The Devil Himself

by Paul Nugent

World Premiere

August 23 – September 2

Smock Alley Main Space, Temple Bar, Dublin

An incredible true story of sex, scandal and American murder.

As covered on:

  • RTÉ Arena
  • Pat Kenny Show

    • This fast-moving and engrossing new drama brings to theatrical life the amazing true story of Lizzie Nutt, whose reputation was shattered when she was accused of being a seductress – leading to duels, murder, courtroom drama, a media circus – and a scandal that engrossed America.

    In the prosperous small town of Uniontown, Pennsylvania in 1882, beautiful Lizzie Nutt had the perfect life – the much-admired daughter of Civil War hero Captain Adam Nutt, pursued by eligible gentlemen, particularly the handsome, fast-rising politician Nicholas Dukes. Until Dukes writes her father an astonishing letter calling off their engagement with tales of Lizzie’s scandalous sexual exploits with other men, which leads to mayhem. Especially as Lizzie has an explosive firebrand for a brother keen on justice – and the town sheriff just happens to be Dukes’ best friend … And when the story is picked up by the media, there is no escaping it and it transforms Lizzie’s life … and the men that surround her.

    The play draws on real-life letters, newspaper reports and courtroom extracts to tell the story, alongside one of the main driving forces behind creating the play: exploring, imagining and bringing to life Lizzie’s point-of-view, which is often missed in a historical record dominated by male voices.

    Written and Directed by Paul Nugent

    Inspired by the book by Andrew Porwancher

    Cast

    Lizzie Nutt Maureen O’Connell
    Nicholas Dukes Ciaran McGlynn
    James Nutt Michael Mullen
    Sheriff Sam Hoover Eoin O’Sullivan
    Captain Adam Nutt David Ryan
    The Ensemble Helen McGrath, Anna Nugent, Carmel Stephens

    Creative Team

    Set Design by Jennifer Keane
    Costume Design by Tara McKeever
    Lighting Design by Ross McSherry
    Sound Design by Jessie Doyle
    Production Manager Yvonne Ussher
    Stage Manager Alix Bailey
    Lighting/Sound Technician Heather Hennessy
    Dresser Lizzy Morrissey
    ASM/Props Annie Keane
    Dramaturgy by Krystal Sweedman
    Accent Coaching by Kathleen Warner Yeates
    Digital Marketing by Ashley Steed
    Graphic Design by Charlie Kranz
    Publicity Photography by Martin Dunne

    Reviews

    “A large-scale period show with great energy and verve … A muscular and commanding engagement with fascinating events. This is true crime, 1880s style.” -The Irish Independent

    “…an enjoyable, fast-paced production. It is rare to see a story of this type on stage, either in the setting or the complexity of events.” -No More Workhorse

    “****1/2 (Four and a half stars) …a clear portrayal of a love between two siblings, which is heartwarming to witness. Overall, this play unravels many difficult topics, but they are wonderfully explored by the very talented actors.” -The Reviews Hub

    Additional Review Excerpts
    Click tabs below for additional review excerpts.
    +More from The Irish Independent Review
    “A large-scale period show with great energy and verve … Writer-director Paul Nugent creates an entire world … a chorus of three newspapermen. Performed with spirited playfulness by Helen McGrath, Anna Nugent and Carmel Stephens, they are a lovely touch. Costuming a period play on a fringe budget is a monumental task, and Tara McKeever rises to the challenge with great style … and there is superb attention to detail. … Maureen O’Connell is a charming Lizzie Nutt … Michael Mullen as her brother James delivers a touching, fully embodied portrait … Mullen has an impressive talent … A muscular and commanding engagement with fascinating events. This is true crime, 1880s style..”

    – Katy Hayes, The Irish Independent

    Full text: https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/theatre-arts/the-devil-himself-review-true-crime-and-high-drama-in-1880s-pennsylvania/a1024428066.html?

    +More from No More Workhorse Review
    “AboutFACE Theatre has taken on the task of presenting this wide-ranging story to the theatre-going public of Dublin, and they do it with some style … For a small production, the cast is surprisingly strong and they put impressive effort and life into the tale … an enjoyable, fast-paced production. It is rare to see a story of this type on stage, either in the setting or the complexity of events, so the production company deserves much credit for delving into uncharted waters. It’s an intriguing tale with many different aspects which leaves you with much to discuss when you leave the theatre.”

    – No More Workhorse

    Full text: https://nomoreworkhorse.com/2023/08/25/the-devil-himself-smock-alley-review/

    +More from The Reviews Hub Review
    “****1/2 This play is based on a riveting true story from 19th Century America, which makes it even more compelling to watch it brought to life on stage … The setting and costumes of the piece are accurate to the period, and there are some particularly beautiful outfits worn by Lizzie. She has several costume changes throughout and there is a great attention to detail in her accessories … a clear portrayal of a love between two siblings, which is heartwarming to witness. Overall, this play unravels many difficult topics, but they are wonderfully explored by the very talented actors.”

    – Alice Jane Kennedy, The Reviews Hub

    Full text: https://www.thereviewshub.com/the-devil-himself-smock-alley-theatre-dublin/