“I suppose it was one of the happiest nights of my life”
A group of artists, an exciting trip abroad, an event that distorts everything.
Pool (No Water) is a shocking and savage play about friendship, ambition, jealousy and art.
Staged in an empty swimming pool beneath The Metropole Hotel, this new production of Mark Ravenhill’s 2006 play blurred the boundaries between installation, physical theatre and live art.
Directed by The Everyman’s Artistic Director Des Kennedy, with movement by internationally acclaimed Cork choreographer Luke Murphy.
Mark Ravenhill is one of Britain’s leading contemporary playwrights. His other work includes the plays Shopping and F**cking, Some Explicit Polaroids and Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat.
First performed at the Drum Theatre Plymouth on 22 September 2006.
★★★★★ “Viscerally thought provoking, emotionally resonant, grown-up, contemporary, and prompting as many questions as it answers … sensational theatre … a monstrously brilliant tour de force” – The Arts Review, Chris O’Rourke (Read the full review)
★★★★★ “The action is exceptionally mobile … Des Kennedy, the production’s director, asks a lot from his cast, and they don’t let him down” – Irish Times, Mary Leland (Read the full review)
★★★★★ “extraordinary production” – Feeling Good, Chris McCormack
“Pool (No Water) is wildly immersive … Intricate and intense … eerie and atmospheric … This is a play that operates quickly and powerfully” – Irish Independent, Chris Wasser (Read the full review)
“fun offbeat choice … good quirky festival fun” – Irish Independent, Katy Hayes (Read the full review)
★★★ “bold artistic statement … many witty and incisive moments” – Irish Examiner, Marjorie Brennan (Read the full review)
Playwright Mark Ravenhill
Director Des Kennedy
Movement Luke Murphy
Designer Sabine Dargent
Lighting Designer Zia Bergin Holly
Composer and Sound Designer Peter Power
Costume Designer Valentina Gambardella
Casting Director Sarah Jones
Evanna Lynch
Jacob McCarthy
Liv O’Donoghue
Rowan Finken
Image by Marcin Lewandowski
Download the programme.
Read an interview with Luke Murphy in the Irish Examiner.
Running time
1 hr 10 min, no interval
Age recommendation
16+
Content guidance
explicit language, references to graphic injury and drug use, and themes of a sexual nature, flashing lights, and loud music