“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 and 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 and physical theatre with At Large Theatre. She has also undertaken training with Complicité, Blue Raincoat Academy, Theatre Lovett and Annie Ryan.

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 and the short, DANCE LIKE SOMEONE IS WATCHING.

She holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate and has trained at the JKA in Tokyo.

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