Theatre

The Dead House

A play written and performed by Martin Warde.

Following its sold out tour of Ireland, the ICC is delighted to bring the magnificent hit theatre play, “The Dead House”, written and performed by the riveting actor, Martin Warde Beanz, to London for its UK Premiere! 

 

We are gathered at the dead house. Such a morbid name, I mean, there is still another person alive in that place, my granny.

My grandfather’s cold and lifeless body is laid out so that we can all have a final moment to say goodbye. “Goodbye grandad”, as if he can even hear us.”

Patrick is an Irish Traveller who hasn’t been home in 10 years but returns from self-exile for his grandfather’s funeral.

 

Comedian and writer Martin Warde’s debut play is a powerful and moving dark comedy that explores complex themes of family, tradition, and self-acceptance.

Set in the house of the deceased, the play is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding one’s voice and identity.

★★★★ The Irish Times

 

Ages 13+, themes of suicide, death, sexuality, racism.

Photos by Al Craig. Funded by The Arts Council of Ireland. Developed on the FUEL Artist residency programme at Druid Theatre Company Galway.

Thu 03 April - Fri 04 April 2025

Doors: 7.30pm; Starts: 8pm

Tickets: £15/£13 (concessions)

About The Playwright and Actor Martin Warde Beanz:

Martin Warde, a member of the Irish Traveller community, holds a Sociology and Politics degree from NUIG and an MA in Journalism from UL. He is a stand-up comedian, writer, theatre-maker, and photographer. Martin advocates for better representation of his community in Irish media. His play “The Dead House” has had a sold-out run at Dublin Theatre Festival, Galway Theatre Festival, and Kilkenny Arts Festival. 

He writes for major Irish newspapers and appears on RTE and Virgin Media. Martin’s TV series “The End of the World with Beanz” aired on RTE One in March 2024 with series 2 coming in 2025″. Martin is  currently performing in ‘The Borrowers’ at Dublin’s Gate Theatre until January 12th 2025.

 

What the press say about ‘The Dead House’…

“A funeral, a community and a precise, imposing Martin Beanz Warde: The charismatic polymath’s ability to occupy the stage is what really establishes his debut play as a powerful piece of theatre”  The Irish Times.

“Martin Beanz Warde’s brightly painted one-man show shies away from the dark in pursuit of comic energy. But sometimes delving into darkness yields brighter and funnier light – Brilliant”. The Irish Independent.

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