Leitrim actor’s play brings twisted tale of Burke and Hare to Dublin stage
The play by Naming Cows Theatre Company premiered at The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon last year and is now running at Bewley’s Café Theatre until November 7.
Carrick-on-Shannon actor Darragh Gilhooly’s play, The Anatomy of Burke and Hare, is running at Bewleys Café Theatre on Grafton Street, Dublin, until November 7.
Produced by Naming Cows Theatre Company – founded by Darragh and French artist and co-artistic director Gwenaelle Gillet – the play premiered at The Dock in Carrick-on-Shannon in 2025, followed by runs at Dublin’s New Theatre in Temple Bar and Clontarf’s Viking Theatre.
Set in Edinburgh in 1828, the play explores the city’s reputation as a leading centre for anatomical and surgical research. When new laws reduce hangings, surgeons face the question of where to find a continued supply of cadavers.
Two Irishmen spot a murky business opportunity in the city’s graveyards, but who can be trusted when even the dead start telling stories?
Fast-paced dialogue, quirky characters and copious amounts of whiskey take audiences through Edinburgh’s streets to witness the mysterious and twisted relationship of Burke and Hare and the secrets that led to their destruction.
Previous performances have attracted positive reviews. The Reviews Hub awarded the production four stars, describing it as “the theatrical craftsmanship on display tonight is outstanding... Divinely diabolical”. It also praised the “well written dialogue, a fast paced plot and the wonderful performances of two fine actors”.
The story is brought to life by actors Ruiairí Lenaghan and Darragh Gilhooly, who play William Burke and William Hare respectively.
Ruiairí , a native of County Fermanagh, has a wide range of performance credits, including BBC/Virgin Media’s co-production Dead & Buried and Netflix’s Valhalla. His stage work includes The Sailors Dream and Revolutionary by Emilie Hetland in Norway.
Darragh’s screen credits include Acorn’s Harry Wilde and AMC’s Sanctuary: A Witch’s Tale. His recent theatre work includes Celtic Exodus by Brian Warfield at Dublin’s Mansion House, Romeo and Juliet at the Mill Theatre and Naming Cows Theatre Company’s Yellowing.
Dublin’s Bewleys Café Theatre is one of Ireland’s foremost venues, with an international reputation for innovation and excellence while maintaining a uniquely Irish and personal touch.
The Anatomy of Burke and Hare runs at Bewleys Café Theatre until November 7. Booking information is available at www.bewleyscafetheatre.com.