Rough Magic is a multi-award winning national theatre company. Since 1984 we have produced over 130 shows - many of them Irish and world premieres - and developed a national and international reputation. Since its foundation Rough Magic has upheld an egalitarian approach to theatre making and is committed to equality of representation and diversity of expression.
Read MoreRough Magic has been an anchor for theatre production and a significant mentor of a new generation of emerging artists. Since 2001 our SEEDS programme has launched many outstanding theatre makers. Launched in 2021, COMPASS offers artist development through commissions, mentorship and workshops. Our office in South Great Georges Street is a resource-sharing creative hub where theatre-makers can grow their practice and network with other professionals.
Recent work from Rough Magic includes:
The company has maintained quality in its work over 4 decades to critical acclaim, peer recognition and audience loyalty.
Awards include:
A record 4 Irish Times Best Production Awards
London Time Out Award, and 2 Edinburgh Fringe Firsts
All of this is brought to you by the Rough Magic team led by Artistic Director Lynne Parker.
Rough Magic and Kilkenny Arts Festival are thrilled to announce our latest take on a Shakespeare classic. A dark comedy filled with magic, mischief, music and romance; The Tempest. Shakespeare’s lyrical revenge fantasy is coming to the grounds of Kilkenny Castle for 10 outdoor performances, with Eleanor Methven, one of Ireland’s most celebrated actresses, taking … Continued
Rough Magic and Hatch Pictures are delighted to present Cleft, a new audio play by Fergal McElherron which is free to listen to below, and on Spotify. Cleft is a visceral story of one family’s unrelenting will to survive – and ultimately to make choices based on instinct. Cleft, starring Simone Kirby and Penny Layden, was … Continued
Book TicketsIn February we staged our dynamic new showcase of work under the new COMPASS programme. Rough Weekend was a showcase of new writing and big ideas. Set across two days, each of these three unique events featured stagings, readings and discussions, offering glimpses and impressions of never-before-seen works, commissioned by Rough Magic as part of … Continued
Rough Magic
A national company responding to the needs of all parts of the island
A creative ensemble, with unity of purpose, generosity of spirit and a joyous sense of ambition
Known by audiences throughout Ireland for work of quality, that engages, stimulates and entertains
Acknowledged as the essential portal to the creativity of independent Irish theatre artists
