written by Samuel Beckett
directed by Caitríona McLaughlin Landmark Productions
★★★★★ ‘a gift of theatre … dazzling’
WhatsonStage
★★★★ ‘Siobhán McSweeney brings masterful touch to Beckett’s masterpiece’
The Guardian
★★★★★ ‘a transfixing performance’
The Arts Desk
BAFTA winner Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls, Extraordinary) played ‘Winnie’ in Beckett’s masterpiece, directed by Caitríona McLaughlin. She was joined by Howard Teale who played ‘Willie’.
Originally streamed live in January 2021 from the stage of the 3Olympia Theatre, the production then toured to Cork Midsummer Festival, 3Olympia Theatre and Birmingham Rep in June/July 2023. Critics described Siobhán McSweeney’s performance as ‘magnificent‘, ‘masterful’, ‘extraordinary’ and ‘transfixing’.
Winnie is buried up to her waist. The merciless sun beats down. Her husband Willie barely speaks.
And yet! – she proclaims – ‘this will have been another happy day’.
Defiant, determined and fiercely resilient, Winnie greets each day with humour and boundless optimism, and lives as best she can between the bell for waking, and the bell for sleep.
Landmark would like to acknowledge the continued support of the Arts Council and the support of Culture Ireland for overseas touring.
Happy Days was first broadcast live online from Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre for one performance only on 30 January 2021 under the Landmark Live streaming platform with support from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.
Cast 2021
Winnie Siobhán McSweeneyWillie Marty ReaCast 2023
Winnie Siobhán McSweeneyWillie Howard TealeCreative
Writer Samuel BeckettDirector Caitríona McLaughlinSet and Costume Designer Jamie VartanLighting Designer Paul KeoganSound Designer Sinéad DiskinPRODUCTION IMAGERY
