Trawled: When Adventure becomes Survival - Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 2024 (UK)

Written and performed by Eoin Ryan

A one man play that truly reflects the old saying: Truth is stranger than fiction.

Reviewed by Amber Spooner

theSpace @Venue45

Seson: Aug 23rd-24th, 2024

Tickets: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/trawled-when-adventure-becomes-survival

5 STARS

Eoin Ryan has lived an interesting life. To say the least. Trawled – When Adventure becomes Survival is a story of epic proportions. And it’s true. 25 years ago Ryan was an Irish backpacker wanting a life of adventure. He travels to Australia and gets a job working on a fishing trawler. He was not prepared for the endless hours of hard labour, drinking, sharks and no safe working procedures to speak of. It really is a story of survival, as Ryan is essentially held captive on the trawler with nowhere else to go.

The story that unfolds is complex, troubling and in parts absolutely heartbreaking. It’s clear Ryan deeply cares about telling this story and giving the audience the best experience possible. He’s a new performer and this is his first fringe but he’s absolutely nailed it. He doesn’t get phased by people entering and leaving and is able to keep up a fast and consistent pace for the show.

The lighting design was lacking – and I know this is fringe and there’s usually not a lot of time for these things but it appeared Ryan really struggled to find his light in certain scenes. It was a little distracting. The set itself however, was very effective, clearly building the world inside the trawler giving the audience an insight into what life was like for Ryan all those years ago.

I think this work is particularly topical in a time where workplace attitudes are changing and we are questioning the way we’ve been treated and how we are valued in our workplaces. The treatment Ryan endured was appalling and I really hope the industry has changed for the better.

‘Trawled’ is a play that cannot be missed. I would love to see where Ryan is able to take this. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for what’s next.

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Theatre (true-life, storytelling)

Venue 45, theSpace @ Venue45 - theSpace @ Venue 45

16:05 Aug 23-24

1 hour

Suitability: 16+ (Guideline)

Country: Ireland

Group: Eoin Ryan

Warnings and additional info: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, strong language/swearing, and mentions of suicidal ideation