TWO
by Jim Cartwright
Decadent
O’Connor’s Pub, Salthill
July 19, 2026
What was the first thing that came into my mind? John and Mary from Father Ted.
All smiles and niceties for their patrons, while behind the scenes they are at each other’s throats. A matrimonial battle that provided one of the greatest lines in sitcom history: ‘Get them feckin’ crunchies out of the car.’
In the case of Jim Cartwright‘s Two, we have a husband and wife running a pub in northern England. They spar with one another over the course of a busy evening, but behind the bickering, something deeper is at play. There is not really much of a plot to speak of, Two being more of a day-in-the-life of this troubled relationship, culminating with the inevitable dark reveal.
O’Connor’s Pub in Salthill proves to be an atmospheric venue, even if not entirely suitable, due to uncomfortable seating and impeded views. From low stools, we watch as Clelia Murphy and Patrick Ryan play an eclectic array of characters, ultimately returning to the married couple, delivering an ending that many will have seen coming.
The delightful Murphy goes toe-to-toe with the formidable Ryan, who is a regular collaborator with Andrew Flynn, one of the top theatre directors in Ireland.
Ryan has done some really interesting work recently, including Small Things Like These and That They May Face the Rising Sun. The last three theatre productions I have seen him in – Christian O’Reilly’s Ferocity, Mike Finn’s Wreckquiem and Liam McCarthy’s Jilly Morgan’s Birthday Party – have all been impressive, with Ryan a standout in each, and this was no different.
Two may fall short of some of the other plays on offer at GIAF, notably Fishamble’s For Dolores and Druid’s The Shaughraun, but it is still a thoroughly unique theatrical experience with a lot of heart.
Two runs at the Town Hall Theatre as part of Galway International Arts Festival until July 26.
Tickets €28-€30 from www.GIAF.ie
