Synopsis

A small undertaker’s office in Dublin on Christmas Eve

In Conor McPherson’s poignant drama Dublin Carol, John, a middle-aged undertaker’s assistant, confronts the ghosts of his past on a lonely Christmas Eve. As the day unfolds, John’s interactions with his young co-worker Mark and estranged daughter Mary force him to reckon with the devastating consequences of his alcoholism and the possibility of redemption.

McPherson’s masterful command of dialogue creates a stark, intimate portrait of a man teetering on the edge of hope and despair. Through three carefully crafted acts, Dublin Carol explores themes of addiction, familial bonds, and the weight of regret. The play’s minimalist setting amplifies the emotional intensity of John’s journey, offering a raw and unflinching look at the human capacity for both self-destruction and renewal.