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★★★★★ “Friel’s play is a nostalgic delight” – Sunday Times

Starring Derry Girls’ Siobhán McSweeney, Louisa Harland & Ardal O’Hanlon

Brian Friel’s fierce, heart-breaking drama Dancing at Lughnasa gets a major new revival at the National Theatre this Spring.

This striking revival features an all-star cast including Derry Girls stars Siobhán McSweeney, Louisa Harland and Ardal O’Hanlon (Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything, Father Ted).

Written by acclaimed, Olivier Award-winning playwright Brian Friel (Translations), Dancing at Lughnasa is an astonishing evocation of a family’s world on the brink of change.

Dancing at Lughnasa is directed by Olivier Award-winner Josie Rourke, with choreography by Olivier Award winner Wayne McGregor.

Dancing at Lughnasa is playing at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre from 6 April to 27 May 2023.

Harvest time in County Donegal, 1936.

Outside the village of Ballybeg, the five Mundy sisters battle poverty to raise seven-year-old Michael and care for their Uncle Jack.

During the Festival of Lughnasa, Pagan and Christian meet and collide. The sisters fight each other, love each other, dance, yearn and survive.

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Performance Information

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Stars and Creatives

Who is in the cast of Dancing at Lughnasa?

The cast includes Louisa Harland as Agnes, Bláithín Mac Gabhann as Rose, Siobhán McSweeney as Maggie, Justine Mitchell as Kate, Ardal O’Hanlon as Jack, Alison Oliver as Chris, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor as Michael.

Who are the creative team of Dancing at Lughnasa?

Director – Josie Rourke; Set and Costume Designer – Robert Jones; Lighting Designer – Mark Henderson; Choreographer – Wayne McGregor; Composer – Hannah Peel; Sound Designer – Emma Laxton; Video Designer – Douglas O’Connell; Casting – Alastair Coomer CDG; Staff Director – Séimí Campbell;

Venue Information

National Theatre - Olivier Theatre , Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PX

Nearest Tube or Train: Waterloo (Jubilee line, Northern line, Bakerloo line)

Nearest Buses: 1, 4, 26, 59, 68, 76, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 243, 341, 521, X68, RV1

Directions

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Critics' reviews of Dancing at Lughnasa

★★★★★ "Friel’s play is a nostalgic delight" - The Sunday Times

★★★★ "A powerfully moving family portrait at a moment of change" - The Evening Standard

★★★★ "Gorgeous" - The Stage

★★★★ "Josie Rourke’s sumptuous and thoughtful staging" - The Observer

★★★★ "An exquisite staging of Brian Friel’s evocative drama" - The Guardian

★★★★ "A glorious modern classic" - i News

★★★★ "Radiant revival of Brian Friel’s masterpiece" - TimeOut

Also see: Dancing at Lughnasa Reviews Round-up

Frequently Asked Questions

Dancing at Lughnasa is playing at the National Theatre - Olivier Theatre in London
The running time of Dancing at Lughnasa is 2 hours 45 minutes (including interval)
Yes, Dancing at Lughnasa has matinee performances on the following days: Wednesday, Saturday
No, sorry, Dancing at Lughnasa has now completed its run and is no longer on sale.

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