Dublin’s Gate Theatre and the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry are to stage the world première of Poor, adapted by Sonya Kelly from Katriona O’Sullivan’s memoir.
Poor charts O’Sullivan’s journey as she emerges from her childhood in Coventry and Birmingham marked by poverty, addiction and homelessness. Moving to Dublin as a teenager, O’Sullivan overcomes seemingly insurmountable obstacles to earn a PhD from Trinity College Dublin and inspire a generation through her writing, teaching and speaking.
The Gate Theatre’s artistic director Róisín McBrinn who will direct Poor said, “at the Gate we’re committed to creating meaningful international partnerships and we’re delighted that the Belgrade have come on board to co-produce Poor.
“The Belgrade is an important cultural beacon in the English Midlands and an organisation that shares our values and dedication to the transformative power of theatre. Coventry was of course Katriona O'Sullivan's first home, so it’s a perfect fit for this story. Amazingly the Belgrade is where Katriona had her first theatrical experience when she was taken to see a panto there as a young girl. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration.”
The Belgrade’s artistic director Corey Campbell and chief executive Laura Elliot commented, “Katriona grew up in Hillfields, just around the corner from where we work, and her journey is one of resilience, brilliance and hope. This project speaks directly to our mission to tell the stories of local legends—voices that inspire, challenge and reflect the lived experience of our communities.
“This also marks our first co-production with the Gate and it’s a vital part of our commitment to making work that highlights the unique and enduring history between Coventry and Ireland.”
The full cast and creative team has yet to be announced for Poor which will run as part of the 2025 Dublin Theatre Festival from Friday 26 September until Sunday 2 November. It will transfer to the Belgrade in May 2026.