The Launch of Big Maggie at The Gaiety Theatre

Yesterday, the launch of Big Maggie took place at The Gaiety Theatre in Dublin. The play is directed by Tony award-winning director, Garry Hynes, who said she is “thrilled to be returning to the work of John B. Keane with this production”. Caroline Downey, the managing director of The Gaiety Theatre, also spoke at the launch: “We are delighted to have Druid return to the Gaiety Theatre. Their previous production of Big Maggie is one of my favourite and was hugely successful. I have no doubt under Garry Hynes’ direction and the very talented cast they will again rise to the occasion.”

The play, which is set in 1960s rural Ireland is a compelling story of a woman who is determined to take control of her life after her husband’s death.

Aisling O’Sullivan, makes a welcome return in the title role of Big Maggie. Keith Duffy also returns to the role of the lusty commercial traveller, Teddy Heelin. Clare Barrett, Charlotte McCurry, Karen McCartney and Joan Sheehy join the cast, as well as John Olohan, who received an Irish Times Irish Theatre Award for his role as Byrne in Druid’s 2011 production of Big Maggie.

Big Maggie is a prescribed text for the English Leaving Certificate curriculum 2015/2016.

Big Maggie will preview on 29 & 30 January 2016 and open on 1 February running until 20 February at the Gaiety Theatre. These will be the only Irish dates for this production in 2016. Get your tickets here!

Image: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland