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13 Dec 2025
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13 Dec 2025
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Limerick playwright Liam McCarthy takes us back to the 1980s
A LIMERICK playwright will present his new play, set in the 1980s in the city.
Written by Liam McCarthy and directed by Joan Sheehy, Jilly Morgan’s Birthday Party tells a gripping tale of love, longing and obsession.
Set against the backdrop of 1980s Limerick city, Jilly Morgan’s Birthday Party follows the story of Jack, whose life is forever changed by a brief, passionate kiss at a party. This moment becomes Jack’s lifelong fixation, leading him on a journey of self-discovery across four decades.
Inspired by Anton Chekhov’s short story The Kiss, this darkly humorous and thought-provoking play offers a condensed social history and a vivid portrayal of Limerick city.
Starring Patrick Ryan and Georgina Miller, Jilly Morgan’s Birthday Party promises to be a riveting exploration of human connection and the power of memory. Director Joan Sheehy describes the play as “a wonderful intriguing, funny, unsettling journey, - a love story of sorts that sucks you in and unfolds in a startling way”.
This world premiere production marks a significant milestone for both the playwright, Liam McCarthy, and the Lime Tree Theatre / Belltable which continues to champion artists based in the Mid-West region.
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McCarthy’s artistic journey with the company, from his initial participation in Belltable’s Connect initiative to his residency in 2021, has culminated in this eagerly-awaited debut. Following the success of his previous works, including Fergal and Mam and Love and Woo, McCarthy’s Jilly Morgan’s Birthday Party, promises to be a “highlight of the theatrical calendar”.
Get ready for a captivating journey through time at the Belltable from Thursday, May 2 to Saturday, May 11, with performances at 8pm.
Preview performances will take place from May 2 to May 4, with the official opening night on May 7. One matinee performance will also take place on May 11 at 2.30pm.
Tickets are available via limetreebelltable.ie
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