With Pat Kinevane Directed by Jim Culleton
From the team that brought you Forgotten, Underneath and the Olivier Award-winning Silent, Before is a new play with much music, set in Clery’s of Dublin, on the very day this iconic department store shuts – for good. Pontius is inside, trying to choose a gift for his estranged daughter, whom he hasn’t seen for almost 20 years. He will meet her in an hour. This father’s journey is both beautiful and strange, from the isolation of his Midlands home, to the madness of O’Connell Street.
Before was commissioned by Fishamble and has been in development with the support of the Arts Council, National Theatre Studio (London), Pavilion Theatre, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Georganne Aldrich Heller, Robert Leroy, and The Strollers Touring Network.
WINNER: HERALD ARCHANGEL AWARD, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2019
Fishamble is an Irish theatre company that is passionate about discovering, developing and producing new plays of national importance with a global reach, while championing the role of the playwright.
a real showstopper ★★★★ Irish Times
REVIEWS
‘You fight back tears. Of course you do. It’s Kinevane – a rare and truly compelling talent’
★★★★★ The Herald, Scotland
‘Kinevane’s performance works like a spell… a real showstopper, heaven can be found in the most unlikely places.’ ★★★★ Irish Times
‘…another profoundly affecting tour de force from Kinevane.’
★★★★★ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine
‘…an extraordinary tour de force… It is nothing less than a privilege to witness this unique talent in a show that is utterly singular and steeped in surprise. With the power to make you laugh, cry, think and feel, Before is fabulous physical theatre.’ ★★★★★ The Wee Review
‘extraordinary collaboration… soul-searching, achingly touching gem… [Kinevane is] a treasured force in Irish theatre.’★★★★ Sunday Times
‘Packs a hefty punch… [Kinevane is] a theatrical master craftsman’ ★★★★ The Scotsman
‘one of the most beautiful shows I’ve seen in a long time… shows us true theatre craftmanship is still alive and well… an absolute joy to watch… strongly recommended.’ ★★★★ ½ Arthur’s Seat
‘a singular pleasure’ ★★★★ Sunday Business Post
‘blows you away… Kinevane really shines… a rare privilege to watch… Well worth seeing’
★★★★ Musical Theatre Review
‘Pat Kinevane is a truly incredible performer, whose ability to reach into the darkest depths of human emotion and speak out for those marginalised in society is what truly elevates him as a masterful storyteller and a must see at any opportunity.’ ★★★★ TN2 Magazine
‘often hilarious…mind blowingly brilliant…flashes of genius…a truly remarkable performer’ TheArtsReview
‘[a]distinct brand of intimate virtuosity’ Irish Independent
‘a raging plea to see the world in terms beyond black and white’ Sunday Independent
‘Incomparable… with boundless, heroic energy… he sings like a god… superb… Kinevane displays a complete, perfect mastery of his actor’s instrument… don’t miss this show.’ LA Times
