Roe Reviews Theatre

Back on the old stomping ground tonight with this stunning fly on the wall production of ‘2 Pints’ centring 2 men and the conversations they have across the bar over a pint across 3 days. With my family Irish background and upbringing these conversations are ones I’ve heard across bar counters every day and while some are quite ‘unhinged’ the references and stories are so relatable to those of all cultures and everything gets poked fun at while still holding a serious tone especially around men’s mental health.

While simply named as One (Anthony Brophy) and Two (Sean Kearns) they both have underlying storylines going into the bar in the first place, beautifully written by Roddy Doyle and directed by Sara Joyce and Assisted by Lilly Butcher. One struggling with the close and almost imminent death of his father and Two just being a good friend helping him whilst remembering his own losses himself. With Raymond’s (Steve Gunn’s) pint pouring and timing – who I personally wanted so much more of! – the lads open up every possible avenue they can talk about in seamless and natural conversation.

From Nigella 11-a-side football in heaven fantasies, local gossip, and old stories they surprisingly don’t know about each other. All is revealed underneath the stunning bar set created by Claire Winfield and @belgradetheatrescenery team. This production really highlights the culture of male Irish identity and how their social norms and how they process horrible situations overlap. With the masculinity never toxic but comforting, a pint and complete trust in one another both of them know they’ve got each other and the community they are surrounded by.

Access Performances: Thursday 15th May (AD and BSL), Saturday 17th May (Captioned)

Tigger warnings: Strong language throughout, Family and child loss discussions throughout, current references to the mistreatment of children in the church in Ireland (less than a minute discussion)