CAST & CREATIVE - DUBLIN 2026

THE CAST

Brian Warfield

Brian Warfield is one of Ireland's most celebrated songwriters, musicians and storytellers. A founding member and lead songwriter of The Wolfe Tones, he has spent more than 7 decades writing and performing songs that celebrate Ireland's history, culture and identity, including classics such as Irish Eyes, Let the People Sing and Celtic Symphony.

A lifelong champion of Irish storytelling, Brian has brought his passion for history to the stage through his writing, creating a powerful new musical that shines a light on one of Ireland's defining chapters. Celtic Exodus represents the culmination of many years of research, songwriting and creative vision.

In Celtic Exodus, Brian is the creator, songwriter and a featured performer, bringing his unique voice and lifelong dedication to Irish music and history to this epic new Irish musical.

PART: Reporter in the Illustrated London News

Colm Quinn

Colm Quinn is one of Ireland's most accomplished Irish dancers, singers and musical theatre performers. Best known as a leading performer with Riverdance, Colm has toured extensively across the world, captivating audiences with his exceptional talent and stage presence.

Alongside his international dance career, Colm has established himself as a versatile musical theatre performer. He has appeared in major productions including Jack and the Beanstalk at Cork Opera House, where he showcased his acting, singing and dance abilities.

In Celtic Exodus, Colm takes on the leading role of Seán, bringing strength, charisma and authenticity to this epic new Irish musical. His unique combination of world class Irish dance, powerful vocals and compelling acting makes him one of Ireland's most exciting stage performers.

PART: Sean McDonagh

Leah Barniville

Leah Barniville is one of Ireland's leading crossover performers, celebrated for her powerful vocals and versatility across musical theatre, classical and contemporary music. She first gained international recognition as a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent, earning a standing ovation from all four judges.

Leah has performed at many of Ireland and the UK's most prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, the National Concert Hall and the Convention Centre Dublin. Her stage credits include West Side Story, Cinderella and Treasure Island, and she has toured with acclaimed singer-songwriter Chris de Burgh. She has also collaborated with Academy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman.

Leah is delighted to join the cast of Celtic Exodus, bringing her exceptional vocal talent and passion for Irish storytelling to this exciting new musical.

PART: Siobhan Buckley

Phelim Drew

Phelim Drew is one of Ireland's most respected actors, with an acclaimed career spanning film, television and theatre. A graduate of the Gaiety School of Acting, he made his screen debut in the Oscar winning My Left Foot and has since appeared in The Commitments, Angela's Ashes, King Arthur, Ripper Street and Fair City.

A familiar face on Irish stages and screens for more than three decades, Phelim is celebrated for his compelling performances, rich storytelling and strong connection to Ireland's cultural heritage.

In Celtic Exodus, Phelim plays Dan "Buckey" Buckley, bringing warmth, humour and gravitas to one of the production's most memorable characters.

PART: Dan “Buckey” Buckley

Sean Kearns

Sean Kearns is an acclaimed Irish actor with a distinguished career spanning theatre, television and the West End. Originally from Newry, he has appeared with leading companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare's Globe, Druid Theatre, the Abbey Theatre, the Gate Theatre and Belfast's Lyric Theatre, as well as in West End productions of Wicked, Billy Elliot, The Commitments and The Comedy About a Bank Robbery.

Renowned for his versatility and commanding stage presence, Sean has performed throughout Ireland, the UK and internationally, earning a reputation as one of Ireland's finest stage actors.

In Celtic Exodus, Sean plays a gifted Irish dance master whose passion, pride and determination embody the spirit of a generation fighting to preserve its culture and identity.

PART: Ned McDonagh

Sue Collins

Sue Collins is an acclaimed Irish actress, comedian and writer with a distinguished career spanning theatre, television, radio and live comedy. She first came to prominence as a co founder of the award winning comedy trio The Nualas, performing to audiences around the world, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Edinburgh Festival, New York's Irish Arts Center and major comedy festivals across Europe and Australia.

Sue is also widely recognised as one half of the hugely popular comedy duo Dirtbirds, whose live tours, bestselling book and online comedy sketches have entertained audiences across Ireland and the UK. Her acting credits include Fair City, Raw, Soupy Norman, Menopause The Musical and numerous television and radio productions.

In Celtic Exodus, Sue plays Kate McDonagh, bringing resilience, compassion and quiet strength to the role of a woman whose courage and determination help her family endure one of Ireland's darkest chapters.

PART: Kate McDonagh

Donncha O'Dea

Donncha O'Dea is an accomplished actor from Galway whose career spans theatre, film, television and radio. He has performed with some of Ireland and the UK's most prestigious companies, appearing at the National Theatre London, Abbey Theatre, Gate Theatre and Gaiety Theatre, alongside productions with Druid, Verdant Productions, Backstage Longford and Morb.

His screen credits include Harry Wild, Fair City, Disenchanted, Fran The Man and Swept Off His Feet. An accomplished voice actor and broadcaster, Donncha has featured in numerous audio dramas and has written and presented the Newstalk documentaries Extraordinary Éire, which received an IMRO nomination, and A History of Irish Panto. In Celtic Exodus, he brings his wealth of experience and versatility to the stage.

PART: Little Willy / Jamie Gallagher

Stephen O'Leary

Stephen O'Leary is an accomplished Irish actor whose career spans theatre, film and television. His screen credits include Shoshana, directed by Michael Winterbottom, We Ourselves, Fair City, Can't Cope, Won't Cope and Smalltown. On stage, he has appeared in acclaimed productions including Making History, From a Low and Quiet Sea, The Beacon and The Giggler Treatment.

Known for his commanding stage presence and powerful performances, Stephen has built a reputation for bringing depth, intensity and authenticity to every role.

In Celtic Exodus, Stephen plays Hugh McWilliams, the ruthless land agent whose actions shape the fate of the village of Kilturk, bringing authority, menace and dramatic tension to one of the musical's most formidable characters.

PART: Land Agent - Hugh McWilliams

Mark Fitzgerald

Mark Fitzgerald is an accomplished Irish actor whose career spans theatre, film and television. His screen credits include The Northman, Muse, Little Women, My Mother and Other Strangers and the hit historical drama Vikings. On stage, he has appeared in acclaimed productions including Copper Face Jacks: The Musical, The Plough and the Stars, Alone it Stands and No Magic Pill.

Known for his versatility and commanding stage presence, Mark has built a reputation for delivering powerful performances across both classical and contemporary productions.

In Celtic Exodus, Mark plays Father Jim, the parish priest of Kilturk and Sergeant Hawkins, bringing compassion, wisdom and quiet strength to a character who provides hope and guidance to his community during one of Ireland's darkest chapters.

Áine Keaveney

Áine Keaveney is an Irish actress and singer from Galway whose work spans theatre, film and television. A graduate of Bow Street Academy and the Oxford School of Drama Foundation Course, her screen credits include Der Irland Krimi, Froggie, Species of Spaces, All About Accordions and Echoes. Her stage work includes Second Draft, Antigone, Contractions and Celtic Exodus.

A fluent Irish speaker and accomplished mezzo soprano, Áine combines exceptional musicality with a strong background in movement and dance, bringing warmth, versatility and authenticity to every performance.

In Celtic Exodus, Áine brings grace, emotion and powerful vocals to the production, playing the part of Róisín bringing grace and powerful vocals to the village of Kilturk and this epic new musical

Darragh Gilhooly

Daragh Gilhooly is a rising Irish actor whose work spans theatre, film and television. A graduate of the Gaiety School of Acting, his screen credits include Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale, Harry Wild, Ann, Inside Out, Monkey Tales and White Roses. His stage work includes The Merchant of Venice, King Lear, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Portia Coughlan and Yellowing.

Known for his versatility and compelling stage presence, Daragh has established himself as one of Ireland's exciting emerging performers, bringing authenticity and emotional depth to every role.

In Celtic Exodus, Daragh plays Darby Gallagher, the ambitious young suitor chosen to marry Siobhán Buckley, bringing charm, determination and complexity to one of the musical's pivotal characters.

Grace Keelin

Grace Keelin is an Irish actress, writer and dancer from Maynooth whose work spans theatre, film and new writing. A graduate of the Gaiety School of Acting and Bow Street Academy, she has appeared in Celtic Exodus, Yellowing and productions at Dublin's Scene + Heard Festival, while also developing original work for the screen as a writer.

Known for her versatility and creativity, Grace combines a strong background in acting, dance and movement with skills in stage combat and horse riding, bringing authenticity, energy and commitment to every performance.

In Celtic Exodus, Grace plays the part of red-haired Mary, a beautiful girl from Kilturk village, bringing grace and emotional depth.

Siobhan Warfield Beattie

Siobhán Warfield Beattie is an Irish singer, songwriter and musician with a lifelong passion for Irish music and storytelling. The daughter of Brian Warfield of The Wolfe Tones, she writes across a range of genres including pop, rock and Irish traditional music. An accomplished vocalist, harpist and pianist, Siobhán signed to Celtic Collections as a recording artist in 2000, with her vocals also featured on The Wolfe Tones recordings including A Nation Once Again and Margaret Skinnider.

Known for her expressive vocals and emotive performances, Siobhán combines a deep appreciation of Irish musical heritage with a passion for telling stories through song.

In Celtic Exodus, Siobhán plays Maedhb, performing the haunting ballad The Crossing, a poignant lament to the millions who perished during the Great Famine and those forced to leave Ireland in search of a new life.

PART: Maebh (Banshee)

Alisia De Brun

Alisia de Brún is an Irish musical theatre performer, vocalist and actor whose work spans theatre and live performance. A graduate of the BA in Musical Theatre at Dundalk Institute of Technology, Alisia is also Co Founder and Vocal Director of Kismet Theatre Company, where she is committed to developing bold new musical theatre and championing emerging talent.

Known for her expressive vocals, musicality and engaging stage presence, Alisia combines strong acting, singing and dance skills to create compelling performances both on stage and in concert.

In Celtic Exodus, Alisia brings energy, heart and powerful vocals to the ensemble, helping tell the unforgettable story of the people of Kilturk through this epic new Irish musical.

PART: Alisa plays the part of Mairead, bringing energy, heart and powerful vocals

CHOREOGRAPHY & DANCERS

Jason O'Neill | Choreographer

Jason O'Neill is an internationally acclaimed Irish dancer, choreographer and former principal lead with Riverdance. Hailing from Belfast, he began dancing at the age of five, winning numerous championship titles before embarking on a career that has taken him to stages across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.

Alongside his performing career, Jason has built a reputation as an innovative choreographer, creating dynamic productions that combine the precision of traditional Irish dance with contemporary theatrical storytelling.

As Director of Choreography for Celtic Exodus – The Musical, Jason brings Brian Warfield's powerful story to life through breathtaking movement, blending energy, emotion and authenticity to create a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.

Ruth Charles | Dancer, Ensemble

Ruth Charles is one of Ireland's most accomplished musical theatre performers, combining exceptional vocal ability with world-class Irish dance. Ruth has performed on some of the world's most prestigious stages, including recently with Olivia Dean, captivating audiences across Europe, Asia, North America and beyond.

Originally from Dublin, Ruth began Irish dancing at just four years of age and quickly established herself as an outstanding performer before embarking on an international professional career. Her versatility has seen her excel in both dance and musical theatre, earning a reputation for powerful stage presence and expressive storytelling.

In Celtic Exodus – The Musical, Ruth brings her wealth of international experience to this epic new production, helping to tell one of Ireland's most important historical stories through music, dance and drama. Her combination of technical brilliance and emotional performance makes her an integral part of the show's talented ensemble.

Ciarán McManus | Dancer, Ensemble

Ciarán was born and raised in the north west of Ireland in west Cavan. He grew up within traditional Irish culture, surrounded by Irish music, song and dance. He started competing in An Coimisiún le Rincí Gaelacha at the age of five where he achieved successful results. Top three in Ulster, top eight in All Ireland, and is holder of a tenth place world medal.

At the age of eight he picked up the fiddle and played in numerous different groups and festivals both nationally and internationally. He currently plays with groups such as Lough’ed and The Copperplate Ceili Band. Since 2006, Ciarán has danced professionally with many groups such as Celtic Nights, Celtic Rhythm, Irish Celtic, Rhythm of the Dance, Damsha, Noċtú and Slidestep. With a degree in Digital Media he also works part time in media production

Bill Cornally | Dancer, Ensemble

Bill Cornally is a talented Irish dancer and performer whose passion for musical theatre and Irish dance has seen him perform on stages both in Ireland and internationally. He has toured with the world-renowned Celtic Woman, bringing the artistry and energy of Irish performance to audiences around the globe.

In Celtic Exodus – The Musical, Bill joins a cast of Ireland's leading performers, combining powerful dance, music and storytelling to help bring Brian Warfield's epic tale of love, loss, resilience and hope during the Great Famine to life. His dynamic stage presence and commitment to authentic Irish performance make him an exciting part of this landmark new production.

CORE CREATIVE TEAM

Brian Warfield | Executive Producer, Creator, Writer Arranger,

Larry Bass | Executive Producer

Larry Bass is one of Ireland's most respected television and live entertainment producers and the founder and CEO of ShinAwiL, the award-winning production company behind some of the country's biggest entertainment successes. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has produced internationally acclaimed television formats, major live events and large-scale theatrical productions, earning a reputation for bringing ambitious creative projects to audiences at home and abroad.

A champion of Irish talent and storytelling, Larry has been instrumental in developing original productions that have achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. His contributions to the creative industries have been recognised through numerous honours, including being named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist, celebrating his leadership and innovation within the entertainment sector.

As Producer of Celtic Exodus, Larry brings his extensive experience in creating world-class productions to this powerful new Irish musical, helping transform Brian Warfield's vision into an epic theatrical experience that combines music, dance and storytelling on an international scale.

Mark Lambert | Director

Mark Lambert is one of Ireland's most respected theatre directors, with an acclaimed career spanning Ireland and the UK. He has directed productions at many of the country's leading theatres, including The Abbey Theatre, The Gaiety Theatre, The Olympia Theatre, Everyman, Belfast Opera House and The Lyric Theatre, as well as the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh, London's Tricycle Theatre and The Nuffield in Southampton.

His directing credits include The Hunt for Red Willie, The Memory of Water, The Grapes of Wrath, The Secrets of Primrose Square, Elvis Is My Daddy, Translations, Juno and the Paycock and The Shaughraun.

A former Associate Director at The Abbey Theatre and co-founder of DubbelJoint Theatre Company, Mark is also an accomplished actor. He has performed with Ireland's leading theatre companies, including The Abbey, The Gate and Lyric Belfast, and has appeared with the RSC, Royal Court Theatre, Young Vic, Hampstead Theatre and in numerous West End productions, earning an Olivier Award nomination. He most recently appeared in The Ferryman, which transferred to Broadway.

For Celtic Exodus, Mark brings decades of theatrical excellence and storytelling expertise to this powerful new Irish musical.

John Murphy | Producer | Stage Adaptation

Corkman John Murphy honed his craft as a comic, playing the sharp end of the circuit at U.K. Working-Mens clubs, boxing dinners and pubs so scary that they had ambulance bays in the car park. Eventually, he secured a position as a scriptwriter with the BBC. Since then, he has been credited on more than two thousand transmitted radio and TV programmes, including international brands such as 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? Blind Date, The Voice and Dancing With the Stars. In a very diverse career, he worked on Fair City as a storyliner, the Peace 2 initiative with the European Commission, 14 Radio 4 plays and the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics in Dublin in 2006.

Turning to his first love, theatre, he wrote and produced the musical 'Elvis Is My Daddy' (national tour and Olympia Theatre Dublin. In America, he wrote and produced 'Goodnight Dela' and the original gospel themed 'Tell It On the Mountain.. Other productions include 'The Quiet Men' by Morgan C. Jones and 'Not Much Cop. He is much sought after as a consultant on musical theatre across many territories.
On a mission to bring original musicals to the Irish Stage, he runs workshops for unfunded projects from his base in Dublin.

Ross Scanlon | MD

Ross Scanlon is an internationally acclaimed Irish tenor and vocal coach. Hailed by The Irish Times as "the most promising Irish tenor heard in years," Ross has enjoyed a distinguished operatic career performing across Europe and beyond. Today, he is one of Ireland's most sought-after singing teachers, working with leading performers both nationally and internationally. As Vocal Coach for Celtic Exodus, Ross has helped shape the production's powerful vocal performances, bringing his wealth of experience and passion for excellence to the cast.

Ben Cully | Music Associate

Ben Cully is an Irish pianist, Musical Associate, singer and educator. A First Class Honours graduate with a Bachelor of Music from Maynooth University, he is currently completing an MA in Performance at MTU Cork School of Music as the Faculty of Creative and Performing Arts and Media Postgraduate Scholar in Music. Ben is delighted to be part of the creative team for Celtic Exodus, supporting the musical direction and helping bring Brian Warfield's new production to the stage.

Daniel Byrne | Music Notation

Daniel Byrne is an Irish pianist, musical director, accompanist and multi-instrumentalist, specialising in piano, keyboards, clarinet and saxophone. A graduate of the Cork School of Music, he has worked across a wide range of musical theatre and live performance productions. For Celtic Exodus, Daniel provided the music notation services, preparing the orchestral scores and arrangements that bring Brian Warfield's music to life on stage.

Kiev Connolly | Music Arrangements & Production | Arrangements | Orchestration

Kiev Connolly is an acclaimed Irish composer, musical director, arranger and producer with an international career spanning theatre, television and live performance. A former Eurovision Song Contest composer who represented Ireland, he has written and produced music for artists and productions across Europe. For Celtic Exodus, Kiev serves as Composition, Producer and Arranger alongside Dave Browne, creating the show's powerful musical score and bringing Brian Warfield's songs to life for the stage.

Dave Browne | Songwriter | Music Production| Arrangements

Dave Browne is an acclaimed Irish composer, songwriter, producer and musical director with extensive experience across theatre, television and live performance. For Celtic Exodus, Dave serves as Music Producer and Arranger alongside Kiev Connolly, creating the rich musical landscape that brings the production to life. He also co-wrote two of the musical's standout original songs, "King of My Heart" and "What Lies Ahead", with Yann O'Brien, helping shape the emotional heart of the production.

DESIGN TEAM

Cherie White | Costume Designer

Head of costume for Dancing with the Stars, Head of costume for Macnas

Jason Fallon | Sound Design | One Louder Sound

Jason Fallon is one of Ireland's leading award-winning sound designers, with over 20 years' experience across musical theatre, concerts, television and live events. He has designed sound for major productions throughout Ireland and the UK and co-founded One Louder Sound Ltd., a specialist audio and production company. Jason is delighted to bring his expertise to Celtic Exodus at The Mansion House.

Lara Gallagher | Associate Sound Design| One Louder Sound

Lara Gallagher is an Irish sound artist, composer and performer whose work spans theatre, live electronic performance and community arts. She has presented her work across Ireland, the UK, Europe and China, including London's West End, the National Concert Hall and major international festivals. Her theatre credits include The Wolf of Wall Street, The Immersive Great Gatsby, Dubliners, Dancing at Lughnasa, The Whispering Chair, FEN, and numerous productions at The Lir. Lara is delighted to be part of Celtic Exodus world premiere in Dublin 2026

Carla Bass / Social Media | Content Creator | Digital Promotions

Carla is Chief Operations Officer at ShinAwiL, one of Ireland's largest television production companies. She has extensive experience in television production, marketing, campaign management, events and project delivery, having worked across many of Ireland's leading broadcast productions. A graduate of Technological University Dublin with a Bachelor's degree in Business and Management and a Diploma in Graphic Design from UCD Professional Academy, Carla is also an accomplished photographer and graphic designer with expertise in branding, digital media and creative communications.