Based on Katriona O’Sullivan’s best-selling memoir, Poor charts her extraordinary journey as she emerges from her childhood in Coventry and Birmingham marked by poverty, addiction and homelessness.
Moving to Dublin as a teenager, Poor follows O’Sullivan as she overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles to earn a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and inspire a generation through her writing, teaching and speaking. This unforgettable story is vividly and movingly portrayed through her close relationships with family and friends, and thrums with the music that has resonated through her life.
This Gate Theatre and Belgrade Theatre world premiere will be a beacon of hope, resilience and community, and will be a catalyst for discussion and change around the most critical social issues of our time.
“There is an authenticity in what Katriona O’Sullivan says which deeply impresses all of us.” President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins
“Katriona is a legend.” Barry Keoghan
“Full of theatrical ingenuity, pure heart and honest-to-god truths.” The Irish Independent
“Affectingly raw.” The Guardian ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“An extraordinary ensemble. So good you could give them the terms and conditions for your smart phone and they could make it sing.” The Arts Review
“Delightful.” The Irish Times ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2025 BroadwayWorld Ireland Award Winners
Best Costume Design Of A Play Or Musical
Lara Campbell – Poor
Best Ensemble
Poor
Best Performer In A Play
Aisling O’Mara – Poor
Best Scenic Design Of A Play Or Musical
Aedín Cosgrove – Poor
Best Sound Design Of A Play Or Musical
Sinéad Diskin – Poor
Best Supporting Performer In A Play
Hilda Fay – Poor