Fresh from its premiere at Kilkenny’s Watergate Theatre, the new Irish musical drama “Letters From The Front,” written by Don O’Connor and Ollie Hennessy, is set to captivate audiences at the O’Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College, Dublin 1, from November 21st to 24th. The production stars the award-winning West End leading lady, Rebecca Storm, along with a cast of thirty-five.
Set against the backdrop of World War I, “Letters From The Front” has been generating buzz since its debut earlier this year. The musical unfolds the emotional narratives of three families entangled in the turmoil of WWI. The storyline follows the poignant tale of young love and sacrifice as Irish couple Willie and Eileen are forced apart when Willie is sent to fight for the British military on the Western Front. Their only connection is sustained through heartfelt letters.
Featuring a captivating orchestral music score and original songs that convey the raw emotions of the characters, the musical explores the challenges faced by individuals during the Great War. The haunting melodies reflect despair, while uplifting tunes celebrate the strength of the characters. Inspired by real letters written between 1914-1918, the music of “Letters from the Front” resonates deeply with audiences.
Originally conceived as “A Silent Night” during the Kilkenny Yuletide Festival in 2018, the musical draws inspiration from true-life letters exchanged by soldiers on the front lines during WWI.
Creators Don O’Connor and Ollie Hennessy expressed their excitement as tickets went on sale, stating, “The reaction ‘Letters from the Front’ received in Kilkenny back in March convinced us that there is an audience for these stories. Many cast members, including Rebecca herself, have family ties to WWI, and we were unaware of the scale of Irish participation until we started writing the musical.”
Adding to the anticipation, West End leading lady Rebecca Storm joins the cast for the Dublin dates. With an impressive theatre background in productions such as Calendar Girls the Musical, Evita, Les Misérables, and Blood Brothers, Rebecca’s talent and captivating presence promise to elevate the production to new heights.
Rebecca shared her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be a part of ‘Letters from the Front’ and to bring this incredible story to Dublin for the very first time. It’s a powerful and moving piece of musical theatre.”
Don’t miss the chance to witness this turbulent journey through a significant chapter in history. “Letters from the Front” is a must-see for theatre enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Tickets are on sale now at www.gr8events.ie/letters, priced at €34 and €30 for OAP/students.
#lettersfromthefront
