‘Death of a Comedian’ to premiere at Lyric

A powerful new work exploring the highs and lows of the comedy world, Death of a Comedian has been commissioned by the Abbey Theatre, and is a co-production with the Abbey Theatre and Soho Theatre, London. The play forms the first of two collaborative projects with the Abbey Theatre in 2015.

Meet Steve Johnston. He’s always wrestling with compromise. He’s constantly under the spotlight. He’s a stand-up comedian. As his career takes off, the stages get bigger. As he is thrust into the limelight, his choices prove costly. Will he get everything he wants, or 
lose it all?

Death of a Comedian will be Owen McCafferty’s first new work at the Lyric Theatre since his appointment as the theatre’s artist in residence in September.

Executive Producer Jimmy Fay said: “Any new work by Owen is a cause for celebration, and we’re particularly excited that Death of a Comedian will be premiered in his home town before moving on to Dublin and London. It’s a fantastic piece that’s genuinely funny, but which also highlights some uncomfortable truths about the price of success that society demands, and I think people will be really captivated by the story. We’re also delighted to be working in collaboration with Soho Theatre and Abbey Theatre, particularly as we’ll also be co-producing Seán O’Casey’s The Shadow of a Gunman with the Abbey Theatre later in 2015.”

Owen McCafferty added: “Death of a Comedian is the story of a man who compromises his art in the pursuit of success, and pays a heavy price for being funny.”

Death of a Comedian runs on the Danske Bank Stage at the Lyric Theatre from February 7 to March 1). Tickets, which range from £10 - £24.50, can be booked online at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or through the box office on 028 9038 1081.