Writer: Sam Ford
Director: John King
We congregated outside Merrion Square, a mixed bunch of national and international tourists of all ages, on a warm Saturday afternoon. Bunched in our groups of three or four, we awkwardly awaited a play, that is a tour. Being outdoors, it’s also COVID-19 friendly. A bicycle courier stood nearby communicating on his walkie-talkie to his colleague in head office – we knew from the show photo that this was Domhnall Herdman, the actor of The Cyclone Kid.
This one-man-show is about Gabriel, Ireland’s former third-best tour guide, now bicycle courier, zooming around Dublin looking for happiness, direction in his life, and for a while, chasing after a hot Columbian designer.
The audience is brought through Merrion Park and Ireland’s history, which is occasionally interwoven through Gabriel’s life. We pause at statues, including Oscar Wilde’s, where Gabriel reveals the last few turbulent years of his life, dealing with his sexuality, his relationship with his mother, his job, and the consequences of his actions and inaction.
This is a well-written play delivered by an experienced actor who some may recognise from shows such as Normal People. It’s an original, highly entertaining and informative way to spend an hour hanging out in Dublin city. Catch it while you can.
Runs at 3pm daily until: August 13th 2022
Playful Contemporary Tour
The Review's Hub Score
