Tommy Tiernan has been cast in Mick Flannery's new musical, The House Must Win.
The comedian is to make his theatre debut, starring alongside Belfast actor Tabitha Smyth. Tiernan is to play Ray, with Smyth playing his daughter, Grace. This drama is set on the West of Ireland during the 1970s, it explores two brothers who live with the odds stacked against them, with each taking a different path in their lives, as they both want to honour the woman who holds their hearts.
The House Must Win was initially presented across three shows at this year's Galway International Arts Festival, ahead of its premiere on 17 April 2026 at Dun Laoghaire's Pavillion Theatre for a three week run from 16 April to 3 May.
It will then transfer to The Everyman in Mick Flannery's native Cork for a ten night run.
“Ray is a man heartbroken, mostly by his own hand. He has built up a wall of moral debt in his efforts to control the world around him, both of which he will be forced to face", Mick Flannery said on the character of Ray.
Speaking about Grace, Tabithia Smyth added: “It’s been such a privilege being a part of this project from its development, and I feel incredibly honoured to be bringing Grace to life surrounded by such an incredible group of people on and off stage. Mick’s writing is just next level and I cannot wait for audiences to finally see and hear this incredible piece of Irish theatre”.
Further announcements regarding casting will follow. Tickets for this play are on sale now.
