Theatre Preview: The Irish Giant @ Southwark Playhouse

By AndrewT Last edited 143 months ago
Theatre Preview: The Irish Giant @ Southwark Playhouse


Theatre troupe Cartoon de Salvo are keeping busy, celebrating their 15th anniversary with two shows in quick succession.

Hot on the heels of their entirely improvised show Made Up comes The Irish Giant, a new devised piece set during the enlightenment. It's also their first to be based on a true story.

The play is the story of two of London's most remarkable characters from the Georgian era, Charles Byrne, an eight foot tall Irishman, and John Hunter, "a pioneering surgeon obsessed with life, death and abnormal bodies". The play takes a journey to the heart of science and belief, exploring the conventions and social mores of the time.

The story has particular currency just now, as calls grow for Byrne's remains to receive a proper burial. The giant skeleton is one of the centrepieces of the Hunterian Museum, but was originally acquired by Hunter using devious means.

Cartoon de Salvo have become renowned for their imaginative and quirky theatrical offerings. The Irish Giant is sure not to disappoint with its combination of social history and unusual subject matter.

Help this fantastic theatre company celebrate 15 years in the business by attending what is sure to be a memorable show.

The Irish Giant is on at Southwark Playhouse, Shipwright Yard, London, SE1 2TF 21. Tickets cost £9-£17. It runs from 23 May to 9 June at 7.30pm with Saturday matinees at 3pm.

Last Updated 22 April 2012