The Brightening Air description
The Brightening Air is an entrancing tale of fate, family, and unseen forces.
The scene is 1980s Ireland, the question is how much of living is forgetting. This home, this place a family has lived in, died in, left and returned to, is so much more than bricks and mortar. It might be the destination of a pilgrimage, it could be an inherited investment or the place you deposit your memories... and it may even be magic. But for siblings Stephen, played by Brian Gleeson (Bad Sisters) and Billie, played by Rosie Sheehy (Machinal), this old building is the only thing they have.
Stephen and Billie are doing fine in their falling-apart farmhouse. Then their ex-clergyman uncle Pierre, played by Seán McGinley, turns up with a dodgy plan. Their sister-in-law Lydia, played by Hannah Morrish, is desperate for a miracle and their prodigal brother, played by Chris O'Dowd (Bridesmaids, The IT Crowd), is nothing but trouble. Derbhle Crotty plays Elizabeth, Eimhin Fitzgerald Doherty plays Brendan and Aisling Kearns plays Freya.
A world premiere by the Olivier Award-winning writer and director Conor McPherson (The Weir, Girl from the North Country), The Brightening Air weaves an unforgettable story of home, family, fate, destiny, memory and unseen forces. Described as a 'terrific Chekhovian drama' (The Telegraph) and 'the finest play of the year' (i Paper), no wonder it's a winner of the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award.
Set and Costume is by Rae Smith, Lighting by Mark Henderson, Sound by Gregory Clarke, and Movement and Intimacy by Lucy Hind. The Casting by Serena Hill CDG, Voice by Charlie Hughes-D’Aeth, Dialect by Danièle Lydon and Fights by Kate Waters. The Associate Director is Anastasia Osei-Kuffour, Associate Set is Niall McKeever, the Costume Supervisor is Poppy Hall, the Props Supervisor is Fahmida Bakht and the Music Associate is Benjamin McQuigg.
If you loved the multi-award-winning Girl from the North Country, you'll love this masterful piece of storytelling. Buy tickets and enjoy being transported to another world.
Playing at Old Vic Theatre
Age restrictions
Ages 14+.