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The Irish Independent hailed the production as “a triumphant version of a rare thing – a new Irish classic musical,”adding: “These stray people, who might have strolled in from Bruce Springsteen’s imagination, all get to sing their song.” Twenty years ago, Mick Flannery released his debut album, Evening Train. The…
The Irish Independent hailed the production as “a triumphant version of a rare thing – a new Irish classic musical,”adding: “These stray people, who might have strolled in from Bruce Springsteen’s imagination, all get to sing their song.”
Twenty years ago, Mick Flannery released his debut album, Evening Train. The record was originally written in response to a college assignment to “write a musical.” Mick did exactly that — although, at the time, he concentrated solely on its music and lyrics.
The House Must Win is a gritty new musical drama that sweeps audiences into the emotional undertow of its story and song. Set on the western edge of Ireland in the 1970s, it follows two brothers living with the odds stacked against them. Each takes a different path in the hope of leading a “good” life, both trying to honour the woman who holds their hearts.
In a town of backroom poker games, secrets and bribes, broken families and broken hearts, the people of this place must learn how to play the cards they’ve been dealt — and discover what it truly means when the house must win.
With the musicians sharing the stage with the actors, The House Must Win is an all-out feast for the eyes and ears: at times heart-wrenching, at others laugh-out-loud funny. Its world-premiere performances enthralled audiences, leaving many in tears as the curtain came down.
The Irish Examiner described it as “Nick Cave or Tom Waits-style Americana meets Tom Murphy,” while the Sunday Independent wrote: “Think McDonagh or McPherson, but with music. Excellent music.”
