When George Moore declared “Ireland is a little Russia” in 1911, he couldn’t have predicted how prophetic those words would prove for contemporary Irish theater. Now, over a century later, that connection finds its most compelling expression in Kabosh’s bold new adaptation of Chekhov’s THREE SISTERS, featuring Saoirse-Monica Jackson in what marks a significant return to her theatrical roots.
Jackson, who captured hearts worldwide as the irrepressible Erin Quinn in DERRY GIRLS, brings her considerable talents back to the stage in this world premiere adaptation by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth. It’s a homecoming of sorts for the actress, whose career has flourished across both television and film in recent years, with notable appearances in THE CROWN and her breakout role that made her a household name. Her participation in this production represents more than just another credit—it’s a statement about the enduring power of live theater and the pull of meaningful storytelling.
The production, directed by Marc Atkinson Borrull with designs by Molly O’Cathain, transforms Chekhov’s turn-of-the-century Russian provincial house into something distinctly Irish, building on Brian Friel’s 1981 translation that first premiered in Derry’s Guildhall. This isn’t merely cultural translation but artistic transformation, where the emotional entanglements of three sisters and their brother dreaming of Moscow become a meditation on Irish identity, displacement, and the universal human longing for something just out of reach.
Jackson joins an impressive ensemble that includes Megan Cusack from CALL THE MIDWIFE, Lorcan Cranitch of THE CROWN, Breffni Holahan from THE NEVERS, Alex Murphy from THE YOUNG OFFENDERS, and Máiréad Tyers from EXTRAORDINARY. This casting demonstrates the current strength of Irish and British television talent willing to embrace the intimacy and immediacy of live theater, bringing their screen-honed skills to bear on Chekhov’s psychologically complex characters.
What makes this adaptation particularly compelling is Smyth’s examination of nostalgia and the cyclical nature of history, themes that resonate powerfully in contemporary Ireland. The play’s exploration of characters trapped between past and future, unable to fully inhabit their present, speaks to a generation grappling with rapid social change while maintaining connections to tradition. Jackson’s involvement signals her commitment to projects that matter beyond mere entertainment value, choosing work that engages with serious themes while maintaining the sharp humor that has become her trademark.
The rehearsed reading format, featuring fourteen actors including several DERRY GIRLS alumni, creates an intimate theatrical experience that strips away spectacle to focus on pure performance and language. This approach allows Jackson and her fellow performers to explore the nuanced emotional landscape of Chekhov’s characters without the constraints of full production, creating space for the kind of raw, immediate connection between performer and audience that defines great theater.
For Jackson, this return to theater represents an artist at a crossroads, using her newfound prominence to champion meaningful work rather than simply capitalizing on her television success. Her choice to participate in this world premiere demonstrates a commitment to artistic growth and cultural contribution that extends beyond career advancement. It’s the kind of decision that marks the difference between a performer and an artist, between someone who acts and someone who uses their platform to engage with the world around them.
📺 NEW TRAILER ALERT 📺
Premiering Aug 28, THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB follows four retirees who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun - based on @misterosman’s bestselling novel.
Visit irishfilmtv.com for more!
🎭 LEGEND RETURNS TO THE STAGE 🎭
From Mad-Eye Moody to Uncle Pastuzo, Brendan Gleeson has captivated us on screen for decades. Now he`s making his WEST END DEBUT in THE WEIR! Dublin first (Aug 8-Sep 6) then London`s Harold Pinter Theatre (Sep 12-Dec 6).
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎭 From beloved DERRY GIRL to Chekhov star!
Saoirse-Monica Jackson is trading the screen for the stage in Kabosh`s bold new adaptation of THREE SISTERS at @gaiety_theatre.
Visit irishfilmtv.com for ticket links!
Liam Neeson just crushed it as Frank Drebin Jr. in THE NAKED GUN and now he`s diving headfirst into horror comedy with COLD STORAGE.
At 72, Neeson is still choosing the wildest projects and we`re absolutely here for it. COLD STORAGE hits theaters next year!
Watch the crazy trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
NEW trailer alert! 🎬 From STAR WARS galaxies to Ohio newsrooms!
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Premiering Sep 4, watch trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
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Our OUTLANDER queen steps WAY outside her comfort zone as Caitlin - wife, trainer, and witness to Orlando Bloom`s obsessed fighter spiraling toward self-destruction.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
🎵 "Music to scare priests and politicians" 🎵
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More at irishfilmtv.com.
DERRY GIRLS and GAME OF THRONES star Ian McElhinney hits the stage at @theeverymancork!
Running until Aug 10th - STONES IN HIS POCKETS has heart, humor, and a Hollywood ending that`ll leave you grinning! 🎭
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Hollywood heavyweights Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander as... otherworldly beings? 👀
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More at irishfilmtv.com.
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Is this Neeson`s Leslie Nielsen moment? Could we be witnessing the birth of comedy`s newest unlikely hero?
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Andrew Scott`s BLUE MOON trailer released!
Shot in Ireland, this Richard Linklater gem pairs Scott with Ethan Hawke for a 1943 Broadway drama that`s already being called a masterpiece. Scott plays composer Richard Rodgers in what critics are calling his most nuanced performance yet 🎵
Watch trailer at irishfilmtv.com.
🎩✨ Daryl McCormack is trading modern drama for Regency romance! The GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE star has officially joined Netflix`s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE adaptation as the charming Mr. Bingley 💕
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More at irishfilmtv.com.
🔥 @sarahbolger is bringing Irish fire to Hell`s Kitchen! 🔥
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More at irishfilmtv.com.
🌊 WOKEN: When you wake up on a remote Irish island with no memory, surrounded by "loved ones" you don`t recognize... and that`s just the beginning 😱
@mr_friel `s atmospheric thriller serves up classic ingredients: windswept Irish cliffs, flickering candlelight, and Maxine Peake being suspiciously kind.
Stream now on @mubi.
🎬 Paul Mescal is about to make us all cry again... and we`re here for it 😭
From NORMAL PEOPLE to gladiator to heartbreaking folk song collector – is there anything this man can`t do?
THE HISTORY OF SOUND hits theaters September 19. Consider this your tissue warning ⚠️
Trailer now at irishfilmtv.com.
