PADDY GOES TO PETRA

ABOUT

BEWLEY’S CAFÉ THEATRE with Studio Perform Theatre is proud to present…

 

PADDY GOES TO PETRA​

​by Áine Ryan

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Rural Ireland meets the Middle East when Irish farmer Paddy's only son dies unexpectedly, and his lust for life vanishes. A trip to the ancient city of Petra encourages him to feel a fresh wonder for the world, develop new friendships and an exciting love affair... with himself. Pretending to lose his passport so he can stay on longer, Paddy begins a journey of recovery and unleashes renewed enthusiasm for living. But, how much time can he really spend away from his wife, the farm and his responsibilities back in Ireland?

 

‘The play is as amusing as it is poignant, deftly tackling some difficult issues with relatable tenacity and stoicism’ ★★★★★ London Theatre 1  

 

‘Paddy Goes to Petra feels like a flawless theatrical masterpiece.. Áine Ryan skilfully combines tragedy and comedy, embroiling the audience in an adventure to a foreign land’ ★★★★★ Westend Evenings

 

‘an excellent piece of theatre’ ★★★★★ The Irish World

 

‘Paddy Goes To Petra is a perfectly judged slice of theatrical power: moving, funny, eye-opening and consistently engaging. With such an assured script in the hands of a masterful performer, the audience can't help but feel transported’ ★★★★ The Reviews Hub

 

‘I've been lucky enough to review a number of shows for London Pub Theatres this year but hadn't seen THE show that would live in the memory and cause one's heart to sing. Until now. Hurrah! Poetic and Poignant’ ★★★★1/2 London Pub Theatres Magazine

 

AUTHOR’S NOTE: ‘I visited Petra during a solo travel trip for three weeks in December 2018. I was deeply moved by the hospitality and friendship of the Bedouin living there, their music and their passion for Petra. I was simultaneously eager to write a story exploring grief and loss from the psyche of a rural Irish man, echoing the closed emotions when dealing with loss I've witnessed in my own community and circle. This play was born through combining both subjects - an unlikely mix but one which I hope will make for a fulfilling theatrical adventure’ Áine Ryan

 

Awards: Winner of Best New Writing Award at London Pub Theatres Magazine Awards 2023

London Pub Theatre Critic’s Choice of Best Fringe Theatre 2022 

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Age guidance: 14+

(reference to suicide)

Duration: 60 minutes

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BOOKING INFORMATION
November 4th – 23rd,  2024
There will be a SOIRÉE SHOW at 7pm on November 14th
Mon-Sat at 1pm (doors open at 12.50pm)
Tickets: Low-price Mon/Tues €10, Wed/Thurs €12, Fri/Sat €15.
SOIRÉE Tickets : €12

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Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible via the main Grafton Street entrance with a lift to the second floor.