Introducing the cast of WAKE, a 12-strong eclectic ensemble of critically acclaimed artists you would also love to have a pint with – they're Irish, after all. Together, they deliver a tender yet fabulously rowdy onslaught of music, movement and feeling. They're at the top of their craft, artistically outspoken and ready to show you an incredible time. Let's meet 'em. 

Alma Kelliher – Composer, Musical Director and Band Leader

Alma is an award-winning composer, sound designer and musician, and the composer of the electro-meets-Irish trad score in THISISPOPBABY'S WAKE and RIOT. She works with dance, theatre, film, music, circus and live art, always blurring the lines between music and sound design. Alma is also an accomplished session musician, working with many of Ireland's major acts including Lisa Hannigan,  Bell X1, The Coronas, Villagers and Moncrieff. She releases solo music as electro-folk act Lux Alma.

Adam Matthews – Lead Singer

Adam Matthews is a singer/songwriter and theatre performer from Dublin. His dulcet tones will soar into your heart and ears as lead singer in WAKE. On Dublin’s music scene he is lead singer with electro/pop musical duo PHOENO. Adam has played at music festivals and venues across Ireland and beyond, including the Abbey Theatre Dublin, Melbourne Festival, Electric Picnic and Beyond The Pale Music and Arts Festival. He previously worked with THISISPOPBABY on I'm Your Man, Haunted, WERK and RIOT.

Christian Emmanuel Dirocie – Breakdancer and MC

Cristian is a Dominican-born dancer based in Dublin, and has worked extensively across theatre and film. With a background in street dance, Cristian has won several international competitions and mentors youth dance groups nationwide. He’s your beat-boxing back-flipping host with the most throughout WAKE, when he’s not hitting the floor and spinning up a storm with killer breaking.

Emer Dineen – Duncan Disorderly

Emer Dineen, AKA the hilarious Duncan Disorderly, is an award-winning theatre maker, actor and musician, blending theatre, live music, comedy and drag. She‘s worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and London International Theatre Festival, and recently wrote and performed in 0800 CUPID at SOHO Theatre. Emer is also a songwriter and singer with the legendary Hospital Records, touring internationally and in the UK‘s most epic music spots including Glastonbury Festival, the Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena.

FELISPEAKS – High Priestess of Poetry

When FELISPEAKS, we listen. They are a Nigerian-Irish visionary artist celebrated for their profound exploration of identity, social justice and personal growth through poetry, performance and theatre. As well as being featured in the Irish Leaving Cert Curriculum, their compelling work transcends borders, leaving an indelible mark on international literature. Our high priestess for the evening, FELISPEAKS is part slam poet, part shaman and part faerie, guiding us between the two worlds of WAKE – this world, and the one behind the veil. 

Jade O'Connor – Dancer and Vocalist

Jade O’Connor is an award-winning performer based in Dublin, with credits across stage and screen as performer, theatre-maker, and an acclaimed singer-songwriter. This sought-after slashie plays multiple roles in WAKE, from chief keener to all star Irish dancer – Jade should have versatile tattooed on her arm. Sink in and let her siren song cary you through the night.

Jenny Tufts – Aerialist

Jenny Tufts is an American-born, Ireland-based performing artist specialising in aerial dance. She's internationally celebrated for her innovations on aerial hoop and spiral, but will try anything twice. In WAKE she is our ethereal faerie, hypnotising and exciting the audience with her world class aerial acts. Since moving to Ireland in 2020, she has performed for a medley of Irish and international companies. Jenny also has an irrelevant degree in political science, and is a self-taught master dog cuddler.

Lisette Krol – Pole Artist

Whether she’s working the pole or whizzing through the air, Lisette is all about women’s empowerment. A Venezuelan-born, Ireland-based pole and aerial artist with over 20 years in the industry, she is a three-time World Doubles Pole champion and soloist champion in Ireland and the UK. You might have spotted Lisette on Britain’s Got Talent, The Late Late Show and The Big Deal, and she‘s also shared a stage with the one and only Snoop Dogg at Dublin’s 3Arena. Watch her in awe when WAKE hits Carriageworks.

Lucia Mac Partlin – Fiddler

Lucia Mac Partlin is a fiery fiddler from Ballina, Tipperary; her playing here to ensure this Irish WAKE is as Irish as it gets. Trained in both classical and traditional Irish music, she has won major national awards including the Fiddler of Dooney and multiple All-Ireland titles. Lucia has performed worldwide with leading orchestras and ensembles and released two albums with her groups Strung and Lucia & Maria.  

Michael Robertson – Irish Dancer and Aerialist

This man was made to move. Michael Roberson is a multi-disciplinary performer specialising in Irish dance. Michael has performed extensively with A Taste of Ireland, Celtic Fyre, THISISPOPBABY, Gifford Circus and more. His skills have taken him across the United States, England, Ireland and now Australia. Described as ‘The Paul Mescal of Irish Dance’, Michael’s athletic Irish tap solo sets hearts racing, and that’s before he flexes his muscles and ascends into the air in a jaw dropping aerial routine. 

Ryan McLelland – Drummer

Keep in the cast in line and in time, Ryan McClelland is a high-octane Irish drummer with known for his cracking stage presence and technical perfection. Ryan is one of the most in-demand drummers in Ireland, and has toured the US, UK and Europe, most recently drumming around the world with Irish rock outfit BASHT. Having studied under legendary drummer Benny Greb, his live/studio credits include collaborations with Efe, David Keenan, Sorcha Richardson, SexyTadgh and Zaska .

You're in safe hands with this lot. Tickets to WAKE available here.