David Gilna is an award-winning playwright, producer and performer from Swords Co, Dublin. He trained at the National Performing Arts School under the guidance of Jill Doyle & Eamon Farrell. He went on to further his education while studying Theatre Studies at Colaiste Dhulaigh.
David began his creative journey as a writer after he was hit by lightning on a beautiful sunny day in South Boston. What are the chances? 1 in 1,042,000 a rough estimate from the National Weather Service. This sparked David to write his first play.
He has appeared in theatrical productions throughout Ireland, Europe, London's West End, Shakespeare’s Globe & Off Broadway.
His most challenging role was playing Tadeusz 'Teddy' Pietrzykowski prisoner no77 at Auschwitz-Birkenau and Neuengamme in Kolbe's Gift at The Leicester Square Theatre. A Remarkable story of hope, friendship and the power of the human spirit through adversity.
Following on from the success of his first play David was offered a job as a shadow writer for Ireland's leading soap FAIR CITY (RTE). He has been commissioned as a playwright by Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council & Creative Ireland.
He has appeared on many Irish chat shows including The Tonight Show, The Six O’Clock Show, The Late Late Show, Ireland Am & The Afternoon show.
He was awarded for his work as an actor and playwright by The Mayor of Fingal and Chief Executive of Fingal County Council Paul Reid for Creative Conversations in 2019 at The Atrium, County Hall.
David is proud of his roots and upbringing and has moved back to his hometown of Swords, Co Dublin. Where you’ll see him writing in local coffee shops and pubs throughout Dublin.