Friday, September 19, 2014

Gentle Giant Theatre, 'Whichever1uFeed': Pal, You're a Lamb

Christ admits his violent fantasies in this biblical retelling. What meaning then is given to his temptations?

The Stables, Dublin Fringe Festival
Sept 15-20

My review of Whichever1uFeed by Ross Gaynor, Neil Watkins and James O'Driscoll coming up after the jump ...


15th Oak, 'Reckoners': Welcome to the Stra

There is something off about The Stra - the fictional town in Ross Dungan's new play. In a town without order, the structure feels forced.


The Lir, Dublin Fringe Festival
Sept 16-20


My review of Reckoners by Ross Dungan coming up just as soon as I'm unaware of the grenade that I've rolled into the centre of the room ...


Druid, 'Bailegangaire': Drawing Wisdom From the Fire

The 1984 premiere of Bailegangaire has been passed on like a folktale by those who saw it. Alongside the new prequel Brigit, will Garry Hynes' revival be as momentous?


Town Hall Theatre, Galway
Sept 14, 17, 19, 20, 21

My review of Bailegangaire by Tom Murphy coming up just as soon as great rumbles start risin' in the barrel of my chest ...

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Druid, 'Brigit': What the Oak Meant

30 years ago Tom Murphy conveyed the mythic timelessness of Irish storytelling in Bailegangaire. The new prequel Brigit sees the playwright tracing our traditions back further than before. 


Town Hall Theatre, Galway
Sept 14, 16, 18, 20, 21

My review of Brigit by Tom Murphy coming up just as soon as I hang my cloak on a sunbeam ...

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Little Wolf Productions, 'Eating Seals and Seagulls' Eggs': Showwomen of the Blaskets

The begrudged Peig Sayer would probably appreciate Ní Mhurchú's spiny and unsentimental tribute.


Project Arts Centre, Dublin Fringe Festival
Sept 15-20


My review of Eating Seals and Seagulls' Eggs by Caitríona Ní Mhurchú coming up just as soon as I scratch my retina with a rusty nail ...


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

John Doran, 'The Centre Of The Universe': Cult Status

In asking us to join his cult, John Doran deconstructs the influence of exploitative institutions. What's unsettling is that he's immensely likeable along the way.


Bewleys Cafe Theatre, Dublin Fringe Festival
Sept 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 20 


My review of The Centre Of The Universe by John Doran coming up just as soon as I treat you like my best friend ...


Gonzo Theatre, 'Pilgrim': Irishman Abroad

Can Rex Ryan pull off playing a violent, drinking, pregnant woman-beating misogynist who the audience can laugh at?


Sept 11-14 and 16-18, Dublin Fringe Festival
Smock Alley Theatre


My review of Pilgrim by Philip Doherty coming up just as soon as I have an octuple whiskey ...

Monday, September 15, 2014

Niamh Shaw, 'To SPACE': Where There's a Will, There's a Whey

Scientist/performer Niamh Shaw wants to go to space. Becoming increasingly smaller in an expanding universe, what does it take to realise your dreams?

Dublin Science Gallery, Dublin Fringe Festival
Sept 9-14 


My review of To SPACE by Niamh Shaw coming up just as soon as I accidentally discover a constellation while feeding my dog ...

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Company SJ, 'Fizzles': Standing at Western Window

Beckett's short prose are adapted for performance within a crumbling townhouse. From Sarah Jane Scaife's scrupulous installation, we get the sense that lives didn't turn out the way they should have. 



14 Henrietta St, Dublin Fringe Festival 
Sept 11-17

My review of Fizzles by Samuel Beckett coming up just as I anticipate some degree of starlight ...

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Just The Lads, 'At Sea': The Ocean of Our Minds


An old man's youthful imagination runs riot as he sinks further into dementia.

The New Theatre
Sept 9-13


My review of At Sea coming up just as soon as my dulcet tones are popular with the ladies ...