Mick Flannery’s musical based on debut album to play Cork's Everyman

The Everyman theatre will next month bring the world premiere of a gritty musical drama based on the acclaimed debut album by Cork singer/songwriter Mick Flannery.

Directed by Julie Kelleher, The House Must Win is set in 1970s Ireland and follows two bothers navigating the challenges of life with the odds 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 this place must learn how to play the cards they’ve been dealt — and discover what it truly means when the house must win.

Comedian, actor, and broadcaster Tommy Tiernan will make his musical theatre debut in the role of Ray. Belfast singer/songwriter and actress Tabitha Smyth will play Grace, Ray’s daughter. The cast also includes Ferdia Walsh-Peelo (Sing Street) and Niall McNamee (Saipan).

Shaping

With Liam Robinson (Hadestown) on board as music supervisor and Ciarán Bagnall in charge of set and lighting design, the creative team has worked closely with Mick Flannery over the past three years on the production, shaping the world he has envisioned through this new script and its 21 songs.

The House Must Win will run at the Pavilion Theatre in Dún Laoghaire before coming to The Everyman for a 10-night run from May 6.

Mr Flannery said he is eagerly anticipating the upcoming run of shows.

“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.”

Further information and ticket details for The House Must Win are available at https://everymancork.com.