An Taibhdhearc presents ‘An Fathach Leithleasach’
5 November 2025
Póstaer An Fathach Leithleasach
An adaptation of the short story ‘The Selfish Giant’ by Oscar Wilde
Directed by Muireann Kelly
2 - 19 December 2025
An Taibhdhearc, 19 Middle Street, Galway
An Taibhdhearc presents An Fathach Leithleasach, running from 2–19 December.
This is a magical story of a grumpy Giant who banishes children from his beautiful garden, turning his world upside down - will the grumpy giant ever open his heart and share his garden once again?
Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant, audiences young and old will be captivated by a world, brimming full of magical creatures, plants and trees, where children, a grumpy giant and a mischievous fairy sing and dance their way through this unworldly garden.
At its core, An Fathach Leithleasach is a story about sharing, and looking after our ever-changing world. As the world shifts from winter to spring, we are reminded that kindness and connection can make even the coldest garden bloom again.
Muireann Kelly, Artistic Director of An Taibhdhearc, said:
“There’s something magical and timeless about this story - at its heart this is a story about learning to share and the importance of looking after our world and the people around us. We’ve created a magical world where audiences, young and old, can step into the giant’s garden and feel the changes happening around them.”
This vibrant new production is directed by award winning director Muireann Kelly and features an ambitious creative team. With live music by award winning composer and sound designer Denis Clohessy (Abbey Theatre), spectacular lighting by designer Sarah Jane Shields (Anu/Brokentalkers), and a magical set by Saoirse O’Shea and costumes by Cliodhna Hallisey (Druid) and a new Irish translation by Brídín Ní Dhonnchadha.
The show features live singing from a hugely talented cast, narrated by Eoin Ó Dubhghaill and Orlaith Ni Chearra, Inga De Burca, Séamus Hughes and Molly Mew, are joined by a cast of young, talented, local children bringing excitement and magic to every performance.
Integrated signed (ISL) performances will be available at the 7pm show on the 6th and at 3pm matinee on the 7th.
There will also be a relaxed performance on the 14th of December, and English language access through Sibrwd, the language access app developed by Theatr Cymru. Our audiences can download the app to their phones to receive closed captioning in English and Irish. The app is designed to make the show easy to follow, no matter what level of Irish you have.