Liverpool Everyman will stage a new production of Martin McDonagh’s 1997 play A Skull in Connemara from February to March 2027, marking the play’s 30th anniversary with a fresh interpretation by director Chris Sonnex. The revival promises to explore themes of death, grief, and the past’s persistence in a rural Irish setting.

A Skull in Connemara will run at Liverpool Everyman from 20 February to 13 March 2027 with a press night on 25 February. The play is set in rural County Galway, where characters Mick and Mairtin exhume bodies from a graveyard to make room for new burials, triggering the resurfacing of local rumours and secrets.

Chris Sonnex, returning to the venue after directing McDonagh’s The Lieutenant of Inishmore in 2024, leads the production. Sonnex describes the play as “a completely different beast,” focusing on the idea that “the past isn’t remotely finished with you.” He highlights its ongoing relevance, centred on “death, grief, revenge, and the ridiculous ways we try to live with all three.”

Nathan Powell, creative director of Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, expressed enthusiasm for the revival following the success of Sonnex’s previous McDonagh production. Powell emphasised the theatre’s dedication to “daring, thought-provoking and relevant work,” calling A Skull in Connemara “a hugely entertaining and surprising night at the theatre.”

Martin McDonagh’s portfolio includes acclaimed plays such as The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Lonesome West, The Cripple of Inishmaan, The Pillowman, A Behanding in Spokane, Hangmen, and A Very Very Very Dark Matter. His film work includes The Banshees of Inisherin, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Seven Psychopaths, In Bruges, and the short film Six Shooter.

Accessible performances will be integrated into the run, including a captioned show on press night, an audio-described performance on the final day, Saturday 13 March, and a British Sign Language performance to be announced.