The Very Curious Céilí

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.

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.