The Beauty Queen of Leenane

Written by Martin McDonagh. Directed by Christian Carbin. Lighting Director, Art Kavanagh

A modern classic of Irish theatre, The Beauty Queen of Leenane, is set in the mountains of Connemara and tells the story of Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely woman in her early 40s, and Mag, her manipulative, aging mother.

Mag’s interference in Maureen’s first and potentially last romantic relationship sets in motion a chain of events that are as tragically funny as they are horrific.

First produced by Druid Theatre Company and the Royal Court Theatre in 1996, The Beauty Queen Leenane was directed by Gary Hynes with Anna Manahan and Maire Mullen in the lead roles. Following a successful run on the West End and a series of hugely popular Irish tours, it received its Broadway production in 1998, winning four Tony awards after an extended sold out run.

In this Donegal Drama Circle production, Amanda Crawford plays the part of Mag while Laura McNulty is Maureen. Martin Callaghan and Conor Friery are the neighbouring Dooley brothers, Pato and Ray.

Martin McDonagh’s massively successful plays – including The Cripple of Inishmaan, The Lonesome West, Hangmen and The Beauty Queen of Leenane – have been produced all over the world, enjoying extended runs in the West End and on Broadway.

His screenwriting and film directing ventures have been equally successful, especially In Bruges and the recent multi-Oscar nominated Banshees of Inisherin.