Breffni Players’ director on reinventing an Arthur Miller Classic

Noel O’Callaghan is back at The Dock 25-28 Feb with the Breffni Players latest production of All My Sons, following the sell-out successes of Dial M For Murder and Shadow Of A Gunman in 2024. In a candid interview, the director shared insights into his fast-paced, intuitive approach to bringing this classic drama to life.

“I caught them at the closing party of Shadow Of A Gunman when they were in a good mood, thinking they were great—and that's when I hit them with this new play,” Noel recalled of the moment he assembled his ideal cast. With a pre-formed vision and a group of committed actors ready to embrace the role, rehearsals began in early December, right after the previous production wrapped. Noel’s energy and spontaneity have always been at the heart of his work, and this project is no exception.

Despite the whirlwind start, the director remains enthusiastic about every aspect of the production. “My wife suggested the play to me. I read about three quarters of the play and thought, ‘I love this play. It’s a great story. I’ll do it.’” His decision was made on impulse and passion—a testament to his deep connection with the material and his belief in its enduring power. He confesses that even as rehearsals have progressed, unexpected moments continue to arise. “I hadn’t read the end until someone in the canteen said, ‘You're an idiot.’” 

One of the more challenging aspects Noel faces is the physical limitation of the stage. “All My Sons entirely takes place in just one location in the backyard of a house in in middle America, so trying to move 10 people around in just 13 feet of stage space is the hardest part of this play so we needed a set that was versatile,” he admits. The limited area forces innovative thinking in set design and blocking. Collaborating with set designer Mary Fagan and her assistant, John McCarthy, the team has crafted a versatile environment that cleverly suggests both interior and exterior spaces despite the shallow stage.

“This play is already sold out on the Friday night” Noel confidently declares. With ticket sales already strong and a loyal following in Carrick and beyond, audiences are eagerly awaiting a night of compelling storytelling and inventive staging at The Dock. Click here to book tickets.

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