THE CHILDREN To Be Presented at Players' Ring Theatre NH
Lucy Kirkwood’s post-nuclear drama will run this May in Portsmouth.
The Players’ Ring Theatre will present the New Hampshire premiere of THE CHILDREN by Lucy Kirkwood, running May 1 through May 17 in Portsmouth.
Directed by Matthew Parent, the play is set in the aftermath of a nuclear incident, following two retired scientists whose isolated life is disrupted by the arrival of a former colleague with a request that forces them to confront questions of responsibility and legacy.
Parent said the play’s blend of humor, tension, and contemporary themes drew him to the project. “It's funny, scary, and dramatic,” he said, noting the opportunity to explore material connected to current global concerns.
The cast includes Kim Holliday, Robert D. Murphy, and Donna Phofolos, portraying three characters reconnecting after decades apart as past relationships and hidden motivations surface.
The production was selected through the theatre’s “Ring Toss” process, in which artists pitch projects for consideration. Executive Director Margherita Giacobbi said the play stood out for its ability to move between global and personal stakes while inviting reflection on “our planet, our legacy, and the choices we make every day.”
THE CHILDREN
Written by: Lucy Kirkwood
Directed by: Matthew Parent
Where: The Players’ Ring Theatre
105 Marcy Street, Portsmouth, NH
When: May 1–17, 2026
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets:
General Admission: $32
Seniors/Students/Veterans/First Responders: $29
Additional Information:
Talkback scheduled following the May 3 matinee performance.
Tickets available at playersring.org or by calling 603-436-8123.
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