Old Vic Theatre
103 The Cut, London, SE1 8NB
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The Brightening Air Tickets
The Brightening Air is the haunting, heartfelt story of family and home in 1980s Ireland.
4.2 6 reviews from 6 verified reviews- Booking until: Saturday, 14 June 2025
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The Brightening Air in London
What defines a home and how much of living is just forgetting? Fate and family collide in this breath-taking family drama by Olivier Award-winning Conor McPherson, which had its world premiere at the Old Vic on April 10th.
Why you should watch The Brightening Air
- It won the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award, which celebrates ground-breaking new pieces of theatre.
- Master storyteller Conor McPherson won critical acclaim for his award-winning Girl From the North Country, and now he returns with a new original story, this time set in his home country.
- It has a stellar cast of brilliant actors, including some Irish icons of film, television, stage, and comedy, such as Brian Gleeson and Chris O'Dowd.
What is The Brightening Air about?
Ireland, 1980s: Brother and sister Stephen (Brian Gleeson) and Billie (Rosie Sheehy) live together in their family's old, decaying farmhouse in County Sligo - a peaceful existence that's interrupted by the arrival of a conniving, ex-clergyman uncle (Sean McGinley), a miracle-seeking sister-in-law (Hannah Morrish) and a troublemaker brother (Chris O'Dowd).
The Brightening Air is an original play written and directed by Irish playwright Conor McPherson that explores the tension between past and present, and our need to cling to a tangible concept of home. It is playing at the Old Vic until June 14th - book now to catch this darkly mesmerising family drama.
The Brightening Air Official Theatre Tickets
Our central reservation system connects you directly to the Old Vic Theatre box office system. We provide live & full availability for The Brightening Air tickets, from VIP and premium, to top price and discount tickets, helping you choose the perfect tickets for your budget. Pick your seats from our interactive seating plan and get your theatre tickets emailed to you instantly after your booking. Simply present your e-tickets at the door on the day and experience what London & the West End have best to offer: the magic of theatre. Buying tickets for The Brightening Air has never been easier.
The Brightening Air Ticket Information
- Booking until:
Saturday, 14 June 2025
- Age restrictions
Ages 14+.
- Cancellations & Refunds
Once booked, tickets to The Brightening Air are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.
Next Performances for The Brightening Air at the Old Vic Theatre
The Brightening Air cheap tickets
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The Brightening Air reviews
What to expect:
ActingMusic
Costumes
Story
Lighting
- Recommended for:
- Theatregoers (100%)
Latest customer reviews
All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing The Brightening Air.
verified
Must see.E Reviewed on 16 May 2025 by Ergun
France
verified
Baylis CircleIt was impossible to hear what the actors were saying in the Baylis Circle. It ruined the whole production for us. I can't understand that tickets were sold for an area which had insufficient speakers or no speakers at all.
B Reviewed on 14 May 2025 by Bernadette
United Kingdom
verified
ChallengingOverall disappointing. The actors esp Freya need to learn to not mumble, and look at the audience. There is far too much moving around moving chairs etc consequently the actors are speaking away from the audience only enjoyable part was when they raised their voices to argue. All the women were not advised to speak up. The directorship was amateurish. Like a high school production. Seen before enjoyed then as actors projected their voices. Few laughs but overall lacking in connecting with each other. Appealing to a limited audience because of the accent. Ghastly music when wonderful Celtic Irish music would have set the tone. The old priest was the best actor thank god for his well played contribution
L Reviewed on 13 May 2025 by Linda
United States Of America
verified
Must See !J Reviewed on 10 May 2025 by Jacqueline
Ireland
verified
A very sad story but very well acted
D Reviewed on 09 May 2025 by David
Ireland
2025
Review: THE BRIGHTENING AIR at The Old Vic
by Stuart King | Friday, April 25 2025, 08:53
In the programme notes for THE BRIGHTENING AIR, playwright director Conor McPherson compares theatre to a pagan church. “…like a religious service, theatre is a distillation of the baffling privilege of being alive.”
Eimhin Fitzgerald Doherty (Brendan), Seán McGinley (Pierre), Derbhle Crotty (Elizabeth), Hannah Morrish (Lydia) and Chris O'Dowd (Dermot) in The Brightening Air at The Old Vic (2025). Photo by Manuel Harlan
2025
Full cast announced for THE BRIGHTENING AIR at The Old Vic
by Emmie Newitt | Wednesday, January 8 2025, 14:07
Conor McPherson's (Girl From The North Country) latest play, set in 1980s Ireland, is set to premiere at The Old Vic this spring.
The cast of The Brightening Air. Headshots provided by production.
Your e-tickets for The Brightening Air at the Old Vic Theatre will be emailed to you just after your reservation.
