The Rep

The Rep

The city's major producing theatre is located in Centenary Square and integrated with Library of Birmingham next door. The Rep is one of the country's leading producers of new theatre, regularly creating work with the aim of reflecting the diversity of Birmingham and the surrounding region. 

The Rep,

Centenary Square, Broad St,

Birmingham

B1 2EP

https://birmingham-rep.co.uk

Telephone: 0121 236 4455

Email: tickets@birmingham-rep.co.uk

There is something intriguing about a one-performer production. It may be that so few of us could entertain the idea of performing solo on stage that we admire the bravery and skill of those who can, or that the concept of a solo actor holding the audience’s attention for the duration of a play seems somewhat unlikely.

Whatever it is, to watch a successful one-person show is a captivating experience, and Myra’s Story, written by Bryan Foster and starring Fíonna Hewitt-Twamley, is an awe-inspiring example of exactly that.

Forty-eight years old and alcohol-dependent, Myra lives on the streets of Dublin. She is strong, feisty, straight-talking and funny - it is impossible not to warm to her. In order to survive, Myra begs for money, and as she does so, she tells her story. She has known hard times and happier times, but ultimately has succumbed to her nemesis, alcohol – the beast that has already come for most of her family. She now finds herself homeless, alone and relying on the kindness of strangers. In her own words, ‘the lowest of the low’.

As Myra, Hewitt-Twamley’s performance is spellbinding. She recounts our heroine’s complex tale by adopting the persona of multiple characters - male and female, young and old - bringing each to life with a level of accomplishment and artistry which is truly arresting. At times comical, at times heart-wrenchingly tragic, the events that have led Myra to this point in her life reflect a rollercoaster of human experience, and Hewitt-Twamley’s interpretation of Foster’s words is nothing short of extraordinary. This is a masterclass in the art of storytelling.

A simple grey set and subdued lighting are the perfect backdrop to this bleak tale. Social commentary, naturally, is a constant - Myra’s story cannot be separated from reflection on society today. 

This remarkable piece of theatre will not be easily forgotten. Nor should it be.


4 Stars on Mon, 16 Mar 2026