New Musical by Mick Flannery Goes on Sale

We are incredibly excited to announce that Pavilion Theatre will host the WORLD PREMIERE of The House Must Win, a gritty new musical drama from double platinum-selling artist Mick Flannery. Based on Mick's acclaimed 2005 debut album Evening Train - plus 10 new songs - the show is directed by Julie Kelleher with music supervision by Liam Robinson (of Broadway's Tony-winning Hadestown). Set on the western edge of Ireland in the 1970s, it follows two brothers living with the odds stacked against them. Each takes a different path in the hope of leading a “good” life, both trying to honour the woman who holds their hearts. The House Must Win comes to Dún Laoghaire from Thu 16 Apr - Sun 3 May & tickets are on sale. Click here to book tickets now.

Twenty years ago, Mick Flannery released his debut album Evening Train, originally written in response to a college assignment to “write a musical.” Mick did exactly that, though at the time he focused solely on the lyrics and music. Two decades later, following various iterations and workshop developments, he has now written the script for the first time, bringing to life the songs from that debut album alongside ten new compositions to create The House Must Win. The piece now moves toward its world premiere on 17 April 2026 at Pavilion Theatre, ​Dún Laoghaire, where it will run for three weeks (16 April - 3 May).

A Message from Mick:

"This project has been quite a while in the works. The House Must Win is a stage adaptation of my first full album, Evening Train. The original story was a simple one of love, lust, gambling, and a faithful betrayal. I was quite young when I wrote the album, and that’s perhaps the reason it came to be.

I’m very excited about this production as it features my debut as a scriptwriter. I’ve found this challenge entirely new and very divorced from songwriting, but I’ve enjoyed the process very much. I’m looking forward to having ears on the themes, jokes, and new songs. 

I’m very much indebted to the team, musicians, and actors who have given their time and talent to this project over the last few years."

- Mick Flannery

 

The House Must Winsweeps audiences into the emotional undertow of its story and song. In a town of backroom poker games, secrets and bribes, broken families and broken hearts, the people of this place must learn how to play the cards they’ve been dealt — and discover what it truly means when the house must win.

Tickets for The House Must Win are now on sale. Book via the link.