Reading and auditions announced for December production ‘The Night Alive’ by Conor McPherson

 

THE NIGHT ALIVE

by CONOR MCPHERSON

DIRECTOR: TOM O’CONNOR

PERFORMANCE DATES: 2 – 12 DECEMBER, 2026

Rehearsals will start around mid-October. There may be some earlier sessions prior to this.

READING: Thursday, 9 July at 7.30 p.m.

AUDITION: Sunday 12 July at 2.0 p.m.

THE REVIEW

“No one is better at dramatizing the loneliness of the Irish male.  The Night Alive shows the disruptive impact of a female intruder on a world of masculine solitude……a thoroughly entertaining 105 minutes.”

Michael Billington, The Guardian

“The beauty of McPherson’s writing is that peripheral, shimmery weirdness, the tug at your sleeve of something so otherworldly and luminous, you can’t bear to turn around and look. What’s going on? A spellbinding and absolutely gorgeous new play by one of the true poets of the theatre, that’s what”

David Cote, Time Out.

THE PLAY

The premiere of this play at the Donmar in 2013, directed by the playwright, was an outstanding success and transferred to Broadway where it won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Play. It received 5 stars from Time Out. It was also nominated for multiple awards, including the Laurence Olivier award.

The Night Alive is set in an untidy, disorganised and somewhat filthy Dublin basement flat, rented in an otherwise smart Edwardian house near the Phoenix Park.

The play is a slice into the lives of the people with lost souls, the invisible people we all walk past, who live and occupy such areas and who exist alongside uncertainty, poverty, in some cases violence, but always in hope of redemption and love. A play riddled with comedy, intimacy, fun and underscored by a dark presence that makes itself felt in the most dramatic way.

Award winning Irish playwright Conor McPherson once again hits the notes with his writing and understanding of the human condition in this atmospheric piece.

The production will require actors who wish to explore and develop the characters and push, where required, the bounds of the piece. Dublin accents are required as the play is very much ‘Dublin’, in that it embodies the grit, emotions and comic aspects of the people of that unique city. A lot of the dialogue is conversational, meaning the characters need to establish themselves quickly and as much through looks, physique and personal characteristics, along with stagecraft as much as via the dialogue. The ability to take in the lines early in the process will be important. There are acts of violence, two of which are of a ‘no holds barred’ nature, along with a stage fight which will require careful choreographing. It’s a play that any actor should seek out.

THE CHARACTERS TO BE CAST

Tommy – age 50s – a somewhat disorganised, scruffy and complex man, who has a streak of kindness running through him, despite what life has thrown at him. Estranged from his wife and kids, his chance of redemption from his personal chaos appears in the form of Aimee with whom he shares his whims and dreams. Some great comic moments alongside his odd job compatriot and sidekick Doc . 

Aimee – age late 20s / early 30s – Aimee is indeed a lost soul whose circumstances have forced her to accept a place in life due to other routes denied her. A somewhat part-time ‘lady of the street’ who has done whatever is required to get by, she seems a quiet and cautious woman at first. She then surprisingly reveals herself as she grows to know Tommy, who has taken her in following an act of violence upon her in the street. Maybe she slightly drops her guard too much as a result? 

Doc – 40s / early 50s – Tommy’s sidekick and ‘business partner’ in his odd job man with a van existence, as well as sometime lodger. Funny at times, without being aware of it, he also displays real tenderness and a willingness to help. He pays a heavy price for his naivety at one point and is the victim of circumstance. A simple character who hides his complexity but is not afraid to reveal himself to those he trusts, as he delves into the world of mysteries and black holes. 

Maurice – 60s – Tommy’s uncle and the owner and resident of what would be seen as a desirable house, apart from the unruly chaos of Tommy’s section of it. A smart and seemingly educated man, widowed and as is revealed, bereft of his late wife’s love  (laid out in a beautiful speech). One senses he hides his vulnerability behind a cantankerous nature and too much at times behind alcohol. He does however reveal a basic kindness and generous nature. An anchor in Tommy’s life, it is clear he loved Tommy as a youngster and is disappointed in him as an adult, though one feels he won’t abandon him. This character offers the actor the chance to build and enjoy the role.

Kenneth – 30s / 40s – Kenneth it turns out is something of a boyfriend of Aimee and is the man responsible for being violent towards her, causing her to end up in Tommy’s care. He at times seems almost as a coiled spring, ready to lash out, though he is cunning enough to hold his threatening position through measured movement and action. A scene between Doc and Kenneth is notable. Kenneth is the cold wind that blows through the building. affecting the relationships of the others. 

AUDITION GUIDELINES

For the audition you will be asked to perform different parts of the text with other auditionees. Text will be provided on the day and you will be given time to read through and prepare.

Do try to arrive on time so that you don’t miss lots of useful information about the play and being part of the production.

The reading and the audition will be held at the theatre. Please come to the Stage Door at the rear of the theatre in Spencer’s Yard. There is access through the gate to the left of The Fold on Spencer Street. A Loft sign on the gate indicates the direction into the yard. The Fold is the large white building with pillars. Head in the direction of the red arrow across Spencer’s Yard to the Stage Door in the corner. The Loft Theatre logo in on the rear wall of the theatre and the words ‘Stage Door’ are painted on the wall to guide you.

 

 

 

To register interest, or if you are interested but can’t make the dates, or for any more information, please get in touch with the director, Tom O’Connor at toconn@ymail.com or the Artistic Director, Sue Moore at  suemoore@lofttheatrecompany.com

CASTING POLICY

The Loft’s casting policy is centred on casting the very best actors for each role. Casting will always be open and neutral. Everyone is welcome and warmly encouraged to attend auditions.  If specific race/ethnicity or other characteristics are central to the story, we will make this clear in audition notices. There is no pre-casting without the express permission of the Artistic Director. We no longer have membership subscriptions. It is free to join our company.