Paul Mescal Sr. returns to the stage in Are Ya Dancin’?

Musical play Are Ya Dancin’? – A Showband Story, written by Carol Gleeson and Helen Spring from A Likely Story theatre company, makes its national debut at 3Olympia Theatre this summer.

The show will see Paul Mescal Sr., father and namesake of Normal People’s Paul Mescal, returning to the stage after retiring from his teaching position, reprising his role of Seamie in the play.

Running from Tuesday 27 to Saturday 31 of August, the Irish tale "offers a snapshot in time when Ireland was finally starting to find its’ voice and when showband music was the revolutionary language of the people".

Seán MacMathúna plays the lead role as Tommy O’Neill, supported by Kevin Reade as Jim Brennan and Bronwyn Andrews as Annie Brennan.

Writers and producers Carol Gleeson and Helen Spring also feature in the cast in the roles of Mary McDaid and Sarah Harte.

Set in Donegal, the story follows Tommy O’Neill who finds himself at the helm of an up-and-coming showband, and his rising fame brings professional and personal struggles against the restrictive societal backdrop of 1960’s Ireland.

Are Ya Dancin'? will be showcasing a live seven-piece band, and will feature hits such as 'The Hucklebuck', 'Rock Around the Clock', 'If I Could Choose', 'I’m a Believer', 'Hit the Road Jack' and 'From the Candystore' among many more.

Theatre company A Likely Story was founded in 2016 by Gleeson and Spring. Based in Naas, Co. Kildare, the company was founded with the intention of producing high-quality theatre directed by women.

Tickets are priced from €21.50 and are on sale here.