Droichead Presents Drama: Theatre Club Spring Summer 2025

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PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD by JM Synge, directed by Aaron Monaghan | Livin Dred |  FRI 7 FEB | 8PM

Livin’ Dred Theatre present a riotous new production of J.M. Synge’s masterpiece The Playboy of the Western World, in a staging that crackles with wit, heroism, humor, and a touch of the absurd. 

Award-winning Aaron Monaghan directs a stunning cast of some of Irelands best-loved actors, in a wild, insightful new production, teeming with Synge’s rich lyrical language, biting satire and sensational characters. 

Experience the comedy, chaos, and controversy of one of Ireland’s most beloved plays with Livin’ Dred’s savage new production of J.M. Synge’s scandalous classic The Playboy of the Western World. 

LISDOON-NIRVANA written and performed by Frankie McCafferty, directed by Charlie Bonner |An Grianán productions | THU 6 MAR | 8PM 

For anyone who’s ever been young and dreamed of going to a festival and finding Nirvana… 

Based on the last music festival at Lisdoonvarna in July 1983, the piece follows one young guy, Macker, and his friends making the Odyssean trip from Donegal to Clare. Travelling on the pillion of his friend’s two-stroke motorbike, they encounter 80s Ireland and young people from all over making the same pilgrimage. Through his eyes we see the Folk and Rock glory of the Irish Glastonbury- and a country in transition, with a backdrop of recession, church oppression, emigration and Troubles. But right now Macker’s 17. There’s Smithwick’s in the rucksack. And rumour has it that the girls from the North are bringing hash and condoms. So that’s alright Mama…

MAKING A SHOW OF MYSELF by Mary Kate O' Flanagan | FRI 21 MAR | 8PM

“Mary Kate O’Flanagan has perfected the art of storytelling. She is an entertainer of the first rank and it is a privilege for the audience that she is prepared so generously to make a show of herself” – No More Workhorse

Making A Show of Myself is a unique piece of theatre with roots in Seanchas (the Irish tradition of live storytelling.) In it, Mary Kate shows how stories save our sanity and sustain our spirits. She demonstrates how storytelling defines the shared values of tribes and binds together families, friend groups and the whole human race. She makes her case while illustrating it with six of her own captivating true-life stories that have made her a Grand Slam Champion Storyteller here and in America.

CHICKEN by Eva O'Connor & Hildegard Ryan | THU 3 APRIL | 8PM

Don Murphy is a proud Irish man, a hopeless ketamine addict and one of his generation’s greatest actors. He also happens to be a chicken. Across one fateful night, the feathered Oscar winner shares his star-studded story with an intimate audience - from getting his big break, to his first bird on bird sexual experience, to navigating life in the celebrity spotlight. But along the way Don will be confronted with some harsh truths about himself, chicken kind and humankind.

YOUTH'S THE SEASON - ? by Mary Manning, directed by Sarah Jane Scaife | THU 10 APR | 7.30PM | The Abbey Theatre. 

A coming-of-age, tragicomic satire, Youth’s The Season -? introduces us to a group of young Dubliners as they wrestle with their identity and ambitions, not to mention each other.

First performed in 1931, this play explores life for young people in the aftermath of Irish Independence in a strikingly contemporary way. Today, it continues to shine a light on the aspirations and frustrations of becoming an adult in an uncertain world.

Mary Manning’s plays were extremely popular with audiences of their time and played to packed theatres in the 1930s. This makes the opportunity to revisit this hidden and entertaining gem from the Irish theatre canon all the more exciting. As Abbey Artistic Director Caitríona McLaughlin says, ”I believe the combination of Sarah Jane Scaife and Mary Manning is a thrilling prospect, and I cannot wait to bring this production before an audience.”

Youth’s the Season -? is part of the Gregory Project at the Abbey Theatre, a body of work celebrating the legacy of Abbey Theatre co-founder Augusta Gregory.

This trip offsite is to the Abbey Theatre, including a ticket & return bus trip from Drogheda to the Abbey Theatre, a post-show tea/coffee and chat in the Abbey Bar. This is a Theatre Club Exclusive and can only be booked as part of our Theatre Club membership – 7 shows for €95. 

A RARE JOURNEY written and performed by  Paula Greevy-Lee, directed by Gerard Lee | FRI 16 MAY | 8PM

He wants me to read his auld book, but sure no one in their right mind could make head nor tail of it.’

Celebrating the life of a truly remarkable Irish woman Nora Joyce, in a highly entertaining roller-coaster 75-minute play, filled with the music and song the Joyces knew, and Nora’s quick and often razor-sharp wit. The play separates Nora from her famous literary alter ego Molly Bloom, and dispels the lazy myths that have often cast Nora as an inconsequential appendage of her famous husband.

“Paula Greevy-Lee gives a flawless performance as the often put-upon but always resilient Nora” Jack Gilligan, Dublin City FM

OUTDOOR THEATRE AT OLDBRIDGE: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by JANE AUSTEN, Chapterhouse Theatre | SAT 28 JUN | 6.30PM | OLDBRIDGE HOUSE

Come and experience all the joy of live theatre in the open-air, in the beautiful grounds of the Battle of the Boyne Estate, Oldbridge, and bask in the glow of this timeless classic.

Take a step back in time with Chapterhouse Theatre Company to meet Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen’s notorious heroine. When Elizabeth meets the terse and abrupt Mr. Darcy, she loathes him at first sight. But is there more to him than meets the eye? Brought to life by award-winning writer Laura Turner, this adaptation has been a favourite of Chapterhouse audiences for years and will be a joy to perform in the company’s 20^thyear of touring.