Presented by Rough Magic & Smock Alley Theatre
Dublin, 1742.
A city emerging from a winter of famine and despair, looking towards the light.
The great composer Handel is the toast of the town, his masterpiece Messiah completed, the hall booked; but in his desperate attempt to put a company of singers together he must work with an untrained voice, the celebrated stage actress Susannah Cibber.
Gradually, he is seduced by the quality of her performance and the truth of her expression.
Partly set in the original Smock Alley Theatre this joyous play tells the story of the world’s most popular choral work, from its fraught birth to its glorious outcome.
A tale about the complicated, comedic business of putting on a show and the transformative power of music.
Running time: 125 mins including an interval
Written by Nick Drake
Directed by Lynne Parker
CAST:
Brian Doherty
Rebecca O’Mara
Ross Gaynor
Owen Gilhooly-Miles (baritone)
Megan O’Neill (soprano)
Ross Scanlan (tenor)
Lighting and Set Design – Sarah Jane Shiels
Costume Design – Sorcha Ní Fhloinn
Sound Design – Fiona Sheil
Musical Director – Helene Montague
Music & Recording Supervision – Cathal Synnott
Assistant Director – Dominic O’Brien
Tickets €25 | €22 (Mon – Wed, Matinees & Previews) | Discounts on groups of 8+
Dinner + Show €45 (Sold Out)
With food served before the show in our stunning and beautifully ornate Banquet Hall, complete with long banqueting tables and stained glass windows, don’t miss this unique Christmas experience within the historic surrounds of Smock Alley Theatre. For €45 you’ll get a main course (choice of meat, poultry or vegan) with a drink (choice of wine, beer or soft drink) plus dessert and a ticket to the show!
Dinner + Show dates: (All Sold Out)
Thu 25th, Fri 26th, Sat 27th Nov
Thu 2nd, Fri 3rd Dec
Thu 9th, Fri 10th, Sat 11th Dec
Thu 16th, Fri 17th, Sat 18th Dec
Mon 20th, Tue 21st Dec
About Rough Magic…
Since its foundation in 1984 Rough Magic has built an organisation characterised by continual regeneration. Its adherence to artistic excellence, pluralism, and an egalitarian approach to the creative ensemble, has delivered over 130 productions and over 60 Irish premieres, the debuts of many theatre-makers, and the pioneering SEEDS programme.
The company has evolved around the principle that we are part of a world culture that can celebrate Irish identity diverse in nature and outward looking in its vision. Our policy has three strands: commissioning new Irish work, presenting the best of contemporary international writing and innovative productions from the classical repertoire. These shows frequently feature live music commissioned for the production. Based in Dublin, Rough Magic regularly performs at Project Arts Centre and other major venues, and tours in Ireland, the UK and beyond, garnering many awards, both at home and abroad.