The Buddhist of Castleknock

By Jim O'Hanlon

‘…It’s not so easy to sit cross-legged in a tent, trying to work out the meaning of life, when you have a family to support.’

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The play takes place during Christmastime in a Castleknock home. Edie is delighted to have her family reunited for the occasion and is determined to celebrate in a traditional manner. But other family members have alternative views on how the holiday should be celebrated. Edie is just about coping until she discovers that one of her sons has become a Buddhist and prefers to meditate in his room than eat the lovingly prepared turkey. And there are more surprises in store for everyone. The Buddhist of Castleknock is an acutely well-observed and often hilarious new play, complete with angels, Buddhas and collapsing Christmas trees.

Originally from Dublin, Jim O’Hanlon is a distinguished writer and director for television in Britain. His credits include Coronation Street – where he was responsible for putting Deirdre Rachid in prison! – Bad Girls and Casualty.

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Created by

Writer Jim O’Hanlon
Director Jim Culleton
Production Set Designer Fiona Cunningham
Lighting Designer Debbie Behan
Costume Designer
Léonore McDonagh

Cast

Mojisola Adebayo
Anne Brogan
Niall Cleary
Conor Delaney
Ruth Hegarty
Des Nealon
Mary O’Driscoll
John Olohan
Stephen Swift
​Johnny Ward

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Touring

2003
7th November, 2003: Draiocht Arts Centre, Blanchardstown

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Reviews

‘terrifically entertaining…really funny’ 
Sunday Tribune

‘well performed across the board…very funny…marvelous, marvelous’ 
The View

‘hilarious… really funny… I’d recommend it highly… fantastic’ 
Rattlebag

’smart comedy… the cast spars stylishly’ 
Evening Herald
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‘excellent… hilarious, insightful and absolutely true… great ensemble playing… laugh-a-minute success’ 
​Irish Examiner