Rough Magic is a multi-award winning national theatre company. Since 1984 we have produced over 134 shows - many of them Irish and world premieres. Independent, artist-led, and inherently collaborative, Rough Magic exists at an unexpected angle to the mainstream, providing an anchor for independent artists, and rich theatrical experiences for audiences across the country and the world.
Read MoreFounded in Dublin in 1984, Rough Magic is a national, independent theatre company that delivers a comprehensive programme of new Irish writing, reimagined classics and contemporary international plays to audiences across Ireland and beyond. Our work is expansive, playful, and – whatever its form – focused on the moment.
Operating as an ensemble across the spectrum of scale and style, our programme offers fresh perspectives, engaging the audience with the qualities that define us: wit, subversion, intellectual rigour, and free artistic expression.
Guided by these core values Rough Magic has consolidated as a dynamic creative entity and a valued institution, with a portfolio of over 134 productions, including 69 Irish premieres. Our values are articulated in the way we work; and our commitment to equality of representation and diversity of expression.
The company has been a pioneer in mentoring and support. We believe in artist development, showcasing and platforming theatre makers at all stages of their career, prioritising trust in our colleagues and collaborators, supporting them to take artistic risks.
Over four decades Rough Magic has established a vital presence in Dublin and across Ireland. Our working model is based on strong relationships – with venue partners, co-producers, and co-presenters, nationally and internationally – reflecting the company’s resilience and adaptability.
Awards include: a record number four Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards for Best Production (Copenhagen 2003, Improbable Frequency 2005, The Taming of the Shrew 2007, Don Carlos 2009); London Time Out Award; two Edinburgh Fringe First Awards and the Irish Times Irish Theatre Award for Best Ensemble for A Midsummer Night’s Dream in 2018. Most recently Rough Magic’s production of Solar Bones was awarded Best Actor for Stanley Townsend and Best Director for Lynne Parker at the Irish Times Irish Theatre Awards.
Our work is brought to you by the Rough Magic team led by Artistic Director Lynne Parker.
We are delighted to announce that applications will open this week for SEEDS, Rough Magic’s artist development programme. Since 2001 Rough Magic has been a pioneer of artist development in Irish theatre. SEEDS has been Ireland’s most comprehensive development programme and we are excited to meet members of the next generation of talented Irish theatre … Continued
The award-winning Solar Bones is back! Marcus Conway has come home to his kitchen in Louisburgh Co. Mayo. Everything seems normal, yet he is haunted by the feeling that nothing is quite right. Poring obsessively over the details of his relationships, his world and his work as an engineer brings him closer to an understanding … 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
Unique in personality, generous in approach, connected across the sector
A partnership between the creative ensemble and the engaged audience to celebrate the collective experience of live theatre
Using our core principles over four decades to respond to the moment and replenish both the company and the sector
Expansive and playful, taking our work seriously but not ourselves – combining a sense of purpose with an instinct for fun
