This August Smock Alley Theatre presents its tenth in-house production, The Shaughraun, written by Dion Boucicault. Smock Alley’s production is a modernisation of this melodrama, musically underscored (think New Romantics) and imagining ourselves in another post-crash Ireland. Is history always destined to repeat itself?
Robert Ffolliott, fiancee of Arte O’Neil, has returned to Ireland after escaping from prison in Australia. Robert, an innocent local gentleman, has been convicted as a Fenian fugitive but it soon becomes clear that he is no such thing. The villain Kinchela, Robert’s fake friend, tries to hunt Robert down and arrest him – his main motive being greed for Robert’s estate and his desire for Arte, Robert’s fiancee. With the help of Conn the Shaughraun, Robert escapes various melodramatic cliff-hanger situations. Meanwhile, Robert’s sister Claire is in love with an English soldier, Captain Molineaux, who is tracking down Fenians in the area. She cannot decide whether or not to protect her brother or betray the Captain – her heart is torn in two – family loyalty or true love.
Written in 1874 by the Irish master of melodrama Dion Boucicault, the themes in this play still ring true – from vulture bankers, rising rents, #metoo and homelessness, to Anglo-Irish relations and impending Brexit doom. But can love conquer all? That is the question…
Featuring a stellar cast from Cork, Longford, Louth, Waterford and Dublin this is a show not to be missed; a heart-racing, fast-paced, musically joyous, comedy of sorrows, incorporating hunger, greed, love, loyalty, and a fall off a cliff!
Enjoy Smock Alley Theatre’s seasonal dinner menu available on selected evenings during the run:
Sitting @ 6:00pm | Tickets: €30 (including ticket to the show)
Available each Thurs, Fri & Sat pre show.
Have the perfect afternoon out with a wholesome brunch in the Smock Alley Theatre Banquet Hall followed by a matinee performance of The Shaughraun.
Sitting @ 12:30pm | Tickets: €27 (including ticket to the show)
Available Sun 12th | Sun 19th | Sun 26th August
Audience members are also invited to attend free historical tours of the building 1 hour before each performance. Learn of the rich past and interesting characters who tread the boards at Smock Alley including Peg Woffington, Dr Thomas Sheridan & Charles Macklin.
1 Aug – 1 September | 7.30pm (Tix €20/€18)
Saturday & Sunday Matinees | 2.30pm (Tix €18/€15)
Previews 30th & 31st July | 7.30pm (Tix €15)
– NO SHOWS MONDAYS –
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