One ‘theatrical marathon’ is creating a major buzz ahead of this year’s Cork Midsummer
Brought to you by Cork Midsummer Festival.
The New York Times called it “riveting, raw, and utterly mesmerising.”
Now Cork audiences are clamouring to secure tickets to see Eileen Walsh’s internationally acclaimed 24-hour theatrical sensation The Second Woman when it takes the Cork Opera House stage on June 14th and June 15th as part of Cork Midsummer Festival 2025.
Following sold-out productions in London, New York, Madrid, Sydney and more, each featuring a different actress, this ground-breaking performance will make its Irish premiere on Leeside this summer.
Over 24 hours, 100 different men will star opposite Small Things Like These star Eileen Walsh, as she performs over and over a scene between a man and a woman in a relationship that has lost its creativity and romance.
They talk, they laugh, it’s awkward, it’s funny. None of the 100 men will have rehearsed with Eileen Walsh’s Virginia prior to the performance and most of them are non-actors.
Inspired by John Cassavetes’ film Opening Night, created by an all-female team who capture and mix the action live from five simultaneously recording cameras, at the conclusion of each scene a decision must be made. The wait for what comes next becomes more addictive than any binge-worthy TV series.
“Show me an actor that doesn’t love Cassevettes or adore Gena Rowlands.” says Eileen, who is also featured in Sky’s new series Small Town, Big Story, with Christina Hendricks and Chris O’Dowd.
“I like to turn people on. And that’s what theatre is, sex.”
“Nat Randall and Anna Breckon are two people that I’ve been longing to work with and to bring this epic event to Cork Opera House for Cork Midsummer Festival is a thrill. The Second Woman – 24hrs but one hell of a ride.”
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Lorraine Maye, Director of Cork Midsummer Festival, said she is “thrilled” that Eileen Walsh will play Virginia for this production of The Second Woman in Cork, Eileen’s hometown.
“She is an extraordinary actor and this is a show like no other you will have ever seen before. This is going to be sensational, one of those ‘were you there?’ moments that people will be talking about for years to come.”
Already feeling the FOMO? Secure that ticket now from €20 (scheduled entry) or €55 (24-hour entry) over here.
