Concert reading Friday, 24 April 2026
Irish Culture Centre, Hammersmith

To lead a nation, he must face himself.

RISING reimagines the 1916 Dublin rebellion through the inner life of Patrick Pearse, its most enigmatic leader. As he leads the charge against the British Empire, Patrick must reconcile his public role with the private self he has kept hidden – his queerness, his sensitivity, and his doubts.

Fighting alongside him are a community of eccentrics: artists, bookworms, socialists and socialites. Together, they form not just a revolutionary force, but a chosen family.

Blending Irish folk music with sweeping Broadway storytelling, this bold new musical asks: what does it cost to become a symbol – and can a sensitive soul lead a nation?

Les Mis meets Milk in this thrilling, queer re-examination of Irish history, one that resonates far beyond 1916.

MUSIC

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY

SIAMSA: AN IRISH VARIETY NIGHT
In June 2024, we presented a concert reading of the first 30 minutes of the show at the Toulouse Lautrec jazz club in London. Produced by Joe O’Neill and the Irish Creative Collective, and featuring performers Brian Raftery, Brendan MaGeean, Conor Mathers, Jackie Pulford, and Emily Woodfull.