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”. (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).

Emer O’Kelly (Sunday Independent) described Helen’s portrayal of Róisín in A Christmas Visit as “extremely well drawn….McGrath is impressive as the intruding Róisín”.

Recent work for film includes the role of Rachel in the short, DANCE LIKE SOMEONE IS WATCHING (Plainsong films) written and directed by Esosa Ighodaro. Queen of the Hot Damn for independent feature film, THE GLITCH AND THE GHOST directed by Zoe Quist. This was filmed on location at Ardgillan Castle in 2023. 

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.