Mask, music and movement combine in this new piece of physical theatre about the forgotten Irish navvies who worked hard, faltered and slowly faded from memory.
A day’s labouring done, in a place that has never quite felt like home, a silent man plays a beautiful old tune as memory dances amongst his workman’s boots and few cherished trinkets.
Celebrating those who ‘took the boat’, a forgotten class of Irish emigrants who helped build countries that were not their own, this poignant production offers a moving portrait of one emigrant that echoes many people's stories today. Featuring live electronic and traditional music, it's an ode to a self exiled laborer, which seeks the beauty in the banal and the poetry between the cracks.
Based in Galway, Brú Theatre make extraordinary work that reflects the languages, literatures and landscapes of where they are from.
Age guidance: 12+
Running time: 1 hour, no interval
Post-show talk, Wed 22 Jan
Free to same-day ticket holders. BSL-interpreted by Lorna Patterson.
Presented by the Barbican
This presentation is supported with funding from Culture Ireland.
Photography credit: Emilijah Jefremova
Creative team
Ticket prices
Members and Members Plus enjoy 20% off ticket prices for this show.
No booking fee. Subject to availability.
Corporate Members enjoy discounted ticket prices to this performance.
2 tickets max per booking. Subject to availability.
£5
Subject to availability.
Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.
Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.
Booking a wheelchair space:
Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select wheelchair user ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected.
Booking essential companion tickets:
Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket.
Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats:
Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.
If you'd like to hear more about accessible events at the Barbican, sign-up to our Access newsletter.
Groups (10+)
Groups can book at a 20% discount, subject to availability. Contact [email protected] to make a group booking.
Schools
£8*, subject to availability.
Students
Save 50% on Wednesday performances, subject to availability.
Under 16’s
Save 50%, subject to availability.
*If you are a teacher or group leader planning a trip, you can receive up to £300 towards the cost of a visit to a wide variety of inspiring venues managed by the City of London Corporation. Find out more.
Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
Discover
Trailer: MimeLondon
An epic adaptation of Moby Dick, a dark fairy-tale brought to life, an ode to the Irish navvies and a remarkable piece of micro-cinema – discover what audiences can expect at MimeLondon 2025 in our trailer.
The Pit
Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
The Pit floor (level minus 2) can be reached via the main lifts – please note that only two of the four lifts go to this floor. Access Step-free access from the Pit floor foyer to any front-row seat. All other seats lead off stepped aisles.
Mobility
Spaces for two wheelchair users in the front row (at stage level), with companion seats. Front row seats are also suitable for people with limited mobility.
Assistance dogs
Because space in the auditorium is limited, we recommend that you leave your dog to be cared for by a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Amplified sound
Amplified sound is provided through a headset for people with impaired hearing. Audio-described performances use a wireless network to relay through a headset a live description of the scenery, costumes, facial expressions and action. Headsets are available. You can obtain one 30 minutes before the performance from the programme desk inside the Pit Theatre entrance.
Large-print exhibition information
To request a large print copy, please call the Theatre on 020 7638 8891 before your visit.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
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