Cast announced for world premiere of Maeve Binchy's Circle of Friends

The cast of the stage adaptation of Circle Of Friends, making its world premiere at the Gaiety Theatre this April, has been revealed.

Circle Of Friends is the latest of Maeve Binchy's beloved works to be adapted for the stage in recent years – following the success of Minding Frankie in 2017 and Light A Penny Candle last year.

Benny Hogan, the star of the story, will be played by Gaiety School Of Acting alum Roseanna Purcell (A Holy Show, Midsummer), while the other two main female roles of Nan and Eve will be played by Charleigh Bailey (A Date for Mad Mary, Rapids) and Juliette Crosbie (Me, Sara) respectively.

The role of rugby player Jack Foley will be played by Aron Hegarty (Country Girls), while Shane O’Reagan (Much Ado About Nothing, Chasing Bono), Marcus Lamb (Drama At Inish), David Crowley (Borstal Boy), Steve Blount (Minding Frankie, A Christmas Carol), Susannah DeWrixon (Alice in Funderland), Jemma NícLochlainn (Skate Away On) and Maura Foley (Trojan Woman) will also appear.

One of Ireland’s most successful writers, Maeve Binchy has sold more than 40 million books worldwide. The hugely successful film adaptation of her novel Circle Of Friends was released in 1995, starring Minnie Driver, Colin Firth and Aidan Gillian.

Charting the lives of Irish women throughout the decades, Binchy's sharp and insightful storytelling continues to resonate with old and new audiences today.

Directed by Viko Nikci and adapted for stage by Elaine Murphy, Circle Of Friends will run at the Gaiety Theatre from April 6 to May 2.

Tickets from €16 are on sale now.