The Year of Magical Walking began life as a work-in-progress at Queer Notions 2010. It went on to electrify audiences at Cork Midsummer, Dublin Fringe Festival & Outburst Belfast in 2011. In 2012, the show shocked audiences at the Adelaide Fringe and attracted protesters at Sydney Theatre Company.
“ Truthful, heartfelt and immediately identifiable…astonishingly brave”
– The Irish Times.
“…both caustic and considered…under Phillip McMahon’s bracingly
unsentimental direction, is transformed into a more capacious
metaphor for disaffection and regeneration.”
– Irish Theatre Magazine.
“…comedy triumphantly cajoled and teased from between
the jaws of a terrible truth.”
– CultureNorthernIreland.org
Neil Watkins has wanked more than is healthy, allegedly.
As one of Ireland’s most exciting artists and incendiary performers, Neil is a force of nature, a maverick, a 33-year old homosexual with a Jesus complex. On orders from Heaven, this is Neil’s story through the wilderness of queerness—from Catholic Ireland to the cruising bars of the world, from suburban ‘Head Shops’ to Native American ceremonies.
Named as Queer Notions 2010 festival highlight by The Irish Times, The Year of Magical Wanking is a brave and heartbreaking exploration of porn addiction, destructive sexual behaviour, Catholic guilt and family heartbreak. Written in hypnotic verse, it is both a profound personal journey and a furious state of the nation address.
The show began life at Queer Notions 2010 and went on to premiere at Cork Midsummer Festival in 2011. It also played Dublin Fringe Festival and Outburst Belfast in 2011. In 2012 The Year of Magical Walking played Adelaide Fringe, Sydney Theatre Company and Perth Fringe.
Developed and produced by THISISPOPBABY and supported by Cork Midsummer Festival.
Written & Performed by: Neil Watkins
Directed & Edited by: Phillip McMahon
Designed by: Ciarán O’Melia
Produced by: Jennifer Jennings, Lara Hickey & Phillip McMahon
Soundtrack by: Oberman Knocks
Graphic Design by: Niall Sweeney @ Pony Ltd.
Production Photography: Fiona Morgan
Poster Image by: Peter Fingleton
