A dark comedy about an Irish male nanny who works for rich single mums in West London.
In it, Manny is enjoying a Peter Pan-esque lifestyle of well-paid cash in hand work & settling for meaningless dates with women who harmonise happy birthday with their eyes closed, just to disguise himself from the fact that he's letting life go by without following any real purpose, or allowing himself to really feel anything substantial or lasting.
Throughout the story, he meets Molly, an actress disillusioned with life, as she sells beetroot brownies in Borough market, as opposed to playing Cleopatra on Broadway, & becomes an unlikely role model for Michael, a 7 year old spoilt, seemingly irredeemable product of a loveless marriage.
All three characters face a potential future of unrequited dreams, and all three will have their lives changed by the events that occur.
"McArdle offers a full-throttle performance but knows exactly when to slam on the brakes"
★★★★★ The Recs
"The Manny is a good example of new writing; catching a principle theme and performing it with ease"
★★★★ Broadway World
"McArdle is funny, his comedic timing is excellent... including skillfully letting jokes sit with the audience"
★★★★ Everything Theatre
"An enjoyable and laugh-out-loud funny play with honest observations"
★★★★ Rev Stan
"This piece can be seen from one perspective as a satisfying form of comeuppance"
★★★★ Lost In Theatreland
"Captivating, enthralling & meaningful... with a dash of dark & brilliant banter"
★★★★ Fringe Theatre Reviews
"Charmingly funny throughout… McArdle exhibits fiery passion"
★★★★ Mickey Jo
CAST & CREATIVES
Actor, Writer & Producer | Sam McArdle
Director | Mel Fullbrook
Sound Designer | Charlie Smith
Lighting Designer, Stage Manager & Operator | Can Avni
Artwork & Poster Design | Rebecca Need Menear, Jesper Tielbeke & Jonny Murphy
Rehearsal Photography | James Corrigan