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.
🎬 HAMNET stars to receive Vanguard Award at the Palm Springs International Film Awards!
A stunning meditation on love`s fragility and art`s power to transform suffering into transcendence. This is Irish talent at its absolute finest on the world stage.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Netflix just quietly dropped a crime thriller you`ve been sleeping on, and Brendan Gleeson`s performance alone makes it mandatory viewing.
MR MERCEDES, Stephen King`s dark detective series that somehow flew under the radar, is finally streaming – and it`s everything fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers have been craving.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Andrew Scott is about to steal another movie and we`re absolutely here for it! 🔍
The trailer for WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY has dropped, and our beloved Irish actor is joining Daniel Craig`s Benoit Blanc for what looks like the most deliciously twisted instalment yet.
Scott plays bestselling author Lee Ross, one of several suspects in a seemingly impossible murder that rocks a small town`s religious community.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
From GLADIATOR II`s arena to the quiet forests of Maine collecting folk songs on wax cylinders—Paul Mescal`s latest role in THE HISTORY OF SOUND might be his most vulnerable yet.
Now on @amazonprime, the film follows Lionel, a shy musician from a Kentucky farm in the 1910s, who meets David White (Josh O`Connor) at the New England Conservatory.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
For more than two decades, Domhnall Gleeson has carved out one of the most diverse and compelling careers in contemporary cinema.
Watch Domhnall break down his career in his latest @esquire interview!
Link in bio ❤️
Adapted from Louise Kennedy`s bestselling novel, TRESPASSES stars Gillian Anderson as executive producer and cast member.
Kennedy praises the "ear-perfect, sexy script" and "gorgeously melancholic aesthetic vision" that brings her Women`s Prize-shortlisted novel to life.
Premieres Sunday 9pm on Channel 4, more at irishfilmtv.com.
THE IRIS AFFAIR is a high-stakes chase thriller that turns Italy into a deadly playground where genius meets danger.
Created by LUTHER mastermind Neil Cross, this Sky Original delivers cinematic tension where trust is fatal and every move could be your last. Two minds. One secret. No escape.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
** NEW TRAILER ALERT **
Roadside Attractions has unveiled the first trailer for H IS FOR HAWK, and it`s breathtaking. Brendan Gleeson appears as the father whose absence shapes everything, bringing his signature depth to a role that haunts the entire film.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬 HAMNET has officially overtaken Paul Thomas Anderson`s ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER as the Oscar frontrunner!
Chloé Zhao`s Shakespeare-inspired drama now leads with a 96.8% chance of nomination, fueled by its Telluride buzz and Toronto People`s Choice win.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
The DERRY GIRLS creator is back with HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN FROM BELFAST — and it`s the show Lisa McGee says she`s always wanted to make. 🍀
Three childhood friends. One mysterious death. A wake that goes sideways. Eight episodes of chaos, secrets, and arguments about eyelash extensions.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Pierce Brosnan trades his 007 tuxedo for raw, devastating drama in CURTAIN CALL—arriving on digital November 10.
Starring opposite Jessica Lange, Brosnan continues his brilliant pivot from action hero to serious character actor, exploring the heartbreaking reality of dementia in the theatre world.
Watch trailer on irishfilmtv.com.
Colin Farrell`s latest is dividing audiences, but everyone agrees on one thing: his performance is absolutely magnetic ✨
The Oscar-nominated Irish actor stars as Lord Doyle, a spiraling gambler in neon-soaked Macao searching for redemption.
Don`t miss Farrell at his destructive best, now on @netflix!
Daniel Day-Lewis is BACK and we`re not ready for how devastating ANEMONE is 😭
After 7 years away from the screen, Day-Lewis returns in this quiet Irish masterpiece directed by his son Ronan. It`s not a flashy comeback—it`s something far more powerful. A meditation on isolation, guilt, and the human connections we can`t outrun, no matter how far we go.
ANEMONE is now on Prime!
Barry Keoghan goes blonde and badass for CRIME 101! 🎬
The Irish star trades blows with Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo in this high-stakes crime thriller, playing Orman, a thief whose methods are as disturbing as they are effective. With Detective Lou Lubesnick (Ruffalo) closing in and rival criminal Davis (Hemsworth) in his way, this heist is about to get messy.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
When Colin Farrell had to choose between a guaranteed paycheck on a hit TV show and a one-in-a-million shot at Hollywood, everyone told him he was insane. His friends said don`t do it. His family couldn`t understand it. He did it anyway.
Now in BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER (in select UK/Ireland cinemas Oct 17, Netflix Oct 29), he plays a man who understands risk better than anyone. Because Farrell`s been there. He bet everything on himself when he had nothing, and that decision changed everything.
Sometimes the craziest move is the only one worth making. 🎬
More at irishfilmtv.com.
