In the beautiful, intimate surroundings of Dublin’s Pepper Canister Church, two remarkable artists, acclaimed actor Stephen Rea and legendary singer-songwriter Ralph McTell, come together for a rare and deeply moving celebration of I Could Read the Sky, Timothy O’Grady’s unforgettable novel of love, loss, memory and the Irish emigrant experience.
In this now-classic work, an old Irishman lies alone in a London bed, looking back across a lifetime shaped by departure and longing. Through his memories, we journey from the fields of Ireland to the building sites, boxing booths and bustling bars of England, encountering the music, friendships and loves that defined a life lived between two worlds.
Blending evocative storytelling, live music and haunting photography, this special performance brings O’Grady’s lyrical masterpiece vividly to life, giving voice to a generation whose stories are too often left untold. With the extraordinary talents of Rea and McTell, and the unique atmosphere and wonderful acoustics of the Pepper Canister Church, this promises to be an unforgettable evening — an intimate, powerful exploration of home, belonging and the enduring pull of memory.