Richard BodinDublin Youth Theatre, or DYT for the regulars, is a charity organization that introduces young people to the world of theatre. It thrives on giving them a space to be themselves—outside of school or other social settings that can sometimes feel restrictive. Thanks to this institution, founded by educational psychologist Paddy O’Dwyer in 1977, many young people have found opportunities to enter this exciting and creative world, even making careers for themselves. (Names like Aidan Gillen come to mind among the most famous.)
What Are the 24 Hour Plays?
On January 25th-26th, DYT held its 12th fundraising edition of the 24 Hour Plays at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin. This format was invented in New York City in 1995 and has since been exported to many locations worldwide, with Dublin being one of the most successful editions. The concept is simple: bring theatre professionals together for 24 hours and have them create small, one-time-only plays. Writers, directors, and actors gather, each bringing one piece of clothing, one prop, a special skill, and something they’ve always wanted to do on stage but never had the chance to. They then have 24 hours to write six plays overnight, just a few hours to rehearse, 20 minutes each for technical rehearsals, and finally, they perform in front of Irish theatre enthusiasts. No cameras, no filming—these short-lived plays exist only in the memories of the performers and the audience.
An Unforgettable Night at the Abbey Theatre
As the performance approaches, the lobby of the prestigious Abbey Theatre buzzes with excitement. Many faces in the crowd look tired yet elated. Some attendees haven’t seen each other in at least a year—since the last 24 Hour Plays edition. DYT has been bringing young people together for almost 50 years, and it continues to do so. This buzzing atmosphere soon moves into the theatre as the show is about to start.
DYT chairman Naoise Nunn greets the audience with a welcoming speech and pays homage to the late Paddy O’Dwyer, who passed away last August. Actor Micheál Tient, a DYT alumnus, speaks emotionally about his experience with DYT and how it gave purpose to his life. Finally, Philip Naudé, ambassador for the 24 Hour Plays, gives the traditional introduction, explaining the concept and the challenge of the evening.
Music, Laughter, and Six Never-to-Be-Seen-Again Plays
Before the plays begin, and to warm up the crowd, Carsie Blanton takes the stage with her guitar and colorful boots. After a few technical issues with sound, the American singer quickly connects with the audience. She shares her disappointment in her country’s new leadership before launching into Be Good. In the spirit of the event, she also takes time during the day to compose her own song, drawing inspiration from the Meet & Greet with the cast the night before. She incorporates elements of what the performers hoped to do on stage or their unique skills, and sure enough, throughout the evening, the audience recognizes the moments she sang about. She finishes with The Little Flames, a song dedicated to anyone trying to bring goodness and change into the world. In a particularly moving moment, the audience sings along, connecting deeply with the performer.
Six short plays are performed—never to be seen again. Each play has only been rehearsed a handful of times that day. The themes range from casting The Toy Show Musical, to a séance communicating with the dead, the comeback of a boy band, a family drama, a play casting AI actors, and a divorce court. The audience is receptive, fully enjoying this vaudeville-style evening. It’s far from an easy exercise, yet every actor rises to the challenge. A few lines are forgotten, a few moments are improvised, bursts of laughter are skillfully contained, and even an on-stage injury—a torn tendon—is handled with impressive professionalism by the unfortunate actor.
This is what makes the evening so special: human beings coming together, giving their time and talent to raise money for an essential institution, and having an incredible time in the process—all for the sheer delight of the audience.
And as a cherry on top, many actors get to fulfill a long-awaited stage dream: throwing a drink in someone’s face, getting into a fight, singing, playing a character obscenely rich, or winning an unwinnable battle. Others showcase unique skills—juggling, headstands, tap dancing, animal noises, and, of course, more singing.
See You at the 13th Edition in 2026!
The 24 Hour Plays is a one-of-a-kind event, raising money for a one-of-a-kind institution, bringing together one-of-a-kind people who share a love for theatre. As the final curtain falls on the Abbey Theatre stage, the audience leaves with joy in their hearts, already looking forward to next year.
Stay tuned for the 13th edition in January 2026!
Find more information here: https://dyt24hourplays.com/
