Last Call

A play within a Trad Session, a Trad Session within a play, LAST CALL is a big-hearted, immersive romp that honours the Irish yearning for a romanticised past and an idealised future simultaneously.

The talent ranges from die-hard local Trad musicians to the 2018 Fleadh Na Héireann Champion Sean Nos singer Lughaidh Mac An Iascaire. Loaded with familiar tunes and original songs, LAST CALL embodies in both music and narrative the very heart of Tradfest values.

The show is set in a venerable rural pub that's about to be closed down…soon to be re-opened as a shamrock-themed cog in the machinery of touristic development. The regulars have gathered for one final open Trad session, where the craic is bittersweet but the music is brilliant.

When the unexpected arrival of an American visitor sets the evening reeling off in surprising directions, the pub is abruptly rocked by divided loyalties – and startling revelations. LAST CALL is a truly original celebration not only of Trad music but of the culture surrounding it. Audience members are encouraged to join the playing in a post-show open session. Our venue, the Sea Angling Club in Howth, seats about 60 and has full bar service available throughout the evening. Our initial run in June played to sold-out audience and standing ovations. 

Videos From 'Last Call' Rehearsals

Photo gallery

Last Call Program

Written by: Nicole Galland, Mick Finucane, David Butler, and Declan O'Brien

Directed by: Nicole Galland

Stage Manager: Tracy MacChesney

Setting: The Sea Anglers Pub a venerable rural pub in coastal Ireland, present day

Running time: Approx 1 hour 40 minutes with no intermission

Cast (in order of speaking):

Colm: Declan O'Brien

Seamus: Mick Finucane

Barwoman: Aileen Williams

David: David Butler

Ned: Ned Gulley

Thirsty Bouzouki Player: Albert Pamies

Eilis: Elizabeth McGrath

Agnes: Celine Daly

Additional musicians:

Lughaidh Mac An Isacaire, flute and voice

Treasa Breen, fiddle

Daithi McChesney, bouzouki, banjo and guitar

Tracy McChesney, mandolin

Ger Doran, voice

Special Thanks: Eileen Martin, Leo Galland, The Howth Sea Angling Club, Colm Crean, Fergal Coghlan