Waking Ned Devine Musical Featuring Glen Hansard's Music to Premiere at Lyric Theatre Belfast in 2027
A new musical adaptation of the beloved 1998 film Waking Ned Devine, featuring music and lyrics by the late Glen Hansard and his creative partner Markéta Irglová, is to premiere at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in February 2027, in what will be the first major staging of Hansard's theatrical work since his death in July 2026 — a production that the creative team has described as both a tribute to his legacy and a celebration of the Irish community spirit at the heart of the story.
Background
Glen Hansard was one of the most beloved figures in Irish music, a Dublin-born singer-songwriter whose career spanned decades and whose work — from his early years with The Frames through to his Oscar-winning collaboration with Markéta Irglová on the Once soundtrack — touched audiences across the world. His death in July 2026 at the age of 56 prompted an outpouring of grief in Ireland and internationally, with tributes from musicians, filmmakers, and fans reflecting the depth of affection in which he was held.
Hansard had been working on the Waking Ned Devine musical for several years before his death, collaborating with Irglová on the score and with director John Doyle and book writer David Hein — best known for Come From Away, the musical about the Newfoundland community that welcomed stranded passengers after the September 11 attacks — on the overall production. The project was at an advanced stage of development when Hansard died, and the creative team faced a profound decision about whether to continue without him.
The decision to proceed was made collectively, with Irglová, Doyle, and the Lyric Theatre agreeing that bringing the musical to the stage was the most fitting tribute to Hansard's contribution to the project. Irglová has described the process of carrying forward their collaborative work as both a "privilege and a blessing," and the production will be dedicated to Hansard's memory.
Key Developments
The Lyric Theatre in Belfast — one of Ireland's most respected producing theatres, with a long history of staging world-class productions in its intimate Ridgeway Street home — was announced as the premiere venue on Tuesday, with tickets going on sale in late September 2026. The February 2027 opening represents a significant moment for the theatre, which has been building its reputation as a destination for major new Irish productions alongside its established programme of classical and contemporary drama.
Director John Doyle, whose credits include acclaimed productions of Sweeney Todd and Company on Broadway, has spoken warmly about the project and about Hansard's contribution to it. "Glen brought something irreplaceable to this material," Doyle said. "His understanding of Irish community, of the way people come together in moments of crisis and comedy, is woven through every song. We are determined to do justice to his vision."
The story of Waking Ned Devine — in which the residents of a small Irish village conspire to claim the lottery winnings of their neighbour, who has died of shock upon discovering he has won — is a perfect vehicle for Hansard's musical sensibility. The film, written and directed by Kirk Jones, was a global success in 1998 and has retained a devoted following in the decades since, its warmth, humour, and celebration of Irish community life making it one of the most beloved Irish films of its era.
Why It Matters
The Waking Ned Devine musical is significant for several reasons. It is the first major theatrical work to emerge from Hansard's creative legacy, and its premiere in Belfast — rather than Dublin or London — is a statement about the Lyric Theatre's ambition and about the city's growing status as a destination for significant new Irish cultural productions. The choice of Belfast also carries a particular resonance given the city's complex relationship with Irish cultural identity, and the production's celebration of Irish community spirit has the potential to resonate deeply with audiences across the island.
The involvement of Markéta Irglová, who shared the Oscar for Best Original Song with Hansard for "Falling Slowly" from Once, ensures that the musical will carry the full weight of their collaborative genius. Irglová's decision to continue the project after Hansard's death is an act of artistic courage and personal devotion that has been widely praised in the Irish cultural community.
Local Impact
For the Lyric Theatre and for Belfast's cultural sector more broadly, the Waking Ned Devine premiere is a major coup. The theatre, which is located in the Stranmillis area of South Belfast, has been a cornerstone of the city's cultural life since its founding in 1968, and the announcement of a world premiere of this significance will generate considerable interest and excitement among theatre-goers across Northern Ireland and beyond. The production is expected to attract visitors from across Ireland and from the Irish diaspora internationally, providing a significant boost to Belfast's cultural tourism offering in the early months of 2027.
What's Next
Tickets for the Waking Ned Devine musical at the Lyric Theatre Belfast go on sale in late September 2026, with the production scheduled to run through February and into March 2027. Following the Belfast premiere, the production is expected to transfer to other venues, with discussions ongoing about a Dublin run and potential international engagements. The creative team has indicated that they hope the musical will eventually reach Broadway, fulfilling a long-held ambition of Hansard's to bring his theatrical work to the widest possible audience.
