November, Dublin, 1963.

Hundreds flock to see JFK in the Phoeno, the city mourns the dead of the collapsing tenements, housewives protest the Turnover-Tax and sexism is rife... but never mind all that. 

Mary Connors has just won two tickets to see The Beatles, THE BLEEDINʼ BEATLES! 

One catch – Mary’s ma insists she brings her cousin Brigid along. The girls set off at odds into a city that’s heaving with Beatlemania. A stolen bike, Brigidʼs burning secret and a riot on Abbey Street unites them with a new bond stronger than the love of any fellaʼs haircut. 

Adelphi '63 is a fictional celebration of real events – the Beatles only performances in Dublin and the subsequent riot that occurred on Abbey Street. Blending new writing, history and music, this comedic two-person play journeys back in time to honour the resilience of joy amongst teenagers in 1960's Catholic Ireland.

Smock Alley’s Main Space | 21st April - 3rd May 2026

Kindly supported by the Arts Council and DCC Arts Office. Developed at Scene and Heard and Axis Assemble. Recipient of the Pavilion Pulse Award 2025. Image courtesy of the National Library of Ireland.

Hear Laura talk about the work in progress on RTE’s Arena HERE

Hear Laura talk about the show on RTE’s Oliver Callan HERE