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

    You might also like...

    Graphic text reads 'To The Streets' against an orange background.

    To The Streets!

    Uplifting new musical inspired by the Bristol Bus Boycott.

    Read more about To The Streets!
    An illustrated drawing of women drinking, laughing and playing music, one woman is holding a baby.

    Gin Craze!

    Come on a journey through the joyous excesses of Hogarth’s Britain in this anarchic, ingenious and irreverent new musical.

    Read more about Gin Craze!
    A group of 5 actors, posed in front of a painted backdrop. To the left, another actor is peering into frame.

    Wuthering Heights

    Inspector Sands bring their characteristic humour and pathos to the infamous love story of Heathcliff & Catherine.

    Read more about Wuthering Heights