“A brave, risk-taking performer who can light up a stage” (The Arts Review)

“extremely well drawn….McGrath is impressive as the intruding Róisín” (Emer O’Kelly,Sunday Independent)

Helen is an actor and playwright, originally from Limerick, living in Dublin. Awarded Axis Assemble Artist 2022; Pavilion Theatre Studio Residencies in 2022 & 2023 and Mermaid Arts Centre GAP day in 2023/24. Helen undertook part-time training at the Gaiety School of Acting, a two year programme of devising & physical theatre with At Large Theatre Company, and regularly attends Blue Rain Coat Winter Academy.

In March 2025, The New Theatre produced Helen’s play IVY which she also performed. Directed by Esosa Ighodaro, critics described the play as “a thought-provoking theatrical experience which is poignant, at times comic but at all times absorbing….an impressive and beautiful script” (No More Workhorse)

Selected theatre credits include a highly successful remounting of Stewart Roche’s A CHRISTMAS VISIT at Bewley’s Café Theatre; Holly Furey’s SUCKIN DIESEL, directed by Ursula McGinn, at Dublin Fringe Festival; THE DEVIL HIMSELF (AboutFace Theatre) and THE WAR WOUNDED directed by Mo O’Connell (Dublin International Gay Theatre Festival).

Recent work for film includes the feature, GLITCHED, directed by Zoe Quist. This will premiere at La Femme International Film Festival in October 2025. A mix of mo-cap and live action, Helen plays Queen of the Hot Damn. She also appeared in Esosa Ighodaro’s short, DANCE LIKE SOMEONE IS WATCHING that premiered at this year’s Galway Film Fleadh. TV appearances include DER IRLAND KRIMI (Good Friends/Tailored Films) directed by Matthias Tiefenbacher.

Helen loves physical theatre/storytelling, movement and mime as well as children’s theatre.

She holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate.

Helen has over 15 years lecturing experience and has worked as a researcher for a number of social justice organisations. She holds a PhD in Industrial Economics from Dublin City University.