Tony Doyle – Weekend Warrior at The Civic
By Leopold Herter
Making a comedy about a serious topic is never easy, especially not when it is based on your own past.
However, Citywest native Tony Doyle wrote about his alcohol-related past in a serious but funny way, inspired by happenings that affected him in his mid-20s.
Tony Doyle in Weekend Warriors
Now, he is confident enough to perform his play ‘Weekend Warrior’ which will come to The Civic for four performances from Thursday, January 2 to Sunday, January 5.
Starting to act at the age of 21, Tony was a student at Inchicore College for two years and participated in a course at Bow Street, where he took some advanced and practical screen-acting courses for one year.
His play ‘Weekend Warrior’ was already performed in Bray and in the Dublin Fringe Festival, which marked more than 30,000 visitors. In his play, the former St Mark’s student plays Wayne, who not just drinks, but gets into fights as well until sorting out what he wants to do with his life.
When talking to The Echo, Tony tells us about his upcoming play, decisions he made and his experiences of being part of various big productions.
What inspired you to write ‘Weekend Warrior’?
It is based on my expierence and of others in our mid-20s. We were drinking a lot – I stopped two years ago because I just felt like it was holding me back professionally and personally.
That does sound like a serious decision.
Yeah, it is. Especially in this country.
At which point did you decide to write about this serious topic?
I first got the idea for the play when someone I knew went into rehab 4 years ago. He wasn’t a stereotypical alcoholic – his relationship with alcohol was far more relatable in the sense he was just a crazy binge drinker, as was I.
What is the message behind the play?
The message of the play is that there’s always hope for a brighter future.
How does it feel to perform on stage again after being a part of various movie productions?
It feels great being back on stage. It reminds me of boxing, all that nervous energy. It’s amazing, I love the buzz of live theatre.
Some of the titles you were part of were really big. How did you come to work to with such a big actress like Salma Hayek in ‘11th Hour’?
Jim Sheridan [director/producer] came into Bow Street workshop and cast his short film 11th Hour based in a bar in NY on 9/11. It was based on true events and I was cast as the lead character, a fireman, opposite Salma Hayek who was a barmaid.
You also appeared in the film adaptation of ‘Dublin Old School’ written by Emmet Kirwan from Springfield. What was it like to work with him?
It was great to work with Emmet. I can identify myself with him. He writes well and is from Tallaght. It was a privilege to work with him.
What can people expect from the show?
They can expect a dark comedy with issues affecting young people in today’s society. Even though it looks like a serious topic there is a lot of comedy in it.
For the upcoming year Tony plans plays for Galway, Drogheda and ‘hopefully’ Edinburgh, which would be his first live performance outside of Ireland.
Tickets for the opening show in The Civic on Thursday, January 2 and for the matinee on Sunday, January 5 costs €12.
Tickets for Friday, January 3 and Saturday, January 4 cost €16 (€14 with concession).
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