Temple Bar the Musical

What happens when Molly Malone and St Patrick return to the streets of Dublin centuries later?

This August, Temple Bar the Musical makes its world premiere at Smock Alley Theatre, inviting audiences on a vibrant, funny and heartfelt journey through the streets of modern Dublin. Presented as part of Temple Bar Company's 35th Anniversary celebrations, this brand-new original Irish musical blends live traditional music, original songs, puppetry and storytelling in a celebration of one of Ireland's most famous cultural quarters.

Written and directed by Molly Mew, the production follows Molly Malone and St Patrick as they return to the city they once knew, only to discover that Dublin, and Temple Bar in particular, has transformed beyond recognition. Along the way, they encounter Sonny McNamara, a working musician attempting the seemingly impossible challenge of playing seven gigs across Temple Bar in a single day.As their stories intertwine, the musical explores identity, belonging, community and the enduring power of music to connect people across generations.

Blending contemporary theatre with Ireland's rich musical traditions, Temple Bar the Musical features live performances from an on-stage ensemble of traditional musicians alongside an original score, bringing the sounds, characters and spirit of Temple Bar to life.At a time when Temple Bar is often viewed primarily through the lens of tourism, the production celebrates the artists, musicians, storytellers and local communities that continue to shape its identity.

Both a love letter to Dublin and a fresh contemporary story about a city constantly reinventing itself, Temple Bar the Musical asks: can music still bring us together in a rapidly changing city?Temple Bar the Musical runs at Smock Alley Theatre from 27–29 August 2026.

Credits: 

WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY Molly Mew

MUSICAL DIRECTOR & CO-COMPOSER Morgan Cooke

PRODUCER Anderson de Souza

DRAMATURG Jarlath Tivnan

LIGHTING BY Conor McGowan

PUPPET MAKER Laura Pendlebury

SET & COSTUME DESIGN BY Piper McDonald

CAST - Áine Collier, Ceara Carney, Molly Mew, Luke Coffey, Morgan Cooke, Ruadhán Mew

Co-produced with Smock Alley Theatre and Temple Bar Company