Theatre
Theatre & Arts Events on in August
The stars have aligned in August with a lineup of returning classics, international sensations and star-studded casts for theatre lovers to sink their teeth into.
If that sounds like your cup of tea, check out all the Theatre & Arts events on this August.
Riverdance
Gaiety Theatre, Dublin | Until 7 September
Fresh from captivating audiences worldwide, Riverdance has returned home to Ireland for an extended run at the Gaiety Theatre. This is not just any Riverdance show. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the show has been rejuvenated with a new production. ‘Riverdance 30 – The New Generation’ showcases the next generation of exceptional performers, all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago.
Witness the spectacle that is Riverdance like you’ve never seen it before. The same passion and energy with new, mesmerising and innovative choreography and stage production.
Little Shop of Horrors
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin | Until 9 August
What would you do if a blood-thirsty plant promised you fame, fortune and love in exchange for keeping it well-fed? That’s the question posed to down-on-his-luck florist Seymour (David O’Reilly) in this horror-comedy spectacular. As Seymour and the flower shop’s notoriety grows, so too does Audrey II, becoming hungrier and more impatient. Will Seymour return to his former life before it’s too late?
After delighting theatregoers for over 30 years, this Broadway and Hollywood favourite is retold in an all-new Irish production for the very first time.
Mother Of All The Behans
3Olympia Theatre, Dublin | Until 2 August
Imelda May returns to the stage of 3Olympia Theatre in the one-woman performance that amazed audiences. For a third year running, she takes on the role of the storyteller, singer and rebel Kathleen Behan, recounting the histories of both Dublin and her own family. Featuring songs and stories handed down through generations, Imelda May transforms herself into the inspirational mother of Brendan Behan in a “triumphant” performance (HotPress).
Adapted for the stage by Peter Sheridan (Philo), who also directs, the play is based on the book of the same name, written by Brian Behan.
The Weir
3Olympia Theatre, Dublin | 8 – 30 August
Set on the barstools of a rural pub, Conor McPherson’s award-winning play sees four local men attempt to impress a strange new face who’s just arrived. Their stories become more spectacular as they try to win her approval, until she silences them all with her own deeply haunting tale.
Led by Brendan Gleeson as Jack, making his Irish stage return ahead of his West End debut, the production also features a star-studded cast of Owen McDonnell (Bad Sisters, Killing Eve) as Brendan, Seán McGinley (That They May Face the Rising Sun, A Whistle in the Dark, The Brightening Air) as Jim, Kate Phillips (Peaky Blinders, Wolf Hall) as Valerie and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (Love/Hate, Howie the Rookie, Say Nothing) as Finbar.
Rocky Horror Show
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin | 11 – 16 August
Since its debut over 50 years ago, The Rocky Horror Show has become a cult classic among audiences. As riotous now as it was when it debuted in 1973, this homage to Hollywood B-movies of old will Time Warp you from your seat and into a surrealist world of song, dance and fishnets.
Returning to Dublin, this new prodcution features Jason Donovan as the iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The former Neighbours star brings his own unique charm to the role, while keeping just the right amount of Tim Curry energy.
Calamity Jane
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin | 19 – 23 August
Calamity Jane tumbles back into town as this adaptation of the classic Doris Day film trades Deadwood, Dakota for Dublin. Carrie Hope Fletcher is back in the theatre saddle, taking on the title role as she navigates romance, mistaken identity and The Wild West in this (whip) cracker of a show.
This production provides a fun-filled romp that will delight audiences familiar with the original film and newcomers alike.
The Girl On The Train
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin | 26 – 30 August
Based on Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel that became an international phenomenon, the story follows Rachel Watson as she begins fantasising about living a different life, escaping into her imagined friendship with the perfect couple she watches through the train window every day. But when the woman she watches goes missing, she finds herself as a witness in the case, and as a suspect.
This gripping new play, starring Laura Whitmore as Rachel, will keep you guessing until the final moment.
Still looking for the right show for you? Take a look at our Theatre & Arts Guide HERE, where you can find Broadway & West-End classics, intense drama and everything in between.
