Within the Gates, by Sean O’Casey, directed by Pamela Howard OBE

We are delighted to announce a special October event in partnership with Irish Heritage, celebrating the illustrious Irish playwright Seán O'Casey. Join us at the Marylebone Theatre for a rare semi-staged reading of O'Casey's "Within the Gates," directed by the acclaimed Pamela Howard OBE, with musical direction by Brian Hughes.

Seán O'Casey, born John Casey on March 30, 1880, in Dublin, is a towering figure in Irish theatre. His works, such as "The Shadow of a Gunman," "Juno and the Paycock," and "The Plough and the Stars," offer a poignant and often humorous portrayal of life in Dublin's slums during times of war and revolution. These plays juxtapose tragedy and comedy in a way that forever changed the theatrical landscape. Seán O’Casey won Britain's oldest literary award, the Hawthornden Prize, for Juno and the Paycock. The play is often cited as and ‘Irish Masterpiece’.

Set design sketches by Pamela Howard OBE

"Within the Gates," a powerful yet lesser-known play, explores the essence of modern life through the happenings in a public park. Our production will feature a diverse cast of characters, with four actor-singers performing exquisite musical numbers by Herbert Hughes, ensuring a vibrant and immersive experience.

This staging is particularly meaningful for Pamela Howard OBE, who has harboured a long-standing wish to honour Shivaun O'Casey, Seán's daughter. Pamela and Shivaun forged a close friendship in their youth, and this production realizes Pamela's dream of bringing "Within the Gates" to life as a tribute to Shivaun’s legacy.

Irish Heritage, in partnership with Hughes and Modoni, is proud to support this endeavour. It has always been the wish of Irish Heritage to continue the tradition established by its founders, Eithne and Charles Kennedy, of fostering all forms of Irish art. While renowned for their support of Irish music, they are equally dedicated to promoting Irish theatre, literature, and the visual arts. This event exemplifies their commitment to supporting the entire spectrum of Irish artistic expression.

At Hughes and Modoni, we are dedicated to assisting Irish Heritage with fundraising and managing the logistics necessary for this extraordinary production. Our goal is to ensure that this celebration of Seán O'Casey's work reaches and resonates with audiences far and wide.

Character Drawings by Pamela Howard OBE

We invite you to join us for an evening that transcends the ordinary, offering a profound exploration of O'Casey's masterful storytelling, enhanced by Pamela Howard's visionary direction and the musical brilliance of Brian Hughes. Celebrate the enduring legacy of Seán O'Casey with us at the Marylebone Theatre, and be part of an unforgettable tribute to one of Ireland's greatest literary figures.