Chris O’Dowd and Brian Gleeson among cast of Conor McPherson’s 'The Brightening Air'

The play marks writer-director Conor McPherson's return to the theatre following Girl from the North Country in 2017, which transferred to the West End and Broadway.

Olivia Rook
Olivia Rook

Full casting has been revealed for Conor McPherson’s new play The Brightening Air, which opens at the Old Vic in London on 10 April. McPherson also directs.

The Brightening Air is set in 1980s Ireland and follows Dermot as he returns to his family in County Sligo with hidden aims.

Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, The IT Crowd) will play Dermot, while Brian Gleeson (Bad Sisters) and Rosie Sheehy (Machinal) will play his siblings. The cast is completed by Derbhle Crotty (Portia Coughlan), Eimhin Fitzgerald Doherty (Juno and the Paycock), Aisling Kearns (Juno and the Paycock), Seán McGinley (A Whistle in the Dark), and Hannah Morrish (The Merchant of Venice 1936).

They are joined by understudies Ella Maria Carmen, Callum Cronin, Joseph McCarthy, and Amy Vicary-Smith.

The play marks McPherson's return to the theatre following Girl from the North Country in 2017, which transferred to the West End and Broadway.

The rest of the creative team includes set and costume by Rae Smith, lighting by Mark Henderson, sound by Gregory Clarke, movement and intimacy by Lucy Hind, and voice by Charlie Hughes-D'Aeth.

Book The Brightening Air tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Chris O’Dowd and Brian Gleeson. (Photos courtesy of production)

Frequently asked questions

What is The Brightening Air about?

The world premiere of Olivier Award-winning writer and director Conor McPherson’s latest play, The Brightening Air, a family drama set in a dilapidated farmhouse in 1980s Ireland, comes to the Old Vic Theatre.

How do you book tickets for The Brightening Air?

Book tickets for The Brightening Air on London Theatre.

Where is The Brightening Air playing?

The Brightening Air is playing at The Old Vic. The theatre is located at 103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB.

What's the age requirement for The Brightening Air?

The recommended age for The Brightening Air is Ages 14+..

Who wrote The Brightening Air?

Conor McPherson is the show’s writer.

Who directed The Brightening Air?

Conor McPherson stages the show.

Is The Brightening Air appropriate for kids?

This play is best for children ages 14 and above as it includes strong language and sexual references.

Is The Brightening Air good?

The Brightening Air is an eagerly anticipated new play from Olivier Award-winning writer and director Conor McPherson. This family drama set in 1980s Ireland has an excellent cast and creative team.

Originally published on

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