TWO decades ago, Mick Flannery released his debut album Evening Train, originally written in response to a college assignment to ‘write a musical.’ 

Blarney-baesd Mick did exactly that, though at the time he focused solely on the lyrics and music. Now 20 years later, following various iterations and workshop developments, he has written the script for the first time, bringing to life the songs from that debut album alongside ten new compositions to create The House Must Win.

Presented as a work-in-progress over three performances at this year’s Galway International Arts Festival, the piece now moves toward its world premiere on April 17th at Pavilion Theatre, ​Dún Laoghaire, where it will run for three weeks before transferring to The Everyman Theatre, Cork, for a 10 night engagement in Mick’s home county from May 6th next year.

‘I’m nervously excited about this production as it features my debut shot at writing a script. I’ve found this challenge entirely new and very divorced from songwriting, but I’ve enjoyed the process very much. I’m looking forward to having ears on the themes, jokes, and new songs, from the public, in hope that they show up. I’m very much indebted to the team, musicians, and actors who have given their time and talent to this project over the last few years,’ said Mick, a regular performer in de Barra’s in Clonakilty.

The House Must Win is a gritty new musical drama that sweeps audiences into the emotional undertow of its story and song. Set on the western edge of Ireland in the 1970s, it follows two brothers living with the odds stacked against them. Each takes a different path in the hope of leading a ‘good’ life, both trying to honour the woman who holds their hearts.