Irish Affair – A Love Story For All Time returns to the National Opera House on the main O'Reilly stage in a highly anticipated new semi-staged production, which has been significantly developed since the workshop version of Irish Affair premiered last June in the intimate performance space of the Jerome Hynes Theatre.
With additional music, double the cast and the addition of dancers and musicians, this new version of Irish Affair will be introduced by the legendary lyricist and Executive Producer of Irish Affair, Sir Tim Rice, who has a plethora of global credits to his name including The Lion King, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar.
Set in the rural village of Fethard-on-Sea, Co Wexford in the 1950s, Irish Affair - A Love Story for all Time, is based on the true story of married couple Sean and Sheila Cloney née Kelly, one Catholic and one Protestant, and the inspirational journey of how their love drove them to overcome the religious and political obstacles which divided the nation and became an international incident.
Irish Affair is penned by West End composer Stuart Brayson, (From Here to Eternity), produced and directed by Wexford soprano Deirdre Masterson (The Irish College of Music Theatre) with musical arrangements/direction by David Wray (Michael Collins and Angela’s Ashes), with support by the National Opera House. One of the songs from the score, ‘She Is My Everything’, was broadcast for the very first time on ‘Elaine Paige on Sunday’ on BBC Radio 2 to an incredible response from both host and listeners.
Having worked on this musical for several years prior to its inaugural public viewing last year, acclaimed composer, Stuart Brayson, said, “I’m thrilled that Irish Affair will return this June to the prestigious National Opera House in Wexford. It’s such a wonderful and inspiring true story. I’m very proud of the score. I do think it’s one of my best. This new production of Irish Affair will simply capture your heart. It really is a love story for all time.”
The National Opera House and The Irish College of Music Theatre proudly collaborated in presenting the premiere of Irish Affair in a series of workshops in June 2024 to an enthusiastic response from the audience. Director and producer Deirdre Masterson and composer and lyricist Stuart Brayson were encouraged to develop the piece further as a result. They were further encouraged by lyricist Sir Tim Rice and global music executive Chris Wright CBE, who later offered to come on board as Executive Producers.
“Having worked with Stuart Brayson on our West End Musical From Here To Eternity, I am delighted that he has created a new work for the stage. He is a marvelous songwriter, original and enthusiastic.” – Sir Tim Rice
“I’m very much looking forward to seeing a full production of the now greatly enhanced musical “Irish Affair”, a love story for all ages and one very close to the hearts of all Irish people. Stuart has written a marvelous work which I’m sure will have a fantastic future. I’m excited to be part of it of its birth.” - Chris Wright CBE
Commenting on her experience as director and producer of Irish Affair, Deirdre Masterson said, “It has been such a joy to work alongside the Composer Stuart Brayson, and MD/Musical Arranger David Wray, with the fabulous cast and crew in collaboration with The National Opera House. I am excited for audiences to see the developments we have made to the show since last June".
Deirdre added, “Being a proud Wexford woman, I feel privileged to act as director and producer for this very special musical project Irish Affair. The creatives and I feel very strongly that the sentiment, tone and the ethos of the piece is organically home grown first, before giving it an opportunity to take flight into the other corners of the world.
Irish Affair is a mesmerising piece of drama, based on true events. The narration is further enhanced with a luscious score, infectious toe-tapping melodies, unforgettable hauntingly beautiful airs and a sprinkle of traditional Irish influences, evoking both tears of sorrow and laughter throughout. An inspiring, uplifting musical suitable for all the family.
Book, Music & Lyrics: Stuart Brayson
Director/Producer: Deirdre Masterson
Musical Director, Musical Arrangements & Orchestrations: David Wray
Executive Producers: Sir Tim Rice, Chris Wright CBE and The National Opera House