Accidental Theatre
Richard Lavery is the visionary Artistic Director of Accidental, born and raised in NI, Richard's passion for theatre blossomed at a young age. He pursued his studies in theatre, with a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Directing from University of London as well as a BA Hons. in Drama from Queen’s University, Belfast. Whilst working in England, Scotland and Ireland he honed his craft and developed a unique style that blended traditional narrative with modern multimedia elements. Returning to Ireland in 2012, he founded Accidental, and has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of contemporary theatre, bringing a fresh and avant-garde approach to the stage whilst developing support programmes for professional and community artists alike. Under his leadership, Accidental became renowned for its daring experimental productions and immersive experiences, which draw audiences into the heart of storytelling. His dedication to fostering local talent and collaborating with diverse artists was amplified in 2017 when he guided Accidental from a small touring theatre company, into one of the most vibrant arts venues in Belfast, significantly contributing to the stagnant cultural scene. Richard's commitment to accessibility and community engagement is evident in Accidental’s inclusive programmes and outreach initiatives, which aim to make the arts a welcoming space for all. With an eye always on the horizon, he’s been at the forefront of exploring new avenues for artists to build careers and help charities to achieve stronger sustainability by embracing new technology and a global focus.