April 15In a stunning testament to his artistic versatility, Andrew Scott’s groundbreaking one-man adaptation of UNCLE VANYA is extending its Off-Broadway run before even beginning performances, a reflection of the actor’s meteoric rise in recent years. The production, now set to start on March 10 and continue through May 11, 2025, brings Scott’s tour-de-force performance to American audiences at the Lucille Lortel Theatre following its acclaimed West End run and subsequent film capture. The innovative adaptation sees Scott embodying all eight characters in Chekhov’s classic drama, where a professor and his young wife visit their rural estate managed by family members Vanya and Sonya, setting off a chain of romantic entanglements and tensions that culminate when the professor announces plans to sell the property. Scott developed this ambitious theatrical experiment alongside adaptor Simon Stephens, designer Rosanna Vize, and director Sam Yates, with rehearsals recently commencing in London. Scott’s recent career trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. While theater aficionados have long appreciated his stage presence in productions like HAMLET, PRESENT LAUGHTER, and SEA WALL, his mainstream popularity has surged through his mesmerizing performances in FLEABAG, RIPLEY, and ALL OF US STRANGERS. This latest venture highlights Scott’s continued commitment to challenging material despite his Hollywood success, returning to the American stage for the first time since his 2006 Broadway debut in THE VERTICAL HOUR alongside Julianne Moore and Bill Nighy. The production features an impressive creative team including lighting design by James Farncombe, sound design by Dan Balfour, video design by Jack Phelan, movement direction by Michela Meazza, music by Kelly Moran, and costume design by Natalie Pryce. Produced by Wessex Grove, Gavin Kalin Productions, and Kater Gordon, with Wagner Johnson Productions serving as executive producers, this extended run offers theatrical audiences a rare opportunity to witness one of today’s most captivating performers at the height of his artistic powers, transforming Chekhov’s ensemble drama into a singular showcase of his remarkable range. Vanya | Official Trailer | National Theatre LiveWatch this video on YouTube [...]
April 7The theatrical gods have blessed us with news that makes the heart sing an Irish melody: the beloved 1998 film WAKING NED DEVINE is being transformed into a Broadway-bound musical with a creative dream team that promises pure magic. Leading this extraordinary adaptation is none other than Oscar-winning composer Glen Hansard, whose recent career renaissance continues to captivate audiences worldwide. After his breakthrough with ONCE, Hansard has carefully chosen projects that showcase his unique ability to blend Celtic storytelling with universal emotion. His partnership with Markéta Irglová to create the music and lyrics for this production follows their acclaimed Oscar-winning collaboration, proving their musical chemistry remains as potent as ever. The musical’s creative foundation couldn’t be stronger, with Tony winner John Doyle directing—the visionary behind reinventions of THE COLOR PURPLE, THE VISIT, COMPANY, and SWEENEY TODD. Doyle’s minimalist approach, known for stripping productions to their emotional core, seems perfectly suited for this intimate Irish tale. David Hein of COME FROM AWAY fame will pen the book, bringing his proven talent for crafting heartwarming community stories. For those unfamiliar with WAKING NED DEVINE, the film follows the residents of a small Irish village who discover that lottery winner Ned Devine has died from the shock of his good fortune. What unfolds is a charmingly mischievous plot to claim and share the winnings among the tight-knit community. Doyle himself describes it as “a funny, heartwarming musical that serves as a timely reminder of the value of community” where villagers overcome “self-interest and greed, all for the good of their families and neighbors.” Hansard’s recent musical journey makes him the perfect composer for this adaptation. His earthy, melodic style promises to transport audiences directly to the Irish countryside, likely crafting songs that will break hearts and mend them in the same breath. One can already imagine the pub scenes filled with rousing choruses, contrasted with haunting ballads that capture the story’s more poignant moments. In a theatrical landscape often dominated by spectacle, WAKING NED DEVINE offers something increasingly precious—a small, sincere story about community, friendship, and the beautiful absurdity of life. The production, which will be produced by Robert Cole and Mary Beth O’Connor, reminds us that sometimes the greatest wealth comes from looking out for one another. While no production timeline has been announced yet, this adaptation represents the kind of thoughtful, character-driven musical that Broadway needs—one where a simple fiddle solo might just become the most powerful moment in the show. For Hansard fans, this marks another significant chapter in his evolving artistic legacy, bringing his musical sensibilities full circle from ONCE to another beloved Irish tale. [...]
March 18Tennessee Williams’ haunting classic A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE has returned to New York with fresh wounds and raw nerves, now playing at Brooklyn Academy of Music in a stripped-down London import starring Paul Mescal, the Irish actor whose meteoric rise continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Fresh from commanding the Roman arena in Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR II, Mescal brings a youthful vitality and magnetic presence to Stanley Kowalski, the role immortalized by Marlon Brando. His performance stands as testament to his remarkable versatility, seamlessly transitioning from epic historical blockbusters to intimate psychological drama with the confidence of an actor far beyond his years. Rebecca Frecknall’s minimalist production—running a brisk three hours—reduces Williams’ humid New Orleans setting to its bare essentials: a square platform suggesting a boxing ring without ropes, surrounded by darkness. A percussionist perched above the stage punctuates moments of tension and violence like audible manifestations of Blanche’s deteriorating psyche. This stark approach, which might have been electrifying in a smaller venue, sometimes struggles to connect across the expansive Harvey Theater, creating a self-conscious distance that works against the play’s inherent intimacy. Patsy Ferran’s Blanche DuBois trembles on the edge of sanity throughout, her jittery portrayal emphasizing the character’s fragility and impending psychological collapse rather than lingering in her faded Southern glamour. Unlike other recent productions—the 2009 Sydney production with Cate Blanchett that sold out BAM but never reached Broadway, or the disappointing 2005 and 2012 Broadway revivals with Natasha Richardson and Nicole Ari Parker respectively—this interpretation refuses to indulge in Blanche’s delusions of gentility or invite the audience to share in her fantasies. Frecknall, who previously divided critics with her Broadway revival of CABARET, opts for stylized movement and percussive punctuation over the dreamy, poetic atmosphere traditionally associated with Williams’ work. The violence feels gratuitous at times, the concept heavy-handed. Yet Mescal’s presence grounds the production, his Stanley representing another impressive credential in a career that has rapidly evolved from indie darling in NORMAL PEOPLE to commanding Hollywood star. As he continues this remarkable trajectory between stage and screen, this STREETCAR ultimately serves as further evidence of Mescal’s extraordinary talent and range, even when the production surrounding him fails to fully realize Williams’ tragic vision of desire and delusion in the American South. More Paul Mescal Mescal: IFTA Best Supporting Actor Paul Mescal in GLADIATOR 2 ALL OF US STRANGERS now streaming Mescal and Scott take The Co-Star Test [...]
March 13Andrew Scott, the Emmy-nominated star of FLEABAG and ALL OF US STRANGERS, has brought his tour-de-force performance to New York as Simon Stephens’s radical adaptation of VANYA begins previews at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Fresh from his recent cinematic triumphs in ALL OF US STRANGERS and RIPLEY, Scott now reprises the Olivier Award-winning role that London critics declared “a revelation” during its acclaimed run at the Duke of York’s Theatre in late 2023. This isn’t just another revival of Chekhov’s classic—it’s a theatrical high-wire act where Scott inhabits every character in the 105-minute production. While luminaries like Laurence Olivier, Ian McKellen, and Peter O’Toole have grappled with the titular role throughout theatrical history, Scott breaks new ground by embodying the entire dramatis personae. The actor, who first captivated American audiences in the BBC’s SHERLOCK before achieving global recognition as the “Hot Priest” in FLEABAG, brings his remarkable emotional range to this innovative staging. The production, co-created by Scott alongside adapter Simon Stephens, director Sam Yates, and designer Rosanna Vize, “explores the kaleidoscope of human emotions, harnessing the power of the intimate bond between actor and audience to delve deeper into the human psyche.” Scott’s involvement extends beyond mere performance—his creative partnership with the production team reflects his growing artistic influence following his meteoric rise in film and television. Scott’s return to New York theater marks a significant moment for the actor, who made his Broadway debut in 2006 in David Hare’s THE VERTICAL HOUR. Now, with an Olivier Award and a BAFTA already secured, and coming off his critically acclaimed performance in Andrew Haigh’s tender ghost story ALL OF US STRANGERS, Scott confirms his status as one of our most versatile performing artists. The off-Broadway run is scheduled for just eight weeks with an official opening night set for March 18. Theater enthusiasts unable to secure tickets may find solace in knowing the London production is currently streaming on National Theatre at Home, though nothing compares to witnessing Scott’s transformative performance live. This limited engagement, executive produced by Wagner Johnson Productions, features the design talents of James Farncombe (lighting), Dan Balfour (sound), Jack Phelan (video), Michela Meazza (movement), and Natalie Pryce (costumes), with Marianna Gailus serving as Scott’s understudy. More Andrew Scott IFTV-Blog-16-180×180 Scott earns Golden Globes nomination Andrew Scott in PEOPLE WATCHING RIPLEY now on Netflix Andrew Scott on Taking on Chekhov's VANYA Off-BroadwayWatch this video on YouTube [...]
February 26DERRY GIRLS sensation Saoirse-Monica Jackson is set to captivate New York audiences in her Off-Broadway debut this spring. The beloved actress, known for portraying Erin Quinn in the hit series, will headline the world premiere of IRISHTOWN at the Irish Repertory Theatre’s Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage, running April 2 to May 25, 2025, with an official opening on April 13. This fresh comedy, penned by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth and directed by Nicola Murphy Dubey, delves into the chaotic world of a Dublin theatre company. As rehearsals progress, the cast grows increasingly concerned that their playwright has created something too experimental and insufficiently Irish. Taking matters into their own hands to restore authentic Irish elements, they inadvertently unleash theatrical mayhem. Jackson won’t be alone on stage – the production boasts an impressive ensemble including Tony nominee Kate Burton of GREY’S ANATOMY fame, Angela Reed from HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, and Purgatory star Kevin Oliver Lynch, with Roger Clark contributing voiceover work. The 31-year-old actress has been steadily building an impressive portfolio beyond her breakout role in Derry Girls. Her film credits include FINDING YOU, THE FLASH, and UPGRADED, while her television work recently expanded to include Netflix’s black comedy series THE DECAMERON alongside Zosia Mamet. This limited Off-Broadway run represents an exciting new chapter for Jackson as she transitions from screen to stage, bringing her distinctive talent to New York’s vibrant theatre scene. [...]
January 7Fresh from two triumphant, sold-out runs in London’s West End, this stunning revival of Tennessee Williams’s A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE comes to the Brooklyn Academy of Music for an exclusive five-week engagement. The production stars Paul Mescal (GLADIATOR II, AFTERSUN, ALL OF US STRANGERS) as Stanley Kowalski, alongside Patsy Ferran (LIVING, GOD’S OWN COUNTRY) as Blanche DuBois and Anjana Vasan (KILLING EVE, BLACK MIRROR) as Stella Kowalski. At the helm is Olivier Award-winning director Rebecca Frecknall (CABARET, SUMMER AND SMOKE). In the sultry heat of New Orleans, Blanche DuBois arrives at her sister Stella’s apartment, seeking refuge with nowhere else to turn. As the temperature rises, so does the tension within the cramped quarters. Stanley, portrayed by Mescal with what The New York Times calls “swagger and sensitivity,” begins to unravel the carefully woven threads of Blanche’s past. As her meticulously constructed façade begins to crumble, the production reveals the dark undercurrents that pulse beneath the surface of one of America’s greatest plays. Due to exceptional demand, additional matinee performances have been added on Thursday, March 13 at 1:30pm, Wednesday, March 19 at 1:30pm, Wednesday, March 26 at 1:30pm, and Wednesday, April 2 at 1:30pm. Get your tickets here. More Paul Mescal Mescal on THR’s ACTOR’S ROUNDTABLE Paul Mescal in GLADIATOR 2 ALL OF US STRANGERS now streaming Mescal to host SNL tonight THR Actors Roundtable: Adrien Brody, Colman Domingo, Daniel Craig, Paul Mescal & MoreWatch this video on YouTube [...]
September 30Olivier Award®-winning actor Andrew Scott (RIPLEY) will reprise his wildly acclaimed performance in VANYA, a radical new adaptation of Chekhov’s masterwork, UNCLE VANYA. Anton Chekhov’s timeless masterpiece has captivated audiences and influenced dramatists for more than 125 years, thanks to the emotional depth and subtle humor it brings to the exploration of unfulfilled dreams, existential yearning, and the complexities of human relationships. Learn More A DEADLY AMERICAN MARRIAGE on Netflix May 9irishfilmtvApril 19, 2025What began as a fairy tale for Irish widower Jason Corbett quickly descended into an unfathomable nightmare. When the Limerick businessman and father of two found love again with his American au pair, Molly Martens, in 2008, it seemed like a fresh start. The couple, along with Jason’s children Jack and Sarah, relocated from Ireland… Continue Reading A DEADLY AMERICAN MARRIAGE on Netflix May 9 Cartoon Saloon’s JULIAN set for CannesirishfilmtvApril 18, 2025In the shadow of Ireland’s medieval Kilkenny Castle, Cartoon Saloon has quietly built an animation empire that continues to expand its artistic boundaries. The acclaimed studio that brought us THE BREADWINNER, SONG OF THE SEA, and WOLFWALKERS has just reached another milestone with its latest project Julián earning a coveted spot at the prestigious Cannes… Continue Reading Cartoon Saloon’s JULIAN set for Cannes Eve Hewson in JAY KELLYirishfilmtvApril 17, 2025Eve Hewson’s impressive career trajectory takes another significant leap forward as she joins the ensemble cast of Netflix’s highly anticipated film JAY KELLY. The Irish actress, who has been steadily building an impressive résumé with standout performances in BAD SISTERS and BEHIND HER EYES, now finds herself among Hollywood royalty in Noah Baumbach’s upcoming heartbreaking… Continue Reading Eve Hewson in JAY KELLY FRAN THE MAN now in theatresirishfilmtvApril 16, 2025Stephen Bradley’s charming mockumentary FRAN THE MAN brings a beloved YouTube series to the big screen, offering a delightful slice of Irish football culture with veteran comedian Ardal O’Hanlon delivering one of his most entertaining performances in recent years. While some might remember Steve Barron’s MIKE BASSETT: ENGLAND MANAGER from the early 2000s, Bradley’s film… Continue Reading FRAN THE MAN now in theatres VANYA adds additional off-Broadway datesirishfilmtvApril 15, 2025In a stunning testament to his artistic versatility, Andrew Scott’s groundbreaking one-man adaptation of UNCLE VANYA is extending its Off-Broadway run before even beginning performances, a reflection of the actor’s meteoric rise in recent years. The production, now set to start on March 10 and continue through May 11, 2025, brings Scott’s tour-de-force performance to… Continue Reading VANYA adds additional off-Broadway dates Graham Norton joins DOCTOR WHO castirishfilmtvApril 11, 2025Television icon Graham Norton is trading his familiar red chair for a trip in the TARDIS, bringing his Eurovision expertise to the world of DOCTOR WHO. The beloved host and comedian will appear in the sixth episode of the new season, centered around the “Interstellar Song Contest” – a cosmic version of the Eurovision competition… Continue Reading Graham Norton joins DOCTOR WHO cast More Andrew Scott Scott wraps KNIVES OUT 3 Andrew Scott in PRESSURE Andrew Scott: Actors on Actors RIPLEY now on Netflix Previous Next https://youtu.be/KAkq5c9J43k [...]