Charolais is a one woman show, written and performed by Noni Stapleton, directed and developed by Bairbre Ni Chaoimh. It originated in 2014 as a Show In A Bag production in association with Fishamble: The New Play Company, Tiger Dublin Fringe Festival and the Irish Theatre Institute.
Noni performed Charolais in New York City at 59E59 Theatres in September 2017. More details here.
‘Charolais’ was published by Fishamble/Methuen in 2017. Available to buy here
Awards
- Finalist for The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize 2015/16
- Winner of Stewart Parker Trust Award 2016
- Silver Award for ‘Best Performance by an Actress’ at the New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards
- Winner of the Bewley’s ‘Little Gem Award’ – Dublin Fringe 2014
- Shortlisted for ‘Best Theatre Script’ 2014 Zebbie Awards
- Nominated for ‘Best Performance by an Actress’ in the New York Festivals International Radio Program Awards.
- Developed by RTE as a radio play. LISTEN HERE

“I watch him pull the cow from the ditch with his bare hands, her big eyes rest on me dead calm as he leans into her and she gives in all trust. I hate that fuckin’ cow”. Perfectly marbled and bashed about ‘til tender: a surreal comedy of love, longing and one woman’s intense rivalry with a Charolais heifer. This is a muddy place of simmering desire minced with a loneliness that cuts to the bone. If you are fond of cows and dark humour this is the show for you.
“A fast-paced, witty, and intensely emotional tale filled with laughter, loss and despair.” ★★★★ Irish Times
TOUR DATES 2017
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- April 24th – May 6th – The Viking Theatre, Clontarf
- June 29 + 30 – Centre Cultural Irelandais, Paris
- Aug 11 + 12 – GAP Arts Festival, Ballythomas, North Wexford
- Aug 29th – Sept 24th 59E59 New York City
TOUR DATES 2016
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- Feb 17 – Glór, Ennis, Co. Clare
- Feb 20 – Town Hall Cavan
- Feb 25 – Watergate Theatre, Kilkenny
- Feb 27 – Íontas, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan
- Mar 1 – Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
- Mar 2 – Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo
- Mar 3 – The Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
- Mar 16 – St. John’s Theatre, Listowel, Co. Kerry
- Mar 18 – Mermaid Arts Centre, Bray, Co. Wicklow
- Mar 31 – The Dock, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim
- Apr 1 – Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda
- Apr 2 – The Mill Theatre, Dundrum, Co. Dublin
- Apr 8 – Áras Inis Gluaire, Belmullet, Co. Mayo
- Apr 27 Geneva Literary Aid Society Geneva
- Apr 11-17 The Viking Theatre, Clontarf, Dublin
- May 3-8 Festival Clwyd Theatr Wales (Culture Ireland Supported)
- Aug 1-2 Birr Vintage Festival Co. Offaly
- Aug 8-20 The Viking Theatre Clontarf, Dublin
- Aug 18th Terryglass Festival Co. Tipperary
- Aug 24 Merrion C.C. Dublin

TOUR DATES 2015
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- April 20th to May 1st Bewley’s Cafe Theatre
- May 2 – Féile Na Bealtaine, Dingle, Kerry
- May 13, 14, 15, 16 – The Everyman, Cork
- May 23 – Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Wicklow
- May 29 – Mountshannon Arts Festival, Co Clare
- May 30 – Listowel Literary Festival, Kerry
- May 30 – Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee, Co Clare
- May 31 – The Village Theatre, Carrabane, Co Galway
- June 11 – Draíocht, Blanchardstown
- June 12 – Town Hall Galway
- June 13 – Áras Éanna, Inis Oírr
- June 20 & 21 – Solstice Arts Centre, Navan
- June 22 – July 4 – The Dolmen Theatre, Cornelscourt, Dublin
- July 8, 9, 10 – Clonmel Junction
- August 6th – 30th The Merchants’ Hall, Edinburgh Festival
- September 10 – Wexford Arts Centre
- September 11 – Garter Lane Waterford
- September 12 – 69 O’Connell Street,
- Sept 17 – Riverbank Arts Centre,
- Sept 18 – Backstage Theatre, Longford
- Sept 25 – Friars Gate, Killmallock, Limerick
- Sept 26 – The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, Carlow
- Oct 1 – Balor Arts Centre in Ballybofey, Co. Donegal
- October 8 – Siamsa Tire, Tralee
- October 15 – Roscommon Arts Centre