announcement:
Returns to gate theaters in 2026 will be weak due to unprecedented demand
Now accepting priority reservations for Gate Theater members, friends and Dear Patrons!
Get access to priority reservations poorby becoming a member, friend, or patron of Gate Theatre.
Plans from just €65.
Become a member now
Gate Theater is pleased to announce that POOR will be returning for a limited six-week run in 2026, following a critically acclaimed and sold-out run in 2025.
Adapted from Catriona O’Sullivan’s powerful memoir, the film, adapted by Sonya Kelly and directed by Roisin McBrin, has been praised for its humanity, humor and raw honesty. O’Sullivan’s remarkable life story and journey from poverty to hope has captivated audiences. This work resonated deeply with audiences, elicited a powerful response, and became one of the outstanding theatrical events of the year.
Presented by The Gate Theater and Belgrade Theater Coventry
“POOR” by Catriona O’Sullivan
Adapted by Sonya Kelly
director Written by Roisin McBrin
Reappears on the gate stage for a limited time!
Preview March 13th and 14th
Opening March 16, 2026
Photo by St. Murray
About:
poor The illustration depicts Catriona O’Sullivan’s extraordinary journey out of a childhood in Coventry and Birmingham marked by poverty, addiction and homelessness.
Moved to Dublin as a teenager, poor The film follows O’Sullivan as he completes his PhD at Trinity College, Dublin and overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles to inspire generations through his writing, teaching and speaking. This unforgettable story is vividly and movingly told through her close relationships with her family and friends, and echoes the music that resonated throughout her life.
Creative team:
author: Catriona O’Sullivan
Adapted to: Sonya Kelly
director: Roisin McBrin
Set designer: Adin Cosgrove
Costume designer: lara campbell
Lighting designer: paul cogan
Sound designer/composer: Sinead Diskin
Music director: padraig dooney
Movement director: jess williams
Audio director: Cathal Quinn
Associate Set Designer: Laura Fajardo Castro
AV designers and programmers: Michael Dunn
Early reservations are recommended!
Priority reservation for members only: Bad
Preview tickets start from €16.50 (includes building maintenance tax of €1.50)
Book tickets: www.gatetheatre.ie / +353 1 874 4045
Praise the poor:
★ ★ ★ ★
irish times
★ ★ ★ ★
Sunday Irish Mail
“What’s the best new release in 2025?” Probably. ‘
Sunday independent
★ ★ ★ ★
guardian
★ ★ ★ ★
feeling very good
★ ★ ★ ★
art criticism
“victory”
irish independent
‘wonderful’
There is no main force anymore
Become an important part of Gate Theater:
Become a Gate Theater Member, Friend, Patron, or Student Member
As a registered charity, we invite our loyal viewers to help us realize our vision. Open gates give everyone access to great theater.
By supporting us through a GATE Theater Membership, you help protect our landmark 18th-century building, contribute to our vital community engagement program, GATEWAYS, and create inspiring theater that connects, questions and transforms audiences.
Become a member now
Conversation at the gate:
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Saturday, October 18th
Liberation: Addiction, abstinence, and everything in between.
This candid panel explores the complex, non-linear journey from addiction to recovery and everything in between. Featuring leading scholars, lived experiences, art, and advocacy voices, this discussion challenges binaries and opens a space for honest conversations about coping, healing, relapse, and resilience.
Moderator: Ray Darcy
Panelists: Jo-Hannah Ivers, Catriona O’Sullivan, Sophie White, Willa White
time: Approximately 4:50 p.m.
interval: Approximately 30 minutes
Book now: Released
*Ticket €5 (excluding booking fee)
Book tickets: www.gatetheatre.ie / +353 1 874 4045
Conversation at the gate:
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Saturday, November 1st
Sacred: How Music Saves
This inspiring panel brings together musicians, mental health advocates, and people with lived experience to explore the life-saving power of music. From personal healing to community connection, we explore how music can be a lifeline in times of crisis, a force for emotional survival, expression, and hope.
Panelists: Mary Colan, Damian Dempsey, Damian Dempsey, Thoroo McKay
time: Approximately 4:50 p.m.
interval: Approximately 30 minutes
Book now: Sacred
*Ticket €5 (excluding booking fee)
Book tickets: www.gatetheatre.ie / +353 1 874 4045
Click here for questions/opinions regarding the above products/brandsPlease contact us anytime by clicking here.
Source: Pynck – pynck.com
