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Donal O’Kelly’s – Catalpa
Tallaght, Co. Dublin
19 August 2026
A classic of modern Irish theatre, Donal O’Kelly’s Catalpa, with live music by Trevor Knight, is the story of the daring 1876 whaleship rescue of six Irish prisoners from the British Fremantle penal colony in Australia.

All in the imagination of a rejected screenwriter, presented in the Civic on the exact 150th anniversary of the historic escapade.

Moby Dick meets Gone With The Wind with a passing glance at The Great Escape, Catalpa is a subversive epic that challenges the handed-down concept of heroism.

“A masterpiece .. searingly satirical, comic, tragic, profoundly sensitive”
 The Scotsman

“Rollicking, absorbing epic” Washington Times

“The best performance I’ve ever seen .. a huge adventure” Enda Walsh

Presented By:  Donal O’Kelly

Duration: 90 mins. One interval

Readers are advised to check with the venue before relying on the details published here.

Event details
Dates
19 August 2026
Time
Start 20:00End 21:30
Price
25
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Contact details
Civic Theatre, Parthalán Place, Belgard Rd, Tallaght, Dublin, D24 NWN7, Ireland
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More to discover at this venue
Arts and cultureThe Civic Theatre

The Civic Theatre is a vibrant venue in the heart of Tallaght, Dublin 24. Hosting a wide range of events from live music, theatre and family performances, you are guaranteed to find something for everyone.

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