Dauntless – Grace O'Malley, Pirate Queen

Debs Newbold gleefully delivers the boisterous, remarkable and inspirational story of her hero: Grainne ni Mhaille – Grace O'Malley – legendary Irish clan chief and queen of the sea. 

Stowing away aboard her father's ship aged eight, Grace became a 16th-century force of nature. A multilingual, seafaring weapons expert, leader of 2,000 men, rebel, politician, kingmaker and slayer, prodigious lover, avenging hero and notorious pirate. Best of all, she was real.

From the west of Ireland to the court of Elizabeth I, from wild youth to even wilder old age, Dauntless is an epic celebration of uproarious storytelling, high drama and one fascinating 16th-century feminist. No knights in shining armour need apply.  

This event is presented in collaboration with the Crick Crack Club, the UK's boldest and busiest performance storytelling programmer and promoter, working with the finest spoken word storytellers, developing audiences, supporting artists and collaborating with venues and festivals across the UK.

Content warning: this performance may contain descriptions of birth, postnatal bleeding, sex, violence and death, contextualised within a paradigm of mythic narrative, archetype and metaphor.

Booking information

• Book now to secure your place.
• Concessions include disabled visitors, jobseekers, seniors (60+) and students.
• Running time: 80 minutes (no interval)
• Age guidance: 14+, under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please allow time to go through a security check, which includes a bag check, upon entry to the Museum.
• Doors will open at approximately 14.15 for the audience to take their seats.
• This event will be held at full capacity. Face coverings are recommended for the protection of yourself and others unless you're exempt.