IRISH THEATRE NEWS
VANYA adds additional off-Broadway dates

In a stunning testament to his artistic versatility, Andrew Scott’s groundbreaking one-man adaptation of UNCLE VANYA is extending its Off-Broadway run before even beginning performances, a reflection of the actor’s meteoric rise in recent years. The production, now set to start on March 10 and continue through May 11, 2025, brings Scott’s tour-de-force performance to American audiences at the Lucille Lortel Theatre following its acclaimed West End run and subsequent film capture.
The innovative adaptation sees Scott embodying all eight characters in Chekhov’s classic drama, where a professor and his young wife visit their rural estate managed by family members Vanya and Sonya, setting off a chain of romantic entanglements and tensions that culminate when the professor announces plans to sell the property. Scott developed this ambitious theatrical experiment alongside adaptor Simon Stephens, designer Rosanna Vize, and director Sam Yates, with rehearsals recently commencing in London.
Scott’s recent career trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. While theater aficionados have long appreciated his stage presence in productions like HAMLET, PRESENT LAUGHTER, and SEA WALL, his mainstream popularity has surged through his mesmerizing performances in FLEABAG, RIPLEY, and ALL OF US STRANGERS. This latest venture highlights Scott’s continued commitment to challenging material despite his Hollywood success, returning to the American stage for the first time since his 2006 Broadway debut in THE VERTICAL HOUR alongside Julianne Moore and Bill Nighy.
The production features an impressive creative team including lighting design by James Farncombe, sound design by Dan Balfour, video design by Jack Phelan, movement direction by Michela Meazza, music by Kelly Moran, and costume design by Natalie Pryce. Produced by Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions, and Kater Gordon, with Wagner Johnson Productions serving as executive producers, this extended run offers theatrical audiences a rare opportunity to witness one of today’s most captivating performers at the height of his artistic powers, transforming Chekhov’s ensemble drama into a singular showcase of his remarkable range.
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🍀 From THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN to SPIDER-NOIR, Brendan Gleeson continues to prove why he`s Ireland`s finest export!
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📺 Celebrating 30 years of FATHER TED ✨
From Ted`s exasperated outbursts to Dougal`s adorable confusion and Mrs. Doyle`s relentless tea-pushing, this legendary Irish comedy continues to make us howl with laughter three decades later.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Apr 22
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📺 Celebrating 30 years of FATHER TED ✨
From Ted`s exasperated outbursts to Dougal`s adorable confusion and Mrs. Doyle`s relentless tea-pushing, this legendary Irish comedy continues to make us howl with laughter three decades later.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
...
VERDIGRIS is now in theatres!
This intimate, raw, and beautifully shot directorial debut by Patricia Kelly follows Marian, a retired woman who secretly becomes a census worker and forms an unlikely friendship with Jewel, a young woman with her own struggles.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Apr 21
8
1

VERDIGRIS is now in theatres!
This intimate, raw, and beautifully shot directorial debut by Patricia Kelly follows Marian, a retired woman who secretly becomes a census worker and forms an unlikely friendship with Jewel, a young woman with her own struggles.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
...
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Our boy Barry Keoghan continues his Hollywood takeover alongside Jenna Ortega in HURRY UP TOMORROW.
The Irish actor who stole our hearts in SALTBURN is now joining forces with The Weeknd in this mysterious mind-bender hitting UK cinemas May 16!
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Apr 20
7
3

🎬 From Oscar nominee to psychological thriller star!
Our boy Barry Keoghan continues his Hollywood takeover alongside Jenna Ortega in HURRY UP TOMORROW.
The Irish actor who stole our hearts in SALTBURN is now joining forces with The Weeknd in this mysterious mind-bender hitting UK cinemas May 16!
More at irishfilmtv.com.
...
Netflix`s A DEADLY AMERICAN MARRIAGE drops May 9th.
Exploring the shocking case of Irish businessman Jason Corbett`s death at the hands of his American wife and ex-FBI father-in-law, this gripping documentary features exclusive interviews with all family members and dives deep into this tragic Irish story that made international headlines.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Apr 19
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Netflix`s A DEADLY AMERICAN MARRIAGE drops May 9th.
Exploring the shocking case of Irish businessman Jason Corbett`s death at the hands of his American wife and ex-FBI father-in-law, this gripping documentary features exclusive interviews with all family members and dives deep into this tragic Irish story that made international headlines.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
...
🎬 Magic happens when Irish storytelling meets world-class animation!
Proud to see our very own @CartoonSaloon continuing to dominate with their stunning visual poetry.
From the breathtaking WOLFWALKERS to the heartfelt SONG OF THE SEA, these Kilkenny wizards keep bringing Celtic magic to the global stage.
Now with their new project JULIAN selected for Cannes, they`re proving once again why Irish animation is unmatched!
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Apr 18
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🎬 Magic happens when Irish storytelling meets world-class animation!
Proud to see our very own @CartoonSaloon continuing to dominate with their stunning visual poetry.
From the breathtaking WOLFWALKERS to the heartfelt SONG OF THE SEA, these Kilkenny wizards keep bringing Celtic magic to the global stage.
Now with their new project JULIAN selected for Cannes, they`re proving once again why Irish animation is unmatched!
More at irishfilmtv.com.
...
WAKING NED DEVINE the musical

The theatrical gods have blessed us with news that makes the heart sing an Irish melody: the beloved 1998 film WAKING NED DEVINE is being transformed into a Broadway-bound musical with a creative dream team that promises pure magic.
Leading this extraordinary adaptation is none other than Oscar-winning composer Glen Hansard, whose recent career renaissance continues to captivate audiences worldwide. After his breakthrough with ONCE, Hansard has carefully chosen projects that showcase his unique ability to blend Celtic storytelling with universal emotion. His partnership with Markéta Irglová to create the music and lyrics for this production follows their acclaimed Oscar-winning collaboration, proving their musical chemistry remains as potent as ever.
The musical’s creative foundation couldn’t be stronger, with Tony winner John Doyle directing—the visionary behind reinventions of THE COLOR PURPLE, THE VISIT, COMPANY, and SWEENEY TODD. Doyle’s minimalist approach, known for stripping productions to their emotional core, seems perfectly suited for this intimate Irish tale. David Hein of COME FROM AWAY fame will pen the book, bringing his proven talent for crafting heartwarming community stories.
For those unfamiliar with WAKING NED DEVINE, the film follows the residents of a small Irish village who discover that lottery winner Ned Devine has died from the shock of his good fortune. What unfolds is a charmingly mischievous plot to claim and share the winnings among the tight-knit community. Doyle himself describes it as “a funny, heartwarming musical that serves as a timely reminder of the value of community” where villagers overcome “self-interest and greed, all for the good of their families and neighbors.”
Hansard’s recent musical journey makes him the perfect composer for this adaptation. His earthy, melodic style promises to transport audiences directly to the Irish countryside, likely crafting songs that will break hearts and mend them in the same breath. One can already imagine the pub scenes filled with rousing choruses, contrasted with haunting ballads that capture the story’s more poignant moments.
In a theatrical landscape often dominated by spectacle, WAKING NED DEVINE offers something increasingly precious—a small, sincere story about community, friendship, and the beautiful absurdity of life. The production, which will be produced by Robert Cole and Mary Beth O’Connor, reminds us that sometimes the greatest wealth comes from looking out for one another.
While no production timeline has been announced yet, this adaptation represents the kind of thoughtful, character-driven musical that Broadway needs—one where a simple fiddle solo might just become the most powerful moment in the show. For Hansard fans, this marks another significant chapter in his evolving artistic legacy, bringing his musical sensibilities full circle from ONCE to another beloved Irish tale.
🍀 From THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN to SPIDER-NOIR, Brendan Gleeson continues to prove why he`s Ireland`s finest export!
Can`t wait to see him bring his legendary intensity to the Marvel universe in SPIDER-MAN NOIR alongside Nicolas Cage in 2026.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Apr 23
8
1

🍀 From THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN to SPIDER-NOIR, Brendan Gleeson continues to prove why he`s Ireland`s finest export!
Can`t wait to see him bring his legendary intensity to the Marvel universe in SPIDER-MAN NOIR alongside Nicolas Cage in 2026.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
...
📺 Celebrating 30 years of FATHER TED ✨
From Ted`s exasperated outbursts to Dougal`s adorable confusion and Mrs. Doyle`s relentless tea-pushing, this legendary Irish comedy continues to make us howl with laughter three decades later.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Apr 22
6
1

📺 Celebrating 30 years of FATHER TED ✨
From Ted`s exasperated outbursts to Dougal`s adorable confusion and Mrs. Doyle`s relentless tea-pushing, this legendary Irish comedy continues to make us howl with laughter three decades later.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
...
VERDIGRIS is now in theatres!
This intimate, raw, and beautifully shot directorial debut by Patricia Kelly follows Marian, a retired woman who secretly becomes a census worker and forms an unlikely friendship with Jewel, a young woman with her own struggles.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Apr 21
8
1

VERDIGRIS is now in theatres!
This intimate, raw, and beautifully shot directorial debut by Patricia Kelly follows Marian, a retired woman who secretly becomes a census worker and forms an unlikely friendship with Jewel, a young woman with her own struggles.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
...
🎬 From Oscar nominee to psychological thriller star!
Our boy Barry Keoghan continues his Hollywood takeover alongside Jenna Ortega in HURRY UP TOMORROW.
The Irish actor who stole our hearts in SALTBURN is now joining forces with The Weeknd in this mysterious mind-bender hitting UK cinemas May 16!
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Apr 20
7
3

🎬 From Oscar nominee to psychological thriller star!
Our boy Barry Keoghan continues his Hollywood takeover alongside Jenna Ortega in HURRY UP TOMORROW.
The Irish actor who stole our hearts in SALTBURN is now joining forces with The Weeknd in this mysterious mind-bender hitting UK cinemas May 16!
More at irishfilmtv.com.
...
Netflix`s A DEADLY AMERICAN MARRIAGE drops May 9th.
Exploring the shocking case of Irish businessman Jason Corbett`s death at the hands of his American wife and ex-FBI father-in-law, this gripping documentary features exclusive interviews with all family members and dives deep into this tragic Irish story that made international headlines.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Apr 19
12
1

Netflix`s A DEADLY AMERICAN MARRIAGE drops May 9th.
Exploring the shocking case of Irish businessman Jason Corbett`s death at the hands of his American wife and ex-FBI father-in-law, this gripping documentary features exclusive interviews with all family members and dives deep into this tragic Irish story that made international headlines.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
...
🎬 Magic happens when Irish storytelling meets world-class animation!
Proud to see our very own @CartoonSaloon continuing to dominate with their stunning visual poetry.
From the breathtaking WOLFWALKERS to the heartfelt SONG OF THE SEA, these Kilkenny wizards keep bringing Celtic magic to the global stage.
Now with their new project JULIAN selected for Cannes, they`re proving once again why Irish animation is unmatched!
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Apr 18
5
1

🎬 Magic happens when Irish storytelling meets world-class animation!
Proud to see our very own @CartoonSaloon continuing to dominate with their stunning visual poetry.
From the breathtaking WOLFWALKERS to the heartfelt SONG OF THE SEA, these Kilkenny wizards keep bringing Celtic magic to the global stage.
Now with their new project JULIAN selected for Cannes, they`re proving once again why Irish animation is unmatched!
More at irishfilmtv.com.
...
Mescal in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Tennessee Williams’ haunting classic A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE has returned to New York with fresh wounds and raw nerves, now playing at Brooklyn Academy of Music in a stripped-down London import starring Paul Mescal, the Irish actor whose meteoric rise continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Fresh from commanding the Roman arena in Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR II, Mescal brings a youthful vitality and magnetic presence to Stanley Kowalski, the role immortalized by Marlon Brando. His performance stands as testament to his remarkable versatility, seamlessly transitioning from epic historical blockbusters to intimate psychological drama with the confidence of an actor far beyond his years.
Rebecca Frecknall’s minimalist production—running a brisk three hours—reduces Williams’ humid New Orleans setting to its bare essentials: a square platform suggesting a boxing ring without ropes, surrounded by darkness. A percussionist perched above the stage punctuates moments of tension and violence like audible manifestations of Blanche’s deteriorating psyche. This stark approach, which might have been electrifying in a smaller venue, sometimes struggles to connect across the expansive Harvey Theater, creating a self-conscious distance that works against the play’s inherent intimacy.
Patsy Ferran’s Blanche DuBois trembles on the edge of sanity throughout, her jittery portrayal emphasizing the character’s fragility and impending psychological collapse rather than lingering in her faded Southern glamour. Unlike other recent productions—the 2009 Sydney production with Cate Blanchett that sold out BAM but never reached Broadway, or the disappointing 2005 and 2012 Broadway revivals with Natasha Richardson and Nicole Ari Parker respectively—this interpretation refuses to indulge in Blanche’s delusions of gentility or invite the audience to share in her fantasies.
Frecknall, who previously divided critics with her Broadway revival of CABARET, opts for stylized movement and percussive punctuation over the dreamy, poetic atmosphere traditionally associated with Williams’ work. The violence feels gratuitous at times, the concept heavy-handed. Yet Mescal’s presence grounds the production, his Stanley representing another impressive credential in a career that has rapidly evolved from indie darling in NORMAL PEOPLE to commanding Hollywood star. As he continues this remarkable trajectory between stage and screen, this STREETCAR ultimately serves as further evidence of Mescal’s extraordinary talent and range, even when the production surrounding him fails to fully realize Williams’ tragic vision of desire and delusion in the American South.
Andrew Scott in VANYA

Andrew Scott, the Emmy-nominated star of FLEABAG and ALL OF US STRANGERS, has brought his tour-de-force performance to New York as Simon Stephens’s radical adaptation of VANYA begins previews at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Fresh from his recent cinematic triumphs in ALL OF US STRANGERS and RIPLEY, Scott now reprises the Olivier Award-winning role that London critics declared “a revelation” during its acclaimed run at the Duke of York’s Theatre in late 2023.
This isn’t just another revival of Chekhov’s classic—it’s a theatrical high-wire act where Scott inhabits every character in the 105-minute production. While luminaries like Laurence Olivier, Ian McKellen, and Peter O’Toole have grappled with the titular role throughout theatrical history, Scott breaks new ground by embodying the entire dramatis personae. The actor, who first captivated American audiences in the BBC’s SHERLOCK before achieving global recognition as the “Hot Priest” in FLEABAG, brings his remarkable emotional range to this innovative staging.
The production, co-created by Scott alongside adapter Simon Stephens, director Sam Yates, and designer Rosanna Vize, “explores the kaleidoscope of human emotions, harnessing the power of the intimate bond between actor and audience to delve deeper into the human psyche.” Scott’s involvement extends beyond mere performance—his creative partnership with the production team reflects his growing artistic influence following his meteoric rise in film and television.
Scott’s return to New York theater marks a significant moment for the actor, who made his Broadway debut in 2006 in David Hare’s THE VERTICAL HOUR. Now, with an Olivier Award and a BAFTA already secured, and coming off his critically acclaimed performance in Andrew Haigh’s tender ghost story ALL OF US STRANGERS, Scott confirms his status as one of our most versatile performing artists.
The off-Broadway run is scheduled for just eight weeks with an official opening night set for March 18. Theater enthusiasts unable to secure tickets may find solace in knowing the London production is currently streaming on National Theatre at Home, though nothing compares to witnessing Scott’s transformative performance live. This limited engagement, executive produced by Wagner Johnson Productions, features the design talents of James Farncombe (lighting), Dan Balfour (sound), Jack Phelan (video), Michela Meazza (movement), and Natalie Pryce (costumes), with Marianna Gailus serving as Scott’s understudy.
DERRY GIRLS star hits Broadway

DERRY GIRLS sensation Saoirse-Monica Jackson is set to captivate New York audiences in her Off-Broadway debut this spring. The beloved actress, known for portraying Erin Quinn in the hit series, will headline the world premiere of IRISHTOWN at the Irish Repertory Theatre’s Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage, running April 2 to May 25, 2025, with an official opening on April 13.
This fresh comedy, penned by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth and directed by Nicola Murphy Dubey, delves into the chaotic world of a Dublin theatre company. As rehearsals progress, the cast grows increasingly concerned that their playwright has created something too experimental and insufficiently Irish. Taking matters into their own hands to restore authentic Irish elements, they inadvertently unleash theatrical mayhem.
Jackson won’t be alone on stage – the production boasts an impressive ensemble including Tony nominee Kate Burton of GREY’S ANATOMY fame, Angela Reed from HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, and Purgatory star Kevin Oliver Lynch, with Roger Clark contributing voiceover work.
The 31-year-old actress has been steadily building an impressive portfolio beyond her breakout role in Derry Girls. Her film credits include FINDING YOU, THE FLASH, and UPGRADED, while her television work recently expanded to include Netflix’s black comedy series THE DECAMERON alongside Zosia Mamet.
This limited Off-Broadway run represents an exciting new chapter for Jackson as she transitions from screen to stage, bringing her distinctive talent to New York’s vibrant theatre scene.
Mescal in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

Fresh from two triumphant, sold-out runs in London’s West End, this stunning revival of Tennessee Williams’s A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE comes to the Brooklyn Academy of Music for an exclusive five-week engagement. The production stars Paul Mescal (GLADIATOR II, AFTERSUN, ALL OF US STRANGERS) as Stanley Kowalski, alongside Patsy Ferran (LIVING, GOD’S OWN COUNTRY) as Blanche DuBois and Anjana Vasan (KILLING EVE, BLACK MIRROR) as Stella Kowalski. At the helm is Olivier Award-winning director Rebecca Frecknall (CABARET, SUMMER AND SMOKE).
In the sultry heat of New Orleans, Blanche DuBois arrives at her sister Stella’s apartment, seeking refuge with nowhere else to turn. As the temperature rises, so does the tension within the cramped quarters. Stanley, portrayed by Mescal with what The New York Times calls “swagger and sensitivity,” begins to unravel the carefully woven threads of Blanche’s past. As her meticulously constructed façade begins to crumble, the production reveals the dark undercurrents that pulse beneath the surface of one of America’s greatest plays.
Due to exceptional demand, additional matinee performances have been added on Thursday, March 13 at 1:30pm, Wednesday, March 19 at 1:30pm, Wednesday, March 26 at 1:30pm, and Wednesday, April 2 at 1:30pm.
Scott to reprise VANYA role

Olivier Award®-winning actor Andrew Scott (RIPLEY) will reprise his wildly acclaimed performance in VANYA, a radical new adaptation of Chekhov’s masterwork, UNCLE VANYA. Anton Chekhov’s timeless masterpiece has captivated audiences and influenced dramatists for more than 125 years, thanks to the emotional depth and subtle humor it brings to the exploration of unfulfilled dreams, existential yearning, and the complexities of human relationships.
The eagerly anticipated live-action Spider-Noir series starring Nicolas Cage has reportedly secured an early 2026 release window, according to Nexus Point News. While awaiting official confirmation, this timeline aligns with what’s known about the production schedule for this MGM+ exclusive that will later move to Prime Video. The series marks Cage’s live-action debut as the… Thirty years ago, on April 21st, 1995, FATHER TED first aired, introducing viewers to the misadventures of three Irish priests exiled to the fictional Craggy Island off Ireland’s west coast. By the time the final episode aired on May 1st, 1998, the series had transcended its modest beginnings to become one of the most beloved… In the quiet corners of retirement, Marian’s world has shrunk to suffocating dimensions—annual holidays on repeat, a silent home, and a husband whose criticisms have become her daily soundtrack. VERDIGRIS, Patricia Kelly’s remarkable feature directorial debut, follows this retired woman’s journey as she secretly takes a job as a census enumerator in inner-city Dublin, far… Barry Keoghan continues his meteoric rise in Hollywood with a starring role in HURRY UP TOMORROW, an intriguing psychological thriller that pairs him with rising star Jenna Ortega and marks the feature film acting debut of music superstar Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd. Following Keoghan’s critically acclaimed performances in SALTBURN and THE BANSHEES… What began as a fairy tale for Irish widower Jason Corbett quickly descended into an unfathomable nightmare. When the Limerick businessman and father of two found love again with his American au pair, Molly Martens, in 2008, it seemed like a fresh start. The couple, along with Jason’s children Jack and Sarah, relocated from Ireland… Continue Reading A DEADLY AMERICAN MARRIAGE on Netflix May 9 In the shadow of Ireland’s medieval Kilkenny Castle, Cartoon Saloon has quietly built an animation empire that continues to expand its artistic boundaries. The acclaimed studio that brought us THE BREADWINNER, SONG OF THE SEA, and WOLFWALKERS has just reached another milestone with its latest project Julián earning a coveted spot at the prestigious Cannes…Brendan Gleeson in SPIDER-MAN NOIR
Celebrating 30 years of FATHER TED
VERDIGRIS now in theatres
HURRY UP TOMORROW in theatres May 16
A DEADLY AMERICAN MARRIAGE on Netflix May 9
Cartoon Saloon’s JULIAN set for Cannes