From the Covid ICU to the CAT Club

A powerful, darkly comic new play written by the UK’s first Covid ICU survivor is coming to Leeside in spring.

Written by Barra Fitzgibbon about his own personal story, ‘PATIENT: SOLDIER’ is a raw, emotional, and often hilarious journey through the chaos of a hospital on the brink, and the endurance of the human spirit within it.

Fitzgibbon said: “In March 2020, I wrote a blog about my personal battle with a familiar foe: the Grim Reaper. That blog, five years later, became a West End play.”

The narrative follows Dr Reaper who steps into the spotlight as both witness and guide through an Irishman’s fight for life and love during the early days of the pandemic. At its heart lies a profound belief that words, connection, and sheer will can tip the scales between survival and surrender.

A love letter to the health service, the play captures the heartbreak and absurdity of life on the frontline. Set in an overwhelmed hospital that’s part battlefield, part comedy club, and part confessional, it’s a warts-and-all portrait of courage, compassion, and the madness of medicine under pressure.

“I can't wait to bring this story home,” said Fitzgibbon.

“The creative team behind the show is world class and it's a brilliant night out, completely immersive. You'll laugh, you'll cry and go home a little more grateful for what you've got, and that's got to a be good thing, right?”

Co-written by award winning writer Katherine White ('Doctor Who'), the play is performed by Irish actor Gary Trainor under the direction of Daniel Clarkson.

Trainor is an actor whose West End credits include ‘Back to the Future’, ‘School of Rock’, and ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’. He has toured the UK and Ireland with shows such as ‘Buddy Holly’, ‘Stones in His Pockets’, and internationally with the Olivier nominated ‘Potted Potter’.

Since becoming a proud dad to a baby girl, Trainor swapped the glittering lights of London for the glistening green hills of home in Ireland. His recent screen work includes 'EastEnders' (BBC), 'Showtrial' (BBC), 'InFlight' (Channel 4), 'Hope Street' (BBC), and the upcoming HBO series 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms', the follow-on to 'Game of Thrones'.

‘PATIENT: SOLDIER’ will run at the Cork Arts Theatre from 20-23 May. For times and bookings, visit corkartstheatre.com.