Martin Hall is having trouble sleeping. Since fleeing from Belfast, his brothers have fallen in and out with the law, his mother has had her heart broken, and he’s struggled with his sexuality. Now he must relive it with a psychologist over one unforgettable hour.
Purple Penguin Productions bring their sell-out Edinburgh Fringe production to the Arcola after an acclaimed tour of Northern Ireland. Winner of the Fringe Review Award for Outstanding Theatre, and The Stage Award For Acting Excellence, Belfast Boy is a powerful piece of storytelling based on true events.
“Director/writer Kat Woods has created the launchpad and tight dynamics for Perring’s remarkable physicality, fuelled by the cadences of the dialogue, to create a sustained, emotional rollercoaster that keeps you guessing right up to the end as to where it’ll go next.”
The Stage
★★★★★
“Written/Directed by Kat Woods and performed by Declan Perring, Belfast Boy is a sublimely simple, engrossingly raw portrayal of life.”
Broadway Baby
★★★★★
“New ground has been broken here… Has to be one of the must see solo shows at the Fringe.”
Fringe Review
★★★★★
“Incredible writing …startling, emotionally charged solo show. Perring is perfectly suited to this script he is a master”
Three Weeks
★★★★★
“Vivacity and lightness of touch of Kat Woods script and the inspired, quicksilver acting of Declan Perring, a performer of real stature who takes a tiny performance space and makes it fizz with dramatic energy.”
Scotsgay
★★★★★
“A poignant play that grips the audience with every new breath of dialogue that is beautifully executed by Perring”
The Skinny
★★★★
“Physically engaging and emotionally compelling… Impossible to ignore… No surprise that, despite being early in the run, there was a packed house for this play.”
Edinburgh Spotlight
Saturday matinee (15th November) at 3.30pm – £12 (£10 concessions)
Pay What You Can Tuesdays (tickets in person from 6.30pm – limited and subject to availability)
Recommended for ages 16+
Running time is approximately 1 hour.
