POOR by Katriona O'Sullivan, adapted by Sonya Kelly
| ‘The best new play of 2025? Probably.’ – Sunday Independent | |
| ‘Delightful’ ★★★★ – The Irish Times | ‘Triumphant’ – Irish Independent |
| ★★★★ – The Irish Mail on Sunday | ★★★★ – The Guardian |
| ★★★★ – The Arts Review | ★★★★ – Feeling Good |
The Gate Theatre is delighted to announce the highly anticipated return of POOR, the acclaimed stage adaptation of Katriona O’Sullivan’s powerful memoir, adapted by Sonya Kelly, directed by Gate Theatre Artistic Director Róisín McBrinn coming back to the Gate stage next year following its sold-out run and overwhelming audience demand.
Praised for its raw honesty, humour, and humanity, POOR captivated audiences with O’Sullivan’s remarkable true story, a journey from poverty to academia, resilience, and hope. Under the deft adaptation of award-winning playwright Sonya Kelly, the production struck a deep emotional chord, becoming one of the standout theatrical events of the year.
POOR charts Katriona O’Sullivan’s extraordinary journey as she emerges from her childhood in Coventry and Birmingham marked by poverty, addiction and homelessness. Moving to Dublin as a teenager, POOR follows O’Sullivan as she overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles to earn a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and inspire a generation through her writing, teaching and speaking. This unforgettable story is vividly and movingly portrayed through her close relationships with family and friends, and thrums with the music that has resonated through her life.
ADVISORY: Contains strong language, and references to addiction, sexual assault, drug use, and domestic violence. Please note that this production contains the use of smoke, strobing lights and flashing lights.
More information on Audience Care and Support for POOR.
Age recommendation: 14+
DURATION: Current running time is approx. 2hr 30 min including interval. Subject to change.
BOOKING INFORMATION:
POOR runs at the Gate Theatre from 13th March 2026 to 26th April 2026.
| Previews | 12th, 13th & 14th March 2026 |
| Opening Night | Monday 16th March 2026 |
| Closing Night | Sunday 26th April 2026 |
| Times | Evening Shows: Café and Bar: 6:30pm | Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 7:30pm
Matinee Shows: Café and Bar: 1:00pm | Doors: 1:30pm | Show: 2:00pm |
| ISL-Interpreted Performance | There will be an ISL-Interpreted performance of POOR on Saturday, 18th April at 2pm. |
| Accessibility | In advance of booking, we kindly ask that patrons with accessibility requirements to contact boxoffice@gate-theatre.ie |
| Due Diligence Statement for Child Involvement | The Gate Theatre is committed to the emotional, physical and mental safety and well-being of all participants, particularly minors. The following steps have been taken to ensure child actors are supported and protected throughout this production. Learn more about our policy. |
| Offers | Group Offer (6+): 10% discount for group bookings of 6+. T&Cs apply. You can redeem this offer by contacting the Gate Theatre Box Office only. This offer is not available online. Subject to availability. Not redeemable in conjunction with any other offer. Rate applicable for groups of 6 or more. OAP Offer: |
CREATIVES:
| Author | Katriona O’Sullivan |
| Adapted by | Sonya Kelly |
| Director | Róisín McBrinn |
| Set Designer | Aedín Cosgrove |
| Costume Designer | Lara Campbell |
| Lighting Designer | Paul Keogan |
| Sound Designer and Composition | Sinéad Diskin |
| Musical Director | Padraig Dooney |
| Movement Director | Jess Williams |
| Voice Director | Cathal Quinn |
| Associate Set Designer | LaurA Fajardo Castro |
| AV Designer and Programmer | Micheal Dunne |
Building Upkeep Levy
As a registered charity, your support of the Gate Theatre is vitally important. All tickets purchased for Gate Theatre productions now include a €1.50 Building Upkeep Levy to help us maintain, enhance and invest in our historic landmark building. It helps us provide a world-class theatrical experience for our audiences, artists and local communities, while also safeguarding it for future generations. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing and invaluable support of the Gate and its work.
