September 23, 2022

New play tells Martin Naughton Story

Martin Naughton Play

“I’ve been trying to tell this story for 27 years”

A very beautiful play is said to be opening at the Black Box Theatre in Galway next week, and will then tour to the Dublin Theatre Festival. The Disability Federation of Ireland is delighted to be a supporting partner on this show and hopes you’ll join them at one of the performances.

Martin Naughton PlayNo Magic Pill

by Christian O’Reilly


directed by Raymond Keane

Black Box Theatre, Galway
Tues 27 – Fri 30 September

The Civic, Tallaght as part of Dublin Theatre Festival
Tues 4 – Sat 9 October

Christian O’Reilly has long wanted to share the story of his friend Martin Naughton … and now it’s here. The production will be ground-breaking for Irish theatre in its casting of disabled actors to play the disabled characters in the play. No Magic Pill is a new play from award-winning writer Christian O’Reilly (Sanctuary, The Good Father, Inside I’m Dancing), inspired by the life of disability activist, Martin Naughton. In fact, Christian calls Naughton ‘the Michael Collins’ of disability activism. This is a story full of life and energy, and full of heart and humour.

In the words of disability consultant, Peter Kearns, who also performs in the play:

“No Magic Pill is about love, dreams and taking a risk. It’s also very funny. It will surprise you and break your heart. And it will make you see disability and theatre differently.

Duration: 80 minutes, no interval
Age Guidance: 12+

Post-Show Talks
Members of the company will discuss the play following the performance in Galway on Thursday 29 September, and following the matinee performance in Dublin on Sunday 9 October.

Watch the YouTube trailer
Watch the behind the scenes trailer and find out more about Martin Naughton, who is the inspiration behind the play.

Special Offer – The Black Box, Galway
For all performances of No Magic Pill at the Black Box in Galway, a special offer of €10 per ticket is available for disabled people, including companion / personal assistant (subject to availability). To avail of this offer, please contact the Town Hall Theatre on 091 569 777.

Special Offer – The Civic Theatre, Tallaght
For the performances of No Magic Pill at the Civic Theatre on Tuesday, October 4th, and Wednesday, October 5th, a special offer of €10 per ticket is available for disabled people, including companion / personal assistant (subject to availability). To avail of this offer, please contact the Civic Theatre on 01 4627477 and use code pill22.

Accessibility Note
There will be increased seating for wheelchair users, and their companions, in both Galway and Dublin.

Audio-described performances will take place in Galway on Thurs 29 Sept and Fri 30 Sept, and in Dublin on Weds 5 Oct and Thurs 6 Oct. ISL interpretation will take place in Galway on Thurs 29 Sept and Friday 30 Sept, and in Dublin on Sat 8 and Sun 9 October.