The Brightening Air review: Kate Gilmore gives a standout performance in Conor McPherson’s play

Chris O'Dowd will take the lead role in Conor McPherson’s new play The Brightening Air, which premieres at the Gate Theatre in Dublin on Thursday, July 22, 2026. The production, directed by McPherson himself, is set in a remote rural homestead in Ireland during the 1980s and explores themes of longing, magic, and fractured relationships. The play received its initial run at the Old Vic in London earlier this year, featuring a cast that included Sean McGinley, Brian Gleeson, and O'Dowd. The story follows two adult siblings, Billie and Stephen, who live together in the family home they grew up in. Their lives are disrupted when their uncle, an excommunicated priest named Fr Pierre, arrives seeking refuge, and their estranged brother, Dermot, returns to become entangled in the unfolding chaos. McPherson describes the play as a “haunting” exploration of how hidden forces can unravel even the most familiar of settings. The narrative is further complicated by the presence of supernatural elements, which McPherson says feel particularly resonant given the cultural context of the region. O'Dowd, who portrays Dermot, expressed excitement about performing the role for an Irish audience after participating in the London run. He noted the unique experience of presenting a story crafted by another artist, emphasizing the daily connection with the audience. O'Dowd described his character as a “complete blackguard,” highlighting the challenge of portraying someone whose actions provoke mixed reactions, both disdain and admiration, from the audience. He found particular satisfaction in the immediacy of seeing the audience’s responses unfold in real time. O'Dowd also reflected on his personal connection to McPherson’s work, noting that both artists studied at University College Dublin in different eras. He credited McPherson’s early plays, such as This Lime Tree Bower, with influencing his approach to acting and storytelling. For O'Dowd, the opportunity to bring McPherson’s vision to life in Ireland represents a meaningful return to roots. Derbhle Crotty, who plays Elizabeth, one of the central characters, spoke about the emotional depth and complexity of the production. She described the play as a gathering of individuals facing personal crises, each with their own relationships and desires. Crotty highlighted the blend of humor, pathos, and the supernatural elements that define the piece. She emphasized the fast pace and the emotional range required of the performers, calling the experience “very fast-paced, very funny, and very touching.” McPherson chose to set the play in the northwest of Ireland in the early 1980s, drawing inspiration from his childhood memories of holidays in Co Leitrim. He recalled how folklore and magical tales remained vivid in local storytelling during that period, shaping his decision to anchor the play in that specific location. He explained that the oral traditions of the time allowed for a richer engagement with the supernatural aspects of the narrative. McPherson, a celebrated playwright known for works such as The Weir and Girl from the North Country, has earned numerous accolades, including the Laurence Olivier Award, the New York Critics' Circle Award, the Evening Standard Award, the London Critics' Circle Award, and five Tony Award nominations. His return to the Gate Theatre, where he began his career, marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey. The theatre has long been a key venue for Irish theatre, and this production underscores its continued relevance in contemporary drama.