REVIEW: Call Yourself An Irishman by Declan Duffy at Skehan's Pub, Nunhead 18 March 2026
‘Ambitious, Intelligent & Funny’ ★★★★
Truly the luck of the Irish. The day after a fairly hefty St Patrick’s Day I am obliged to return - at midday no less! - to my very favourite London pub to see what I believe to be their first foray into pub theatre. Really not a stretch for me but it’s a delight to see the remarkably pristine pub packed with punters to see Declan Duffy’s meditation on what it is to be an Irish Londoner in 2026.
We start with a history lesson from the 12th century and Duffy goes onto to explore Irishness abroad using his own experience as the catalyst for a smart exploration into why there continues to be an influx of Irish folk into England despite the tensions that continue to exist. Duffy’s background is somewhat ‘traditional’ - his parents whom I was delighted to later meet ran a pub in Cavan - raffle and all - until love and hope led him to, of all places, Devon.
He is clearly steeped in Ireland and its history, often troubled, and whilst his touchpoints are all what you might expect (Drink! Music! Politics!) the show never settles for the obvious and all stereotypes are challenged and discussed. Indeed, Duffy is a beguiling presence dropping in a tune or two on the guitar (even a bit of Ralph McTell which was welcomed) and also propping up his makeshift bar. The first 45 minutes or so fly by and the mix of historical and personal context works really well.
There is an un-necessary interval - clearly done here so that the audience can get to the bar as usually the show runs straight through - and the second half, for me, loses some momentum and becomes a bit of a tick box of Irish culture. Still, the humour comes more to the fore and the Skehan’s crowd love it and anyone who mentions two great lost bands (The Four Of Us and The Stunning - look them up) is fine by me. Duffy though is fundamentally a serious, thoughtful guy and he brings things back to ask questions around identity, belonging and the future of the Irish abroad. For me the best shows are playful and optimistic, but with a hint of the troubles of the past ‘controlling’ the now and the future. We get that here.
What’s best is that the show resonates with its universal themes - particularly here in London - and Duffy doesn’t shy away from asking difficult questions of us all.
Skehan’s in Nunhead is a great, great boozer and kudos to Brian and Kasia for taking a bit of a punt and putting on a theatre show the day after the night before. I hope they do more. And fair play to Declan Duffy for a show deserving of greater, wider things - it’s ambitious, intelligent and funny - like the Irish people themselves.
Instagram: @call_yourself_an-Irishman
