THE STAGE PRODUCTION of Louise O’Neill’s novel ‘Asking For It’ officially opens at Cork’s Everyman Palace Theatre tomorrow night before moving to Dublin’s Abbey Theatre in November.

And if you’ve read the 2015 novel or secured yourself tickets to one of the dates, it’s very likely you’ve been keeping an eye out for public response to previews this week.

Given the novel’s incredible reception three years ago, it’s safe to say the production was one of the most highly-anticipated of the year, and the previews didn’t disappoint.

In fact, those who bore witness to Meadhbh McHugh and Annabelle Comyn adaptation, which starred Frank Blake, Venetia Bowe, Lauren Coe, Sean Doyle, Kwaku Fortune, Sile Maguire, Charlie Maher, Paul Mescal, Frank McCusker, Amy McElhatton, Darragh Shannon, and Ali White, were quick to pay tribute to all involved.

Here are just some of the reactions to this week’s preview productions.

Take a look at this…

Just home from @EverymanCork - still processing in my head what I saw there. Such a powerful, angry, heart-wrenching play, a superb adaptation of @oneilllo ‘s #AskingforIt. Everyone needs to see this; congrats to @seoid, @landmarkireland and everyone involved #unmissable

— Louise Donlon (@LouiseDonlon) June 13, 2018

#askingforit will make you feel sad, angry, and uncomfortable. You will want to scream and cry but that is the sign of a masterpiece! The whole cast was fantastic but the scene between Paul Mescal and Frank McCusker (hope I have right names!) was heart-wrenching. See it. pic.twitter.com/N8zAZmJ8TW

— Shelly Hannigan (@ShellyHannigan) June 12, 2018

Just home from @oneilllo "Asking for it". Totally exhausted but not from the 4 hour round trip. The most compelling, gripping and emotive piece of theatre I have ever seen. Sobs could be heard throughout the audience. Standing ovation well deserved to all involved. #AskingForIt pic.twitter.com/RSGr40JmGy

— Emer Guihan (@emerguihan) June 11, 2018

Shook to my core after seeing #AskingForIt. Harrowing & even more upsetting & anger inducing than the book...well done to all for a great show & amazing production. Every young person should see it. #midsummer18

— Sinead Ryan (@SineadRyPiano) June 12, 2018

Couldn’t write this after I saw #AskingForIt, I was too emotional. Tears flowed, both my daughter & I felt her pain, shame & guilt. A profound and familiar story to far too many. It’s raw & so authentic I never experienced anything like it. @oneilllo #Weneedtotalkaboutconsent

— Jackie Foley (@corkgirljackie) June 12, 2018

Incredibly moved after watch the stage adaptation of #Askingforit translated so well from the @oneilllo book to the play. Can not urge you all enough to catch it in the Everyman. Cast are remarkable @laurencoe6 broke me 👏🏻👏🏻

— tea please (@eileeno10) June 11, 2018

12 hours later and I’m still a little bit shaken. Completely blown away by the stellar cast and production, as well as Emma’s heartbreaking experience. I’ve never seen anything like #AskingForIt, but sadly far too many are living this story. pic.twitter.com/xDhi5fPDUW

— Greg Murphy 🤓 (@TheGregMurphy) June 13, 2018

Incredible and deeply moving performances by brilliant actors @EverymanCork tonight. #AskingForIt by @oneilllo is a powerful and timely exploration of attitudes to rape and the horrific impact on victims. An absolute must see.

— Louise Crowley (@LouiseCrowley2) June 11, 2018

I can’t even describe how shaken I am after seeing #AskingForIt EVERYBODY needs to go see this!

— Dinah O Mahony (@Dinahom) June 13, 2018

@EverymanTheatre @oneilllo I have seen many plays but... Wow. Just wow. I look forward to seeing this again in November already. Everyone should have read this book, now everyone should also see this play. #askingforit

— Arnaud (@MyardArnaud) June 9, 2018

And finally…

I was just stopped by Merchant’s Quay by a woman who had gone to see #AskingForIt in the @everymancork last night. I’ve honestly never seen someone so affected by a play before. She said it was a masterpiece. I felt so proud of all the cast and crew- this is THEIR masterpiece.

— Louise O' Neill (@oneilllo) June 12, 2018

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