A Play by Joe O’Byrne

Buxton Opera House Sunday March 2025

After really enjoying the first of Joe O’Byrne’s plays that we had seen, “The Haunting of Blaine Manor”, last November, Kirst and I had decided to check out anything else that had his name on. We saw flyers for the interconnected series of Plays (Tales from Paradise Heights), that were coming to Buxton throughout 2025 and quickly booked the first.

“The Bench – A Tale from Paradise Heights” is a story about a park bench, in a park near an estate, and it takes place over a year, highlighting some of the characters who visit and sit there. A simple stage setting has the bench at its centre, with a small cenotaph behind to the right and a black, ornate municipal litter bin to its left – with the obligatory surrounding accompaniment of litter that people just missed actually getting into the bin! It sets the scene perfectly for what follows!

Over the next couple of hours we meet 16 characters who weave their different sorts of magic and mayhem. There are dark tales indeed amongst these short cameos of modern life. Robbery, and its attendant easy violence, making mockery of an innocent soul’s life. Long lost love and the possibility of a new fleeting relationship simmer away between a widow and the park labourer, and even an Angel and a Ghost argue over the same issues. 

The six actors, including Joe himself, who portray all the characters pull every last drop of emotion from dialogue which is gritty to start and absolutely venomous when required. A couple of the themes touched upon may seem controversial to some people, but the viewer must remember, this is art mirroring real life – and real life can often be harsh!

In conclusion, we did not know what to expect – but have found our new addiction. We already booked for “Diane’s Diner” the next instalment. Please – give Joe a go!

WWW.TALESFROMPARADISEHEIGHTS.COM for more info, dates etc – or ask at your local theatre.