The award-winning play No Magic Pill returns to Galway next week for three performances only prior to an Irish tour. Playwright, Christian O'Reilly, whose most recent play – Unspeakable Conversations - captivated audiences at Galway International Arts Festival this summer – wrote this hilarious and heartfelt story to honour Spiddal native and disability rights activist Martin Naughton, who was also a key figure in the establishment of the Independent Living Movement in Ireland.
Christian’s journey with the play spans nearly three decades; it started in the 1990s when he worked with Martin Naughton as a lobbyist. Christian's collaboration with director, Raymond Keane, has resulted in an award-winning play that captivates audiences with its humour, heart, its celebration of love and the enduring pursuit of freedom.
No Magic Pill was the winner of the Audience Choice Award at the 2022 Irish Times Theatre Awards and it wowed audiences and critics alike when it premiered that year. The critics called it ‘transformative theatre that compels as much as it entertains’ (Irish Independent ) and ‘gutsy and engaging’ (The Irish Times )
The six-strong cast features Sorcha Curley, Eric Fitzgerald, Mark Fitzgerald, Peter Kearns, Ferdia MacAonghusa and Julie Sharkey. Five of the six actors are reprising their roles from the premiere production in 2022, while Eric Fitzgerald joins the cast to take on the lead role of Martin.
Christian O'Reilly, playwright said 'It is a joy to work with this brilliant group of actors and director Raymond Keane, whose visionary production of No Magic Pill in 2022 gave Irish theatre audiences a disability-themed show unlike anything they’d seen before – fast-paced, funny, irreverent, surprising, romantic and visually sparkling. I can’t wait for audiences to see it this time around. Eric Fitzgerald joins our incredible 2022 cast playing the lead character, Martin, to deliver a performance that will break audience hearts in the best way possible.’
Director Raymond Keane said ‘Working on No Magic Pill has elevated me as an artist and as a person. It is one of the most challenging, rewarding projects I have worked on. It is a magic pill for the heart, mind and soul.’
Accessible Performances
No Magic Pill will be presented with additional accessibility considerations for disabled patrons, including increased seating for wheelchair users and their companions. Audio description and Irish Sign Language interpretation will be available at every performance and a touch tour is also offered prior to the matinee performance. Touch Tours provide 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. Tickets for disabled patrons are at the reduced price of €10 with free PA/Companion ticket.
No Magic Pill by Christian O’Reilly is at the Black Box Theatre from 7 – 9 November. 8pm Thursday & Friday and 2pm Saturday + post-show talk. For more see nomagicpill.ie or 091 569 777.
