Latest news with #BordGáisEnergyTheatre
Irish Times
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Dublin's biggest theatre is staging its first production. Will its Little Shop of Horrors pull off a coup?
The first day of rehearsals is always a high-energy event. In the brand-new Theatreworx studio space in Dunboyne , in Co Meath, the floor has been marked with positioning tape, stacks of printed scripts are piled on tables and, tucked into a corner, a model of the set for Little Shop of Horrors sits on a plinth for the newly assembled cast to admire. The set's designer, Maree Kearns , is standing beside the intricate miniature New York streetscape to introduce the performers to the world they will be inhabiting for the next six weeks. There are oohs and ahs as she rotates artfully worn shopfronts and slides in blood-spattered backdrops. Then there are wows for the growing scale of a flesh-eating flower, as Kearns marks out the scene change for them. The ensemble of 16 know that the real main character of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken 's comedy-horror musical isn't Seymour, the hapless florist, or Audrey, his simpering colleague, or Mr Mushnik, boss of the bouquet emporium. It is Audrey II, the voracious Venus flytrap that, by the musical's end, looks set for world domination. The cast also know that the work they're doing has more significance than simply what the audience will see on stage at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre towards the end of the month. As Stephen Faloon , who runs the Dublin venue, and is one of the producers, reminds them in his introductory remarks, 'Our job is to show audiences that musical theatre has a home here in Ireland.' READ MORE Little Shop of Horrors: Cast members Jacqueline Brunton, David O'Reilly, Johnny Ward and Ghaliah Conroy with a model of the set, designed by Maree Kearns, for the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre's first in-house production. Photograph: Brian McEvoy Faloon has been at the helm of the theatre – the Republic's largest – since it opened in 2010, overseeing the programming and installation of countless visiting West End shows. Little Shop of Horrors is altogether different. It is the venue's first homegrown production, and Faloon is buzzing with excitement. 'We were built as a receiving house,' he explains. 'Our remit is to bring the best of the West End and Broadway to Dublin. But I have always thought there should be no reason why we can't celebrate our own talent too.' Independent producers have brought several Irish shows to the theatre over the years, among them Paul Howard's satirical Anglo: The Musical and Adam Powell and Paul Hurt's Angela's Ashes: The Musical , but during the pandemic Faloon was inspired to consider investing in a full-scale production that the theatre might build from the ground up. 'The idea really started in 2021, when we got some money from the government to get artists back to work. We did a concert version of West Side Story, employing 73 Irish artists. Because of restrictions, we could only do a show for an audience of 50 – in a house of more than 2,000. It was ludicrous, really. 'But what was remarkable about it was the wealth of Irish talent, [many of whom] were working abroad – one of the lead actors from The Lion King, the assistant musical director from The Book of Mormon – because there was no indigenous work in musical theatre here. That kernel of truth stayed with me. It has taken a few years to grow into something. But, finally, here we are.' His colleague Claire Tighe , who is the production's director and choreographer, as well as a coproducer, says: 'We really do have the most amazing Irish talent working in musical theatre all across the world, on and off stage, but those creatives don't get very much opportunity to work in Ireland. 'Musical theatre is very difficult to mount, as it is a heck of a lot more expensive [than regular theatre], so whoever wants to do it really has to go for it, and build partnerships, and that's where this production' – a partnership between the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Tighe's Theatreworx – 'comes in. 'It was born out of a desire to bring Irish talent to the stage here, so that we can show Irish audiences that musical theatre culture here is so rich and that we can make shows that are as top tier as anything they have seen at the theatre before. If we can do that, we can get the whole culture to grow legs and develop, and that will change the landscape for the Irish talent that wants to make work here.' Little Shop of Horrors has a particular sentimental significance for both Faloon and Tighe. Faloon saw the original production as a young teenager in the West End in 1983. 'I remember so vividly how it felt to me,' he says. 'It was so much fun. I was transported from the moment it began, completely mesmerised. My dad bought the soundtrack on cassette, and I would get into his car when he got home from work and listen to it while doing my homework.' For Tighe, it was 'the first musical I ever directed. That was back in 2006, for Leixlip Musical & Variety Group , which was where I learned how to be a director before I went into the professional industry. I actually came across my notebook yesterday, with all my notes'. Theatreworx also produces the well-regarded pantomimes at the Helix Theatre, in north Dublin, which have been running since 2008. Panto is a particularly important art form in Ireland, she says, as it 'has historically been the only place with a long enough contract in musical-theatre terms, so it's much sought-after'. As a result, 'you have some amazing professional productions happening around the country, attracting top talent who usually might only get to work in London or the UK'. Tighe's comments resonate strongly with David O'Reilly, who is playing Seymour, alongside Jacqueline Brunton as Audrey. He has several West End shows and UK tours under his belt, including The Book of Mormon and Grease. O'Reilly moved to London to train in 2007, a typical trajectory for aspiring musical-theatre performers. 'It was well known that the training was at a level where you would have access to people with a finger on the pulse of what was happening, teachers who would be going from class to warm-ups in the West End, and that you could easily get into employment after,' he says. Training opportunities 'have changed a lot now, though. Teaching across the board in Ireland has gone through the roof in terms of its delivery, and you are seeing a growth of stage schools with really talented teachers – and that's even before you go on to third level'. Cork School of Music offers a BA in musical theatre; and the Lir , the national academy of dramatic art, in Dublin, offers a BA in acting that includes a substantial section on musicianship and group singing, as well as short musical-theatre courses for professionals. [ The Book of Mormon: 'We put all of these subversive things into a familiar box for people. And we swear a lot' Opens in new window ] Opportunities to work professionally have not kept pace, however. When O'Reilly moved back to Ireland in 2022, he intended to focus on TV and film work. He jumped at the chance to audition for Little Shop of Horrors – Tighe's open call attracted more than 2,000 performers – not least because, as with Faloon and Tighe, the musical represented 'a full-circle moment for me. The last time I was on stage in Ireland was as a teenager, playing Seymour in a production at my stage school, and my audition songs for my musical-theatre course were from Little Shop as well'. He adds that venues such as the Gate , which recently staged productions of Fun Home and The Borrowers , have shown that audiences want to see musical theatre. 'And it is really inspiring, as a performer, to have something being produced on this scale on the same stage where productions like Hamilton or Wicked have been.' Little Shop of Horrors: Puppeteer Chris Corroon with a puppet of Audrey II, the Venus flytrap, for the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre's first in-house production, at Theatreworx studio space in Dunboyne, Co Meath, during rehearsals. Photograph: Brian McEvoy When Chris Corroon, the production's puppeteer, introduces me to several full-sized incarnations of Audrey II in the workshop next door, it really seems as if Little Shop of Horrors could be as visually and technically ambitious as any touring show the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre has hosted. 'It is a big challenge,' Tighe says, 'but I am not afraid of it. We have an incredible team of creatives, some brilliant stalwarts who have loads of musical-theatre experience, as well as some incredible new talent. We have an amazing revolving set that is more than worthy of being on that stage. So we are going to make sure that an audience is not going to think it's in any way less than something that might be flown in from the West End.' Indeed, if anything is scary, Faloon says, it's the role-reversing fact that British producers have been in touch about travelling over to see their Little Shop of Horrors. 'If it is a success – and it will be – the whole landscape for making musical theatre here could change.' Little Shop of Horrors is at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre , Dublin, from Friday, July 25th, until Saturday, August 9th
RTÉ News
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
SIX star Alexia: 'I think it's quite inspirational'
Hit musical SIX is back in Dublin and the show's original star Alexia McIntosh has also returned – and she's having a ball - as Anna of Cleeves. Currently running at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, SIX follows the six wives of the infamous English King Henry VIII as they take to the mic to tell their own personal tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. For her performances, Alexia received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical and recently reprised the role on-screen in the record-breaking SIX the Musical Live. RTÉ Entertainment caught up with her the day after the show opened in Dublin and she was in great form. "Oh, it was brilliant," she said when asked about opening night. "I always enjoy performing SIX, it's such a great vibe." And she speaks as someone who there, back at the start, of course . . . "Yeah, back in 2018. The original. It's been quite a journey. It's been a dream come true for me." SIX has enjoyed a remarkable run of success since then. Unlike most hit shows, it was a first-time effort from Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, a pair of students who thought it would be a good idea to write a musical about the six wives of Henry VII from the wives' perspectives. They couldn't have dreamed of the heights the show has attained. It became a global hit that rocked both London's West End and Broadway in New York. No mean feat. "Exactly!" says Alkexia. "And I remember getting the phone call asking if I'd like to audition. Two students from Cambridge have made this musical. And none of us really knew what it was about. "So we were thrown in at the deep end. I was cast at the last minute, then a week later we hadn't read the script but had to rehearse a song to then perform at West End Live in Trafalgar Square. "You can look that up on YouTube. It's in a raw format. We're all in our clothes (laughs) - and we still hadn't read the script yet! "To see it become the phenomenon that it is, is just amazing." With the exception of prog rock keyboard whiz Rick Wakeman's 1973 concept album The Six Wives of Henry VIII, it's not a subject that would've been part of pop culture. Naturally, it's also not the kind of topic that would feature highly in history lessons in Irish schools, but Alexia McIntosh grew up in Birmingham. Even then, she admits no previous expertise on the subject before SIX came calling. "Well, in school you're taught a bit about Tudor history . . . you don't really go into detail. For me, I knew kind of the basics, but to be able to research these women, it just changes your whole outlook on life because you can't believe what was going on in those times - and what they got away with, really. As for Henry himself? "He was a bit bipolar I think! If you got on the wrong side of him, you would end up dead! I think people were walking on eggshells, to be honest."And a lot of these women were teenagers, they were Ladies in Waiting. To know that they all knew each other and some form of friendship, association, makes it even more amazing. "Because that's not really taught [in English schools]: how he was cheating on his wife with this one; he was in love with these teenage girls; it starts to become really dark when you get into the nitty-gritty of what went on. "I think I was shocked. Disgusted. These women really do need a voice, to say what they went true - we just need to keep their legacy alive." Of course, that's the thing about SIX - it takes this dark tale, six of them really, and turns it in a joyous, uplifting show. That's quite an achievement. The fact that it's been such a hit – and not just in its native England, but all around the world – tells a tale about its impact as a show. "They always say there's nothing new under the sun," says Alexia. "Unfortunately, people will experience some form of trauma in their lives. "I think that the style of the show is telling these stories through songs so that makes it more palatable . . . and actually, we need to celebrate these lives and show that there is hope. "I think it's quite inspirational and that's why people gravitate towards this musical."
Extra.ie
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
In Pics: SIX the Musical makes a royal return to Dublin stage
Historical sass, pop power, and glittering rebellion were the order of the night as SIX the Musical made its royal return to Dublin. After dominating stages from Broadway to the West End, SIX the Musical has arrived at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their tales, remixing five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of 21st century girl power. Ian Dempsey and Ger Dempsey at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography A host of familiar faces were spotted soaking up the regal vibes at the show's opening night. Ian Dempsey and his wife Ger, Arthur Gourounlian, Alisha Weir and her sister Katie Rose, James Patrice, Miriam Mullins and Deric Hartigan stepped out on the purple carpet. SIX the Musical has won more than 35 international awards, including the Tony Award for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design. Arthur Gourounlian at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography It is also a double winner of the Whatsonstage Award for Best West End Show and a Gold-Disk winning album. SIX the Musical reigns at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre until Saturday, June 28. Miriam Mullins at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography James Patrice at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Deric Hartigan and Tricia Garry at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Adam Fogarty and Zara Paolozzi at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Paul Ryder at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Alisha Weir at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Alisha Weir and Katie Rose Weir at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Katie Rose Weir at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Nia Gallagher at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography David O'Reilly and Fionnuala Moran at the opening night of SIX the Musical at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography
Irish Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Six in Dublin review: Henry VIII's wives are recast as pop princesses. One above all deserves the crown
Six Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin ★★★☆☆ A four-piece female rock band – The Ladies in Waiting – greet the audience as they take their seats. The strains of Greensleeves, the old English folk air often misattributed to Henry VIII, are just audible amid the electronic twang of the keyboard and bass guitar. The juxtaposition of traditional material with contemporary instrumentation sets the tone for this irreverent rewriting of British Tudor history , where the leading ladies are Henry VIII's six wives, newly cast as pop princesses, who are desperate to climb out of the footnotes of history into the limelight. [ 'The Tudor von Trapps, the Royalling Stones': How Six, the smash hit musical about Henry VIII's wives, was born Opens in new window ] If you are to believe their hype, the wives are more than mistresses of mere misfortune. In an X Factor-style sing-off they solicit our sympathies for their various sufferings – rejection, miscarriages, betrayal, beheading – but they will also illuminate their many achievements as multilinguists, religious reformers and divorcees at a time when marriage was a sacred vow. In a clever metatheatrical twist as the competition reaches its climax, they recast the parameters of the Bechdel test : we might not know about them if they weren't part of the monarch's marital menagerie, they admit, but why do we remember Henry VIII anyway? READ MORE Well-oiled production: Six at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Photograph: Pamela Raith This well-oiled touring production reaches for the energy of a stadium show, but on a hot first night in Dublin the cast has to work hard to win the audience over. They are all terrific singers, which is no mean feat considering the surprising complexity of the score. Drawing from contemporary pop, Six's creators and composers, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, offer a little bit of everything to the audience, and this demands a little bit of everything from the singers too, in both a solo capacity and as backup artists, from the deep bass beats of German techno to the high-octane octaves of a mournful ballad. By contrast, the storytelling demands are not always met by the less-experienced performers. They might do well to pay attention to the solo of the Six veteran Alexia McIntosh, as Anna of Cleves, who offers a masterclass in clarity. If the audience really were to vote on which queen deserved the crown, McIntosh would surely win it. The competitive conceit on which Six hangs concludes with a call for solidarity, however, with the six women claiming their place in the textbooks, their 'crowning glory', together. 'History's about to get overthrown.' Six is at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre , Dublin, until Saturday, June 28th
RTÉ News
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Cast unveiled for Little Shop of Horrors at BGET
An all Irish cast has been unveiled for the upcoming production of the hit musical Little Shop of Horrors at Dublin's Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. The show will have its Irish premiere this summer, running from Friday July 25 to Saturday August 9. This will mark the first full-scale musical theatre production produced in-house by Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, in partnership with TheatreworX. Featuring an entirely Irish cast and creative team, the production represents a landmark moment for Irish musical theatre and a bold new chapter for the theatre itself. The casting process began back in December 2024, with over 2,000 hopefuls applying from across the country. Following an intensive audition process, the list was whittled down to 150 talented finalists who auditioned in January 2025. The final cast showcases a dynamic blend of established names and emerging talent, making this a truly exciting production for audiences to experience. The cast were in full bloom earlier today as they came together for their very first official groupphoto at Dublin's iconic flower shop, Howbert and Mays. Surrounded by vibrant foliage and floralcharm, the moment marked a fresh beginning for the production. Photos from the event, captured by Brian McEvoy. Speaking at the cast launch, Stephen Faloon, General Manager of Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, said: "We were truly overwhelmed by the extraordinary wealth of talent that came forward during the audition process. "What we witnessed throughout was every bit as strong as the calibre we've come to expect from the biggest West End productions that have graced our stage. "It's a proud and significant moment for us to announce this phenomenal cast, made up of both established and emerging Irish talent. "We are confident that audiences are in for something really special - a bold, high-energy and unforgettable production of Little Shop of Horrors this summer." The cast includes Johnny Ward (Fair City, Love/Hate), Garry Mountaine (The Lobster, Game Of Thrones), Kenneth O'Regan, Michael Joseph, Rachel Gaughan, Amy Penston, Micheal Lovette, James Deegan, Zoe Talbot, Eimear Barr, and Cian O'Riain. Bringing West End star power and comedic flair to the role is David O'Reilly (Book of Mormon, Brassic), who stars as the hapless florist Seymour Krelborn. Opposite him, Jacqueline Brunton, a rising star of musical theatre, takes on the role of the sweet and soulful Audrey. Together, they promise electric onstage chemistry! The role of the Street Urchins, the soulful and sassy trio who guide us through the mayhem of Skid Row - will be brought to life by three phenomenal performers: Ghalia Conroy, Aoife Dunne, and Precious Abimbola. The Irish creative team includes Claire Tighe (Director and Choreographer), David Hayes (Musical Director), Maree Kearns (Set Designer), Kevin Hynes (Costume Designer), John Gallagher (Lighting Designer), Jason Fallon (Sound Designer), and Chris Corroon (Puppeteer). This beloved musical has captivated audiences worldwide for over 40 years. Written by the legendary duo Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin), Little Shop of Horrors combines tongue-in-cheek comedy, unforgettable songs, and an iconic cast of characters.
