I had to go for counselling

Colin O'Rourke discovers that retirement is not what he thought it would be. Disillusioned and depressed, he reluctantly accepts the advice of his GP and goes for counselling. What unfolds is at times hilarious and at times a challenging reflection on his life. Working through his many regrets and few achievements, he recalls events filled with drama and humour, as well as sadness and regret. He is tasked by the counsellor to find meaning in his life by putting together seven pieces of wisdom to leave for future generations. An evening of entertainment and wisdom in equal measure.

Gerry Farrell is well known in the North West and beyond for his acclaimed performance in John McDwyer’s An Ordinary Man, a Beezneez production. In addition to many Beezneez productions, Gerry has performed with Splódar Theatre Company in Irish and English.

As a playwright, Gerry has earned critical and audience success with three plays: The First Protestant, The Last Prime Minister of Ireland and the highly successful The Sceptical Suffragette. All three plays toured venues throughout Ireland. His adaptation of James Joyce’s Ulysses had two tours of the USA, as well as performances in theatres across Ireland.

Apart from his 53 years working in theatre, Gerry has had a twin career working in Mental Health over the last 48 years. He taught counselling students at Trinity College Dublin, as well as students on the Addictions Studies course at NUI Maynooth, and Social Studies at ATU Sligo.

I had to go for counselling is a fusion of his experience of working with people with mental health issues and his accumulated theatrical skills. It is meant to be both entertaining and uplifting.