FOLLOWING the sold-out success of its debut performances at Vicar Street in April, the critically acclaimed rock-theatre production Moonlight: The Philip Lynott Enigma returns for a special run this June—featuring celebrated Irish singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy in the role of Oscar Wilde.
Kennedy joins the cast for performances at Vicar Street, Dublin, on 20 and 21 June, and at University Concert Hall on 24 June.
Speaking about his involvement, Brian Kennedy said:
“I’m beyond thrilled to be part of Moonlight, and of course to bring something new to the legend of Oscar! I feel like I’ve finally met Phil Lynott and Brendan Behan.”
Moonlight is a bold and innovative production that explores the early life of Thin Lizzy frontman Philip Lynott, reimagining him not only as a rock icon but as a literary and cultural figure in his own right. The show weaves together live music—including Thin Lizzy classics and original pieces—with rich theatrical storytelling, tracing Lynott’s formative years in Dublin and London during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Kennedy’s portrayal of Oscar Wilde introduces a new dimension to the narrative, drawing a poetic and philosophical thread between Wilde, Brendan Behan, and Lynott—three of Dublin’s most iconic sons.
The production is the creation of John Merrigan and Danielle Morgan, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jason Figgis, and stars Peter M. Smith in the lead role as Philip Lynott.
The production includes music, with Limerickman Larry Hogan as the executive music producer, aiming to recreate Thin Lizzy’s original sound.
‘Moonlight’ focuses on Lynott’s early life and the formation of Thin Lizzy with a mix of tender and impactful moments.
There are plenty Thin Lizzy fans in Limerick as can be seen from any night that bands such as Thin As Lizzy play live to full houses in the city. That said, Moonlight is something very different from the re-creation of a Thin Lizzy Live & Dangerous show.
“Yes, for a start, it’s a full on theatre production”. says Peter M Smith.
“ It is a proposal for Phil Lynott to be lauded alongside the likes of James Joyce and Brendan Behan and Oscar Wilde for his writings, his musings and his songwriting ability.”
Though “Moonlight” is a standalone production, it is also the third in a trilogy of our works about great literary artists who emerged from Dublin onto the world stage. The other two are: “Vengeance” (2021) about the demise of Oscar Wilde and “Brendan – Son of Dublin” (2023) about the life and times of Brendan Behan.
Musical Director for Moonlight is Limerick man Larry Hogan.
Peter explains, “What we didn’t want to happen was to do our own versions of the music. They have to be recreated in order to justify the ticket price. You’re inviting people to suspend their disbelief for two hours. So you must deliver to them what they grew up listening to!”
“Executive Producer John Merrigan wanted to execute the music properly. There’s only one place to turn to, and Larry Hogan has been in and around this music all of his life.
“We are very much focused on what made Philip both great as a writer and what made Thin Lizzy great as a band.”
Larry has been working with the likes of Eric Bell for Moonlight. As well as being Musical Director, he will also be playing on stage on the night.
Larry adds, “I’ll be dipping in and out, playing acoustic guitars, playing a lot of electrics, and then at the end – the plan is to play out with Lizzy songs, a kind of mini gig to send everyone home dancing.”
