PHILO, by Peter Sheridan is back!

Produced by Five Lamps Arts Festival, Philo is coming to the Viking Theatre in Clontarf from Monday the 6th to Saturday the 18th of December. Don’t miss the chance to experience the incredible story of two women from very different backgrounds who find refuge in a convent day-care centre.

Speaking with Five Lamps Arts, Nichola MacEvilly, who plays Sister Rosaleen shared the incredible response to Philo so far. She describes the “full houses of laughter and tears in the Sean O’Casey Theatre with many people returning for a second time with gangs of friends and family.”

“We knew we were working on a very special story, but we couldn’t have imagined in our wildest dreams how strongly audiences would connect with Philo, Sister Rosaleen, and the highs and lows of their world,” she says.

Neilí Conroy, who plays Philo, described how she has “really enjoyed people coming to see the play, and it was great to be in the theatre again.” She is delighted that Philo will have another life at the Viking Theatre in Clontarf. “It’s such a lovely space and a lovely audience,” she adds. 

Reflecting on Philo, Playwright Peter Sheridan said: “We sold out nearly every performance [at the Sean O’Casey Community Centre.] Now we have the opportunity to take the show to the Viking Theatre in Clontarf… It’s a wonderful, intimate venue where audiences really feel part of the production.” “You feel that energy. It feeds into the actors’ performance. Everyone involved in the play is very excited at what’s in store,” he says.

What can people expect from the show? “It’s sad, and it’s funny with great characters that work so well together,” says Conroy. “People have had a great time going to see it. They felt rip-roaring laughter while at the same time feeling affected and touched by it.”

Inspired by the characters Sheridan grew up with in Dublin’s north inner city. Philo explores Sheridan’s past themes of social injustice, youth crime, domestic violence, and human relationships as they evolve in surprising ways. Philo promises to take audiences on a hilarious, insightful, and poignant journey during this festive season. But don’t just listen to us…

Praise for Philo:  

“I thought it was really excellent. Great play, the actors were superb, and it was a really enjoyable play with a great mixture of laughter and tragedy. “   Tom Hulton

 “It was phenomenal! A brilliant script and amazing performances. Not only would I highly recommend it, but I’d also go again myself!”  Sandra Leadbetter

This could be a perfect night out for the festive season and we promise you plenty of laughs!!

You can get your tickets directly from the theatre HERE