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.
- 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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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.