Mick Flannery bets on a musical drama at Cork's Everyman

Sun, 26 Oct, 2025 - 08:00

John O'Shea

The musical drama The House Must Win, which is based on Mick Flannery’s debut album Evening Train, will be performed at The Everyman Theatre in Cork from May 6 to 16 next year.

Directed by Julie Kelleher, with Liam Robinson (Hadestown) as music supervisor and Ciarán Bagnall on set and lighting design, the creative team has worked closely with Mr Flannery over the past three years, collaborating on this new script and its 21 songs.

A musical drama set in 1970s Ireland, The House Must Win follows two brothers living with the odds being stacked against them.

Each takes a different path in the hope of leading a “good” life, both trying to honour the woman who holds their hearts.

In a town of backroom poker games, secrets and bribes, broken families and broken hearts, the people of the area must learn how to play the cards they been dealt with and discover what it truly means “when the house must win”.

Cast details for the production will be announced in the coming weeks.

When asked about the upcoming production and dates at The Everyman Theatre next year Mr Flannery said:

“I’m nervously excited about this production as it features my debut shot at writing a script.

“I’ve found this challenge entirely new and very divorced from songwriting but I’ve enjoyed the process very much.

“I’m looking forward to having ears on the themes, jokes, and new songs, from the public, in hope that they show up.

“I’m very much indebted to the team, musicians, and actors who have given their time and talent to this project over the last few years.”

Over the past decade, Mr Flannery has earned a reputation as one of hardest working musicians in Ireland, touring extensively across Europe and North America, collaborating with artists including Anaïs Mitchell, Valerie June, Tianna Esperanza, and Jeffrey Martin.