Waking Ned Devine becomes a stage musical at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in February 2027, with music and lyrics by Markéta Irglová and Glen Hansard, a book by David Hein and direction by John Doyle. Tickets go on sale at the end of this month.
Waking Ned Devine arrives at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in February 2027, and it arrives as a world premiere. Tickets go on sale at the end of September, with Lyric+ members getting first call through the theatre’s priority booking window.
The Lyric is producing with Waking Ned Devine LLC. John Doyle directs, David Hein has written the book, and the score is by Markéta Irglová and Glen Hansard — their first musical since Once. The Lyric’s announcement is blunt about the ambition, billing it as a new Broadway-bound musical.
The source is the film written and directed by Kirk Jones. Ned Devine wins a fortune on the lottery, and the rest of his small Irish village works out at speed how it might share in the windfall. A complication stands in the neighbours’ way first, and what follows is a comedy about friendship, community and what counts as being rich.
The Lyric Theatre and Waking Ned Devine LLC said that following the death of Glen Hansard they had extended their condolences to his family and friends. Hansard contributed music and lyrics alongside Irglová while the show was taking shape, and the theatre said his contribution remains a vital part of the work as it moves towards the stage. The Lyric, Waking Ned Devine LLC and the creative team, Doyle and Irglová among them, have agreed to continue with the production and open it in February.
Markéta Irglová said: “I am thrilled by the work ahead on Waking Ned Devine and honoured to be continuing this journey with the support of the Lyric. Carrying forward the creative work that Glen and I began together feels like both a privilege and a blessing. This is a story full of heart, humour, and humanity, and I am excited to bring its next chapter to life through song while celebrating the spirit that has made it so beloved.”
John Doyle, whose credits include The Colour Purple, Company and Sweeney Todd, said: “I’m delighted that Waking Ned Devine is having its world premiere at the wonderful Lyric Theatre. Musicals are a long time in the making. Markéta and Glen built a terrific musical score and David Hein and I have worked closely to ensure that the story is touching, theatrical and most importantly, fun. I know Glen was so happy that our show was starting its journey in Belfast, and all I hope for now is that we do him proud.”
Jimmy Fay, executive producer at the Lyric, named the rest of the team: “We are honoured to be working alongside producers Mary Beth O’Connor and Neil Gooding; award-winning director John Doyle, composer Markéta Irglová, and writer David Hein on this special project.”
The production has Arts Council of Northern Ireland backing through National Lottery funding. Gilly Campbell, the Arts Council’s director of arts development, said the show was “coming at such a poignant time” and that the team and cast would “make this an unmissable and exceptional show for audiences to be a part of”. The Lyric is principally supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Lottery funding and Belfast City Council.
Waking Ned Devine opens at the Lyric Theatre on Ridgeway Street, Belfast, in February 2027. Individual performance dates and the length of the run have not been announced yet; tickets go on sale at the end of September 2026.
