Set in County Offaly in the Irish midlands, Heaven sees 20-year married couple, Mairead and Mal, find themselves at something of a crossroads, struggling to keep their relationship together and each with secrets they haven’t told the other. Returning to Mairead’s hometown for a family wedding, they each find themselves facing old temptations, and questions that are difficult to answer.
Heaven is a deeply funny, moving and poignant exploration of marriage and middle age, sharing a life when you haven’t shared all of yourself. It is winner of The Irish Times New Play Award 2023, Best Actress – The Irish Times Theatre Awards (for Janet Moran) and a prestigious Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023.
Heaven stars Andrew Bennett and Janet Moran. Eugene O’Brien was awarded the Rooney Prize for Literature for his debut play Eden. The show is directed by Jim Culleton, who has been the artistic director of Fishamble: The New Play Company for over 35 years, where he has directed multiple award-winning productions, recognised by multiple Fringe Firsts, Olivier Awards and The Stage Awards, and has personally been awarded the Irish Times Best Director Award.
Poignant, beautiful writing provides a snapshot into the relationship between two adults who have shared a life, a child and all that comes with it – but haven’t yet shared all of themselves. Separated on stage, two intersecting monologues conjure a vivid picture of a weekend where everything comes to the surface.
Southwark Playhouse Borough (The Little), 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BD from 5th – 22nd February. Time: 8pm (Monday – Saturday) / 3:30pm (Tuesdays and Saturdays). Admission: £22 Standard / £17.50 Concessions / £16 Preview.
