The new musical Donegal, written by Frank McGuinness, is making its world premiere at The Abbey Theatre this autumn.

The show about family, place and country music opens during the Dublin Theatre Festival on October 12, and runs until November 19. The music for Donegal was composed by Kevin Doherty, who has played in several bands since the '80s, including Four Men and Dog.

West End stars Siobhan McCarthy and Killian Donnelly make their debut at the Abbey Theatre, playing country music singing mother and son ‘Irene’ and ‘Jackie’. Siobhan played ‘Mistress’ in the original Evita and went on to play the title role, was the first to play ‘Donna’ in Mamma Mia, ‘Svetlana’ in Chess and has also performed lead roles in Les Miserables, Blood Brothers, Hairspray and Jesus Christ Superstar. Meath native Killian Donnelly has had two recent Olivier award nominations for ‘Best Actor in a Musical’ for his roles in Memphis (2015) and Kinkyboots (2016). Killian has also performed in Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, Billy Elliot and The Commitments.

"Frank McGuinness is a remarkable playwright and person," said Fiach Mac Conghail, Director of the Abbey Theatre. "I have had the pleasure of regularly collaborating with Frank over the course of my time at the Abbey Theatre. We are preparing the world premiere of Frank’s musical play, Donegal with an incredible cast and creative team to bring it to life. It has been a privilege to collaborate with Frank and I’m proud to present his newest play to our audience."

Donegal on the Abbey stage
Performances
Run: 6 October – 19 November
Previews: 6 – 11 October
Opens: 12 October
Times: Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Matinees Wed and Sat 2pm
Ticket prices: €13 – €45 / Concessions €13 – €28
Booking: www.abbeytheatre.ie / 01: 878 7222