ALL REVIEWS ⟡ ALL REVIEWS ⟡ ALL REVIEWS ⟡
ALL REVIEWS ⟡ ALL REVIEWS ⟡ ALL REVIEWS ⟡
Mermaids Have No Tears
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY RACHEL THORNTON
ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK BY JOSHUA MCNUTT
PRODUCED BY ASH DAWES
Musical Theatre/Comedy/Fantasy/Fairytail (…get it?)
DATE: 26th February 2026
VENUE: Smock Alley Theatre
This rehearsed reading of “Mermaids Have No Tears” was part of the Scene + Heard 2026: Festival of New Work programme.
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“Sometime in the future, at the Basket Island Music Festival, the Real Human Girlz tribute band is performing. During their performance, they decide to give a history of the band. In this witty and charming new musical from Trip Hazard Theatre, we follow the story of the original band’s meteoric rise to fame and the complex relationship between them and the human world that they want to entertain, while they also hope that their male listeners resist the lure of the ocean when they sing.
This performance is a rehearsed reading of the script so the stage is set through the stage directions being read by a member of the technical team. We open with a sound clip about the popularity of the band. When the band enters the stage, it starts into the incredibly catchy ‘Dance Until We Drown’, an upbeat song that reminds listeners that it’s a metaphor and to please not actually drown yourself. This song excellently sets the tone for the show and hooks the audience, metaphorically of course.
The music throughout runs a full spectrum from poppy and upbeat to sad and melancholic. Each song fits where it’s supposed to beautifully and accentuates the scene it’s situated in. Some stick out more than others such as the beautiful duet ‘The Duet (Scared of Everything)’ and they stick with you as all good music should.
A superbly talented 4 person cast: Emer Nic Róibín (Muireann), Charlotte Cleary (Annalee), Eva McCartney (Elody) and Joshua McNutt (Donnacha) are delightful, whimsical and just the right amount of broody when it’s called for. Mermaids Have No Tears has wonderful potential and a bright future ahead.”
- Ciara Byrne, The Reviews Hub (full review)
Reviewed: 26th February 2026
“Another masterpiece..."
“Another masterpiece by one of Ireland's most talented emerging writer/director.
A hilarious musical with beautifully written songs that carried you through a story dealing with serious issues. Though the play had references to suicide and mental health problems, it felt intentional and not for shock value. This created a sense of safety and relatability with the audience.
Rachel has mastered the art of weaving the mythical and mortal world seamlessly together.
From the very beginning I was swept up in their world of sassy mermaids and depressed buskers.
The cast had fantastic chemistry and timing. We were hanging on every word and laughing from start to finish.
Themes of complicated family dynamics, love and the ultimate desire to survive this doomed existence are so beautiful expressed.
It was my second chance to watch Rachel's work in smock Alley and I really hope to see her there again soon.
She's my favorite writers favorite writer 😁”
- Leonora Ribeiro
(26/02/2026)
Linda Martin is NOT a Vampire
WRITTEN & PERFORMED BY
CONSTANCE HENRY & RACHEL THORNTON
DIRECTED BY HARRY EAVES
Campy Horror/Comedy
DATE: 14th February 2026
VENUE: Smock Alley Theatre
This production of “Linda Martin is NOT a Vampire” was part of the Scene + Heard 2026: Festival of New Work programme.
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"It was absolutely hilarious...Overall, fantastic show.”
“I wasn’t really sure what to think when I booked the tickets, since I’ve never been to such a small or short show before, but it was absolutely hilarious. I loved all the theater specific jokes, and the practical jokes with lighting and sound were fantastic as well. Overall, fantastic show.”
- Zoe Elizabeth
(14/02/2026)
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"Truly one of the funniest, wackiest pieces I’ve ever been to."
“I saw this play listed in the Smock Alley’s newsletter and although the title of this play was a huge draw for me, I more or less blind booked the tickets. And it didn’t disappoint. Truly one of the funniest, wackiest pieces I’ve ever been to. The writing was so on the money and the actors were superb.
I guess in the spirit of the festival, the time and space were limited. But they used it wisely and treated us to a polished and professional new piece. The lighting really added to it. I would be interested to see how this would play out on a bigger stage with more resources.
My only regret is that I went alone. I have friends who would love this.”
- Chris
(14/02/2026)
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"...they interacted with the audience in a way that was funny and made us feel included in the jokes."
“Really unique and fun show. The chemistry was there between the actors and they interacted with the audience in a way that was funny and made us feel included in the jokes. I liked that the interactions also weren’t overwhelming for people who arent comfortable with that stuff. I really recommend it.”
- Lisa H.
(14/02/2026)
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"...the most fun I’ve had in the theatre in a long time."
“Linda Martin Is Not a Vampire is the most fun I’ve had in the theatre in a long time. I would go see it again.”
- Eloise D.
(14/02/2026)
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"So good!!"
- MeghanItsMaybeleen
(14/02/2026)
Magical Girls: Staged Reading
WRITTEN BY RACHEL THORNTON
DIRECTED BY PRAISE TITUS
DATE: 3rd February 2026
VENUE: The New Theatre
This staged reading of “Magical Girls” formed part of The New Theatre's New Writing Week.
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"It’s a brilliant blend of Irish culture and magical girl tropes."
“I saw the staged reading of Magical Girls tonight and loved every second. It’s a brilliant blend of Irish culture and magical girl tropes. The script is sharp, the characters (especially Jinx the cat) are great fun, and it explores Irish womanhood in such a unique, modern way. I can’t wait to see this developed into a full production!”
- Sarah
(03/02/2026)
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"I would like to see it as a short or a manga cartoon."
“Originally nostalgic and emotional, drizzled with fun. I liked and would like to see it as a short or a manga cartoon.”
- Glauber M.
(03/02/2026)
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"The script is so funny and poignant..."
“Stellar!! The cast performed brilliantly, really bringing their characters to life in such a reduced production. The script is so funny and poignant, every element flowed together beautifully to create a vision of Dublin - and Ireland - that feels truly unique and refreshing. I feel there are small tweaks that could be made, such as ensuring the cat puppet is either always moving its mouth with Jinx's delivery, or never at all, but overall it was a fabulous experience.”
- Connie Henry
(03/02/2026)
The Zombie Monologues
WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY
DATE: 17th October 2025
VENUE: Dunamaise Arts Centre
This production of “The Zombie Monologues” was a part of the LASTA Festival 2025 programme.
KINDLY SUPPORTED BY
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"Hilarious and heartwarming...fantastic original score!"
"Hilarious and heartwarming story with a fantastic original score to go with it!"
-Will F.
(19/10/2025)
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"...absolutely amazing show! I had such a laugh."
"What an absolutely amazing show! I had such a laugh. It was worth seeing. Well done to everyone involved!"
-Marta M.
(18/10/2025)
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"5 STARS ☆☆☆☆☆....such a talented writer. We need a motion picture of this."
"Wow, 5 STARS ☆☆☆☆☆ Just seen this amazing piece of articulate writing turned into a play. What can i say, it's simply brilliant. With its darkly humorous and thought provoking script , this tremendous piece of Irish theatre is perfectly executed and an absolute must see. The performances were superb throughout and i left the theatre uplifted and craving so much more from such a talented writer. We need a motion picture of this. Congratulations to all involved ."
-Damien K.
(18/10/2025)
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"you were kept entertained throughout the whole show with no lulls...phenomenal acting."
"Absolutely fantastic show from start to finish ..you were kept entertained throughout the whole show with no lulls .a fantastic storyline and loved all the mayo bits haha. The acting was phenomenal as well .a lovely night was had."
-Monica B.
(18/10/2025)
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"The most bizarre but meaningful found family I’ve seen on stage."
"The most bizarre but meaningful found family I’ve seen on stage. This play subverts the typical zombie trope by making each character unique, complex individuals. While their minds are very much still intact, through Freya, and even Colm towards the end of the play, we see that the ability to hold on to one’s identity and sense of self is not a passive act, nor is it a given- you have to fight for it. Such a good play! I’d see it again."
-Lara G.
(18/10/2025)
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"I would go see this piece again and again and want everyone I know to see it too."
"What an incredible journey this play brings you on. From laughing to crying, to contemplating our own eventual death, but mostly laughing, you can't help but get tangled up in the character's touching backstories and friendships that we all crave for in life. It reminds you of the inate goodness of humanity despite being surrounded by a world impossible for them to live in. This was my second time to watch this play, and I still am surprised by how clever, silly and touching it is. The cast knocked out out of the park. The choreography was beautiful and effortlessly led you through the story. I would go see this piece again and again and want everyone I know to see it too. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this piece to life!"
-Leonora R.
(18/10/2025)
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"...a gem in Irish theatre. Five stars."
"The Zombie Monologues" is a gem in Irish theatre. Five stars."
-C.
(17/10/2025)
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"I need this to be made into a movie."
"I never go to plays because I've always found them boring (sorry) but my friend goes to loads and convinced me to go because she said this ones meant to be funny. And I'm so glad I did. Because this was insanely good. The best I've ever seen really. My friend was right about it being funny but it was also really deep and the entire look was cool and polished like a movie. I didnt know theatre could be like this. I need it to be made into a movie. You should think about it because it would do so well."
-Shauna M.
(17/10/2025)
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"I would go see it again...an absolute class act."
"This one made me laugh and gave me a lot to think about. I would go see it again just to take it all in again because it really is something and I'd recommend it to anyone. All in all The Zombie Monologues is an absolute class act."
-Noel D.
(17/10/2025)
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"...genius!"
"The funniest fucking thing!!! Just genius! Whens the next one?"
-Declan P.
(17/10/2025)
The Last Wolf in Ireland
WRITTEN BY RACHEL THORNTON
DIRECTED BY RACHEL THORNTON & ÚNA NOLAN
PRODUCED BY LUCY RICHARD-SMYRK
DATES: 11th - 15th March 2025
VENUE: Smock Alley Theatre
The predecessor to “The Zombie Monologues”. Produced by Belly of the Whale Theatre Company.
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★★★★½ (4.5⭐)
"A genuinely delightful piece of theatre, The Last Wolf in Ireland tells the story of Noah, a werewolf, and his best friend Colm as they embark on a very chaotic sleepover. With humour and heart, this play is an exploration of friendship, the pressure on people to ‘be grand’ despite the difficulties in their lives and the visibility of women’s achievements..."
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"Go see it while you can."
"I just went to see the opening show of The Last Wolf in Ireland in the Smock Alley Theatre, it was funny, very charming and has left me with lots of food for thought. Go see it while you can."
-Taryn de Vere
(11/03/2025)
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"Rachel is a genius! The script is so witty and quick!"
"Jack and Will bounce off each other wonderfully, and their use of the set makes it all feel lived in (ironically). Rachel is a genius! The script is so witty and quick! Josh's composition is stellar, and the little references to retro classics like Blister In the Sun and Paint It Black were very appreciated. It was so nice to go to a show and just have fun throughout, with the highs and lows maintaining attention and interest consistently."
-Sasha
(15/03/2025)
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"Absolutely brilliant writing, acting and delivery!"
"Absolutely brilliant writing, acting and delivery! Both the actors were just fabulous."
-Shivangi Uppi
(14/03/2025)
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"Incredibly witty and well written"
"Incredibly witty and well written, The Last Wolf in Ireland is thought provoking but will leave you in stitches. Brilliantly directed and produced, it's an absolute must watch!”
-Seán G.
(12/03/2025)
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"Definitely a must see!"
"Loved it, laughed a lot and pulled at my heart strings! Definitely a must see!"
-Ali Amaya
(12/03/2025)
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"Brilliant, just brilliant..."
"Brilliant Just Brilliant, both actors were outstanding."
-J. McLaughlin
(13/03/2025)
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"Funny and kept me guessing."
"I was checking what's on in the theatre and found the play's description funny.
It was really good, especially for a preview. The piece was funny and hung a few Chekhov's guns around so it kept me guessing on how it would end. Pretty enjoyable."
-S.
(11/03/2025)