Maeve Binchy's Circle of Friends is going to be coming to the Gaiety Theatre next year.

Adapted for stage by Elaine Murphy and directed by Viko Nikci, the world premiere of Binchy's most-loved novel will take place on April 6. The show will run until May 2, 2020, with tickets costing €16. They go on sale on November 1. Lovers of Maeve Binchy’s work have flocked to see her novels come to life since Minding Frankie hit the stage in 2017. That production was followed by Light A Penny Candle earlier this year. In Circle of Friends Maeve Binchy offers us some of her most loved literary characters, none more so than Benny, in this coming of age story. Big-hearted Benny Hogan, an adored only daughter and little orphan, Eve Malone, are best friends in the small rural town of Knockglen. On their first day at University College Dublin, their lives are turned upside down when they are introduced to the beautiful and sophisticated, Nan Mahon, and the handsome, Jack Foley. As love blossoms, Benny reluctantly boards the bus home every evening to Knockglen unaware of the trouble brewing within their new circle of friends. Set in 1950’s Ireland, this enchanting tale of first love, fierce loyalty and friendship, is a rich, resonant coming-of-age story, wrapped in the warmth of Maeve’s trademark compassion and humour. Maeve Binchy has sold more than 40 million books worldwide. The hugely successful film adaptation of the novel was made in 1995 starring Minnie Driver, Colin Firth and Aidan Gillian. Charting the lives of Irish women throughout the decades, Maeve’s sharp and insightful storytelling is still resonating with old and new audiences today. The cast for the show will be announced at a later date.