“WAKE is the moment we’ve all been waiting for” – THE IRISH TIMES ★★★★★
“Think Riverdance for the Club Queens” – Buzz.ie ★★★★★
“An adrenaline shot of joy to the heart” – The Arts Review ★★★★★
“WAKE is the best show in town” – The Arts Review ★★★★★
“One of the best things you’ll experience all year” – Joe.ie ★★★★★
THISISPOPBABY announce the return of their incredible smash-hit theatrical phenomenon, WAKE, taking over the National Stadium again in March 2024, for an unmissable homecoming show, over a three week run. A high-octane, heart-thumping night out, WAKE is a celebration of
life, of togetherness, of grabbing the ones you hold dear and screaming, I Love You over the music.
THISISPOPBABY are the hit-makers of international sensation RIOT, that toured the globe and starred Ireland’s national treasure Panti Bliss - but this show, WAKE is a home-grown arena party uniting a ferocious full band with the most extraordinary circus, aerial, dance and spoken word artists in the land. If you haven't seen it already, expect wild acrobatics, Irish trad-with-a-twist, searing hot variety acts and outrageous cabaret. This dazzling explosion of past and future makes for an electric night out with your very best pals.
THISISPOPBABY have been tearing up the space between high art and club culture for 16 years and have been a vital force for social change in Ireland since then, by creating a vision of Ireland that we can all be proud of.
Co-created and co-directed by THISISPOPBABY’s Jennifer Jennings and Phillip McMahon, the show’s all-star cast toasts yesterday’s passing as we dream up tomorrow, together. Appropriating the traditions, rites and structure of the Irish wake, the show lifts the veil between worlds, where club culture meets Irish tradition in an exquisite frenzy of ritual, rave, grief and joy. The show explores liturgy, grief, togetherness and collectively imagining the future, all within the framework of a wild party. The talent of the cast includes trad musicians, Electro Pop superstars, Aerialists, a Pole dancer, Irish dancers, hip hop dancers, singers, spoken word artists, cabaret stars and queer fabulists. THISISPOPBABY’s partnership with iconic designer, Niall Sweeney, continues for WAKE 2024 and it couldn’t work without his exemplary artistic talent.
In 2024, WAKE runs as part of St. Patrick’s Festival. Richard Tierney, CEO St. Patrick’s Festival says of the partnership "We are immensely proud to welcome THISISPOPBABY to our One City programme for St. Patrick's Festival, 2024 with such an eclectic and groundbreaking show that has already proven to be a cultural zeitgeist. 'WAKE' encapsulates the vibrant spirit of contemporary Ireland while showcasing pioneering Irish artistry. As we celebrate all things Irish, it is productions like WAKE that underline the creative force Ireland continues to be on the world stage."
Jennifer Jennings and Phillip McMahon are equally excited: “We are delighted to bring this bold, ambitious, fabulous juggernaut of a show back to Dublin as part of St. Patrick’s Festival 2024. WAKE thrilled audiences during its premier run, and now, under our direction, this world class company of performers reunites to take the roof off the National Stadium once more.”
Having premiered at Dublin Fringe Festival in 2022 to the best of critical acclaim, the show quickly became award winning, having garnered the Judges’ Special Award at the Dublin Fringe Theatre Awards. Felicia Olusanya (also known as Felispeaks) won Best Performer and the show won the Judges Special Award. Other nominations included Best Production; Best Performers for Emer Dineen and Philip Connaughton (who wins so many hearts in the show); Best Costume Design for Julian Smith; and Best Ensemble Award.
If you want to head along tickets are available here!
