The Best Theatre of 2017

In accordance with being a critic in December, I must be writing my theatre picks for 2017. Keep an eye out for a more thought-out analysis in the Irish Independent.

If you think I got it wrong, sound off in the comments. 

Pan Pan, 'The Good House of Happiness': Send in the Brechtsperts

A bleak version of Bertolt Brecht's The Good Person of Szechuan loses its satirical edge. Photo: Gavin Quinn.

Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival 

Oct 13-15

A quick review of The Good House of Happiness by Eugene O’Brien and Gavin Quinn coming up just as soon as I take a 15 minute break …

Karine Polwart and Royal Lyceum Theatre Company, 'Wind Resistance': Birdsong

This illuminating solo with songs could have left out its B-sides. Photo: Aly Wight 

Pavilion Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival 

Oct 12-14

A quick review of Wind Resistance by Karine Polwart coming up just as soon as I help a robin ...

United Fall, 'Girl Song': Past Generations

This dance-theatre production is poised between oblivion and resistance. Can it avoid straying into one or the other? Photo: Luca Truffarelli.

Samuel Beckett Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival

Oct 6-8

A quick review of Girl Song by Emma Martin coming up just as soon as I watch my television ...

Rough Magic, 'Melt': Locus Solus

This wildly imaginative play needs to be reined in. Photo: Ros Kavanagh.

Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival

Sep 30-Oct 8

A quick review of Melt by Shane Mac an Bhaird coming up just as soon as I don't trust anyone with the guile of humility ...

Martin Sharry, 'Playboyz': St Patrick's Day

A pastiche of Synge's Playboy looks at racism in contemporary Ireland. Photo: Jaesin Yu. 

The New Theatre, Dublin Theatre Festival

Sep 29-Oct 1

A quick review of Playboyz by Martin Sharry coming up just as soon as I sell you a lawnmower ...

X & Co. Xnthony, ‘Power of Wow’: Wedding Bell Blues

Xnthony's new production is his most rigorous yet. Photo: LUXXXER. 

Bewley's Café Theatre @ Powerscourt, Dublin Fringe Festival

Sep 20-23 

A short review of The Power of Wow coming up just as soon as I cook gnocchi in LA … 

Dead Lady Productions, 'The Woods & Grandma': Among the Clouds

A refreshing new operetta gets the word out on Augusta Gregory.

Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin Fringe Festival

Sep 21-23

My review of The Woods & Grandma by Cal Foger Day coming up just as soon as I butter my toast ...

Amanda Coogan and Dublin Theatre of the Deaf, 'Talk Real Fine, Just Like a Lady': Signs

An alluring version of The King of Spain's Daughter shows the deaf community's history of oppression. 

Peacock Theatre, Dublin Fringe Festival 

Sep 20-23

My review of Talk Real Fine, Just Like a Lady coming up just as soon as I listen to some Beethoven ...

Sad Strippers Theatre, 'All honey': Bedroom Farce

Ciara Elizabeth Smyth's agile new farce interrupts a young couple's house-warming.

The New Theatre, Dublin Fringe Festival

Sep 19-23

My review of All honey by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth coming just as soon as I tell someone so you won't murder me ...