Waking Ned Devine Musical Sets World Premiere

A beloved Irish comedy is heading for the stage in a major new musical, with Belfast chosen as the place where the production will begin its journey.

The show is also being described as Broadway-bound, with an award-winning creative team behind it.

Waking Ned Devine will have its world premiere at the Lyric Theatre in February 2027.

Based on Kirk Jones’ much-loved film, the musical has a book by David Hein and will be directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle.

Music and lyrics have been written by Markéta Irglová and the late Glen Hansard, marking their first musical since Once.

The pair spent the past year developing the new score with the wider creative team before Hansard’s passing earlier this summer.

Following careful discussions, the Lyric and creative team have decided to continue with the production.

Irglová says carrying forward the work she began with Hansard feels like “both a privilege and a blessing,” describing Waking Ned Devine as a story filled with “heart, humour, and humanity.”

The musical follows a small Irish community after Ned Devine wins a fortune on the lottery. His neighbours are keen to share in his unexpected luck, but a major challenge soon changes everything and puts their community to the test.

Director John Doyle says Hansard was “so happy” that the musical would begin its journey in Belfast, adding: “All I hope for now is that we do him proud.”

Casting and exact performance dates are still to come.