Paul and Deirdre are trying to adopt a child. In their world, adoption is shameful and embarrassing, and discretion is key. When Rosie, the adoption agent, arrives for a home visit, Paul and Deirdre struggle to impress her; casting doubts over their chances of getting a child. But Rosie’s visit threatens a much larger secret; something Paul and Deirdre have hidden their entire relationship – the illegal forest in their spare room on the top floor. Rosie becomes entranced by the forest, and she offers to speed up the adoption process in return for access to the forest, one day a week. However, Rosie is also holding a secret close to her heart and her weekly visits to the forest lead to the emergence of a sinister presence that begins to create havoc in all of their lives.

‘Sylvan’ is a direct response to the climate crisis. It is driven by a desire to examine the relationship between humanity and the environment. ‘Sylvan’ was originally produced in October/November 2021 by Tinderbox Theatre Company. It was performed in site-specific forest locations in Waterford, Belfast and Coleraine.

Written by Jonathan M. Daley

Ruby Campbell as “Deirdre”

Seamus O’Hara as “Paul”

Maria Connolly as “Rosie”

Directed by Patrick J O’Reilly

Set Design by Stuart Marshall

Costume Design by Enda Kenny

Lighting Design by James C McFetridge

Sound Design by Stuart Robinson

Assistant Direction by Patrick Quinn

Stage Management by Kerri McGimpsey

Production Management by Rory Casey

Produced by Meg Magill

Produced by Tinderbox Theatre Company

To read the whole script, please contact me.

Reviews

“Such great writing that delivered some beautiful and heart-wrenching lines on: love; life; loss; relationships & our fragile planet. All on the threshold of COP26 too!” - Audience Feedback

“How lucky was I to be in the audience this evening! Fabulous script, fantastic acting and phenomenal direction, not to mention the most spectacular lighting design and set. A wonderful off the grid performance that sets standards for sustainable theatre of the future.” - Audience Feedback

“the initial unpacking of the world in which the characters live is fabulous theatre. The snappy dialogue, stereo effects, symbolism and props are all enthralling” - Alan In Belfast

“Wonderful imagination of the writer to conceive that world and situation.” - Audience Feedback