ANNOUNCEMENT:

POOR RETURNS TO THE GATE THEATRE IN 2026 BY UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND

Priority booking is now open for Gate Theatre Members, Friends and Patrons!

Gain access to priority booking for POOR, by becoming a Gate Theatre Member, Friend, or Patron.

Plans from just €65.

BECOME A MEMBER NOW

The Gate Theatre is thrilled to announce that, due to hugely popular demand and following a sold-out run in 2025, POOR will return for a limited six-week run in 2026.

The acclaimed stage adaptation of Katriona O’Sullivan’s powerful memoir, adapted by Sonya Kelly and directed by Róisín McBrinn, has been praised for its humanity, humour and raw honesty. O’Sullivan’s remarkable life story, and her journey from poverty to hope, has captivated audiences. The production has been felt deeply and resonated powerfully with audiences, making it one of the standout theatrical events of the year.

The Gate Theatre and Belgrade Theatre Coventry present

POOR by Katriona O’Sullivan

Adapted by Sonya Kelly

Directed by Róisín McBrinn

Returns to the Gate stage for a limited run!

Previews 13th & 14th March
Opens 16th March 2026

Photography by Ste Murray

ABOUT:

POOR charts Katriona O’Sullivan’s extraordinary journey as she emerges from her childhood in Coventry and Birmingham marked by poverty, addiction, and homelessness.

Moving to Dublin as a teenager, POOR follows O’Sullivan as she overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles to earn a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and inspire a generation through her writing, teaching and speaking. This unforgettable story is vividly and movingly portrayed through her close relationships with family and friends, and thrums with the music that has resonated through her life.

Creative Team:

Author: Katriona O’Sullivan

Adapted by: Sonya Kelly

Director: Róisín McBrinn

Set Designer: Aedín Cosgrove

Costume Designer: Lara Campbell

Lighting Designer: Paul Keogan

Sound Designer and Composition: Sinéad Diskin

Musical Director: Padraig Dooney

Movement Director: Jess Williams

Voice Director: Cathal Quinn

Associate Set Designer: LaurA Fajardo Castro

AV Designer and Programmer: Micheal Dunne

Early booking advised!

PRIORITY BOOKING FOR MEMBERS ONLY: POOR

Preview tickets from €16.50 (Including €1.50 Building Upkeep Levy)

Book tickets: www.gatetheatre.ie / +353 1 874 4045

 

PRAISE FOR POOR:

★ ★ ★ ★

THE IRISH TIMES

★ ★ ★ ★

THE IRISH MAIL ON SUNDAY

 

‘The best new play of 2025? Probably.’

SUNDAY INDEPENDENT

 

★ ★ ★ ★

THE GUARDIAN

★ ★ ★ ★

FEELNIG GOOD

★ ★ ★ ★

THE ARTS REVIEW

 

‘Triumphant’

IRISH INDEPENDENT

‘Amazing’

NO MORE WORKHORSE

BECOME A CRUCIAL PART OF THE GATE THEATRE:

Become a Gate Theatre Member, Friend, Patron or Student Member

As a registered charity, we are inviting our loyal audience to help us realise our vision of an Open Gate where every person has access to great theatre.

Supporting us via a Gate Theatre Membership helps safeguard our landmark 18th Century building, contributes to GATEWAYS, our vitally important community engagement programme, and enables us to make inspiring theatre that connects, questions and transforms our audiences.

BECOME A MEMBER NOW

GATE CONVERSATIONS:

SATURDAY 18th OCTOBER 2025

Saturday 18th October

LIBERATED: ADDICTION AND SOBRIETY AND IN-BETWEEN

This candid panel explores the complex, non-linear journeys of addiction, recovery, and everything in between. Featuring voices from leading academics, lived experience, art, and advocacy, the discussion will challenge binaries and open up space for honest conversation about coping, healing, relapse, and resilience.

Moderator: Ray D’Arcy

Panellists: Jo-Hanna Ivers, Katriona O’Sullivan, Sophie White and Willa White

Time: Approx. 4:50pm

Duration: Approx. 30 min

BOOK NOW: LIBERATED

*Tickets €5 (excl. booking fee)

Book tickets: www.gatetheatre.ie / +353 1 874 4045

GATE CONVERSATIONS:

SATURDAY 1st NOVEMBER 2025

 

Saturday 1st November

SACRED: HOW MUSIC SAVES

This inspiring panel brings together musicians, mental health advocates, and those with lived experience to explore the life-saving power of music. From personal healing to community connection, we’ll dive into how music becomes a lifeline in times of crisis, and a force for emotional survival, expression, and hope.

Panellists: Mary Coughlan, Damien Dempsey, Damien Dempsey and Tolü Makay

Time: Approx. 4:50pm

Duration: Approx. 30 min

BOOK NOW: SACRED

*Tickets €5 (excl. booking fee)

Book tickets: www.gatetheatre.ie / +353 1 874 4045

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