A smash hit when it premiered at the Abbey Theatre 110 years ago, Lennox Robinson's comedy The Whiteheaded Boy returns to the Abbey stage this summer, given a contemporary spin by director Annie Ryan.
The cast includes actor Genevieve Hulme-Beaman, a rising star with an eclectic theatrical CV that includes roles in A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings, They Called Her Vivaldi, Joyce's Women, Eliza's Adventures in the Uncanny Valley and an acclamed revival of Brian Friel's Molly Sweeney.
We asked Genevieve for her choice cultural picks...
FILM
I don't always have my finger on the pulse when it comes to new films. I feel like I have so much to catch up on with all the incredible films that are already out there. But when I find something I love, I rewatch it - so here are some of my absolute favourites.
Magnolia and Punch-Drunk Love, both by Paul Thomas Anderson. I love the style and the performances in these films. Grey Gardens... if you know you know, and if you don’t, it’s an absolute must-see documentary film made in the '70s about Edith and Edie Beale. Little Miss Sunshine, Garage, Adam and Paul - I love every single thing about Adam and Paul. A Woman Under the Influence with Gena Rowlands directed by John Cassavetes. Gena’s performance is so playful and completely wild. She was mesmerising and a true genius.
MUSIC
Usually, I listen to a bit of everything. When I’m working on a show I’ll make a playlist to match the character - this production of The Whiteheaded Boy is set in the early '80s in ireland, so I’m listening to the music that would have been played on the radio at the time; lots of music from the '60s, '70s and early '80s. Roy Orbison seems to match my character's vibe.
BOOK
I've read some brilliant books recently, I couldn’t pick one, so here’s the list.
If you’re looking for something warm and funny that feels like a friend – Jenny Slate’s Little Weirds will twist your brain in a lovely way. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a proper journey story about resilience in a broken system. Shuggie Bain will make you laugh and cry out loud so don’t read it on the bus, but definitely read it. Slags by Emma Jane Unsworth is a story about sisters, female friendship and re-connecting - it’s set on a campervan trip which I love. The Vegetarian by Han Kang is haunting and powerful, I think it’s about patriarchy, autonomy and freedom ... but I can’t be sure. Good Girl by Aria Aber is about a 19-year-old Afghan refugee daughter growing up in Berlin in the '00s and '10s. It’s about grief, sexuality and identity, all set against the backdrop of Berlin's techno club scene. Light and Thread by Han Kang describes her creative process - it’s like a meditation, and it's very inspiring if you are making something yourself.
THEATRE
My absolute favourite shows I’ve seen in the last while were WEER by Natalie Palamides, HA HA HA HA HA HA HA: A Problem Solving Show by Julia Masli and Oh, Mary! by Cole Escola. All these shows are still on tour so definitely get a ticket if you can.
Time for a couple of shameless plugs - The Whiteheaded Boy at the Abbey Theatre this summer! I’m in rehearsal for the show at the moment and the cast are so funny I don’t know how I’m going to keep a straight face on stage. Annie Ryan is directing and she’s encouraging all kinds of silliness, while playfully bringing a feminist slant to an old classic. It’s a family comedy about the favourite youngest son of six, so ... it’s relatable. My own show Ratling will be on later this year too, it’s a psychologicaltriller about a woman and a rat.
TV
I always dip back into The Office (US, because love Steve Carell). I recently watched Dying for Sex with Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate - it's heartbreaking and a gorgeous depiction of female friendship. I’m loving anything with Diane Morgan in it, so Cunk On Earth, Mandy and Last One Laughing. I just rewatched Absolutely Fabulous from beginning to end, it’s so good.
GIG
Egg Cabaret is an amazing night - it’s a mixed bill of insanely talented artists, it sells out every time it’s on.
ART
If I can ever afford to buy a house, I’ll fill it with paintings by Caroline Canning, Evan Dowe (go and see his painting The Mourners in the RHA summer exhibition), and Camille Lucy Ross.
PODCAST
I used to listen to podcasts to learn things, but at the moment I’m just looking for funny easy listening - Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch, My Therapist Ghosted Me with Joanne and Vogue, and The Comedian’s Comedian.
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TECH
Google Maps - I’d be lost without it.
THE NEXT BIG THING...
The Dublin Fringe Festival - it’s on in September, there'll be buckets of brilliant artists trying out new work all over the city.
The Whiteheaded Boy is at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin from 3 June – 25 July 2026 - find out more here
