by Christian O’Reilly
directed by Raymond Keane
Winner! Audience Choice Award - Irish Times Theatre Awards 2022
No Magic Pill is the heartfelt, hilarious and irreverent story of an activist and a celebration of love, friendship and the enduring pursuit of freedom.
From award-winning writer Christian O’Reilly - Unspeakable Conversations, Sanctuary, The Good Father, Inside I’m Dancing - and directed by Raymond Keane, No Magic Pill was the winner of the Audience Choice Award at the 2022 Irish Times Theatre Awards and wowed audiences and critics alike when it premiered that year.
★★★★ ‘physically striking … gutsy and engaging’ - The Irish Times
Inspired by real-life activist and wheelchair-user, Martin Naughton, leader of the disability rights movement in Ireland (who passed away in 2016), this production breaks new ground in Irish theatre in its casting of disabled actors.
Martin is a man at war with the Government, with society, but, above all else, with himself - and at this crisis point in his life, which road will he choose? Will his fight for equality be derailed by dreams of lifelong love and distant shores?
‘an evening of transformative theatre that compels as much as it entertains’ – Irish Independent
Cast: Sorcha Curley / Eric Fitzgerald / Mark Fitzgerald / Peter Kearns / Ferdia MacAonghusa / Julie Sharkey
Accessible Performances
No Magic Pill will be presented with additional accessibility considerations, including increased seating for wheelchair users and their companions.
- Irish Sign Language interpretation and Audio Description will be available for every
performance - A touch tour* will take place at 12pm Sat 9 Nov prior to the 2pm matinee
- €10 ticket for disabled patrons + PA/Companion
* The Touch Tour provides context about the show to allow blind and partially sighted members of the audience to familiarise themselves with the design of the space, costumes and props ahead of the show itself. It can also be of benefit for neurodivergent patrons and is open to those who are not in a position to attend the show itself.
No Magic Pill is funded by the Arts Council and is presented in association with Independent Living Movement Ireland, Irish Wheelchair Association and Disability Federation of Ireland. Magic Pill Productions would also like to acknowledge the support of Town Hall Theatre, The Civic, glór, Backstage and The Glens Arts Centre.
Supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon
Duration: 80 minutes, no interval
Age: 12+ (strong language)