Paul Wilkins to Lead World Premiere Concert of 1588: The Musical at RIAM

Paul Wilkins will perform the leading role of Juan in 1588: The Musical (in development) during a staged concert at Royal Irish Academy of Music on Sunday 28th September 2025. Written by Lesley-Anne Hogan (Jonathan Williams Lit. Agency) and adapted from her novel 1588, this exciting new work brings to life the story of the Spanish Armada through soaring music and powerful storytelling. Orchestrations from Ireland's leading musical director David Hayes, staging by Therese O'Sullivan and narration by acclaimed Irish TV and stage actor Michael Grennell. Set against the backdrop of the 1588 Spanish Armada campaign, the story follows Juan, a young Spanish nobleman who joins the expedition only to find himself shipwrecked off the west coast of Ireland. When he meets the daughter of an Irish chieftain, Juan must choose between returning to his former life or embracing love and a new destiny in a land filled with danger and possibility. With its blend of Spanish and Irish-inspired music, from military marches to heartfelt ballads, 1588 The Musical promises to be a captivating journey of love, war, and identity.

The cast includes a stellar line-up of artists including; Megan Walsh (Celtic Woman), Karla Tracey (Irish Affair & Veronica Dunne Bursary), Derek Ryan (Award Winning bass vocalist), Jay Deegan (West End & UK Tours), Michael Joseph (Irish & UK Tours), Zoe Talbot (lead vocalist Riverdance), Kenneth O'Regan (Three Irish Tenors), Jessica Hayes, Zach O Brien, Anne-Marie O Brien (BA Musical Theatre, MTU), Thomas Furlong & Libby Long. The wider team includes costume by Claire Garvey, sound design by Jason Fallon, lighting design by Colm Eaton, video by Martin Cavanagh & stage management by Alannah Hayes.

The concert will take place on Sunday, September 28th at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin, with two performances only at 4:30pm and 7:00pm. Tickets are now available at www.riam.ie. This special event is proudly supported by The Spanish Embassy. The views expressed on this site are those of the author and do not represent the opinions of any person or company mentioned or affiliated with such publishing. All content is intended for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current information...