The Abbey Theatre’s education work creates new plays based on existing classics of Irish Theatre. We are returning to the classroom with a national tour of In Real Life  based on the comedy Spreading the News by Lady Gregory.

Written by Erica Murray and directed by Ursula McGinn, In Real Life is a contemporary drama exploring social media and identity in the classroom. It uses Lady Gregory’s hilarious take on the dangers of rumour and pompous authority to examine how modern friendships can be threatened by careless communication and clueless adults.  

In Real Life follows First Year student Kai as she starts at her new school. Upset with her family’s move to a smaller town, Kai immerses herself in the world of social media. There she finds her new school’s Instagram queen, Cleo. But life online and in real life are two very different things and when Kai posts something carelessly, she learns how quickly words can take on a life of their own… especially with the school’s Talent Show just around the corner.

In Real Life showcases two actors portraying multiple characters, vividly depicting Kai and Cleo’s families, teachers, and their lives at school.

2026 National Tour 

After a very popular national tour to schools in Cork, Mayo, and Galway last year, the Abbey is delighted bring In Real Life to interested primary schools (5th and 6^th class) again this year.

Along with performing in your school, we will provide online resources with lesson plans to help teachers prepare and follow up on our visit.

The National Tour will visit schools in Leinster and Munster between 18 May and 5 June 2026.

If you would like us to perform in your school, or have any questions,  please contact us at InRealLife@abbeytheatre.ie