The Dublin Theatre Festival 2026 is currently in full swing for its opening weekend. If you are looking for the absolute best stage productions to catch in the city tonight, September 26, 2026, there is an incredible mix of immersive local histories, brand-new musical comedies, and international storytelling reaching their final or peak weekend runs.
- Cyclone, Railway Court, Dublin 1: This is a visceral, site-specific masterpiece from the award-winning theatre company ANU. Written and directed by Louise Lowe, it uncovers the hidden past of an immigrant boxer, gun-runner for Michael Collins, and sparring partner to Jack Johnson in the historical tenements of Dublin’s Monto district. Reviewers call it an emotional knockout punch with flawless ensemble performances.
- Radio Bette, Gaiety Theatre: Directed by Chloe Claudel and Mitchell Polonsky, this mischievous and fast-paced piece of live theatre features a headline performance by academy-award nominee Ruth Negga. It explores and subverts iconic Hollywood personas with immense sharp wit and charm.
- The Horse of Jenin, Smock Alley Theatre: Tonight marks the final performance run (September 24–26) for this international production from the Palestine Comedy Club. Using a beautiful blend of storytelling, mask work, and stand-up comedy, it shares a highly resilient, funny, and deeply human tale about a boy growing up in Occupied Palestine.
- Lourdes! The Musical, Featured as part of the weekend premiere series. Civic Theatre, Parthalán Place, Belgard Rd, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Making a massive festival debut, this highly anticipated world premiere is written by the brilliant artist Xnthony with music by Matthew Floyd Jones. It is a hilarious yet poignant musical comedy exploring generational crises of faith, modern miracles, and community identity.
- Animals, Abbey Theatre: A massive centerpiece of the festival’s Irish lineup, this is a highly anticipated stage adaptation of Blindboy Boatclub’s surreal, dark, and culturally biting short stories.
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