Sebastian Barry Plays books in order

Sebastian Barry's plays have been staged at the Abbey Theatre and in London, exploring Irish history, family, and memory through theatrical storytelling.

Reading order

# Title Published Author Buy on Amazon
1 The Water Colourist 1983 Sebastian Barry Buy
2 Prayers of Sherkin; Boss Grady’s Boys 1991 Sebastian Barry Buy
3 The Only True History of Lizzie Finn/the Steward of Christendom/White Woman Street 1996 Sebastian Barry Buy
4 Our Lady of Sligo 1998 Sebastian Barry Buy
5 Hinterland 2002 Sebastian Barry Buy
6 Tales of Ballycumber 2009 Sebastian Barry Buy
7 Whistling PsycheFred and Jane 2014 Sebastian Barry Buy
8 Andersen’s English 2014 Sebastian Barry Buy

Barry’s theatrical work runs parallel to his novels, and several of his plays feature characters who also appear in his fiction. “The Steward of Christendom” premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in London and established Barry as a major voice in Irish drama.

His plays tend to be intimate, voice-driven pieces built around monologue and memory. They share the same lyrical style as his novels and often deal with figures overlooked or rejected by the official version of Irish history.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Sebastian Barry Plays series?

There are eight books in the Sebastian Barry Plays series, published between 1983 and 2014.

What is the first book in the Sebastian Barry Plays series?

The first book in the Sebastian Barry Plays series is The Water Colourist, published in 1983.

What are Sebastian Barry's most important plays?

The Steward of Christendom (1995) is Barry’s most celebrated play, telling the story of Thomas Dunne, a former police chief in a mental hospital reflecting on his life. Our Lady of Sligo (1998) and Hinterland (2002) are also well-regarded.

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