Galway

<h4>Groundbreaking Play by Christian O'Reilly</h4>
<a href="https://xploreapp.io/galway" target="_blank">Galway’s</a> Black Box Theatre will host the much-anticipated No Magic Pill, a bold and heart-wrenching play by award-winning writer Christian O’Reilly (Sanctuary, The Good Father, Inside I’m Dancing). Set to run from Thursday, November 7th to Saturday, November 9th, this unique production tells the spirited and rebellious story of the late Martin Naughton, a Spiddal-born activist whose life was a ceaseless quest for equality, love, and independence.&nbsp;
Inspired by Naughton’s own experiences, No Magic Pill explores the tension between love and activism, portraying a man who is part freedom fighter, part romantic, and full-time disruptor. With a mission to combat the limitations imposed by society on people with disabilities, Martin’s journey redefines the very essence of disability rights in Ireland, delivering a message that is both provocative and resonant. The play scooped the audience choice award at the prestigious Irish Times Theatre Awards earlier this year.&nbsp;

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/8a644d67-f571-4aaa-97d5-9f309d62e854.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h4>A Legacy of Love and Activism</h4>
Martin’s story began with a diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy, leading him to leave his hometown of Spiddal for a “special school” in Dublin. Realising there was no “magic pill” for his condition, he instead set out to challenge a society that needed to be reformed more than he did. Teaming up with other disabled activists, Martin was instrumental in founding what became known as the “Muscies” and the “Pugs” – a band of warriors for disability rights. Together, they launched what many have described as Ireland’s War of Independence for disabled people.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/a6ec8292-4276-4f2e-84c4-0a9acabce489.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h4>A Standalone Theatrical Work</h4>
For writer Christian O’Reilly, No Magic Pill is both a tribute and a standalone theatrical work.&nbsp;
“In any history of the Irish disability movement, Martin’s name deserves to figure prominently,” O’Reilly explains.&nbsp;
“This play reflects a pivotal moment in his life, a crossroads where he must choose between love and continued activism. I’m looking forward to working with this brilliant group of actors and reuniting with director Raymond Keane, whose visionary production of No Magic Pill in 2022 gave Irish theatre audiences a disability-themed show unlike anything they’d seen before – fast-paced, funny, irreverent, surprising, romantic and visually sparkling. I’d like to welcome Eric Fitzgerald, who will play our lead character Martin and blew us away when he auditioned. He will bring a whole new energy to No Magic Pill and break audience hearts in the best way possible.’”
<h4>Honouring Martin Naughton’s Legacy</h4>
Since his passing, Naughton’s impact on the Irish disability movement has only grown. Known for his unapologetic approach to activism, he is celebrated as an advocate for independent living and a deeply compassionate figure, who inspired others to push boundaries. His legacy is woven through No Magic Pill, as the play embodies the resilience and sense of community he fostered.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/4faecc62-79a3-40ab-8eec-007db6e429b5.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h4>Breaking New Ground in Accessibility</h4>
Directed by Raymond Keane, No Magic Pill is set to raise the bar for Irish theatre accessibility.&nbsp;
"Working on No Magic Pill has elevated me as an artist and as a person. It is one of the most challenging, rewarding projects I have worked on. I can’t wait to get back with my new and old tribe."
The Black Box Theatre performances will feature additional accommodations, including expanded seating for wheelchair users and accessible options for audience members with visual or hearing impairments. Audio-description and ISL interpretation will also be available.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/65a95796-09ec-4529-920f-0e46cb741182.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

<h4>A Cast with Passion and Purpose</h4>
The cast includes acclaimed actors Sorcha Curley, Eric Fitzgerald, Mark Fitzgerald, Peter Kearns, Ferdia MacAonghusa and Julie Sharkeyeach. For Sorcha, this as an opportunity to inspire others in the industry.
&nbsp;“A lot of my life I’ve been told, ‘No, you can’t do that,’” she shares. “My response? ‘Watch me!’ I hope No Magic Pill is a wake-up call for many.”
Actor Eric Fitzgerald, who is taking on the lead role of ‘Martin’, says:
"I am beyond ecstatic to be involved in this production. I could not have hoped for a better cast and crew to gear me up for the biggest role I have ever undertaken. I am really looking forward to performing alongside the talent of No Magic Pill, and to showcase my own acting abilities."
The show takes place at 8pm on Thursday, November 7th and Friday, November 8th at the Black Box Theatre with a matinee at 2pm on Saturday, November 9th at 2pm. 

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/0adc1b83-5eaf-44cc-83ab-ba82abc48b4a.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

For booking log on to <a href="https://tht.ie/4292/no-magic-pill" target="_blank">www.tht.ie </a>/ 091 569 7 77
With the support of the Arts Council, the Disability Federation of Ireland, and local councils, No Magic Pill invites audiences to experience an irreverent, stereotype-defying production that celebrates resilience, humour, and the fight for equality. Don’t miss this landmark event in Irish theatre—Martin Naughton’s story is ready to be heard, and No Magic Pill is ready to deliver.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/bf565522-9927-41e8-99ae-65cd4b7b88c9.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Groundbreaking No Magic Pill At The Black Box Theatre

DOWNLOAD AND XPLORE