Next Year Will Be a Good One – Shivaun O’Casey’s Memoir of Seán O’Casey
An intimate look at the life of Irish playwright Seán O’Casey, his family, and the theatrical world through the eyes of his daughter; Shivaun will be in conversation with Dr. Michelle Paull.
The ICC is delighted to welcome Shivaun O’Casey for the UK launch of her memoir Next Year Will Be a Good One: Life with Sean O’Casey, My Family and Theatre. This is a rare chance to hear the daughter of playwright Seán O’Casey share her story of growing up in a close-knit family shaped by theatre, exile, and creativity.
The book recalls Shivaun’s girlhood in Devon and her early adulthood in Bristol and London, painting an intimate picture of life with her father, her mother Eileen O’Casey – actress and writer – and her two brothers. Letters and playful sketches by Seán O’Casey, many published here for the first time, bring to light a side of the playwright that has never been seen before.
On the night, Shivaun O’Casey will be in conversation with Dr Michelle Paull, Associate Dean for Research and Senior Lecturer in Theatre Studies at St Mary’s University and an expert on Sean O’Casey; Shivaun wil be reflecting on her life and the making of the book. There will be readings by actress Esther O’Casey, Shivaun’s granddaughter, who will bring the words vividly to life. A signing will follow, with books available to purchase.
As Roddy Doyle writes in his foreword: “The book is packed with life. And love.”
This evening promises a rich celebration of family, memory, and theatre — and a fresh way to experience the legacy of Seán O’Casey.
Doors: 7.30pm; Starts: 8pm
Tickets: £9
About Seán O’Casey
Seán O’Casey (1880–1964) was an Irish dramatist known for his realistic plays about Dublin’s working class, which blend tragedy and comedy. Born John Casey in Dublin, he experienced poverty and worked manual labor, becoming a socialist and union activist, and was secretary for the Irish Citizen Army. His fame came from his 1920s plays, particularly The Shadow of a Gunman, Juno and the Paycock, and The Plough and the Stars, which brought his stories to an international audience.
About Dr Michelle Paull
Dr Michelle Paull is Associate Dean for Research and a Senior Lecturer in Theatre and Performance Studies at St Mary’s University, Strawberry Hill. Michelle’s PhD at Goldsmiths’ College focused on the theatre of Sean O’Casey and she is currently working on her monograph, “Sean O’Casey: Critical Controversies”. Michelle’s writes about Irish and contemporary theatre and has published work on Sean O’Casey, Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Enda Walsh, Dermot Healy and Martin McDonagh.
You may also like
Community Poetry Anthology Launch
The Irish Cultural Centre's community Poetry Group proudly present their first publication, 'Irish Ties'. This poetry anthology is a compilation of poems written during their weekly poetry meet-ups, led by John Hurley, on Tuesday mornings in the ICC's library. There will be poetry recitals, Irish dancing, and a couple of tunes from our wonderful community Singing Group! The entrance fee includes a copy of the poetry book and canapes on arrival.
Wed 03 June 2026
Read More
London Launch of Seamus Heaney and Catholicism (CUP 2025)
Join Author Gary Wade in conversation with former Field Day Theatre Company Manager Gary McKeone for the London Launch of "Seamus Heaney and Catholicism."
Wed 17 June 2026
Read More
‘All The Dead Voices’ – Book Launch & Interview
'All The Dead Voices', celebrates the lives of ordinary people living in often extraordinary circumstances.
Mon 22 June 2026
Read More
“Where the Lines Meet”: A Night of Irish Poetry Launching Two New Poetry Collections from London-based Irish Poet, Martina Evans Northern Irish Poet, Michael McCann
Join us for what promises to be a night of sublime poetry from two wonderful Irish Poets, both who’ll be launching their new poetry books.
Wed 22 July 2026
Read More
London Book Launch: A Hosting by Martin Doyle – Interviews with Irish Writers 1991–2026
Join Irish Times Books Editor Martin Doyle for the London launch of A Hosting, featuring 35 years of his interviews and conversations with Irish literary icons including Sally Rooney, Claire Keegan, Roddy Doyle, Anne Enright and John Banville.
Fri 09 October 2026
Read More
