Overview
Location
The Old Vic
- Address
-
103 The CutLondonSE1 8NB
- Telephone:
- +44 (0)34 4871 7628
About
Experience the power of celebrated playwright Conor McPherson’s latest play at The Old Vic. Featuring a star-studded cast including Chris O’Dowd and Brian Gleeson, this captivating show tells the poignant story of a family living in Ireland in the 1980s.
Dive into the emotional struggles and complex dynamics of family life as The Brightening Air explores the trials and tribulations of life at home.
What is The Brightening Air at the Old Vic about?
This highly anticipated world premiere of The Brightening Air is the newest masterpiece from four-time Olivier Award-winning Irish playwright and director Conor McPherson (The Weir, The Seafarer, Girl from the North Country and The Night Alive).
The extraordinary play tells the story of a family living in Ireland in the 1980s, following the lives of brother and sister Stephen (Brian Gleeson) and Billie (Rosie Sheehy) at their decaying family farmhouse in County Sligo. Their ordinary lives are quickly turned upside down when their troublesome brother (Chris O’Dowd), ex-clergyman uncle (Sean McGinley) and sister-in-law (Hannah Morrish) arrive on the scene, armed with a cunning plan and in search of a miracle.
The production highlights the central role a family home plays in shaping lives – far more than just a building, it can often be a place of refuge, magic or burden.
Who is in the cast of The Brightening Air?
The star-studded cast features Brian Gleeson (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Bad Sisters) as Stephen, Rosie Sheehy (Machinal) in the role of Billie, and Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids) as Dermot. The rest of the cast includes Derbhle Crotty (Portia Coughlan), Eimhin Fitzgerald Doherty (Juno Fitzgerald), Aisling Kearns (Barber), Hannah Morrish (The Merchant of Venice 1936) and Seán McGinley (A Whistle in the Dark).
The creative team is led by writer and director Conor McPherson, who is joined by powerhouse set and costume designer Rae Smith (Hello Dolly!) and sound manager Gregory Clarke (Fiddler on the Roof). Discover the full creative team and cast at the Old Vic.
How to book tickets for The Brightening Air: ticket information
Book tickets for The Brightening Air at the Old Vic directly with Visit London by clicking the book now button on this page. When booking, you can choose your preferred seats and find ticket prices until the show ends in June 2025.
Tickets to The Brightening Air start from £28 per person.
Please check with the venue for information about captioned, audio-described and British Sign Language (BSL) performances.
When is The Brightening Air being shown at the Old Vic?
The captivating play is showing at the Old Vic from 10 April until 14 June 2025 in a limited two-month run.
Performances start at 7.30pm Monday to Saturday. Matinees are shown at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday.
How long is The Brightening Air?
The running time of the play is two hours and 20 minutes, including an interval.
Where is The Brightening Air playing?
The Old Vic is located at the buzzy crossroads of Waterloo Road and The Cut (SE1 8NB). The theatre occupies a striking six-storey Grade II listed building, which is hard to miss with its red neon sign that highlights the current show.
How to get there:
- Underground – The nearest Tube station is Waterloo (Bakerloo, Jubilee, Northern and Waterloo & City lines), which is just a two-minute walk from the venue. Southwark (Jubilee line) is also within walking distance.
- Bus – The following buses stop outside the theatre: 1, 68, 172, 176, 188 and C10.
- Cycle – Hire a Santander Cycles bike and ride direct to the Old Vic. Docking stations can be found nearby on Baylis Road and outside Waterloo and Southwark Stations.
Is there an age restriction for the play The Brightening Air?
The Brightening Air play is recommended for anyone aged 14 and over. It worth noting that the production contains frequent strong language and sexual references throughout.
