Kilkenny theatre group to hold open auditions for classic play

If you are looking to tread the boards in a classic Irish drama then Barn Owl Productions want to hear from you.

After the resounding success of The McGowan Trilogy last May, Barn Owl Productions is preparing to step onto the stage with one of Ireland’s most iconic plays - Big Maggie and they want you to be part of it.

Barn Owl Productions is holding open auditions for the John B. Keane play, which will be performed at Thomastown Concert Hall in February 2026. Auditions will take place on Sunday, 9 November. Roles are available for both male and female actors across a wide range of ages, and Barn Owls are keen to assemble a talented ensemble of local performers to bring this powerful drama to life. With rehearsals beginning in early December, the production promises to be one of the most anticipated theatrical events of the coming year.

First staged in 1969, Big Maggie is widely regarded as one of John B. Keane’s finest works - a dark, complex, and emotionally charged portrait of family, power, and female resilience in rural Ireland.

Director Philip Hardy says he is eager to see fresh faces and familiar talent step forward.

“Big Maggie is a play that demands intensity, honesty, and courage from its cast. We’re looking for people who want to challenge themselves and be part of something unforgettable. This is more than just a play — it’s a story that still echoes deeply today.”

Interested actors are encouraged to express interest now and register by emailing:
barnowlproductions13@gmail.com

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