by Zahid Fayyaz

Following on from his success run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023, Jason Byrne brings his one-man play to London for a few dates. On a stage set up to look like his dad’s ‘man cave’, with a Perry Como record and red lemonade prominently displayed, it certainly looks the part for what follows.

The concept of the piece relies on Byrne playing his own dad, talking to Jason about his life and background. Byrne looks and speaks like his dad, and uses recorded interjections from his mother and aunt, as well as photos and footage, on screen to emphasise certain moments of the story. Running for just over 75 minutes, this is a warm and poignant story, with moments of laughter in between more serious scenes. It covers a lot of material – his father’s relationship with his mother and with his kids, with them all maintaining an active social life whilst raising four children. There are a lot of very funny true stories recounted, such as the time there was an explosion at the Guinness factory, and their first time moving into the family home. It also digs into more serious and heartfelt material when Byrne considers the effects and implications of his father’s stroke.

It’s a great, heartfelt performance from Jason Byrne, and it moves at a fair pace. On the whole, it is a poignant tribute to not only his own father, but to all parents of a certain age. This is very much worth watching whenever its next on, as it’s something that many of us will be able to relate to.

Jason Byrne: Paddy Lama Shed Talks runs through 21 April.

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