The Very Curious Céilí is a heartwarming & moving gig theatre experience set in a private room of a busy & vibrant care home. At its centre is Eve, an elderly woman who is in the final stages of cognitive decline & her grandson Eddie, a troubled teenager unsure of his place in the world.
Every week, Eddie visits Eve, who spends most of her time asleep & unresponsive – until one day, a mysterious sound leads Eddie to uncover a box of forgotten memories beneath her bed.
In an unexpected twist, a younger version of Eve springs to life & invites Eddie on a magical journey to reclaim a lost song she began writing for him long ago. As they venture through Eve’s past, filled with music & memories, Eddie discovers not only the power of song but the deep connection between past & present & the unspoken understanding that binds generations.
The Very Curious Céilí explores the passage of time, the importance of family & the transformative power of music in a deeply moving & imaginative theatrical production.
School Bookings:
Directly with Box Office Tuesday-Friday only, 01-885 2622
Cast & Creative Team
Cast: Ann Blake, Craig Connolly, Seán O'Meara, Darren Roche, Áine McGeeney
Stage Manager: Sarah Keane
PMs: Lisa Mahony & Jay Kavanagh
Sound Engineer: Tomás Donaghy
Chief LX: Josh McPhilips
Writer & Director: Aisling Byrne
Musical Director: Stephen Markham
Producer: Claire O'Neill
Director: Ceol Connected, Thomas Johnson
The Very Curious Céilí was co-produced with Riverbank Arts Centre and National Concert Hall in 2024/2025, with additional support from Monaghan County Council’s Creative Ireland Programme and Arts Office, funded by the Arts Council. The 2027 tour is funded by an Arts Council Touring Grant.
Date: Tue 15 Dec – Fri 18 Dec
Location: Draíocht Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown
Date: Mon 16 Nov
Location: Draíocht Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown
Date: Tue 17 Nov
Location: Blanchardstown Library, Blanchardstown
Date: Thu 19 Nov
Location: Blanchardstown Library, Blanchardstown
Date: Wed 25 Nov
Location: Draíocht Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown
Date: Tue 1 Dec + 2 more
Location: Draíocht Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown
Date: Wed 2 Dec
Location: Draíocht Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown
Date: Thu 3 Dec + 3 more
Location: Draíocht Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown
Date: Fri 11 Dec – Sat 12 Dec
Location: Draíocht Blanchardstown, Blanchardstown
Date: Wed 11 Nov
Location: Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan
Date: Sun 15 Nov & Sun 13 Dec
Location: The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Naul
Date: Wed 18 Nov
Location: Civic Theatre, Dublin
Date: Sun 22 Nov
Location: Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan
Date: Fri 4 Dec – Sat 5 Dec
Location: The Ark, Dublin
Date: Sat 5 Dec
Location: Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan
Date: Fri 11 Dec
Location: National Concert Hall
Date: Sat 12 Dec
Location: Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan
Date: Sat 12 Dec
Location: Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan
Date: Sun 31 Jan 2027
Location: Lark Concert Hall, Balbriggan
Date: Mon 14 Sep – Mon 7 Dec
Location: Cabra Library, Dublin 7
Date: Tue 15 Sep – Tue 8 Dec
Location: Cabra Library, Dublin 7
Date: Fri 18 Sep – Fri 11 Dec
Location: Cabra Library, Dublin 7
Date: Mon 9 Nov – Fri 13 Nov
Location: dlr LexIcon, Dún Laoghaire
Date: Wed 11 Nov + 58 more
Location: Central Library, Dublin 1
