The National Opera House and The Irish College of Music Theatre are developing a new Irish Musical
‘Irish Affair’ – A Love Story for All Time

The National Opera House, in collaboration with The Irish College of Music Theatre, proudly announces the development of a new Irish musical, Irish Affair – A Love Story for All Time composed by West End composer Stuart Brayson with David Wray as the musical arranger and produced by Deirdre Masterson.

Based upon a true story, Irish Affair is the dramatic tale of a marriage between Sean Cloney, a Catholic, and Sheila Kelly, a Protestant set in 1957, Ireland. (Fethard-on-Sea, Wexford) A happily married couple (they marry three times, one civil, one Catholic and one Protestant service) whose lives and love are severely tested by the powerful religious forces swirling around them.This musical blends a legitimate musical theatre score with influences from Rock, Pop, and Traditional Irish music. 

Auditions for the two principal roles are scheduled for February 24th at The National Opera House, inviting professional male and female performers aged 25 to 30. Those interested in auditioning are encouraged to reach out to Elizabeth Drwal via email at elizabeth.drwal@nationaloperahouse.ie for audition materials and additional information.

The staged concert performance of Irish Affair will take place at The Jerome Hynes Theatre at The National Opera House on June 20th, 21st, and 22nd. 

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Irish Affair – Synopsis:

Based upon a true story, Irish Affair is the dramatic tale of a marriage between Sean Cloney, a Catholic, and Sheila Kelly, a Protestant set in 1957, Ireland. (Fethard-on-Sea, Wexford) A happily married couple (they marry three times, one civil, one Catholic and one Protestant service) whose lives and love are severely tested by the powerful religious forces swirling around them. When the time comes for their eldest daughter to attend school, the local Priest, Father Stafford, insists she attend the town’s Catholic School. Objecting to this intervention, Sheila insists that the parents, not the Church, will decide on their children’s education. When her husband sides with the Priest, however, Sheila, feeling betrayed, secretly flees with her two young daughters to Scotland. Soon the social fabric of the village unravels as Father Stafford, convinced of a conspiracy, declares a boycott of all the Protestants in the village, forcing Sean, the village, and eventually the entire country to take sides in what quickly becomes an international controversy. With the small town tearing itself apart, Sean is forced to decide where his loyalties lie-with Sheila or the Church. Irish Affair is a passionate love story and brand new musical by west end composer Stuart Brayson (From Here To Eternity) about a brave couple whose convictions divided a nation.

 

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For further information, please contact Elizabeth Drwal.