Conor McPherson's 'The Brightening Air' to have world premiere at London's Old Vic

The Brightening Air marks McPherson's return to the Old Vic following Girl from the North Country in 2017, which later transferred to the West End and Broadway.

The world premiere of Olivier winner Conor McPherson's new play The Brightening Air will open at the Old Vic in London in April 2025. The play marks his return to the theatre following Girl from the North Country in 2017, which transferred to the West End and Broadway.

The Brightening Air, which McPherson also directs, is set in 1980s Ireland and follows brother and sister Stephen and Billie, whose lives are upended by an "ex-clergyman uncle with an unscrupulous plan, a sister-in-law seeking a miracle, and a prodigal brother hell-bent on trouble."

Conor McPherson, writer, director and Old Vic Associate Artist, said: "I’m so excited that my new play The Brightening Air will have its world premiere at The Old Vic. I’ve had such fantastic times at this historic building with its incredible audience. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone in the spring and sharing this new story."

Matthew Warchus, Artistic Director of The Old Vic, said: "It’s such an honour to welcome back Conor McPherson to The Old Vic. Indisputably one of the world’s greatest living writers, and a superb director to boot, Conor has long been a personal favourite of mine. Back in 2017, I invited him to create Girl from the North Country for The Old Vic and witnessed him weave his own distinct magic with that unique and wonderful show. So I am beyond excited to be premiering his funny, breathtaking and heart-wrenching brand new play, The Brightening Air, this coming spring."

The rest of the creative team includes set and costume by Rae Smith, lighting by Mark Henderson, sound by Gregory Clarke, movement and intimacy by Lucy Hind, and voice by Charlie Hughes-D'Aeth.

Further creative team and the cast is to be announced.

Check back for The Brightening Air tickets on London Theatre.

Photo credit: Conor McPherson in Girl from the North Country rehearsals. (Photo courtesy of production)