Date: 19/08/2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: Smock Alley - Main Space
DUBLIN YOUTH THEATRE PRESENTS
The Watsons
By Laura Wade
Directed by Eadaoin Fox
19th – 22nd August
7:30PM/4PM
Smock Alley Main Space
Tickets €22/16
Book now at Book Now Here
For more information see smockalley.com/the-watsons
I didn’t know what nothing looked like before.
The Watson sisters must marry, and fast. If not, they face poverty, spinsterhood, or worse; an eternity with their boorish brother and his awful wife.
The protagonist of an unfinished Jane Austen novel, Emma has not only been abandoned by her aunt, but her author too. How will her story unfold, and who will write it?
The Watsons, a playful and surprising exploration of fate, free will and finding your own path, is this year’s ‘Big Show’ from Dublin Youth Theatre. The largest-scale production in the DYT calendar, it’s an opportunity for our members to work with a professional creative and production team and develop as artists and community members.
Our productions are funded and supported by the Arts Council, Dublin City Council, City of Dublin Youth Services and Youth Theatre Ireland.
Directed by Eadaoin Fox, Set & Costume Design by Chrysi Chatzivasileiou, Lighting Design by Kevin Murphy, Sound Design by Daniel Montague O’Brien, & Choreography by Nora Ní Anluain Fay.
This amateur production of “The Watsons” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. www.concordtheatricals.co.uk
For information and all enquiries contact producer Muirenn Lyons at info@muirennlyons.com or DYT Artistic Director Ellen Buckley at ellen@dublinyouththeatre.ie
Listings
Wednesday 19th & Thursday 20th: 7:30PM
Friday 21st August (ISL interpreted): 7:30PM
Saturday (relaxed performance): 4:00PM
Full details https://smockalley.com/the-
ABOUT DUBLIN YOUTH THEATRE
Since its foundation in 1977, by Educational Psychologist Paddy O’ Dwyer, DUBLIN YOUTH THEATRE has forged a unique contribution to the worlds of theatre and youth work. Dublin Youth Theatre delivers quality artistic experiences through a full and varied drama workshop programme and the production of excellent, exciting and challenging theatre made by young people. Through art we promote the artistic, personal and social development of young people aged 14 to 22 in Dublin. DYT is committed to maintaining a high artistic standard in its productions and to engaging with contemporary theatre and youth theatre on a local, national and international level.
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
Laura Wade is a playwright and screenwriter. Her recent plays include The Watsons (Chichester Festival Theatre and Menier Chocolate Factory) and Home, I’m Darling (National Theatre, Theatr Clwyd and the Duke of York’s Theatre), which won the 2019 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. Film work includes The Riot Club, adapted from her play Posh (Royal Court Theatre and Duke of York’s Theatre). Laura’s playwriting career began at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield and developed at the Royal Court Theatre Young Writers Programme and Soho Theatre’s Writer Attachment scheme. Laura’s plays have been performed in many countries, including the USA, Australia, Germany, Mexico, Sweden, Slovenia and France. She is currently developing a feature film with support from the BFI Film Fund and recently made her broadcasting debut in February 2020 as presenter of the new BBC Radio 4 narrative history series Equal As We Are.
ABOUT DUBLIN MUNICIPAL THEATRE AT SMOCK ALLEY
Smock Alley Theatre has been a cornerstone of Dublin’s cultural scene since 2012, home to a vibrant community of artists and audiences. Renowned for its bold, multi-disciplinary programming, it presents the annual Scene + Heard Festival of New Work, premieres original productions at the city’s major festivals, and supports emerging talent through initiatives like the Baptiste Programme – Ireland’s first dedicated, paid and mentored script development scheme for Black Irish artists. In 2025, Smock Alley Theatre became Dublin Municipal Theatre (DMT) at Smock Alley. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Oonagh Murphy, its mission is to broaden access to theatre and deepen support for artistic ambition at the heart of the city.
For more see smockalley.com
