The story of Vicky Phelan is captured in powerful new Waterford play

The inspiring story of Vicky Phelan, a woman who changed Ireland forever has been made into a powerful and emotionally charged play by Waterford’s Stagemad.

Stagemad in collaboration with Tramore's Coastguard Cultural Centre are presenting the gripping play, 'Smear', by Christa De Brun. A one-woman performance based on the life of Vicky Phelan, a Mooncoin woman who became a national figure after exposing the cervical cancer screening scandal in Ireland.

Starring Nicola Spendlove and directed by Derek Flynn, the play follows Vicky as she recounts key moments from her life, her education, diagnosis, legal battle, and activism, highlighting her resilience, courage, and fierce commitment to justice.

Set against the backdrop of a minimalist stage with a single chair and screen projections, Vicky's monologue is both intimate and searing.

She narrates the events leading up to her discovery that a misread cervical smear test delayed her cancer diagnosis, a revelation that affected hundreds of women in Ireland.

Despite her own terminal diagnosis, Vicky refused to be silent. She sued the HSE and LabQuest, ultimately winning a landmark settlement that forced the public and media to confront systemic failures in women’s healthcare.

Throughout the play, Vicky’s voice is unwavering as she challenges institutional negligence, asserts the power of speaking out, and advocates for truth and accountability.

Her words are interwoven with references to Irish cultural identity, feminism, and mortality, making 'Smear' both deeply personal and politically resonant. 

Performances take place at The Coastguard Cultural Centre in Tramore from Friday, June 20 to Sunday, June 22, at 8pm. Book early at gr8events.ie