power of theatre to young people across Northern Ireland,” said Fay. “The work of our Creative Learning Department is central to the Lyric’s commitment to making theatre accessible to everyone. Through Waste Busters the Eco-Musical, the team brought high-quality theatre directly into primary schools, giving many young people their first experience of live performance while exploring important environmental issues. Reaching more than 4,000 children across 11 council areas is a fantastic achievement, and we are proud to inspire the next generation.”
This production marks the fifth consecutive year that the Lyric Theatre has partnered with DAERA to deliver eco-focused theatre to schools. Erin Hoey, Head of Creative Learning at the Lyric, expressed her satisfaction with the project’s longevity and impact.
“We were delighted to continue our partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to deliver this exciting project to primary school audiences,” Hoey stated. “Waste Busters the Eco-Musical offered a unique opportunity to learn about pressing environmental issues in an engaging, memorable way, ensuring that the lessons learned on stage translate into positive action in the students’ daily lives.”
As the production wraps up its latest run, the Lyric Theatre continues its mission to combine artistic excellence with civic responsibility, proving that the stage can be a powerful platform for climate education and social change.
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