Comedian and actor Tommy Tiernan will make his musical theatre debut next year in a musical drama written by musician Mick Flannery and inspired by his debut album Evening Train.
Set on Ireland's western edge in the 1970s, The House Must Win is described as a gritty musical drama set in a town steeped in 'backroom poker games, secrets and bribes, broken families and broken hearts'.
The House Must Win incorporates the songs from Flannery's Evening Train, a concept album originally released in 2005, alongside ten new compositions.
The story follows two brothers striving to lead "good" lives while honouring the woman who holds their hearts. Tiernan takes on the role of Ray, while Belfast actor Tabitha Smyth will play Grace, Ray's daughter.
Both are part of an ensemble cast of seven, with further casting details to follow.
Describing the role taken on by Tommy Tiernan, Flannery says: "Ray is a man heartbroken, mostly by his own hand. He has built up a wall of moral debt in his efforts to control the world around him, both of which he will be forced to face."
One of Ireland's most popular stand-up comedians, and the host of a popular chat show on RTÉ One, Tiernan made his Abbey Theatre debut earlier this year in Kevin Barry's play The Cave, following acclaimed acting roles in TV shows Conversations With Friends and Derry Girls.
Directed by Julie Kelleher, the musical will have its world premiere at Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire, on 17 April 2026, following a preview on 16 April. It will run until 3 May before transferring to The Everyman in Cork for a ten-night engagement from 6 to 16 May.
