A China Plate production in collaboration with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

Swansong

A brown violin and bow leading against the base of a tree, surrounded by autumnal leaves.
Two miniature figures resting on top of a violin, which is slightly blurred out.

Swansong

Written by Shane O’Reilly
Directed by Lu Kemp
Composed by Dan Jones

A very old man is burying a cello in a forest when a young boy appears as if from nowhere carrying a violin. What starts as a conversation about crisps becomes a meditation on life and how we choose to face the end.

This funny, moving work balances a new orchestral score by Dan Jones in dialogue with Shane O’Reilly’s script written for an orchestra and two actors.

Swansong is a new piece of concert theatre produced by China Plate and supported by the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). We are looking to develop the show in Autumn 2026 – Spring 2027.

For more information, please email Fiona Bradley on [email protected]

© Ed Collier

Creative Team

A man is stood leaning against a wall, wearing black trousers, top and jacket, wearing black rimmed glasses, smiling directly at the camera.

Shane O'Reilly

Shane is a playwright and actor living in Dublin. Recent work includes 'Her Father's Voice'.

Read more about Shane O'Reilly
  • Writer | Shane O'Reilly
  • Composer | Dan Jones
  • Director | Lu Kemp
  • Designer | Jamie Vartan

Downloads

    For more information, please contact Fiona Bradley

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