Theatre goers are in for a real treat as the Abbey brings the world premiere of Conservatory, by Michael West, to the Peacock stage.

The play, directed by Michael Barker Caven, focuses on the story of a married couple and the secrets that bind them together. As night closes in, it brings with it dark thoughts that settle on the couple’s minds as they revisit the argument they have had for their entire married life.

With only the past to entertain them, the rest of their life is filled with sewing, crosswords and the occasional drink. The play looks at their dark past and the secret that they share following years of denial and isolation.

Stephen Brennan stars as ‘He’ and Deirdre Donnelly as ‘Her’ and both actors are well-known faces of the Abbey Theatre. Brennan’s roles at the Abbey include The Grown Ups, No Romance and A Life, and he has also starred in The Tudors and Father Ted. Donnelly has starred in Shush, The Crucible and An Ideal Husband at the Abbey and has starred in BBC dramas such as Quirke and The Hill Bachelors as well as RTE’s Fair City and The Clinic.

Critically acclaimed writer Michael West has written previous plays for the Abbey, including The Marriage of Figaro and Lolita. He wrote and collaborated on Freefall for The Corn Exchange which won the Irish Times Theatre Award for Best New Play. He is currently a Drama lecturer in Trinity and teaches playwrighting at the Lir Academy.

Conservatory is Michael Barker Caven’s debut at the Abbey Theatre. His previous work includes Best Man (Project Arts Centre) and The Shape of Things, which was nominated for the Irish Times Theatre Award for Best Director in 2002.

Conservatory opened on 7th March at the Abbey Theatre and runs until 12th April. Evening performances are at 8pm and Saturday matinees are at 2.30pm. Tickets are priced at €25 and can be booked online.

CONTACT DETAILS
Abbey Theatre / Peacock Theatre
26, Lower Abbey Street
Dublin 1