The Honey Trap

By: Darryl Reilly

The Irish Republican Army’s murder of an English soldier in Belfast in 1979 is the core of Northern Irish playwright Leo McGann’s engrossing time-shifting drama The Honey Trap.

In present day Belfast Ph.D. candidate Emily, a cheery young Irish American woman is conducting a recorded interview for an oral history project. The topic is that murder and the subjects are those with knowledge of it. Past interviewees have included former IRA members and now Dave, a former English soldier in his late 50’s. He is playfully gruff as he banters with Emily and eventually tells his pivotal story.

25-year-old Dave was a sergeant, and his best friend was 21-year-old Bobby who was a private. Their wives are back in England, and they periodically check in with them by pay phone. Dave convinces Bobby to go to a pub with him. Dave spots two attractive young women and instigates an encounter with them with the goal of the quartet having sex. The young women first go off the restroom. Dave calls his wife and learns that the family cat died and that she is pregnant. Dave is overcome with newfound maturity and tells Bobby he is leaving as he can’t cheat on his now pregnant wife. He encourages Bobby to stay and have it off with the duo. Bobby goes by car to the women’s apartment and is shot in the head there by an IRA member. The women were Honey Traps; IRA members whose mission was to lure English soldiers to be killed. Dave has spent the time since wracked with guilt over Bobby’s death and has had a troubled life.

With a supreme command of dramatic writing Mr. McGann spins out his twisty and wrenching plot. Perpetual flashbacks are smoothly interlaced throughout. The second act becomes a queasy revenge tale as Dave pursues an investigation of his own. McGann’s major achievement is smartly imparting Northern Island’s history while offering a crackling yarn for the stage. The flavorful dialogue evenly posits the points of view of the British and the Northern Irish and is delivered by a sensational cast.

Stage veteran Michael Hayden explosively portrays Dave. With his roaring voice and imposing physicality, Mr. Hayden dominates and is moving as this burnt-out case. Vivacious Samantha Mathis is captivating as a sassy integral character. Sunny Rebecca Ballinger is delightfully crafty as the wily Emily.

Daniel Marconi’s spirited characterization of Young Dave is of youthful roguishness. The magnetic Harrison Tipping plays the tragic Bobby with sweet boyishness. Doireann Mac Mahon and Annabelle Zasowski are both alluring, loquacious, and enchanting as the Honey Traps.

Director Matt Torney’s energetic physical staging realizes the flashbacks with swiftness and clarity. The second act plays like an old-time thriller due to Mr. Torney’s sizzling pacing.

Charlie Corcoran’s vivid and atmospheric scenic design clearly and cleverly depict Belfast’s ominous streets, an office, a lively pub, a fancy restaurant, a café, and a hotel room. Lighting designer Michael Gottlieb’s bold blend of clinical brightness and moody dimness perfectly complement the actions and eras. James Garver’s striking sound design renders past pop tunes, gunshots, and other effects with verve. Costume designer Sarita Fellows’ grand garments range from vintage snazziness to authentic military uniforms and everyday wear.

This New York City premiere of The Honey Trap was presented by the Irish Repertory Theatre last fall and was extended. This return engagement reveals it to be among the most powerful theatrical productions currently on the New York stage.

The Honey Trap (through February 15, 2026)
Irish Repertory Theatre
Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage, 132 West 22nd Street, in Manhattan
For tickets, visit www.irishrep.org
Running time: two hours and 15 minutes including one intermission