Critical Miss, a powerful new musical written, devised, and performed by Droichead Youth Theatre, premieres this April as part of the DYT Takeover at Droichead Arts Centre.

Blending fantasy adventure with real-world emotion, Critical Miss follows five friends whose tabletop role-playing game whisks their characters into a quest to save an elven kingdom. But when the drama and heartbreak of their personal lives begin to seep into the game, the lines between reality and role-play blur. Will they be able to save what matters most—or are some things too broken to fix?

Written entirely by the Friday Seniors of Droichead Youth Theatre, in partnership with professional playwright Violet Thomson, and supported by the Arts Council Young Ensembles Scheme, Critical Miss is a moving and imaginative tale told through original music, dynamic characters, and the boundless world of fantasy role play.

This original production fearlessly explores the gritty, complex issues faced by young people today—love, heartbreak, grief, identity, neurodiversity, and friendship—all through the lens of a magical campaign.

Droichead Youth Theatre Artistic Director, Christina Matthews:

“Critical Miss is a mix of real-world challenges facing teenagers today and the fantasy world they escape into—where a ragtag bunch of misfits set off to save an elven kingdom from destruction. What makes this show so special is that every line, every character, every plot twist was created by our Friday seniors themselves, with support from playwright Violet Thomson.

We had a lot of conversations about casual representation and why visibility on stage matters. The characters in this play carry real-life experiences and truths—an elven princess with sensory issues and autistic traits, a classically cool teen who is intersex, a perfect head girl hiding a tragic secret… These elements are part of who they are, but not what defines them.

This show asks: What is it to be a young carer? To fancy someone? To misread a social situation? To get really into baking? It's a world where the stakes are high, the emotions are real, and everyone gets to be the hero of their own story.”

Lizzie Heeney, playing The Mother, says:

“From 24th to 26th April, you can come to see the original production of Critical Miss, put on and written by Droichead Youth Theatre. This musical is a mix of high fantasy and gritty problems, so there’s something for everyone. It has truly been a labour of love for the entire group—from idea conception and writing to final design and acting. We've put in so much work and effort.”

Taillte Cahill Enright, playing Jamie, says:

“Critical Miss is a musical about processing emotions and our relationships with loved ones. The stories we’re telling matter because everyone deserves to feel seen. We want to use casual representation to inform audiences about how many people live their lives—whether that be as a neurodivergent person, a queer person, or just your ‘average’ teen. This show came from our own experiences and a desire to create the inclusive space we wanted to see.”

Neassa McDermott, playing John, adds:

“Writing Critical Miss has been such an incredible experience. I’ve learned so much and made the best friends. Putting this show on can only be incredible.”

Youth groups and young people are especially invited to attend our Pay-What-You-Can performance on opening night, Thursday 24th April. Please contact the box office directly to be added to the customer list.

Don’t miss this vibrant, funny, and deeply honest musical created by young artists for audiences of all ages. Whether you love a good fantasy quest or are drawn to heartfelt stories about identity and connection, Critical Miss will strike a chord.

Venue: Droichead Arts Centre
Dates: 24–26 April 2025
Tickets & Info: www.droichead.com | 041 9833946