THISISPOPBABY’s newest production 0800 CUPID officially debuted at the Dublin Theatre Festival, enjoying a sold-out run from September 26 to October 5. GCN was thrilled to be invited to review the show, which provides a riotous look inside the life of one of this generation’s queer club kids.

0800 CUPID is written and directed by Emer Dineen, who many will have first come to know for her performance in WAKE. She has since been labelled as the “breakout star” of that production, remembered for captivating audiences with her vocal performances and charismatic charm as DJ Duncan Disorderly.

As a multitalented drag king, she brought something fresh to the stage and did it with such flair that it’s no wonder she is now the star of THISISPOPBABY’s newest offering. With such a reputation, the pressure was on. However, as the saying aptly goes: pressure makes diamonds.

Stepping into Project Arts Centre’s Space Upstairs for 0800 CUPID, the audience was immediately transported to Pinky’s – a neon-lit queer club in London for “big benders and tiny spenders”. A live three-piece band greeted the crowd, melodically playing their instruments before the show’s extravagant opening number.

Cue Cupid, the god of love and drag persona of Emer Dineen. Cupid is a Pinky’s regular whose “radical world-shifting performance art” serves to cure the lonely hearts of the world. 

 

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However, all is not well in the performer’s own romantic relationships. A mid-show break-up sparks a whirlwind of unfortunate events cruelly happening in quick succession – based on Emer’s real-life experiences.

Between navigating heartbreak, getting fired, moving into a bee-infested post office, and dealing with Tourette’s, the personal troubles of this 20-something-year-old’s tumultuous life seem to resonate universally. In certain ways, the show turns the somewhat ordinary into the extraordinary, highlighting the dramatics and theatrical qualities of everyday life.

Dineen’s writing has the admirable ability to inject humour one second and tug at the heartstrings the next. While the comedy is of course welcome entertainment, the particularly moving scenes are those that involve her father, a Cork man battling with dementia. This storyline solidifies itself as the real core of the show and is handled expertly with the aid of thoughtful choreography, direction and costume design.

It is on this note that the other members of the cast and crew must be mentioned. While Dineen is an undeniable talent, the work of her co-stars and those behind the scenes are instrumental to the show’s success.

A special mention must go to Carl Harrison, whose mesmerising choreography and performance were one of the highlights, as well as director Phillip McMahon, costume designer Lambdog1066, music producer Elaine Mai and lighting designer Sarah Jane Shiels. The latter’s work was particularly impressive and impactful in bringing this production to life.

Overall, 0800 CUPID is an incredible piece of theatre, bringing a queer story to the stage in an appropriately flamboyant fashion. While set among the big city club lights of London, it platforms a new generation of diaspora voices and celebrates the creativity of Irish theatremakers. 

Although its sold-out run at the Dublin Theatre Festival comes to a close on October 5, it is immediately being transferred to London’s Soho Theatre later in the month. Find out more here.

 

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