Rope-a-Dope: O’Neill goes back to his roots of being a boxer

‘Rope-a-Dope’ stars Terry O’Neill, who is an accomplished and lauded actor that has featured in numerous films and television series, reports Ryan Butler.

He returns to his roots in the one act play that comes to the Civic on July 27-28.

Upon being asked what inspired him to create this show, Terry said: “I wanted to do something very personal, based on my own past and back story. These days I am an actor/ comedian, but for many years I was a boxer, and this was an opportunity to combine the fields of stand up comedy, drama and boxing altogether in one piece, so that really appealed to me.”

Involving elements of sport, stand-up comedy, theatre, and music, ‘Rope a Dope’ promises to provide interesting elements to any prospective audience member. “I believe it will appeal to audiences on all levels,” Terry said.

“If you’re a die-hard boxing fan there are plenty of nuggets and funny stories from boxing history in there. Likewise, if you have no interest in boxing at all there is a lot to relate to in that it is ultimately a story of a young kid with a dream and how we deal with the loss of a dream in life. It is ultimately a comedy show, but it may well get you in ‘the feels’ at times too.”

In his other work, Terry has featured as Michael Inside in ‘The Meeting’, and worked on hit shows such as ‘Love/Hate’ and ‘Striking Out’ using both his comedic and acting prowess.

This new show ventures back to Terry’s past to tell a heartfelt and moving story that he is proud to share. He noted that: “My favorite thing about ‘Rope a Dope’ thus far has been the reaction from the people who have seen it and the broad range of people who have enjoyed it, and hopefully taken something from it.”

Be sure to catch ‘Rope-a-Dope’ at the Civic before it ventures over to the Edinburgh festival for the month of August! Tickets can be purchased at civictheatre.ie 

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