Friday, September 14, 2018

Stop / Over review: A light-flickering escape to New York unsure of what it's fleeing from

In Gary Duggan's promenade play, two reunited friends try to recreate the abandon of their student days over 48 hours. Photo: Futoshi Sakauchi.


Chocolate Factory, Dublin Fringe Festival 
Sep 12-23


My review of Stop / Over by Gary Duggan coming up just as soon as I sip on my Masochist ...

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Oneday review: Striking and revitalising avant-garde theatre

Dick Walsh's riveting new play uses news reports to reconstruct what happened on March 13th, 2012. Photo: Aine McBride. 


Project Arts Centre (Cube), Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 10-15


My review of Oneday by Dick Walsh coming up just as soon as I play Count Dracula on Broadway ...

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

A Holy Show review: Multiple-role comedy about Aer Lingus highjack spreads itself thin

Janet Moran's vigorous comedy revisits a bizarre episode from 1980s Ireland. 


Abbey Theatre (Peacock Stage), Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 10-15

My review of A Holy Show by Janet Moran coming up just as soon as I consecrate Russia to my immaculate heart ...

Monday, September 10, 2018

Assisted Solo review: An affectionate and surreal dance about elderly care

Philip Connaughton's absorbing new production features an appearance by his mother, who suffers from dementia. Photo: Ste Murray 


Project Arts Centre (Upstairs), Dublin Fringe Festival 
Sep 8-15

My review of Assisted Solo by Philip Connaughton coming up just as soon as my ex-boyfriend is a gynaecologist ...

Sunday, September 9, 2018

FABLE review: A dance production buckling under the problems of modern life

The Human Collective's lively production for young audiences ushers street dance into the theatre. 


Project Arts Centre (Upstairs), Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 10-16

My review of FABLE by Matt Szczerek coming up just as soon as I hop on an escalator ...

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Everything I Do review: Mesmerising gig theatre, in tune with all-consuming love

Zoe Ní Riordáin's new musical performance begins with gestures of devotion necessary for love songs but becomes something more complex. Photo: Ros Kavanagh. 

Project Arts Centre (Cube), Dublin Fringe Festival
Sep 8-15

My review of Everything I Do by Zoe Ní Riordain coming up just as soon as I meet an alien ...



Tuesday, December 19, 2017

10 Shows to See in 2018

We’re not used to having the Gate Theatre’s programme in advance, or the Abbey’s season as plentiful. Narrowing down the field is no fun at all. Here are 10 premieres for your diaries.


Saturday, December 9, 2017

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. 

Saturday, October 14, 2017

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 …


Friday, October 13, 2017

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 ...