one4review | On 19, Aug 2024

Ruairi Conaghan may be recognised for having appeared on Downton Abbey, but his personal life has been touched by far greater notoriety. His beloved uncle, Judge Rory Conaghan, was murdered by the IRA in 1974 and this play, written and performed by Ruairi, is the story of his physical and emotional collapse, which was instigated when he was asked to play the role of Brighton Bomber Patrick Magee many years later. As part of the rehearsal process, he meets Patrick Magee face to face and can’t help linking the man before him with the murder of his uncle and, as a result, this brings up buried memories of the Northern Ireland he sought to escape.

His metal health crisis finally comes to a head when he is offered the role of the Player King in Hamlet at the Barbican. Delighted to be leaving the Brighton bomber role behind him, he has no idea that his life was about to hit a downward spiral.

Ruairi’s physical and mental collapse is portrayed beautifully on stage, and he had the audience in the palm of his hand when he described what it felt like to be him at such a traumatic stage in his life. He is a master storyteller, using his skills with language to induce tears and laughter in equal amounts. The fact that he has brought the show to Edinburgh is obviously an indication that he has managed to navigate this terrible time and I can only applaud him and wish him continued success.

****1/2
Reviewed by Rona
2.30pm
C Arts C Venue
Until 25th August (not 14th)