The Eccentricities of a Nightingale

by Tennessee Williams

Tennessee Williams is largely regarded as America’s most famous playwright having won two Pulitzer Prizes, the first for A Streetcar Named Desire and the second for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. In 1947 he wrote Summer and Smoke, a sensuous and poignant story of a Southern spinster’s passionate longing. Following a production on Broadway, however, Williams, dissatisfied with the script, rewrote the play to create The Eccentricities of a Nightingale. In what Williams has termed this “radically different version”, the American South once again provides the setting for a battle between the competing impulses of cultured refinement and animal need.

Alma still lives in her stifling parent’s home and is haunted by the fear of spinsterhood. When John, their neighbour’s son returns for the Christmas holidays she sets her sights on the handsome young doctor. But will she confound his protective mother and the small time gossips by winning him? Longing, loneliness and regret permeate Tennessee Williams’ beautifully atmospheric drama.


electric Sunday Business Post



a brilliant performance Guardian



a magical portrayal of seething desire...remarkable Sunday Independent



a joy to watch Sunday Business Post



simply shines Sunday Tribune



a splendid performance...a brilliant piece of acting The Irish Times



as heartbreaking as it is gently amusing Sunday Times

WITH
Barbara Brennan   Noelle Brown   Sorcha Fox   Philip Judge   John Kavanagh   Lia Williams  

Director Dominic Cooke
Designer Christopher Oram
Lighting Designer Rupert Murray