Siobhán McSweeney | Derry Girls, National Theatre & Stage Roles

Siobhán McSweeney is an acclaimed Irish actress and presenter known for her work across stage, television and film.

In 2025–2026, she appeared as Widow Quin in The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre, where the production ran on the Lyttelton stage from 4 December 2025 to 28 February 2026.

About Siobhán McSweeney

Siobhán McSweeney is an acclaimed Irish actress and presenter, best known for her unforgettable performance as the deadpan and iconic Sister Michael in Channel 4’s Derry Girls—a role that earned her a BAFTA Award. She has also charmed audiences as the host of The Great Pottery Throw Down, The Traitors (Northern Ireland series) and through her travel series Siobhán McSweeney’s Great Outdoors. Siobhan recently starred in Brian Friel’s Olivier Award-winning play Dancing at Lughnasa at the National Theatre, directed by Josie Rourke.

Training

Siobhán trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London and further honed her craft at École Philippe Gaulier in Paris, known for its rigorous physical theatre training.

Theatre Credits

Her extensive theatre work includes:

Dancing at Lughnasa, As You Like It, The Captain of Köpenick, The Kitchen, Mother Courage and her Children, and England People Very Nice – National Theatre
Pity, How to Hold Your Breath – Royal Court
One Voice – Old Vic
Autumn Royal – Everyman, Cork
Katie Roche – Abbey Theatre, Dublin
The Alchemist – RSC & Barbican
Fathers and Sons – Donmar Warehouse
Uncle Vanya – Lyric Theatre, Belfast
Translations – Curve, Leicester
Stars in the Morning Sky – Jagged Fence
Life is a Dream, 4:48 Psychosis – Rough Magic
The Flags – Royal Exchange, Manchester
Midden – Oldham Coliseum

Television Credits

Siobhán’s TV appearances include:

Derry Girls
The Great Pottery Throw Down (Presenter)
Extraordinary
Holding
Redemption
Exploring Northern Ireland
Siobhán McSweeney’s Great Outdoors
Anthony
Porters
Collateral
The Cloud
No Offence
The Fall
London Irish

Film Credits

Her film work includes:

Madfabulous
Spud
The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
Nowhere Special
Extraordinary
Alice Through the Looking Glass
The Wind That Shakes the Barley

About This Page

This profile highlights Siobhán McSweeney’s acting journey, from acclaimed television comedy to powerful theatre performances. Discover her biography, screen and stage credits, and her current role as Widow Quin in The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre. Stay updated with news, interviews, and behind-the-scenes features on one of Ireland’s most distinctive and compelling performers.