The Irish Cultural Centre Presents: Ocean Child
As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith proudly presents the London premiere of Ocean Child—a haunting and evocative musical journey that brings Ireland’s forgotten histories to life through story and sound.
Performed on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th November, Ocean Child is inspired by the tragic 1854 sinking of the RMS Tayleur off Lambay Island. This genre-defying concert blends contemporary classical composition with traditional Irish music and poetic narration, weaving together themes of memory, exile, and the sea’s enduring power.
At the heart of the performance is Belfast-born composer and cellist Neil Martin, whose score draws on the textures of European string quartets and the rhythms of sean-nós song. Martin, one of Ireland’s most respected and versatile composers, creates a soundscape that is both rooted and timeless.
Martin is joined by the acclaimed West Ocean String Quartet—Aoife Ní Bhriain, Niamh Crowley, Kenneth Rice, and Martin himself. Sister musicians Louise Mulcahy (pipes) and Michelle Mulcahy (harp) also perform. They are widely celebrated for their exquisite musicianship and their deep-rooted connection to the tradition.
Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning actor Stephen Rea voices the Ocean Child, a poetic figure who guides the audience through the emotional landscape of the piece. Rea is known for The Crying Game, Michael Collins, and V for Vendetta.
Originally commissioned by Temple Bar TradFest and supported by Fingal County Council, Ocean Child has been hailed as one of the most ambitious and emotionally resonant works to emerge from Ireland’s contemporary music scene in recent years.
The Irish Cultural Centre, founded in 1995, is a leading institution for Irish arts and culture. Its mission spans culture, community, and education—welcoming people of all backgrounds to engage with Ireland’s rich artistic legacy. Ocean Child is the centre piece of the year-long curated programme showcasing the richness and diversity of Irish arts and culture.
“Ocean Child encapsulates everything the ICC stands for: artistic excellence, cross-cultural dialogue, and a commitment to work that transcends cultural and disciplinary boundaries,” said William Foote, ICC Centre Director. “We are immensely excited to host this spectacular show here in Hammersmith.”
These two performances mark the only London dates for Ocean Child—a must-see for lovers of Irish music, literature, and the transformative power of live performance.
I’ve always loved Irish music, and I’m excited to see how this performance brings new stories to light.
Tickets: https://irishculturalcentre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/1173669642
Address: Irish Cultural Centre, 5 Black’s Road
Hammersmith, W6 9DT
