David Gilna.

Actor / Author / Scriptwriter

Spotlight

David began his creative journey as a writer after he was hit by lightning on a beautiful sunny day in South Boston. What are the chances? 1 in 1,042,000 a rough estimate from the National Weather Service. This sparked David to write his first play.

 

David began his career by writing 5 NIGHTS  directed by Simon Hubbard, which ran at the Samuel Beckett Theatre, Trinity College, Dublin to critical acclaim and a sold out run.

Under the guidance of director Ray Yeates the play transferred to The Axis Theatre to a sell out Dublin run, National Tour and an Off Broadway run.   David was awarded RISING PLAYWRIGHT by Tatler in 2010.

 

Following on from the success of his first play David was offered a job as a shadow writer for Ireland’s leading soap FAIR CITY (RTE) and offered a contract with Ireland’s leading production company MIND THE GAP FILMS by Bill Hughes & Bernadine Carraher.

 

His second play GIFT OF LIGHTNING was directed by Conal Kearney at The Axis Theatre followed by a National Tour and transferred to The Waterloo East Theatre. His play is now being adapted into a feature film by Blue Pip Productions. Hot Press tagged him as “Irelands Most Promising Playwright” on the cover in 2013.

 

In 2014 he returned to Dublin at the Theatre Upstairs with MY BEDSIT WINDOW directed by Michael Scott followed by a National Tour. The play was translated into Italian by Alberto Albertino and opened at the Teatro Elettra, Roma. Following the success of his Italian debut the play returned in July, 2015 for an extended run.

 

In 2016 funded by Dublin City Council he returned to the Theatre Upstairs with THE UNSUNG HERO directed by Michael Scott. The sold out run has been David’s most critically acclaimed play to date. The Minister for The Irish Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan chose it to mark the Irish Governments official celebrations for Irelands 1916 commemorations in Ballylongford, Co Kerry. The play opened the new space at The Atrium. to launch Swords Cultural Quarter. Translations include Italian , Spanish & Russian.

 

2016 David wrote an award winning short film MY HAPPINESS was directed by Glenn Gannon.

 

David was commissioned to write the screenplay CHARLIE & MRS B dedicated to the world of circus . Currently in development.

 

He is currently writing with Thalia Heffernan on a comedy pilot SWIPE RIGHT and has just been funded to complete his first trilogy as a playwright titled THE HANDS OF ST PATRICK .

 

David has built up a strong online social media presence writing comedy sketches as the TWO LOCAL IDIOTS with Ste Maguire. Collaborating with Irelands leading impressionist AL FORAN COMEDY. In 2017 he will launch GILNA & CO collaborating with sports personalities, celebrities, musicians and some of Irelands finest acting talent.

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