REVIEW - MYRA'S STORY | THE LOWRY | 20/10/2025

Review: Myra’s Story – A Raw, Riveting Reflection on Humanity at The Lowry

After sold-out runs across Ireland and Scotland, Myra’s Story has brought its powerful one-woman performance to The Lowry in Salford. Written by Derry playwright Brian Foster, the show has been a West End success and an Edinburgh Fringe favourite, resonating deeply with audiences for its unflinching yet compassionate portrayal of homelessness and addiction.

At the centre of the production is Fíonna Hewitt-Twamley, who reprises her acclaimed role as Myra McLaughlin – a middle-aged, alcoholic, homeless Irish woman with a razor-sharp wit and a deeply human story to tell.

Set on Dublin’s Ha’penny Bridge, Myra invites the audience into her world, one pint and one memory at a time. Through direct conversation and vivid storytelling, she recounts the heartbreaks, humour, and hardships that shaped her life – from her turbulent childhood and early marriage to the devastating losses that led her to the streets.

The script balances dark comedy with painful honesty. One moment we’re laughing at Myra’s wild banter and colourful turns of phrase, and the next we’re stunned into silence as she relives moments of trauma, loss, and despair. Myra’s Story doesn’t sensationalise her struggles – it humanises them. It dares us to see the person behind the stereotype, and to reflect on how close any of us might be to her reality.

While some moments linger a little too long, particularly towards the end as Myra descends into an alcoholic haze, the overall impact remains undeniably strong. This is theatre that makes you laugh, cry, and most importantly – think.

The simplicity of the staging enhances the authenticity of the piece. With just a wooden bench, a black drape, and the hum of Dublin’s streets conjured through Hewitt-Twamley’s performance, the audience is drawn entirely into Myra’s world. The lack of elaborate set or lighting design feels intentional – raw and stripped back, just like the life being portrayed.

Hewitt-Twamley’s worn clothing and few worldly possessions speak volumes, helping ground the story in realism. Every detail serves the narrative, leaving space for the performance itself to shine.

This is a one-woman masterclass in storytelling. Fíonna Hewitt-Twamley’s performance is astonishing – she embodies not only Myra but the many people who populate her memories: her husband Tommy, her friend Bridie, a vodka bottle, even a garden gnome. Her transitions between characters are seamless, with distinct voices, gestures, and personalities that bring Dublin’s streets to life.

Her comic timing is impeccable, particularly during the surreal scenes involving Norris the Gnome and the Russian vodka bottle, which provide much-needed levity. But it’s her emotional depth that makes this performance unforgettable – the pain, resilience, and humour she channels feel achingly real.

Myra’s Story at The Lowry is both powerful and thought-provoking, shining a stark but compassionate light on the humanity behind homelessness and addiction. Fíonna Hewitt-Twamley’s remarkable performance ensures that Myra’s voice is heard loud and clear — raw, real, and deeply moving. While some scenes linger a little too long, the emotional truth and fierce honesty of Brian Foster’s writing make this a play that lingers in your mind long after the final applause. It’s theatre that doesn’t just entertain — it challenges, confronts, and ultimately, makes you see the world a little differently.

Powerful, provocative, and painfully human - A wake-up call that reminds us to look, really look, at the people we so easily pass by.

Myra’s Story is at The Lowry until Wednesday 22nd October 2025. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.

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*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review