Aisling Kearns, starring in Conor McPherson’s haunting new play The Brightening Air, discusses the world premiere of this Irish family drama at The Old Vic.
Set in 1980s Sligo, the production unravels hidden agendas and supernatural undertones as siblings clash over their ancestral home, featuring a celebrated cast including Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids) and Brian Gleeson (Bad Sisters). McPherson’s signature mix of sharp dialogue and eerie atmosphere is brought to life by Olivier Award-winning creatives, including set designer Rae Smith (War Horse) and lighting designer Mark Henderson.
Themes of fate, legacy, and redemption collide in this gripping tale of a family on the brink. Catch The Brightening Air at The Old Vic from 10 April to 14 June 2025. Tickets are on sale here.
You’re appearing in The Brightening Air at The Old Vic – what can audiences expect from this production?
Family drama, secrets, humour and elements of believing in things we can’t necessarily see, but feel.
How does Conor McPherson’s blend of familial drama and “unseen forces” shapes the play’s exploration of 1980’s Ireland?
The 80’s in Ireland was a bleak time with the recession in full flow, and unemployment rising. This obviously caused financial strain on most families and indeed the McFaddin family in The Brightening Air feel it too. Lots of people in times of struggle turn to faith and ‘unseen’ beliefs to ground themselves, and this theme is intertwined with relationships within the play.
Your character navigates complex family tensions – what drew you to this role?
I play Freya, who works in one of Dermot’s (one of the siblings) cafes. She’s brought into the family home and not given, let’s say, the warmest welcome. Yet – Freya has an underlying confidence in herself which ends up being a catalyst for the events that follow. Her quiet assertiveness interested me greatly when I first read the play. She doesn’t have to try very hard to command attention in a room which is really fun to discover and play with.
The cast includes comedy veterans like Chris O’Dowd and dramatic powerhouses like Brian Gleeson. How did these dynamics influence rehearsals?
I think everyone has come on board with this play with a huge passion and a collective goal of bringing it to life for the first time. Although we are all at different points in our careers, we all have the same focus, which allows egos to be left outside the door so we can all start at the same point. It’s tremendously exciting, and I’m so thrilled that I get to work and learn from this phenomenal cast. Special shout out to our Rosie Sheehy who has been nominated for an Olivier Award!
Rae Smith’s set design is renowned for evocative storytelling. How does the staging immerse viewers in the play’s world?
We are so lucky to get to work with Rae – her set and costume design is exquisite. She has such a gift when it comes to portraying the story through her designs. The countryside in certain parts of Ireland have this bleak but beautiful vastness, and Rae has done a terrific job at merging that into the set to really bring the audience inside the world of The Brightening Air.
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see The Brightening Air?
Book those tickets quick! This is the world premiere of The Brightening Air so we get to be the first ones to bring Conor McPherson’s new play to life – and you get the be the first ones to see it! From the set design to the outstanding cast and everything in-between, it’s a show not to be missed.
